For greenhouse producers worldwide, the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) poses a significant threat. Despite its minuscule size, this insect has the potential to cause producers substantial economic damage year after year. Western flower thrips has been the subject of more than 1,000 journal articles, but Western Flower Thrips: Insect Pest of Greenhouse Production Systems is the first book to exclusively highlight this disruptive insect pest.

This landmark publication has emphases on biology, damage, management, and insecticide resistance of western flower thrips. Each chapter provides a comprehensive and current review, integrating both practical and applied information. Readers will find in-depth discussions of the latest research in management approaches, including plant protection strategies (such as scouting, sanitation, and trapping), as well as insecticide use, resistance development and mitigation strategies, and biological control.

Western Flower Thrips: Insect Pest of Greenhouse Production Systems features nearly 50 helpful illustrations—most of them color photos of damage to plants, applications of plant protection strategies, and so on. The book also provides readers with comprehensive references and index sections.

Given the pest’s potential to cause large-scale disruption to greenhouse production systems globally, proper management is essential. Greenhouse producers, industry personnel, researchers, Extension agents, and undergraduate and graduate students will find this one-of-a-kind guide essential in managing western flower thrips.

Western Flower Thrips: Insect Pest of Greenhouse Production Systems

Preface

Chapter 1:
Introduction to and Biology of Western Flower Thrips

Chapter 2:
Plant Damage Caused by Western Flower Thrips

Chapter 3:
Plant Protection Strategies

Chapter 4:
Insecticide Use

Chapter 5:
Insecticide Resistance

Chapter 6:
Insecticide Rotations and Insecticide Mixtures

Chapter 7:
Biological Control

Chapter 8:
Conclusion

References

Index