Neohydatothrips burungae Phenology & Survey
In December 2004, Neohydatothrips burungae was collected from avocado trees in San Diego California during a survey for avocado lace bug. Neohydatohrips burungae has been collected from avocados in Mexico and Guatemala by Hoddle (Hoddle et al., 2002). In Mexico, this thrips was as common as avocado thrips, Scirothrips perseae, in areas of intermediate altitude. In colder high altitude areas S. perseae dominated, almost exclusively, and in warmer more humid lowland areas N. burangae was dominant on avocados.
Neohydatothrips burungae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Phenology & Survey
In December 2004, Neohydatothrips burungae was collected from avocado trees in San Diego California during a survey for avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae). Neohydatothrips burungae has been collected from avocados in Mexico and Guatemala by Hoddle (Hoddle et al., 2002). In Mexico and Guatemala this thrips was as common as avocado thrips, Scirtothrips perseae, in areas of intermediate altitude. In colder high altitude areas S. perseae dominated, almost exclusively, and in warmer more humid lowland areas N. burungae was dominant on avocados.
Neohydatothrips Burungae Field Surveys and Distribution in California
In December 2004, Neohydatothrips burungae was collected from avocado trees in San Diego California during a survey for avocado lace bug. Neohydatohrips burungae has been collected from avocados in Mexico and Guatemala by Hoddle (Hoddle et al., 2002). In Mexico and Guatemala this thrips was as common as avocado thrips, Scirtothrips perseae, in areas of intermediate altitude. In colder high altitude areas S. perseae dominated, almost exclusively, and in warmer more humid lowland areas N. burungae was dominant on avocados.
Proactive Surveys for Incipient Populations of the Avocado Seed Moth, Stenoma catenifer, in California
Stenoma catenifer, the avocado seed moth, has been identified as an exotic pest that has the potential to enter and establish in California because of imports of fresh avocado fruit from Mexico and other Central and South American countries where this pest is endemic (e.g., Peru). This moth has been subject to extensive study in Guatemala over a 2.5 year period. One of the major outcomes of this work has been the isolation, identification, and successful field evaluation of the sex pheromone of this pest.
Development of a Binomial Sampling Plan for Persea Mite
Feeding persea mites can cause extensive foliar damage to avocados and this pest is typically controlled with pesticides. Sustainable pesticide-based control programs must rely on accurate monitoring of persea mite numbers in orchards to determine if pest populations are approaching densities which require control thereby preventing economic damage to trees. Limited applications of pesticides at critical times will significantly delay resistance development by persea mite, save growers money, and promote IPM as a marketing tool for California-grown avocados.
Are Thrips Important Pollinators of Avocados in California?
The importance of honey bees as pollinators of avocado flowers is a contentious issue. The reason for this is that there is no clear or consistent experimental evidence unequivocally demonstrating that honey bees are essential for pollinating avocado flowers and promoting maximum fruit set. While many different types of insects are known to visit avocado flowers (e.g., beetles and flies) and it is assumed that these insects play some role in pollination, their exact importance is not known.
