Economic injury level for the flower thrips Frankliniella cf. gardeniae Moulton (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in mango

Abstract

Mango is a tropical fruit with great production and market worldwide. In Colombia, it is an important crop with high export potential. There are many arthropods affecting mango production, such as thrips that feed on leaves, flowers, and small fruits, causing damage such as deformations, scars, and premature fall of fruits. This study aimed to establish the economic injury level (EIL) of Frankliniella cf. gardenia Moulton in mango (Mangifera indica L. var. yulima and var. tommy) in Guamo and San Luis (Tolima, Colombia). The methods employed included a weekly sampling of thrips in mango inflorescences during two productive periods (B-2015 and B-2016) using the structure tapping technique in a deep tray with mesh. Three preliminary thresholds per productive period were established: [B-2015: ≥10 thrips per inflorescence (TpI), ≥30 TpI, and ≥60 TpI. B-2016: ≥5 TpI, ≥10 TpI, and ≥15 TpI]. The variables density, costs, and yield were recorded. The EIL was calculated statistically using linear regressions and the final action threshold was estimated. An EIL of 11 TpI and an action threshold of 7 TpI were estimated for var. tommy in Guamo in the second semester of 2016. There was a risk of losing 220 kg ha-1 for each increase in insect unit in var. tommy. Therefore, thrips in mango behaved as an occasional pest, requiring control in var. tommy in Guamo, when the crop is flowering, and the population exceeds the action threshold of 7 TpI.