TRIPS (THYSANOPTERA) ASOCIADOS AL CULTIVO DE ZARZAMORA Y ARÁNDANO EN LOS REYES, MICHOACÁN, MÉXICO

Background. Different species of thrips are listed as important pests in berries. They cause damage to leaves, flowers and fruits, which cause poor development and deformation of the berry, and loss of production; some species are associated with plant pathogens transmission. Objectives. To determine the species of thrips (Thysanoptera) associated with blackberry and blueberry and their seasonal abundance, in the producing region of Los Reyes, Michoacán, Mexico and to determine the most attractive sticky trap color to collect thrips. Methodology. The thrips were captured monthly through direct collection on the plants, and with sticky traps (yellow and blue), from April 2021 to August 2022. Results. 1,615 specimens were obtained, all from Thripidae family, belonging to four genera and six species. Frankliniella and Scirtothrips were the most abundant genera and accounted 96% of the material collected. F. occidentalis was most abundant in blackberry var. Laurita and Elvira, and S. dorsalis in blackberry var. Dasha and blueberry var. Arana. F. bruneri and F. minuta and Plesiothrips ayarsi were first recorded as occasional species, and Neohydatothrips gracilipes as frequent in blackberry var. Dasha and Laurita. The sticky yellow traps caught more thrips. The greater abundance coincided with periods of sprouting and flowering of both crops. Implications. The determination of thrips species that damage berries cultivation and their population fluctuation are fundamental for the implementation of an integrated management program. Conclusions. These results enrich the information of the Mexican fauna of Thysanoptera in berries, as well as the attraction to the color of certain traps and seasonal abundance.