An integrated approach for identification of Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom)

The blossom thrips Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a vector of tospoviruses and cause severe yield loss in several horticultural and agricultural crops. A study was conducted to identify the thrips species associated with GBNV (groundnut bud necrosis virus) hotspot regions of tomato in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states using taxonomic, SEM and molecular diagnosis. Morphological distinguishing characters of F. shultzei include: eight segmented antennae, head with three pairs of ocellar setae, veins of forewing presenting continuous and equally spaced setae, five and two pairs of pronotal and metanotal setae, and absence of comb at eighth abdominal segment. The SEM analysis confirmed these and the PCR amplification showed 99% similarity with F. schultzei. It is concluded that F. schultzei was associated in all the GBNV hotspot regions.