Seasonal distribution and abundance of Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on onion producion in central zone of Tigray, Ethiopia
Keywords:
Onion thrips, onion, abundance and farmersAbstract
Knowledge of insect pest population dynamics and abundance can help to predict when and where the highest infestations will occur. This information is very important to apply the right pest control measures at the right time and place. Therefore, a field survey was conducted in four onion producing districts namely, Ahferom, Mereb-leke, Adwa and Laelay-maychew from 2015-2016 to assess the distribution, abundance and significance of thrips on onion production. Survey results indicated that only onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) was found in all study areas. Thrips were found to be widely distributed on onion crops in all of the areas surveyed and were important insect pests of the crop. Onion thrips abundance varied according to growth stage of the plant, months, locations (altitudes) and weather factors mainly (temperature and rain fall). The number of onion thrips per plant was low in the early December however; it was progressively increased to the peak population in March. The highest pest load of thrips population on onion was observed during March at Mereb-leke, Ahferom, Adwa and Laely-maychew with 340, 270, 266 and 227 thrips per plant, respectively. The highest number of onion thrips was recorded at lowland areas (1386 m.a.s.l.) at Rama, which were characterized by sandy to loam soil type and hot weather conditions. Onion thrips population was positively correlated (r = + 0.94) with increasing temperature and negatively correlated (r = - 0.93) with relative humidity. At higher infestation, thrips caused up to 50-75% yield loss and others observed 30-50% yield reduction when control measures are not taken 27.5 and 50% of the respondents, respectively. These results are important for the management of onion thrips by growers.
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