Tobin D Northfield, northftd@ufl.edu1, Joe Funderburk2, Dean Paini, drpaini@ifas.ufl.edu1, and Stuart R. Reitz, sreitz@nettally.com3. (1) University of Florida, Department of Entomology, Gainesville, FL, (2) University of Florida, North Florida REC, 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL, (3) USDA-ARS-SAA-CMAVE, Center for Biological Control, 6383 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL
Originating in California, Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) has invaded ecosystems worldwide via the transport of agricultural goods. The thrips feeds on crop foliage and flowers, causing damage to the developing fruit and vectoring the tospovirus, Tomato spotted wilt virus. Little is known of any restricting factors affecting this distribution. Limited research has been conducted on density dependant factors, and no research has been published on the effects of intra- or interspecific competition. Our research focused on the interaction between F. occidentalis and the Florida Flower Thrips, Frankliniella bispinosa on pepper plants. A response-surface design and modeling allowed for evaluation of the effect of competition on the fecundity of each species.
Species 1: Thysanoptera Thripidae
Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips)
Species 2: Thysanoptera Thripidae
Frankliniella bispinosa (Florida flower thrips)
Keywords: Response surface, Modeling
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