David W. Boyd, dboyd@ars.usda.gov, USDA, ARS, P.O. Box 287, 306 S. High St, Poplarville, MS and David Held, david.held@msstate.edu, Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS.
Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmermann (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) was accidentally introduced to the United States in 2003. It feeds and reproduces inside leaf galls of weeping fig, Ficus benjamina. Adult G. uzeli feed on the young leaves, causing the leaves to fold along the midvein. Females lay eggs inside the gall and the larvae, pupae, and adults live protected in this gall. The adults induce galls only on the youngest leaves. Leaf toughness tests indicate that the youngest leaves are the tenderest. Five cultivars of F. benjamina were tested for leaf toughness and galling. Ficus benjamina ‘Rianne’ has the toughest leaves and the fewest galls. Both a predator, Montandoniola moraguesi (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and a parasitoid, Thripastichus gentilei (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) have been found in association with G. uzeli and might provide some level of natural control.
Species 1: Thysanoptera Phlaeothripidae
Gynaikothrips uzeliSpecies 2: Hemiptera Anthocoridae
Montandoniola moraguesiSpecies 3: Hymenoptera Eulophidae
Thripastichus gentileiKeywords: Weeping Fig, Exotic Pest
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Ten-Minute Papers, Section F. Crop Protection Entomology
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The 2005 ESA Annual Meeting and Exhibition
- From Cathy Hall, RN/Instructor, wildlife enthusiatist, BCC/UCF, July 24, 2007
This is a personal question. Not related to my line of work- medical. I have the most beautiful Ficus Benjamina in my back yard growing in the landscape that is infested with thrips. I go out every day and pick the damaged leaves off which is getting exhausting!. I have used soapy water spray, organicide spray and nothing helps. I do not use other pesticides as I have an emormous butterfly and wildlife refuge as my yard. What else can I do?
Thanks,
Cathy Hall
