Characterizing the settling behavior of T. tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on onion foliage

Abstract: T. tabaci behavior on onion plant foliage was characterized by observing settling and oviposition by on whole plant bioassays. This study attempted to identify the preferred foliage sites for settling of adult thrips over time and the oviposition, which we believe are related to potential sites for transmission and acquisition of Iris Yellow Spot Virus. Distribution of settling and oviposition events were reported by leaf number and distance from the apical meristem.