Transplanting date, sticky traps and utilization of tolerant cultivars for Integrated onion thrips, Thrips tabaci management in onion field

Abstract

Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a destructive pest of onion and other vegetables crops worldwide. Causing the crop both direct and indirect harm. In a two-year field trial in the Nile Delta region, were evaluate the transplanting dates (early – mid – late) growing seasons on T. Tabaci populations which attacks the onion crop (Allium cepa L.), evaluate the effect of mass trapping Furthermore, were evaluated for T. tabaci populations management in onion cultivars Ahmartantawy, Giza 20, and Giza 6. Results indicated that, Onion planting in early season reduces T. tabaci population density more than mid and late season. Blue sticky trap was consistently captured and detected adult thrips more than another sticky colored trap. Moreover, Ahmartantawy was the best variety to tolerance T. tabaci individuals infestation. The highest susceptible cultivar was Giza 6 cultivar since it possessed the highest number of individuals during both seasons of the study. This study highlighted critical management components that would be a milestone for designing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program against T. tabaci.