SHIFTS IN WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS, FRANKLINIELLA OCCIDENTALIS (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE), POPULATION ABUNDANCE AND CROP DAMAGE

Since the first report of Florida establishment in 1982, the western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), has caused economic damage to vegetable crops, notably peppers, Capsicum annuum L. A survey of thrips infesting peppers in Palm Beach County, FL in 2006-07 showed that WFT populations were more prevalent than in a survey conducted in 1995-96, and exceeded economic thresholds for much of the growing season. The possible contribution of pyrethroid insecticide use to damaging populations of WFT is discussed.