Effectiveness of Orius laevigatus (Hem.: Anthocoridae) for the control of Frankliniella occidentalis on cucumber and pepper in the UK

摘要: Biological control of Western Flower Thrips was sought by the use Orius laevigatus, an anthocorid bug indigenous to UK. Rearing methods were successfully devised for this species and glasshouse trials on cucumbers peppers conducted. It not possible obtain full establishment O. laevigatus a cucumber crop, but breeding populations established satisfactorily in flowers sweet peppers. On peppers, releases totalling one two per plant resulted good thrips over several months providing that initial numbers low. Early season supplementary lighting using tungsten bulbs extend photoperiod ensured February March promoting crop.