The efficacy of two entomopathogenic biocontrol agents against adult Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera:Thripidae)

The efficacy of the two entomopathogenic biocontrol agents, Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) and Lecanicillium muscarium (Petch), against juvenile Thrips palmi Karny in the laboratory situation is well documented. This study investigated the extrapolation of this knowledge to the control of adult stages. S. feltiae caused significantly higher mortality to juvenile T. palmi than to adult stages, whereas L. muscarium had a more significant impact on adult stages. The potential to develop an IPM strategy to control T. palmi utilising the two entomopathogens is discussed.