The occurrence of citrus thrips (Scirtothrips aurantii Fuare) on mango fruit.
Brink T.
Author Affiliation: Insituut vir Tropiese en Subtropiese Gewasse, Privaatsak X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 15 : 99-101
Abstract : A large number of thrips species were found on mango trees, with Scirtothrips aurantii being the most important species. The times when S. aurantii occurs on the fruit and when lesions are caused were determined. S. aurantii were counted weekly during the period from fruit set until harvest at each of 3 localities in South Africa. The percentage of fruit showing lesions was also recorded. Lesions were caused from the time of fruit set. The highest number of S. aurantii was present when the fruit were 20-50 mm in length. It is recommended that producers regularly inspect their orchards from fruit set until the fruit are 50 mm in length. After the fruit reached this size, there was a decline in S. aurantii numbers. During the later stages of fruit growth, virtually no thrips were found.