Note: Extrapolating the use of an entomopathogenic nematode and fungus as control agents forFrankliniella occidentalis toThrips palmi

Little is known regarding non-chemical control measures againstThrips palmi Karny. Since entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes have been found to be active against thrips species such asFrankliniella occidentalis Pergande, comparative bioassays were conducted to determine the extent to which they also show activity againstT. palmi. Significant mortality of the larvae of the species was recorded following treatment withLecanicillium muscarium (Petch) Zare and Gams, and addition of the wetting agent Agral enhanced pathogenicity toT. palmi. T. palmi pupae were not affected byS. feltiae. The potential for use of these agents againstT. palmi in the field is discussed in the light of these results. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Aug. 28, 2005.