Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Damaging Ornamental Plants in Greenhouse Systems

Abstract

Infestation of ornamental plants by Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was investigated in greenhouse production systems to assess its damage potential, host range, and population dynamics under protected cultivation conditions. Surveys conducted across ornamental plant units revealed characteristic feeding injury including silvery streaks, chlorotic spotting, distorted floral structures, and reduced aesthetic quality, leading to significant economic losses in commercial nurseries. Adult and larval thrips populations were sampled from multiple ornamental hosts, and species identification was confirmed through morphological traits such as antennal segmentation, setal patterns, and wing fringes, supported by COI-based DNA barcoding. Results indicated that T. hawaiiensis exhibits a broad host range, with strong preference for flowering ornamental species under greenhouse environments. Population density was positively correlated with temperature and relative humidity, with peak infestations occurring during warm, dry periods favorable for rapid reproduction and short generation time. Continuous overlapping generations contributed to persistent infestation pressure throughout the cropping cycle. Feeding activity was concentrated on floral tissues, resulting in reduced marketability and quality of ornamental products. Limited natural enemy activity within greenhouse systems further facilitated pest population buildup. The study highlights the invasive potential and economic importance of T. hawaiiensis in protected ornamental production systems and emphasizes the need for integrated pest management strategies. These include monitoring through sticky traps, biological control augmentation, and targeted insecticide applications to suppress population growth. The findings provide baseline information on the biology and impact of T. hawaiiensis and support the development of effective management programs for sustainable ornamental horticulture production.