Life Table Parameters and Population Growth of Frankliniella intonsa (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Different Flower Hosts

Abstract

Life table parameters of Frankliniella intonsa (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were evaluated on different flower hosts to determine host-mediated effects on population growth, survival, and reproductive potential under controlled conditions. Developmental duration, fecundity, age-specific survival (lx), and mortality (dx) were recorded across selected floral resources. Marked variation in developmental time and adult longevity was observed among hosts, indicating strong host suitability effects. Highest net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were recorded on highly favorable floral hosts, whereas reduced population growth indices were associated with less suitable hosts. Mean generation time (T) varied significantly depending on floral substrate quality, reflecting differential resource utilization. Survival curves indicated Type I–II transitions across host species, suggesting variable mortality pressure during immature stages. Sensitivity analysis revealed that early nymphal survival contributed most to changes in population growth parameters. The results demonstrate that floral host species play a critical role in regulating population dynamics of F. intonsa by influencing developmental success and reproductive output. These findings provide essential baseline data for forecasting population outbreaks and designing habitat-based management strategies in protected and open-field crop systems. Host-dependent demographic variability highlights the importance of integrating floral diversity management into pest suppression programs targeting thrips in agricultural ecosystems. Such insights can support precision ecological pest management and reduce reliance on chemical control strategies in sustainable horticultural production systems under changing climatic conditions.