Behavior of thrips populations (Insect: Thysanoptera) associated with French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Guatemala

Abstract

The identification and behavior of thrips are very important tools for its management. Due to all this, the behavior of the thrips populations in French bean cultivation was evaluated, the variables used were: stratum of the plant (high, medium, low), flower color of the green bean (white, yellow), leaf distribution and flowers, seasons of the year (dry and rainy). Four plots of 400 m² were established. The samplings were carried out every two weeks, during two growing seasons. An analysis of variance was performed, test F sum of type 3 squares. The separation analysis of means was performed by the DGC test. The analysis was executed using the InfoStat program, 2014 version. The tests were performed at 1%. The species of thrips with taxonomic keys were determined. The species collected were F. occidentalis, T. tabaci and C. phaseoli. In general, the thrips populations develop in the middle stratum of the plantation, in young leaves. When the stage of flowering arrived the populations of the thrips showed preference for these and they prefer the white flowers. In this investigation was determined the preference of thrips populations during the dry season, where they develop the best.