D3402: Optimizing mass rearing of Brazilian peppertree thrips for enhanced biological control

Optimizing Mass Rearing of Pseudophilothrips ichini for Enhanced Biological Control

Nadia L. Juarez¹, Isaiah Garza², Christopher Vitek¹, Daniel Flores² 

¹ University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, Edinburg, TX 78539; 

²USDA APHIS PPQ S&T Insect Management and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Edinburg, TX 78541; 

The Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) (BPT), an invasive species native to South America, has rapidly proliferated along the Gulf Coast of North America, posing a significant threat to native ecosystems due to its vigorous growth, prolific seed production, and resilience to ecological disturbances. To mitigate its spread, biological control methods utilizing Pseudophilothrips ichini (P. ichini), commonly known as Brazilian peppertree thrips, have been studied. These thrips feed on plant tissues, adversely affecting the health and growth of the BPT. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of mass rearing P. ichini as a biological control agent by examining various infestation levels, ranging from 60 to 140 thrips per cage of three potted plants in increments of twenty. The research builds upon previous methods employed at a USDA facility in collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Our findings seek to identify the optimal infestation quantity that maximizes thrips yield, thereby providing valuable insights to enhance future biological control strategies against the Brazilian peppertree.