Preliminary observation of thrips populations in Cameron Highlands and Malacca / Nuraida Arshad

Thrips is one of important pest on vegetables especially in the family of Cucurbitacea, Solanaceae and Leguminosae. Thrips infestation (severe leaf bronzing) has been reported especially on eggplant, cucumber, chilli, bell pepper, legumes and ornamental such as chrysanthemum. Adults and larvae of thrips feed on flowers, sucl< out the contents of the cells, including pollen grains as well as the cells around the bases of anthers, and on developing fruits. In other groups of thrips, adults and larvae feed on leaves. In Cameron Highlands, four species of thrips were found namely Thrips palmi, Megalurolhrips usitalus, Frankliniella schnitzel and Frankliniella occidentalis. In Malacca, six species were found namely Thrips palmi, Thrips taiwanus, Thrips hawaiiensis, Megalurolhrips usitatus, Haplolhrips gowdeye and Microcepha/othrips ahdominalis. Frankliniella occidentalis was predominantly has been identified on selected crops in Cameron Highlands whereas Thrips palmi and Thrips taiwanus have been identified in Malacca. From my study, it was found that thrips mostly attacked the flowers, shoots and leaves of crops. Many crops are damage by thrips, which results in economic losses. Application of chemicals is the only available way of controlling thrips on vegetables in Malaysia.