Control of thrips on fig crops using insect-proof netting and diffuse-reflection mulch sheets

Abstract

Enclosing with a red insect-proof net and defuse-reflection mulch sheets were set up in an open fig orchards in Osaka Prefecture in 2017. The dominant thrips species found on the sticky color traps were Thrips tabaci Lindeman from late May to early June and Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) from mid-June to mid-July. Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) was dominant inside fig fruits. The use of these materials effectively prevented thrips from immigrating into the fig orchards, reducing population numbers and infestation of figs. We recommend placing these materials by the middle of May.