TAXONOMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THRIPS SPECIES IN AN OLIVE GROVE IN ISMAILIA GOVERNORATE

Abstract

Survey and taxonomy of thrips species in olive groves at Ismailia governorate were stuided during 2013 and 2014 on different cultivars (El-Agizi; Manzanillo and Picual) and associated weeds in olive groves. The effect of some weather factors and plant heights on seasonal abundance of certain dominant species (Haplothrips cahirensis karny; Dendrothrips eremicola Priesener) were investigated. The primers ITS4A, 28S rRNA, 18S rRNA and the primer pairs COI-1 + COI-2 + COI-3 were used to identify the dominant thrips species and Sericothrips kassimanus Priesener). Seven species belong to six genera, four subfamilies and two families were recorded throughout this study i.e.: H. cahirensis Karny; S. kassimanus Priesener; D. eremicola Priesener; Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergaade); Thrips tabaci Lindeman; T. microchatus Karny and Scirtothrips aurantii Faure. A significant positive correlation between the mean temperature and the mean numbers of thrips and negative correlation between the mean relative humidity and thrips population have been noticed. The highest number of dominant species was observed at low level (60cm.) followed by medium (120cm.) while high level (200 cm.) harboured the lowest numbers. DNA sequence data for 18S rRNA gene showed appositive response to the three species. DNA sequences of the species based on 18S rRNA were recorded in the Gene Bank. The phylogenetic tree of the three thrips species was given also.