Investigation of thrips (Thysanoptera) species, their natural enemies and population changes on rubber trees (Ficus spp.) in Adana province

In this thesis study, the Thysanoptera species, their natural enemies, population developments, and thrips damage on the rubber trees (Ficus microcarpa) in Adana Province, Tükiye were investigated. In this study performed in the two different ecological areas, the Leaf gall thrips, Gynaikothrips ficorum (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripdae), which is a known pest species in Türkiye, was identified on the rubber trees. It was determined that the pest thrips overwinters on damaged leaves (gall leaves), infects the trees at the end of May or the beginning of June with the formation of new shoots, and it reaches high population density during the July-August period. By the beginning of September, the population density of the pest thrips significantly decreased. The development of the pest thrips was influenced by the growth of new shoots and leaves, and that the pest does not develop on older leaves of Ficus. Due to the gall thrips feedings, the proportion of galled leaves on new shoots ranged between 13-15%. The predatory thrips, Androthrips ramachandrai (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), was recorded in very small numbers and occasionally found. The predatory Hemiptera (Anthocoridae) species Montandoniola indica recorded during the sampling periods did not adequately suppress the pest population and could not prevent the thrips damage. The findings are discussed, and recommendations are provided.