Prospects for biological control of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, with the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, on chrysanthemum.

The potential of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. for the control of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on chrysanthemum cuttings was evaluated in greenhouse experiments. The fungus significantly reduced both the adult and larval populations of F. occidentalis, although the level of control of larval populations was much lower than for adults. Combined application of M. anisopliae and Methomyl (Lannate), however, resulted in a significant reduction of both the larval and adult stages. The use of both control agents might be helpful in reducing the selection pressure for resistance to chemical insecticides, thereby delaying or preventing the build-up of resistant populations in greenhouses.