Combined Effect of Entomopathogens against Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): Laboratory, Greenhouse and Field Trials.

Onion thrips, Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the most damaging insect pests of onions, L., which is an economically important agricultural crop cultivated worldwide. In this study, the combined application of entomopathogenic nematodes with entomopathogenic fungi against different soil dwelling stages of was evaluated. The nematodes included (VS strain) and (SN strain), and fungi included (WG-11) and (WG-02); all four paired combinations (nematode + fungus) were included. In a small cup bioassay, only the combined application of and (WG-11) caused a synergistic interaction against pre-pupae, while all other combinations were compatible in an additive manner against pupae and late second instars. In a larger arena, a potted soil bioassay, again, combined applications of both pathogens produced greater mortality compared to single applications of each pathogen; all the combinations exhibited additive interactions, with the highest mortality observed in pre-pupae, followed by pupae and late second instar larvae using and (WG-11). Additionally, in the potted plant bioassay, lower adult emergence was observed from treated groups compared to control groups. Under field conditions, lower numbers of adults and larvae were found in treated groups relative to controls. Overall, the pre-pupal stage was more susceptible to the pathogen treatments, followed by pupae and late second instar larvae, and also combined applications of both pathogens suppressed the adult population. Combined application of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi could be used for integrated pest management (IPM) of in onion production systems.