Thrips species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) associated with watermelon crops in central Brazil

Infestations of virus vector insects have caused a significant increase in the production cost of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). However, the lack of knowledge about these species, especially of thrips associated with the crop, difficult the establishment of management strategies. Thus, this study aimed to identify the trips species associated with watermelon crop in the state of Tocantins, in Central Brazil. Thrips specimens were collected in four municipalities during the harvests of 2013 and 2014, mounted in permanent microscope slides and identified following taxonomic key. Out of the 1.569 thrips species three species were identified: 76.9% corresponds to Frankliniella schultzei (76.9%), F. tritici (22.7%) and F. insularis (0.4%). F. schultzei is the most abundant speciesin watermelon crops in the state, with preference to the apical branches and flowers, while F. insularis, was identified only in the Formoso do Araguaia municipality. The identification of these thrips species provides the basis to control these insects.