Phenology of New Zealand flower thrips (<i>Thrips obscuratus</i>) in vineyards

The New Zealand fLower thrips (NZFT), Thrips obscuratus Crawford, is endemic to New Zealand and is widespread in vineyards at flowering (Fig. 1). During spring, thrips aduLts (1.5-2mm) are abundant on many flowering pLants and this species can achieve densities of up to 2 million per hectare of vines. Methods The first step in investigating the interactions between the fungus and the insect was to determine thrips abundance in vineyards. At a vineyard fieLd site in the Waipara Valley (Canterbury House Winery), aeriaL popuLations of aduLt thrips were monitored from three weeks before flowering untiL harvest (27.11.03 to 01.04.04) with white water traps (18 in totaL) placed at three different heights (15, 80 and 140 cm). K. Schmidt1, D.A.J. Teulon2, M-C. Nielsen2, S.D. Wratten1 and M.V. Jaspers! 1 NItIonel CentnI for AdVaIIced lIIo-PnItectlon Ted1no1o&fes, PO Box 84, Uncoln Unlvelslty. CanterbUIY. New Zealand 2 New Zealand In5lltute for Crop • Food R_h Umltecl. PrIvate Bas 4704. Chrlstcllurdl, New Zealand CorrespondInJ author. schmldtkOUncoln.ac.nz