Infestation by Enneothrips flavens Moulton and yield of peanut cultivars

Abstract

Because of damages caused, general occurrence in crops, and high population levels, the most important peanut pest in Brazil is the thrips Enneothrips flavens Moulton (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). A field experiment was carried out during the 2001/2002 growing season, in Campinas and Pindorama, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to evaluate the influence of E. flavens on yield of six peanut cultivars. Treatments comprised three cultivars of the upright type and three of the runner type, with and without chemical control of the insect. Thrips infestation was evaluated by insect countings on young leaflets. Yield and yield reduction percentage due to the lack of thrips control were estimated. The lack of insect control resulted in yield reductions varying from 19.5 to 62.7%, depending on the level of infestation, cultivars, and location. Runner cultivar IAC Caiapo, presented the lowest yield reductions in both locations (19.5 and 28.7%), even when exposed to thrips infestation for a longer period because of its longer cycle. This fact characterizes 'IAC Caiapo' as resistant to E. flavens.