Oat Thrips – Selenothrips graminum

Distribution:

Species found in Europe, less known in Asia and North America. In Europe, it has been reported in several biotas.

Description

The female body is 0.9-1.1 mm long, grey-yellow or brown colored, and males are 0.8-0.9 mm long.  

Biology and ecology:

Species with one generation each 1-2 years, which overwinters in the soil at 30-50 cm depth, in cells formed of fine grains of soil. After feeding, females lay eggs, for 7-12 days, about 3-4 eggs / day (approx. 100 eggs), and about 115 eggs can be found on the ears.

After an incubation period of about 7 days, the larvae appear, which feed with the floral organs or with young spikelets, for two weeks.  

Attacked plants and damage:

Species known on spontaneous Gramineae, cultivated cereals, etc. Because of its feeding method (absorption of the cellular juice), it causes the appearance of weather-stained spots on leaves, cases, stems and bents, as well as their withering.

Prevention and control

Deep ploughing at 20-25 cm ensures the disappearance of 90% of the larvae, which are incorporated in the vegetal residues in the soil.

Chemical treatments with endorsed products such as Actara (0.02%), Biscaya 240 OD (0.16 l/ha), Decis Mega 50 EW (0.15 l/ha), Faster 10 CE (0.15 l/ha), Fury 10 CE (0.1 l/ha), Kaiso Sorbie 5 WG (0.15 kg/ha) etc.