Molecular identification of thrips species in Brazilian agroecosystems

Abstract

Thrips (Thysanoptera), being eminent pests with significant agricultural implications on a global scale, cause considerable economic harm to an extensive array of ornamental, horticultural, and fruit crops. While morphological identification of thrips is often sufficient, the exploration of molecular methodologies can provide additional accuracy in species identification when needed. In this study, we used sequencing methods targeting the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to identify ten thrips species collected from 19 plant species in Brazil. Species-specific primers were developed based on COI and 28S sequences for precise identification of Caliothrips phaseoli and Frankliniella occidentalis. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses showed the absence of species clustering within their respective genus clades, while pairwise analyses demonstrated significant intraspecific variation in F. schultzei.