Orius insidiosus (Say) and entomopathogens as possible biological control agents for thrips

The entomology program in ornamental floriculture at the University of Georgia places primary emphasis on commercial production of flowering and foliage plants under greenhouse conditions. Thrips management is a major part of that program. Several species of foliage and flower inhabiting species are pests on greenhouse crops. The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), has become the most important pest of the thrips complex during this decade. Other thrips species have also become more difficult to control or occur more frequently on greenhouse crops in different areas of the country.