New Record of Four Thrips Species Infesting Flower Buds of Magnolia champaca in India

Abstract

The golden-flowered, highly fragrant local variety of Magnolia champaca, known as Sonchafa, is very popular loose flower crop in Maharashtra and adjoining states of India. In response to the rising thrips problems in Sonchafa (M. champaca) fields leading to significant economic losses, we looked into the thrips species composition infesting the plant in the Western Maharashtra region of India. Four thrips species were newly recorded as pests, including Psephenothrips machili (Moulton), Thrips florum Schmutz, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) and Thrips orientalis (Bagnall). Among these, P. machili was identified as the dominant species, responsible for 63% to 71% of bud damage across various fields. This study also marks the first report of an anthophilous host association of P. machili with M. champaca, causing significant economic damage. The observed damage symptoms include, the typical distortion of flower tissues and buds, black spots on buds were ascribed to P. machili. The other three species were found in groups and caused silvery streaks on early-stage buds. The diagnostic characteristics of all the reported species are provided here, accompanied by photomicrographs.