Thrips species composition, biodiversity and seasonal dynamic populations in two vine grape orchards in the north-eastern region of Tunisia

Thrips species composition study in wine grape orchard and table grape orchard in two locations in the region of Grombalia (Governorate of Nabeul; Tunisia) based on biodiversity parameters (Shannon index, dominance, equitability) revealed the presence of nine species that were identified and monitored. Among those species, six are phytophagous which are Thrips tabaci, Thrips palmi, Thrips imaginis, Limothrips cerealium, Chirothrips manicatus and Microcephalosthrips abdominalis. Furthermore two species known as predatory thrips were identified which are Aeolothrips tenuicornis and Aeolothrips collaris and one genus, Halpothrips sp., which species are known to be mostly predators of mites. The most abundant thrips species are T. palmi with percentages of 25 and 23.53 %, followed by L. cerealium with 18.75 and 17.65%, T. tabaci 12.5% and 17.65% and Haplothrips sp. 31.25 and 11.76% respectively in vine table grape orchard and wine cellar grape orchard. Dynamic population monitoring of all thrips species in both orchards showed that they occurred especially during spring. However they tend to decrease lately approaching hot season. Evaluation of biodiversity parameters based on thrips species composition revealed that both orchards are well diversified, with a good distribution of numbers on species and an equilibrated population. Thrips listed species all seem to be equally likely to develop in both orchards.