Insidious flower bug, Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), predation on western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on Transvaal daisy, Gerbera jamesonii, cut flowers and chrysanthemum, Tanacetum×grandiflorum, plants under laboratory and greenhouse conditions

The insidious flower bug, Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), is a generalist predator that feeds on western thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), larvae and adults. Our study involved series of experiments conducted under laboratory greenhouse conditions from 2017 to 2020 to: 1) determine the number bug adults should be released manage thrips populations below damaging levels, 2) assess if integrating with insecticide spinosad (Conserve®) viable alternative plant protection strategy, 3) short (<12 h) or long (>12 day lengths/photoperiods affect predation conditions. We found releasing three four was most effective in managing chrysanthemum, Tanacetum × grandiflorum, plants mean per chrysanthemum < 10. determined can used populations. Finally, we ascertained not affected by [10.5:13.5 (light:dark hours)] [14.5:9.5 lengths/photoperiods. Consequently, producers release anytime during growing season, even fall through winter, chrysanthemum. In addition, integrate spray applications as do negatively bugs.