Occurrence and Damage of Japanese Gall-forming Thrips, Ponticulothrips diospyrosi Haga et Okajima (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Persimmon Orchards
Occurrence of Japanese gall-forming thrips, Ponticulothrips diospyrosi was surveyed from 143 orchards at 11 cities or counties in 6 provinces, Korea from 2008 to 2009. Occurrence of P. diospyrosi was not observed from Jeju (4 persimmon orchards) in Jeju-do and Wanju (12 persimmon orchards) in Jeollabuk-do. However, P. diospyrosi occurred newly in the orchards in Sanchung, Gyeongsangnam-do and in Gangreung, Gangwon-do. Rate of damaged orchards by P. diospyrosi in Gumi, Mungyeong, Sangju and Euseong in Gyeongsangbuk-do (73.3%) was higher than that of in Gyeongsangnam-do or Youngdong areas in Chungcheongbuk-do. A maximum rate of damaged trees by P. diospyrosi was 23.5% in Gumi, while the damage was lower in Sancheong and Jinju representing 0.2 and 1.6%, respectively. Rate of damaged leaves by P. diospyrosi was the highest in Sangju (0.12%). P. diospyrosi occurred between N35°07′50″ and 35°51′24″ and between E127°38′36″ to 128°53′02″. Persimmon orchards close to mountain were more damaged by P. diospyrosi. Edge parts of persimmon orchards were more damaged by P. diospyrosi than inner parts, especially in orchards close to mountain. Also, the middle and lower parts of tree canopy were more damaged by P. diospyrosi than the upper parts of canopy.