Thrips palmi: Vector Biology and Beyond (ESI-CABI Series in Entomology and Crop Protection)

This book is a comprehensive review that addresses the growing global significance of Thrips palmi as a major crop pest and plant virus vector. This insect poses a severe threat to horticultural ecosystems worldwide, particularly in South Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Known for damaging a wide range of vegetable, legume, and fibre crops, T. palmi also plays a critical role in the transmission of destructive tospoviruses leading to considerable economic and agricultural losses. Drawing from over a decade of research at IARI, New Delhi by Dr Amalendu Ghosh and his group, the book aims to consolidate extensive data on the biology, genetics, virus-vector interactions, and management of T. palmi. It offers a multidisciplinary perspective across ten chapters, covering key aspects such as geographical distribution, taxonomy, rearing techniques, and detailed studies of its role in virus transmission. Special emphasis is placed on molecular interactions and the development of primary cell cultures to better understand virus dynamics within the vector. The book also explores both conventional and advanced pest control strategies. These include cultural and biological methods, as well as next-generation technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), synthetic peptides, and CRISPR/Cas gene editing. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications, this book aims to be a vital resource for researchers, academics, and pest management professionals, advancing sustainable approaches to mitigate the impact of T. palmi on global agriculture. The book: provides comprehensive multidisciplinary insight among thrips, viruses and hosts, covering its biology, taxonomy, vector competence, and ecological impact. It consolidates current global knowledge into a single, accessible resource, making it invaluable for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural professionals. includes cutting-edge techniques to understand virus-vector interactions. It includes novel research on transcriptomics, viral infection pathways, and development of primary cell cultures for in vitro interaction studies. supports innovative and sustainable pest management approaches. The book highlights both traditional control methods and next-generation technologies, such as RNA interference (RNAi), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), synthetic peptides, and CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing.