Efficient detection of Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) by cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) direct sequencing and real-time PCR

ABSTRACT Identification of Thysanoptera is based mainly on external morphology examination that can be time-consuming and difficult for non taxonomic experts. In this work, we propose a rapid and efficient molecular method to identify Frankliniella schultzei, an important and widespread pest thrips vector of tospoviruses in South America countries. Species-specific primers designed in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) were optimized for detection by conventional PCR and real-time PCR. The primers were tested on immature and adult thrips collected from crops and weeds found in...