THRIPS, a Computerized Knowledgebase for the Identification and Management of Thrips Infesting Vegetables in the United States. ABSTRACT Galen Frantz & H. Charles Mellinger Glades Crop Care, Inc. 949 Turner Quay Jupiter, FL 33458 T. Fasulo Department of Entomology and Nematology IFAS, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 A computerized knowledgebase was developed to enable vegetable producers, field technical staff, extension personnel, and other non-entomologists to identify the species of economically important thrips infesting vegetable crops. Thrips infest a wide variety of vegetable crops annually throughout the U.S. They damage produce by their direct feeding and egglaying activities, and reduce crop vigor and productivity through transmission of tomato spotted wilt virus. The software includes details of thrips biology and economic importance, and species-by-species management guidelines. Graphic and textual identification keys are presented, which guide the user through the necessary steps to identify common thrips species either in the field or in the laboratory. Information is also provided on monitoring and management techniques as well as collecting and preservation methods.