*Corresponding authors' E-mail: johari_asni@yahoo.com
This study aims to explore the diversity of thrips pests (Thysanoptera) on eggplant (Solanum melongena) in the Botanical Garden of Solok village, Muaro Jambi Regency. A descriptive-exploratory approach was employed. Samples were collected using total sampling through direct observation. Collected thrips were preserved in 70% alcohol and prepared as microscope slides for identification. The results revealed three thrips species belonging to two suborders: Terebrantia and Tubulifera. The Terebrantia suborder consisted of Thrips parvispinus and Thrips palmi, while the Tubulifera suborder was represented by Haplothrips sp. T. parvispinus was found to be the most dominant species. The diversity index (H’) and evenness index (E) were relatively low, recorded at 0.19 and 0.17, respectively. The dominance index of the thrips population was classified as moderate, with a value of 0.46.
Local agroecosystem, Pest biodiversity, Solanum melongena, Thrips, Thysanoptera