Optimum density of chrysanthemum flower model traps to reduce infestations of Frankliniella intonsa (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on greenhouse strawberry

In a previous study, we showed that a chrysanthemum flower model trap, developed by modifying an artificial yellow chrysanthemum flower, was more attractive to the flower thrips Frankliniella intonsa Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) than a commercial yellow sticky trap. In this study, the optimum deployment density of the chrysanthemum flower model trap for reducing thrips infestation was investigated in commercial strawberry greenhouses. The traps were installed within the plant canopy at different densities (0, 5, 10, 20 traps per 50 m² plot) in three greenhouses using a randomized complete block design. The highest density of traps reduced seasonal populations of F. intonsa on strawberry flowers by 82% compared to the untreated control. The traps caught approximately 4.6 times more female than male F. intonsa, though the numbers of females and males in the flowers were similar and were both equally reduced with increasing trap density. A weak correlation (r = 0.54) was found between the number of female F. intonsa trapped and numbers in strawberry flowers, but there was no correlation (r = −0.03) for males. The results indicate flower model trap can be an additional tool for monitoring and/or management tactics against this anthophilous thrips.     

Extended holding period and yeast hydrolysate in pre-release diet increase abundance of mature sterile Queensland fruit fly males in the field

Journal of Pest Science - Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), is a significant pest of horticultural crops in Australia. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is currently...