Effect of pheromone trap position and colour on tomato fruitworm moths and bumble bees

Abstract

Field experiments tested the effect of trap position and trap colour on the capture of tomato fruitworm moths (Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)) and bumble bees (Bombus spp). Proximity to the edge of the crop and wind speed affected moth catch. Trap interference was demonstrated between traps 20 and 50 m apart, indicating that pheromone traps should be located 50 m within the crop on the prevailing upwind side of the crop. Standard yellow and white traps regularly caught bumble bees. All-green traps caught minimal bumble bees but also caught fewer moths. Green traps can be used in the processing tomato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme to initiate scouting for tomato fruitworm larvae at a threshold of five tomato fruitworm moths/day.