Effect of p-Anisaldehyde and a Yellow Color on Behavior and Capture of Western Flower Thrips

Abstract

Observations in a flight chamber olfactometer and in glasshouses of sweet pepper or tomato suggest a chemokinetic response by western flower thrips (WFT) to p-anisaldehyde rather than a response based on anemotaxis, chemotaxis, or an odor-induced visual response. Yellow water traps baited with p-anisaldehyde increased capture of WFT > lO-fold over non-baited yellow traps, and > lOO-fold over non-baited black traps. Evidence of baited trap interference with nearby non-baited traps was detected, suggesting a need for caution in interpretation of baited versus non-baited trap catches under glasshouse conditions where traps are not adequately spaced.