The effects of eggplants illuminated by red LED (Light Emitting Diode) on the population density of the melon thrips, Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

The effects of eggplants illuminated by red LED (Light Emitting Diode) on the population density of the melon thrips, Thrips palmi Karny, were investigated in June and October of 2013 in a greenhouse. The peak wavelengths of the red LED arrays were 635 nm and 660 nm. The LED array was placed on the upper part of the eggplants, directly illuminating the plants. As a result, the density of thrips was significantly lower on eggplants with red LED illumination than on eggplants without LED.