The effect of Thripnok, a two-component kairomone lure, on trap catch of Frankliniella occidentalis in protected crops

Abstract: In greenhouse experiments, there was a strong effect of scent on sticky trap catch of
Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande in strawberry and herb crops. In a UK strawberry crop with few flowers, the combination of the two floral scents in Thripnok increased thrips trap catch by more (× 3) than either scent alone (× 2), or than the F. occidentalis aggregation pheromone, neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate (× 1.5). In a flowering UK strawberry crop, the kairomone lures approximately doubled the trap catch. Anthocorid and syrphid predators were caught in low numbers on the traps, and were attracted to the kairomone lures, but not to the aggregation pheromone. In Kenyan herb crops, the commercial lures Thripnok and Lurem increased trap catch by × 2.3 and × 2.4 in basil, and by × 5.7 and by × 4.7 in tarragon. The implications for pest management are discussed.