Effects of different visual modifications of yellow sticky traps on the attractiveness to Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Bemisia tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci

Accurately monitoring insect pest populations is essential for optimizing crop production in greenhouses. This study tested whether modification of yellow sticky traps with either (1) a black frame, (2) a fluorescent yellow frame, or the addition of either (3) a yellow or (4) a fluorescent yellow ground surface could increase catches of Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Bemisia tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted in which the catches of different modified sticky trap variants were surveyed. Contrasting the sticky trap with a black frame only led to a significant increase in catches for Trialeurodes vaporariorum. The fluorescent yellow frame of the yellow sticky trap led to a significant increase in attractiveness for Bemisia tabaci and Thrips tabaci. The use of yellow and fluorescent yellow ground surface colour showed an increasing effect for all four species. Here, the fluorescent yellow tended to have a stronger effect than yellow. However, it seems that the effects of all trap modifications tested were influenced by factors such as UV light exposure, trap shape, yellow: black ratio and species-specific preferences. It is therefore important to investigate these factors in more detail in order to optimize the application of the modifications for practical use.