Colour Preference of Thrips, Aphids and Beneficial Insects to Coloured Sticky Traps in Chrysanthemum and Rose in West Bengal, India
Abhismita Samajder
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, India.
Moumita Modak
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, India.
Aivi Mallick
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, India.
Kriti Singh
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, India.
Ajoy Kumar Sahoo
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, India.
Kusal Roy
*
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Floriculture in India is flourishing with rising demand, yet the productivity and quality of chrysanthemum and rose in West Bengal are hindered by thrips and aphids. Indiscriminate use of insecticides further compromises flower quality, underscoring the need for sustainable pest management strategies.
Aims: The present study was conducted to determine the colour preference of insect pests and beneficial insects using sticky traps of different colours, viz., blue, yellow, white and fluorescent green.
Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications.
Place and Duration of Study: AINP on Floriculture, Mondouri, Nadia, West Bengal during rabi season of 2022-23. Observations were recorded up to 35 days after installation (DAI), corresponding to the peak flowering stage.
Methodology: Thrips and aphids infesting both flower crops, stuck on coloured sticky traps, were recorded within eight selected square grids using a handheld magnifying lens. Beneficial insects glued on the traps were also counted. Observations were taken weekly from 7 DAI to 35 DAI.
Results: The maximum number of thrips, Microcephalothrips abdominalis (Crawford) in chrysanthemum and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) in rose, was recorded on blue sticky traps (6.7 no. sq. inch⁻¹ at 7 DAI and 8.23 no. sq. inch⁻¹ at 28 DAI, respectively). In contrast, the maximum aphid populations, Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette) in chrysanthemum and Aphis gossypii Glover in rose, were captured on yellow traps (6.88 no. sq. inch⁻¹ at 7 DAI and 10.98 no. sq. inch⁻¹ at 21 DAI, respectively). Beneficial insects belonging to Hemiptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were also recorded. Coccinellids showed maximum attraction towards yellow traps, while Orius sp. preferred blue traps. Honey bees were more abundant in rose showed greater attraction towards yellow sticky traps.
Conclusion: Blue and yellow sticky traps proved most effective for monitoring thrips and aphids, respectively. Their judicious use ensures sustainable pest management with minimal impact on beneficial insects.
Keywords: Colour preference, sticky traps, thrips, aphids, beneficial insects, chrysanthemum, rose, sustainable pest management