Behavioural Response and Mass Trapping of Males of Tea Mosquito Bug Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse

Authors

  • N. Santhana Bharathi Division of Entomology, UPASI TRF Tea Research Institute, Valparai 642127, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
  • P. Mahendran ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana
  • Anju Antony Division of Entomology, UPASI TRF Tea Research Institute, Valparai 642127, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
  • T. P. Rabeesh Division of Entomology, UPASI TRF Tea Research Institute, Valparai 642127, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2022.165

Keywords:

Helopeltis theivora, male, female, body extracts, thorax, virgin female body extract, natural pheromones, electroantennogram, Y-tube, wind tunnel, attraction, antennal responses

Abstract

Tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse is one of the major pests in both south and north Indian tea plantations. This study was conducted to find out the behavioral responses of male TMB for developing a mass trapping technology. The study shows that TMB male’s behavioral response was high towards the thorax extract of virgin females, virgin female body wash and live virgin females. Males’ antennal responses were high towards to thorax extract of virgin females; the same sources performed well against male TMB under field conditions too. Caged virgin females provide prolonged attraction throughout their lifespan; in contrast, thorax and virgin female body extracts’ attraction rate lasted only up to 24 hr but achieved a significant attraction rate over male TMB. Caged female and thorax extract could be the effective tools for mass trapping, monitoring and controlling of TMB through mating disruption.

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Published

2022-12-27

How to Cite

Bharathi, N. S., Mahendran, P., Antony, A., & Rabeesh, T. P. . (2022). Behavioural Response and Mass Trapping of Males of Tea Mosquito Bug <i>Helopeltis theivora</i> Waterhouse. Indian Journal of Entomology, 84(4), 778–782. https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2022.165

Issue

Section

Research Articles

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