• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.161-169
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• 2023

Thrips are usually not exposed to insecticide spray due to hiding at holes, gaps, or crevices of host plants with their relatively small body sizes. This study devised a strategy to use a contact pheromone to suppress the seclusive behavior of the thrips, A contact pheromone identified as 7-methyltricosane (7TM) in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, was added to the diet to test the preference of the thrips. Although 7TM did not change the larval behavior, it significantly induced the avoiding behavior in male adults. In contrast, the contact pheromone was preferred by the female adults. Similar behavioral changes were also observed in another flower thrips, Frankliniella intonsa. Based on the behavioral changes induced by the contact pheromone, a mixture of 7TM and insecticide was applied to thrips infesting hot peppers in field conditions. Compared to spinetoram treatment, its mixture treatment with 7TM enhanced the control efficacy against thrips. Interestingly, 7TM treatment alone also gave slight reduction in F. intonsa density, suggesting a behavioral disruption of thrips by the contact pheromone. This study suggests a novel technology to control insect pests using contact pheromone by suppressing the seclusive behavior to avoid exposure to insecticide spray.