Effects of sticky trap colour, UV illumination and within-trap variation on tomato potato psyllid captures in glasshouses

Abstract

The tomato potato psyllid (TPP) is a serious pest of New Zealand glasshouse crops. This study examined the use of sticky traps in a glasshouse tomato crop to identify factors that influence TPP catches, with a view to developing a more consistent TPP monitoring system for use in IPM decision models. TPP catches were highest on yellow traps compared with black traps and white traps, and were greatest when traps were set near the glasshouse roof (2.1 m). Ultraviolet (UV) illumination substantially increased TPP catches on traps of all colours. There was considerable variation in TPP catch density within traps, especially near the edges. The results suggest that yellow sticky traps have good potential as TPP monitoring tools in glasshouse tomato crops. Consistency in TPP counts could be enhanced if traps were placed at constant height, were illuminated by UV, and assessments were limited to the trap centres.