Allen, WJMitchell, VJColhoun, KAttfield, BAStanbury, MESuckling, DMEl-Sayed, AM2017-06-232014-05-052015-022014-05-05Allen, W. J., Mitchell, V. J., Colhoun, K., Attfield, B. A., Stanbury, M. E., Suckling, D. M., & El-Sayed, A. M. (2015). Development of an efficient trapping system for New Zealand flower thrips, Thrips obscuratus. Pest Management Science, 71(2), 309-315. doi:10.1002/ps.38231526-498X24796519 (pubmed)https://hdl.handle.net/10182/8221Background: New Zealand flower thrips (NZFT), Thrips obscuratus (Crawford), is an economic pest of various horticultural crops in New Zealand and is recognised as a quarantine pest globally. Two chemical attractants (ethyl nicotinate and 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one), three dispensers, three trap designs and four trap heights were investigated to determine the most effective method for monitoring NZFT. Phenology of NZFT at two locations was compared. Results: 6-Pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one in a polyethylene bag dispenser was the most attractive lure formulation and exhibited high stability in release rate trials. There was no difference in NZFT catch between vertical-panel and cross-panel traps, but both caught significantly more than delta traps. However, both types of panel trap had unacceptably high by-catch of native insects. Catch of thrips increased with height from 0 to 3m. Phenology of NZFT showed similar population trends at both locations, but with a timing difference of around 50 days. Conclusions: Delta traps containing 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one in a polyethylene bag at 2m above the ground is the recommended method for monitoring NZFT, significantly improving the sensitivity, accuracy and labour input compared with prior methods. Long-term monitoring of NZFT could lead to more accurate economic damage thresholds and timing for when to apply insecticides.pp.309-315Print-Electronicen© 2014 Society of Chemical Industry6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-oneethyl nicotinatetrap heightphenologymonitoringdetectionAnimalsPheromonesInsect ControlNew ZealandThysanopteraJournal Article10.1002/ps.3823ANZSRC::070603 Horticultural Crop Protection (Pests, Diseases and Weeds)1526-4998ANZSRC::3004 Crop and pasture productionANZSRC::3109 ZoologyANZSRC::4104 Environmental management