Observation and Manipulation of Thrips Behaviour
Abstract
The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, are main pests that cause severe losses in almost all protected crops in Europe. Moreover, T. tabaci is a serious problem in field cultures of various vegetable crops. The scientific objective of the proposed study is to elucidate behavioural aspects in the decision process of host selection and acceptance of F. occidentalis and T. tabaci, which can be manipulated by application of repellent and/or deterrent secondary plant compounds on their host plants. Firstly, a model catalogue of all behavioural patterns and activities both thrips species on different host plants is compiled. Thrips behaviour is recorded for several hours by means of a transparent observation chamber and a video equipment. Based on the analysis of the videotaping appropriate categories of all behavioural elements are created and a special software for computing of observational data is configured. Secondly, in three different bioassays specific steps in the host selection and acceptance behaviour of F. occidentalis and T. tabaci are manipulated. Selected plant compounds, which have been identified to be biologically active against both thrips species in a preceding project, are applied on their host plants and thrips responses are observed and recorded. In short-term observational assays using leaf discs, the effect of the selected plant compounds on the residence time of F. occidentalis and T. tabaci on the respective host plant is investigated. A choice test over a medium-term observation period will elucidate the influence of the plant compounds on the settling preference of F. occidentalis and T. tabaci for treated or untreated host plants. Long-term observations over a 24-hour photoperiod will show differences in frequency and/or duration of behavioural patterns of both species on treated compared to untreated plants. In addition, the feeding damage and the oviposition rate of each individual thrips is determined. The computer-assisted analysis of the videotaping allows an exact evaluation of the effects of the secondary plant compounds with regard to their future utilisation as crop protection agents. This research can contribute to the enhancement of current biological control measures and/or form novel components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
keywords Frankliniella occidentalis Thrips tabaci deterrents secondary plant compounds host selection behaviour
Publikationen
Einfluss von Monoterpenen auf Verhalten und Lebensparameter des Kalifornischen Blütenthrips.
Autoren: Riefler, J., Hoffmann, D., Koschier, E.H. Jahr: 2005
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Plant compounds affecting thrips behaviour
Autoren: Koschier, E.H., Riefler J. Jahr: 2006
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Influence of salicylaldehyde and methyl salicylate on post-landing behaviour of Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande
Autoren: Koschier, E.H., Hoffmann, D., Riefler, J. Jahr: 2007
Journal articles
Effects of host plants and plant compounds on post-landing behaviours of Thrips tabaci
Autoren: Koschier, E.H., Riefler, J. Jahr: 2007
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Bioactive plant compounds for control of Thrips tabaci
Autoren: Koschier, E H; Riefler, J; Sedy, K Jahr: 2007
Journal articles
Behaviour-modifying activity of eugenol on Thrips tabaci Lindeman
Autoren: Riefler, J., Koschier, E.H. Jahr: 2009
Journal articles
Comparing Behavioural Patterns of Thrips tabaci Lindeman on Leek and Cucumber
Autoren: Riefler, J; Koschier, EH Jahr: 2009
Journal articles
The behavioural repertoire of Thrips tabaci
Autoren: Koschier E.H., Riefler J. Jahr: 2009
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Effects of a stress-related plant compound on thrips behaviour
Autoren: Koschier E.H., Riefler J. Jahr: 2010
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Project staff
Elisabeth Helene Koschier
Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Elisabeth Helene Koschier
elisabeth.koschier@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-95303
Project Leader
02.02.2004 - 15.11.2006