Identification of aggregation pheromones released by the stick tea thrips (Dendrothrips minowai) larvae and their application for controlling thrips in tea plantations

Abstract BACKGROUND The stick tea thrips, Dendrothrips minowai Priesner, is one of the most important sucking pests that seriously infest tea plants ( Camellia sinensis ) in China. Given that D. minowai exhibit aggregation behaviors in tea plantations, this study evaluated the potential of aggregation pheromones for their control. RESULTS H‐tube olfactometer assays showed that D. minowai larvae, adult females and adult males were significantly attracted to larvae rather than adult females and males under laboratory conditions. Subsequent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of volatiles from larvae, identified two larva‐specific components: dodecyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate. Electrophysiological and behavioral experiments confirmed the positive response of females and males to dodecyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate, and their blend (1:1.5). Deployment of these aggregation pheromones on sticky traps resulted in a 1.2‐ to 3.0‐fold increase in the capture of D. minowai adults compared with control traps. In addition, deployment of sticky traps baited with these aggregation pheromones within tea plantations resulted in a noteworthy reduction in the population of adult thrips per 100 leaves, 10 days following trap deployment. The reduction ranged from 29% to 59%, in comparison with the control. CONCLUSION D. minowai larvae produce aggregation pheromones, dodecyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate, that can be useful for controlling tea thrips. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.