Behavioral preferences of Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) for banana flower-bud color and volatile compounds

The Hawaiian flower thrips (Thrips hawaiiensis Morgan) is a significant pest of bananas that causes black spotting on the fruit peel. This study investigated the attraction of banana flower-bud color and volatiles on thrips. Results showed that female T. hawaiiensis locate flower buds primarily through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with bud color having no significant influence. Y-tube olfactometer assays revealed significant attraction to volatiles emitted from bracts, stamens and pistils, and young fruits. HS-SPME/GC-MS identified 7 major VOCs, and laboratory bioassays confirmed significant attraction to 5: α-pinene, β-pinene, D-limonene, DL-limonene, and β-caryophyllene. Field trials utilizing blue sticky traps treated with these individual and blended compounds significantly increased the capture of females. These findings highlight the key role of specific VOCs in T. hawaiiensis host-location behavior, providing a basis for behaviorally guided pest management in banana cultivation.