Comparison of Coloured Sticky Traps against Bean Flower Thrips Megalurothrips distalis (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Summer Mung Bean

Mung bean grown in summer season in Punjab is an additional short duration crop with many benefits. During the hot summer season, the crop is highly prone to attack by bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips distalis (Karny) that cause flower shedding resulting in considerable yield losses. Field experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to determine the efficacy of different coloured sticky traps against the pest. Blue coloured sticky traps (both commercial and handmade) were best in trapping bean flower thrips, which was followed by commercial yellow and handmade yellow traps that captured significantly higher thrips than clear, handmade purple and pink traps. Plots with blue traps recorded significantly lesser thrips incidence in flowers and higher grain yields. The study indicated that blue coloured sticky traps were best in attracting bean flower thrips of mung bean.