Integrating phototaxis research with pest control: laboratory‐based wavelength preference screening and field efficacy evaluation of sticky traps for <i>Monolepta hieroglyphica</i> management

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky) is a significant agricultural pest, primarily infesting crops such as maize, soybean and cotton. Recently, with the commercialization of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic maize, this nontarget insect has emerged as a potential primary pest. Current management relies heavily on chemical control, but prolonged and improper insecticide use can promote resistance development and negatively affect natural enemies. Consequently, based on the visual system of insects, developing comprehensive physical trapping strategies is of the utmost importance. RESULTS This study investigated the most sensitive light wavelength and optimal sticky trap color for M. hieroglyphica by evaluating its phototactic and chromatic responses, using a monochromator and multicolored sticky traps. Results indicated that M. hieroglyphica exhibited phototactic responses to wavelengths ranging from 380 to 640 nm, with the strongest behavioral attraction observed at 580 nm (77.22% ± 1.59). Other wavelengths that elicited notably high phototaxis rates included 420 nm (64.45% ± 2.38), 380 nm (60.56% ± 2.64) and 560 nm (58.33% ± 1.43). Female adults demonstrated significantly stronger phototaxis than males at 580 nm ( t = 4.44, P = 0.001), 560 nm ( t = 7.63, P &lt; 0.001) and 420 nm ( t = 4.16, P = 0.02). In field trials across multiple regions, yellow sticky traps captured significantly more adults than traps of any other color. Among different shades of yellow, the trap corresponding to 580 nm yielded the highest capture efficiency (115.63 ± 3.41) and significantly outperformed all other yellow variants. With respect to trap placement, the most effective catching performance was achieved when traps were suspended 40 cm above the corn ear level (58.83 ± 1.45). Additionally, traps positioned at the field edge captured significantly more insects than those placed in other locations (65.33 ± 2.40). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that yellow sticky traps corresponding to the 580 nm wavelength achieve optimal trapping efficacy when placed at the field edge and suspended 40 cm above the corn ear level. These findings advance physical control strategies and support integrated pest management for M. hieroglyphica . © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Affiliated Institutions

• Hebei Agricultural University CN
• State Key Laboratory of Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests
• Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences CN
• Institute of Plant Protection CN
• Huazhong Agricultural University CN

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