Academic Journal
Trap color influences capture rates of Aphelinus mali, a key parasitoid of woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) in apple orchards.
| Title: | Trap color influences capture rates of Aphelinus mali, a key parasitoid of woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) in apple orchards. |
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| Authors: | Joshi NK; Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA., Leslie T; Department of Natural and Life Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA., Biddinger DJ; Fruit Research and Extension Center, Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, Biglerville, PA, USA.; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA. |
| Source: | Journal of economic entomology [J Econ Entomol] 2026 Jun 01; Vol. 119 (3), pp. 2389-2394. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Oxford University Press Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 2985127R Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1938-291X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00220493 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Econ Entomol Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: 2015- : Oxford : Oxford University Press Original Publication: College Park Md : Entomological Society of America |
| MeSH Terms: | Aphids*/parasitology , Wasps*/physiology , Insect Control*/instrumentation , Insect Control*/methods , Pest Control, Biological*/methods , Pest Control, Biological*/instrumentation , Malus*, Animals ; Color |
| Abstract: | Aphelinus mali (Haldeman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is an effective endoparasitoid of the woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a globally important pest of apple orchards. Reliable monitoring of A. mali populations is essential for evaluating its establishment and effectiveness as a biological control agent within integrated pest management systems. This 3-yr field study evaluated the efficacy of yellow, blue, and white pan traps for capturing adult A. mali in 9 commercial apple orchards in Pennsylvania, representing both conventional and reduced-risk pesticide programs. Weekly sampling was conducted from April through October, and data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed-effects model with a negative binomial distribution to account for over-dispersed count data. A total of 526 A. mali adults were captured over the study period. Trap color had a significant effect on capture rates, with yellow traps collecting over 6 times more parasitoids than either blue or white traps, which did not differ significantly. Capture rates were not significantly affected by the pesticide management program, and no interaction between trap color and management regime was detected. Analysis of seasonal dynamics revealed significant differences in monthly capture rates, with peak activity occurring during July and August for this region. These findings demonstrate that yellow pan traps provide a simple, standardized, and cost-effective tool for monitoring A. mali populations, supporting improved decision-making and reduced reliance on chemical inputs in sustainable apple orchard management. (© The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.) |
| Grant Information: | grant no. 2006-51101-03604 USDA-CSREES RAMP program; USDA; 2006-51101-03604 CSREES RAMP |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: aphid; apple pest; biological control; sampling; yellow pan trap |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260326 Date Completed: 20260616 Latest Revision: 20260724 |
| Update Code: | 20260725 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/jee/toag054 |
| PMID: | 41885823 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1938-291X |
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| DOI: | 10.1093/jee/toag054 |