Visual cues from different trap colours affect catches of Sahlbergella singularis (Hemiptera: Miridae) in sex pheromone traps in Cameroon cocoa plantations

摘要: Abstract Cocoa mirids, Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma, are the most economically important insect pests of cocoa in West Central Africa, where they can cause up to 40% losses yields. is common species Cameroon was therefore targeted this study. During a two-year trial 15 plantations Ayos Konye, Centre Southwest regions respectively, effective colour – white, purple or green sex pheromone traps examined for integration into mirid management programmes. Similar temporal patterns S. sahlbergella male trap catches were observed with all three colours, but caught more (Ayos: 0.968 ± 0.091 [SEM]; Konye: 0.640 ± 0.076/trap/month) compared 0.674 ± 0.068; 0.441 ± 0.058), white 0.467 ± 0.049, 0.253 ± 0.041). Trap reflectance showed wavelength peaks typical both short (approximately 380–480 nm) long wavelengths (>650 nm), ~530 nm green. Reflectance exceeded 100% incident light 400–450 nm range from suggesting presence optical brighteners. support hypothesis that ocelli responsive shorter wavelengths. Despite low attractiveness singularis, optimisation improve monitoring, mass trapping, other control measures which could ultimately lead reductions insecticide use conservation beneficial arthropods, particularly flower pollinators critical improving cacao tree productivity.