Device Structure, Light Source Height, and Sunset Time Affect the Light-Trap Catching of Tea Leafhoppers

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management Technologies
• Tea Cultivation Science

Background:

• Light traps are crucial for monitoring and controlling insect pests.
• Device structure, light source height, and environmental factors influence light trap efficacy.
• Tea leafhoppers (Empoasca onukii) are significant pests in tea gardens, causing economic damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly designed light trap for capturing tea leafhoppers.
• To determine optimal parameters for light trap operation, including anti-escape features, light source height, and trapping times.
• To assess the potential of the light trap for reducing Empoasca onukii populations.

Main Methods:

• Field assessments of a novel light trap design incorporating an anti-escape cover.
• Evaluation of trapping efficiency based on varying light source heights relative to the tea canopy.
• Analysis of catch data in relation to time after sunset and seasonal variations.

Main Results:

• The anti-escape cover prevented 97.95% of leafhoppers from escaping, significantly increasing catches.
• Optimal light source height was determined to be 20–40 cm above the tea canopy.
• The most effective trapping window was 1.5–2.5 hours after sunset, with timing correlated to sunset time.

Conclusions:

• The newly designed light trap with an anti-escape cover is highly effective for capturing tea leafhoppers.
• Optimized light source height and trapping times enhance pest capture efficiency.
• This light trap offers a viable strategy for managing Empoasca onukii populations in tea gardens, particularly during summer to reduce autumn populations.