Impact of nC24 horticultural mineral oil deposits on the behaviour of Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The impact of nC24 horticultural mineral oil deposits on oviposition by tomato thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) on French bean pods and tomato seedlings was determined in four laboratory experiments. The results showed that deposits on dipped bean pods repelled adult tomato thrips and significantly reduced oviposition. The impact of the deposits was similar for aqueous emulsions with oil concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 15 mL of oil/L of water. The effect of deposits did not decline significantly as the oil deposits aged over the 5 day period. On tomato seedlings, sprays containing 10 mL of oil/L of water significantly reduced oviposition but 5 mL/L sprays had no significant effect. The results for 15 and 20 mL/L sprays were affected by unexpected oil induced phytotoxicity