Bugresearch consultancy focuses on understanding the fundamentals of insect vision. With this knowledge we can develop effective trapping systems for pest insects. We are, for example exploring both behaviour to visual stimuli (with LED light) and physiological aspects of the eyes of Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis and the European tarnished plant bug, Lygus rugulipennis.

This has already led to a new trap design based on LED light for trapping L. rugulipennis. We are currently exploring the efficacy of the trap and how and when to use in different crops in greenhouses in Switzerland and the Netherlands. With our Swiss partners we are currently writing a proposal to extent this knowledge into the development of a trap for the Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys.

Next to improved monitoring we are investigating the possibilities of mass-trapping and attractive devices for lure & kill. For example a novel design of a weevil refuge combined with a unique attractant for catching vine weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is currently tested by us together with grower advisory services in practice in the Netherlands and Belgium. Our first goal is to determine if and how effective this system works in practice.

By combining optimized visual and olfactory attractants in a device we expect to develop new/better tools for control of pests in greenhouses and field crops.

Chemical ecology is focusing on finding and applying effective attractants for pest insects. We are focusing on improvement by optimizing slow-release systems. This work is done in close cooperation with specialists in this area (e.g. Pherobank).