In conclusion, the results of the present study provide evidence that essential oils from plants within the Lamiaceae family and their volatile constituents interfere with the feeding activity of T. tabaci females. If effective in field cultures of leek, application of plant
volatiles might prevent qualitative crop losses due to severe feeding damage on green leaf parts. The prospect of crop protection against thrips pests by means of behavior-controlling natural products such as plant volatiles is promising since they are generally regarded as not toxic to non-target organisms and do not persistin the environment (Isman, 1999).