Development of a sampling strategy for the leafhopper complex [Asymmetrasca decedens (Paoli) and Empoasca decipiens Paoli] (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in cotton

Abstract

Studies on development of a sampling strategy for the complex species of leafhoppers, Asymmetrasca decedens (Paoli) and Empoasca decipiens Paoli within glabrous cotton Ç ukurova 1518 were done in Adana province, Turkey during 2003-2005. The nymphs showed aggregated distribution pattern, but adults regularly distributed on cotton plants with different ages. The leafhoppers were aggregated on the lower leaves of plants with 9 main stem node (MSN). As plants grew to 12 MSN, they typically moved upwards away from damaged lower leaves to less damaged leaves in the middle stratum. The best MSN leaf to sample nymphs or adults of the leafhoppers was the 8th from the apex, when plants had 9-15 MSN. The population density of leafhoppers strongly affected the numbers of leaf samples required. Numbers of samples needed to estimate the densities with 3, 5, and 10 nymphs per leaf sample at the 20% precision level in 0.3 ha area were 33, 12, and 3, respectively. Population densities of the leafhoppers were significantly lower in the early morning (0530-0700 or 0730-0800 h) than those found in other times of a day. This study suggests that leafhoppers could be sample in any time of a day after 0800 h, preferably 1800-1900 h, in June-July period in the Mediterranean region.

Feasible sampling plan for Bemisia tabaci control decision‐making in watermelon fields

“…Sampling speed, accuracy and representativeness were used in the selection of the sampling units . The frequencies of occurrence of each leaf in the stem were initially calculated using Eqn (1): …”

“…The use of accurate sampling units and techniques provides sampling with a low degree of variation, thereby generating feasible, fast and low‐cost sampling plans . The use of representative sampling units enables the intensities of pest attacks to be determined using sampling plans similar to those occurring throughout the crop cycle …”

“…9,11 The use of representative sampling units enables the intensities of pest attacks to be determined using sampling plans similar to those occurring throughout the crop cycle. 9,20,21 Despite the importance of B. tabaci as a pest of watermelon fields and of the sampling plans in integrated pest management programs, there are no studies addressing this subject with this pest in watermelon. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine a conventional sampling plan feasible for B. tabaci control decision-making in watermelon fields.…”

Cotton treatment with methyl jasmonate at different growth stages reduces the population of sucking insect pests and marginally increases their associated predators

“…All biological stages of encountered insects were recorded. Uniform samplings were recorded between late afternoon and early evening (16:00-19:00 hours), as the optimum sampling time to minimize possible extreme variation in the activity and distribution of insects (Atakan, 2011). Plants were haphazardly chosen by zigzagging among rows.…”

Seasonal abundance of Maiestas banda (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), a vector of phytoplasma, and other leafhoppers and planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) associated with Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) in Kenya

“…The abundance and movement activity of sap-sucking insects is affected by temperature, precipitation, host plant traits such as age (Chiykowski 1981;Atakan 2011) and disease infection status (McElhany et al 1995;Sisterson 2008), host plant density (Power 1987), and the vector's gender (Hunt et al 1993;Beanland et al 1999). Detailed knowledge of the factors affecting population dynamics and the dispersal of vectors is a prerequisite not only for understanding Ns-disease epidemiology but also for developing an integrated pest management program against the disease.…”