Epilogue.

Abstract

This book aims to provide an introduction and basic overview of sampling approaches for use in crop pest management, concentrating on the basic design ingredients and performance indicators that are important variables to be considered in any sampling approach. Throughout the book, simulation of sampling processes is used as a tool to design and evaluate proposed sampling plans with respect to their practical purpose. Some approaches are (re)discovered while composing this book, but are not much used as yet: sequential sampling plans based on Converging Lines stop boundaries and the calculations for the economic value of sampling (VSI) are examples. In the simulations, this book emphasizes descriptive models; that is, models that characterize a process or phenomenon without bothering about the underlying causal relationships. These models are used for frequency distributions (although some of these models represent stochastic processes based on biological parameters), for spatial patterns, for variance-mean relationships, for pest dynamics and for damage.

Distribution and fixed-precision sampling plans for diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), on winter–spring cabbage

“…In many developed countries, IPM programs have outlined procedures and control strategies for primary crop pests. In such IPM programs, farmers make use of action and economic thresholds that depend on a protocol-based assessment of the pest population in the field ( Binns et al 2000 , Southwood and Henderson 2016 ). This informs the decision-making process concerning the necessity to implement an insect pest control strategy ( Furlong et al 2004 , Hamilton and Hepworth 2004 ).…”

“…This informs the decision-making process concerning the necessity to implement an insect pest control strategy ( Furlong et al 2004 , Hamilton and Hepworth 2004 ). Pest population assessments usually require pest monitoring using established sampling plans ( Binns et al 2000 , Southwood and Henderson 2016 ).…”

“…In addition, such tools are used to evaluate the effectiveness of a pest control strategy ( Pezzini et al 2019 ). The determination of the distribution of an insect pest is a prerequisite for the implementation of a sampling plan ( Binns et al 2000 ). Field insect pest counts are usually modeled to determine the distribution parameters and aggregation indices specific to a pest in a given crop ( Binns et al 2000 ).…”

“…The determination of the distribution of an insect pest is a prerequisite for the implementation of a sampling plan ( Binns et al 2000 ). Field insect pest counts are usually modeled to determine the distribution parameters and aggregation indices specific to a pest in a given crop ( Binns et al 2000 ). The distribution parameters obtained can then be modeled with mathematical equations to determine the number of sampling units required to estimate a pest’s mean field density ( Binns et al 2000 ).…”

“…Field insect pest counts are usually modeled to determine the distribution parameters and aggregation indices specific to a pest in a given crop ( Binns et al 2000 ). The distribution parameters obtained can then be modeled with mathematical equations to determine the number of sampling units required to estimate a pest’s mean field density ( Binns et al 2000 ). Fixed-precision sampling plans usually define the sample unit, sample size, threshold densities, and timing for executing an insect control strategy in the field.…”