Evaluation of selected sampling methods for panicle-infesting insect pests of sorghum

• Published in: Journal of economic entomology Vol. 85; no. 6
• Main Authors: Merchant, M.E. (Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Dallas, TX), Teetes, G.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.1992
• Subjects: CONTARINIA SORGHICOLA; DENSIDAD DE LA POBLACION; DENSITE DE POPULATION; ECHANTILLONNAGE; HELICOVERPA ZEA; INFLORESCENCE; INFLORESCENCIAS; MUESTREO; NOCTUIDAE; OEBALUS PUGNAX; PIEGE; SORGHUM; TEXAS; TRAMPAS
• ISSN: 0022-0493; 1938-291X
• DOI: 10.1093/jee/85.6.2418

Field studies were conducted to evaluate methods for estimating field abundance of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), sorghum webworm, Celama sorghiella (Riley), rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.), and sorghum midge, Contarinia sorghicola (Coquillett), infesting grain sorghum. A "beat-bucket" method for separating panicleinfesting lepidopteran and hemipteran pests from the panicle captured 100% of rice stink bug adults, 95-100% of rice stink bug nymphs, 78-98% of corn earworm larvae, and 77% of sorghum webworm larvae. In situ visual estimates by experienced samplers of sorghum midge densities on panicles were highly correlated with estimates provided by whole-panicle samples (r2 = 0.92) and approximately 89% of the insects were detected. Both the in situ and whole-panicle methods appeared suitable for field scouting. A sticky trap for sorghum midge was described and evaluated. Daily average sticky trap catches were significantly correlated with the average number of sorghum midge per panicle as estimated by wholepanicle samples (r(2) = 0.85)