Hostname: page-component-7bb8b95d7b-w7rtg Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-09-20T12:45:10.060Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Evaluation of sampling methods for Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on cowpea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

A. B. Salifu*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Wye College, University of London, Ashford, Kent, TN25 5AH, UK
S. R. Singh
Affiliation:
Grain Legume Improvement Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria
*
* All correspondence should be addressed to Dr C. J. Hodgson, Wye College, in the first instance.

Abstract

Five sampling methods were evaluated for efficiency in estimating field populations of Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) on cowpeas in Nigeria. The methods (sticky traps, water traps, sweep netting, shaking plants and the collection of whole plant samples) were judged on the basis of low sample variance, low cost and fidelity to absolute population trends. Shaking plants and water traps were the best sampling techniques on the basis of sample variance and cost. Shaking plants also showed the closest correlation with absolute population trends and is therefore recommended for rapid estimation of field populations of thrips. The performance of the usual alcohol method of sampling M. sjostedti on cowpeas (collecting racemes and flowers in alcohol) was not comparable with those of shaking plants and water traps, but was considered important because it sampled the infested structures, eliminating more transient visitors which might also be sampled by shaking plants.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Davidson, J. & Andrewartha, H. G. (1948). Annual trends in a natural population of Thrips imaginis (Thysanoptera).—J. Anim. Ecol. 17, 193199.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hillhouse, T. L. & Pitre, H. N. (1974). Comparison of sampling techniques to obtain measurements of insect populations on soybeans.—J. econ. Ent. 67, 411414.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hosny, M. M. (1964). Testing the validity of a simple method for estimating thrips infestation on cotton-seedlings in the field.—Agric. Res. Rev., Cairo 42, 136140.Google Scholar
Kirk, W. D. J. (1984). Ecologically selective coloured traps.—Ecol. Entomol. 9, 3541.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kogan, M. & Herzog, D. C. (Eds.) (1980). Sampling methods in soybean entomology.—587 pp. New York, Springer-Verlag.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lewis, T. (1973). Thrips: their biology, ecology and economic importance.—349 pp. London, Academic Press.Google Scholar
Pedigo, L. P., Lentz, G. L., Stone, J. D. & Cox, D. F. (1972). Green cloverworm populations in Iowa soybean with special reference to sampling procedure.—J. econ. Ent. 65, 414421.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Salifu, A. B. (1982). Biology of cowpea flower thrips and host plant resistance.—115 pp. MSc. thesis, Univ. Ghana.Google Scholar
Singh, S. R. & Allen, D. J. (1980). Pests, diseases, resistance and protection in cowpeas.—pp. 419–443 in Summerfield, R. J. & Bunting, A. H. (Eds.). Advances in legume science.—667 pp. Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens and London, MAFF.Google Scholar
Southwood, T. R. E. (1978). Ecological methods with particular reference to the study of insect populations.—2nd edn, 524 pp. London, Chapman & Hall.Google Scholar