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METHOD TO QUANTIFY LEAF BEETLE CONSUMPTION OF LEAF DISKS USING IMAGE ANALYSIS1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

E.G. Kokko*
Affiliation:
Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PO Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
R.A. De Clerck-Floate
Affiliation:
Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PO Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
F.L. Leggett
Affiliation:
Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PO Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
*
2 Author to whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed.

Abstract

This study describes an image analysis method that reliably quantifies feeding damage by leaf beetle larvae (Altica spp.) to Canada thistle leaf disks. Quantification is objective, uncomplicated, precise, rapid, and usable with any image analyzer. Image analysis of dried, pressed leaf disks is not recommended, as the amount of shrinkage of the eaten area upon drying varies with the amount eaten. Analysis of fresh material is advised. Image analysis of fresh leaf disks will be a useful method of comparing rates of consumption of two Altica species, one of which is being considered as a new candidate for the biocontrol of Canada thistle, and also other insects with similar feeding habits.

Résumé

On trouvera ici la description d’une méthode basée sur l’analyse d’images pour quantifier les dommages causés par l’alimentation des larves d’altises (Altica spp.) sur des disques de feuilles du Chardon des champs. La méthode est simple, objective, précise, rapide et peut se faire au moyen de tout analyseur d’images. L’analyse d’images de disques foliaires séchés et compressés n’est pas recommandée, puisque l’importance du resserrement de la zone mangée au moment du séchage varie en fonction de la quantité consommée. Il est recommandé d’analyser plutôt du matériel frais. L’analyse des images de disques découpés dans des feuilles fraîches permettra de comparer les taux de consommation de deux espèces d’Altica dont l’une est considérée comme agent potentiel de lutte biologique contre le Chardon des champs, de même que d’autres espèces d’insectes aux habitudes alimentaires semblables.

[Traduit par la Rédaction]

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1995

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Footnotes

1

Lethbridge Research Centre Contribution No. 3879455.

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