A Non-destructive Sampling Technique for Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Herpetogramma licarsisalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Turf

Experiments were conducted using chemical irritants to develop a non-destructive sampling technique for pests of high quality turf and lawn. POW detergent at a concentration of 35 mL in 3.5 L of water applied to an area of 1,600 cm² was the most effective for sampling Spodoptera mauritia and Herpetogramma licarsisalis and resulted in 84% of S. mauritia larvae surfacing within 4 min of application. No larvae surfaced after 4 min. Kendon pyrethrin SF applied at a concentration of 0.46 mL in 3.5 L of water resulted in similar numbers of larvae surfacing relative to 35 mL POW detergent. However, larvae took up to 20 min to surface. Formaldehyde and the pyrethroid, Mavrik® AF did not cause S. mauritia and H. licarsisalis larvae to surface.