Binomial sequential sampling plans for late instars of European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), corn earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and damaged kernels in sweet corn ears

Late-season infestations of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), were sampled to develop binomial sequential sampling plans for larval infestations and damaged kernels in sweet corn, Zea mays L., ears, near harvest. Fields were sampled to obtain a range of larval densities likely to be encountered over a range of infestation levels and field conditions. Binomial sampling plans were developed for O. nubilalis larvae, H. zea larvae, O. nubilalis, and H. zea larvae combined, and for damaged sweet corn kernels. Observed densities ranged from 0.01 to 4.40 larvae per ear for O. nubilalis, 0.005-1.62 larvae per ear for H. zea, and 0.004-36.12 damaged kernels per ear. Results of resampling analyses, based on the proportion of ears infested with one or more larvae, or damaged kernels, indicated an average sample size of 34-37 ears was necessary to classify whether larval infestations, or the incidence of damaged kernels, exceeded 5%. Two operating characteristic curves are presented for each of the four sampling plans. Initial results, with upper bounds of 0.10, and alpha (type I) and beta (type II) error rates at 0.10 and 0.05, respectively, resulted in a 90% probability of making the correct management decision at infestation levels >10%. To improve performance of the sampling plans, we modified the binomial plans by reducing the upper bound to 0.075, while maintaining the same error rates. This plan resulted in a higher probability (>95%) of making the correct management decision to reject a sweet corn load when infestation levels are >10%.     

Role of egg density on establishment and plant-to-plant movement by western corn rootworm larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The effect of egg density on establishment and dispersal of larvae of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, was evaluated in a 3-yr field study. Implications of these data for resistance management plans for Bt crops are discussed. Viable egg levels of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 eggs per infested plant were evaluated in 2000, 2001, and 2002. A 3200 viable egg level was also tested in 2001 and 2002. All eggs were infested on one plant per subplot in a field that was planted to soybean, Glycine max (L.), in the previous year. For each subplot, the infested plant, three plants down the row, the closest plant in the adjacent row of the plot, and a control plant at least 1.5 m from any infested plant (six plants total) were sampled. In 2000, there were five sample dates between egg hatch and pupation, and in 2001 and 2002, there were six sample dates. On each sample date, four replications of each egg density were sampled for both larval recovery and plant damage. Initial establishment on a corn plant seemed to not be density-dependent because a similar percentage of larvae was recovered from all infestation rates. Plant damage and, secondarily, subsequent postestablishment larval movement were density-dependent. Very little damage and postestablishment movement occurred at lower infestation levels, but significant damage and movement occurred at higher infestation rates. Movement generally occurred at a similar time as significant plant damage and not at initial establishment, so timing of movement seemed to be motivated by available food resources rather than crowding. At the highest infestation level in 2001, significant movement three plants down the row and across the 0.76 m row was detected, perhaps impacting refuge strategies for transgenic corn.     

Spatial variability of western bean cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pheromone trap captures in sprinkler irrigated corn in eastern Colorado

Strategies for controlling pests are an integral part of any agricultural management plan. Most field crops, such as wheat (Triticum spp.) and corn (Zea mays L.) are managed as if they are homogeneous units. However, pests within fields are rarely homogenous. Development of plans that use targeted pest control tactics requires knowledge of the ecological drivers of the pest species. That is, by understanding the spatio-temporal factors influencing pest populations, we can develop management strategy to prevent or reduce pest damage. This study was conducted to quantify variables influencing the spatial variability of adult male western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith). Striacosta albicosta moths were collected in pheromone traps in two center pivot, irrigated corn fields near Wiggins, CO. We hypothesized that moth abundance would be influenced by the distance from the edge of the field, distance to nearest alternative corn crop and affected by anisotropic effects, such as prevailing wind direction. Greater trap catches of S. albicosta in each of the fields were found with increased proximity to the edge of the field, if the nearest neighboring crop was corn. Prevailing wind direction and directional effects were found to influence abundance. Results serve as a first step toward building a precision pest management system for controlling S. albicosta.     

Spatial distribution and fixed-precision sampling plans for the ladybird Harmonia axyridis in sweet corn

To improve the utilization of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), as a natural enemy in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for sweet corn, Zea mays L., fixed-precision enumerative sequential sampling plans for this coccinellid were developed and validated. Data were collected from sweet corn plots during 2000 to 2004, with means ranging from 0.02 to 11.83 H. axyridis (larvae and adults combined) per plant. Taylor’s power law parameters from the regression of log variance versus log mean suggested an aggregated distribution for larvae and the combined count of larvae and adults in sweet corn. For IPM purposes, a plan was developed for H. axyridis larvae and adults to provide a desired precision level of 0.25 (SEM/mean), resulting in an average sample number of 65 whole plants. However, for the purposes of ecological or applied research (with desired precision = 0.10), an average sample number of 205 plants was necessary.     

Frequency and severity of western bean cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) ear damage in transgenic corn hybrids expressing different Bacillus thuringiensis cry toxins

The frequency and severity of corn ear damage caused by western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith), were measured on transgenic corn, Zea mays L., hybrids expressing two different insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (Berliner) Cry toxins (Bt) selected to protect against damage caused by larval European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). A field cage experiment deliberately infested with western bean cutworm egg masses resulted in less damage in the hybrid expressing the Cry1F protein and supported fewer western bean cutworm larvae than its non-Bt isoline. Corn hybrids expressing Cry1F, grown in small plot field experiments at three locations over two separate years and exposed to natural western bean cutworm infestations suffered less damage than non-Bt or Bt-hybrids expressing a Cry1Ab protein. Later maturing hybrids suffered more damage than shorter-season hybrids. Finally, corn ears observed in strip trials for several years in diverse agronomic conditions in farmer-cooperator fields corroborated the in-plant protection conferred by corn hybrids expressing the Cry1F protein in small plot field trials.     

Enumerative and binomial sequential sampling plans for soybean aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) in soybean

Since the discovery of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, in midwestern U.S. soybean, Glycine max L., in 2000, the aphid has become a significant economic pest. Basic information about estimating population density within fields is unknown. Therefore, we developed two sampling plans to efficiently characterize A. glycines densities. Enumerative and binomial sequential plans were developed using 89 data sets collected from 10 commercial fields sampled during 2001-2003. Re-sampling software was used to validate the enumerative plan on whole plant counts, based on Taylor's power law parameters (a = 9.157 and b = 1.543). For research applications, the enumerative plan was modified to provide an actual precision level of 0.10 (SE/mean), which resulted in an average sample number of 310 individual plants. For integrated pest management (IPM) purposes, we developed an enumerative plan with an actual precision of 0.25, which resulted in an average sample number of 38 individual plants. For IPM applications, the binomial plan will likely be more practical. Binomial plans were developed using two tally thresholds at five action thresholds. Final analysis of the operating characteristic curve for each plan indicated that the tally threshold of > or = 40 aphids per plant, and an action threshold of 0.837 (84% of the plants infested) provided the most correct treat (4%) and no-treat (95%) decisions, with very low incorrect treat (0.5%) and no-treat (0.5%) decisions. A tally threshold of > or = 40 aphids per plant and action thresholds of 84% of plants infested is equivalent to a mean density of 250 aphids per plant, a recently recommended economic threshold. Using this threshold, the minimum required sample number for the binomial plan was 11 plants.     

甜玉米地亚洲玉米螟为害的生态控制系统研究

利用自然种群生命表方法 ,研究了甜玉米品种抗虫性差异 ,斯氏线虫、玉米螟赤眼蜂对亚洲玉米螟种群系统的生态控制 ,根据不同卵量水平初步组建了第 5代亚洲玉米螟生态控制系统。结果得出 :亚洲玉米螟为害的生态控制系统由人工生态控制系统和自然控制系统两大部分组成 ,主要通过调控人工生态控制系统中的生态控制措施来达到生态控制目标。当甜玉米品种为穗甜 2号 ,卵密度为 18(块 / 10 0株 )时 ,不采取人为生态控制措施即可控制亚洲玉米螟的为害 ,即在人工生态控制系统内 ,利用穗甜 2号对亚洲玉米螟的抗性即可达到生态控制目标 ;当甜玉米品种为粤甜 1号 ,卵密度为 18或 35 (块 / 10 0株 )时 ,在人工生态控制系统内释放玉米螟赤眼蜂或撒施线虫颗粒剂均可达到生态控制目标 ;当甜玉米品种为粤甜 1号 ,卵密度为 6 2 (块 / 10 0株 )时 ,则要在人工生态控制系统内同时释放玉米螟赤眼蜂和撒施线虫颗粒剂 ,才能达到生态控制目标。通过生态控制系统的建立 ,为甜玉米的无公害化生产提供了一条切实可行的害虫控制途径     

Distribution of second generation European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis, egg masses in field corn and relationship to subsequent tunneling damage

The relationship between second generation European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) egg mass numbers and subsequent field corn damage, as measured by stalk cavity numbers, was studied in 79 fields in northeastern North Carolina over three years. A mean of 0.028 egg masses per plant (645 egg masses/23400 plants) was found over the course of the study. Significant differences in oviposition rate were detected between fields and years. Ca. 85% of egg masses were deposited in a five leaf zone surrounding the primary ear; of these, 89% were found on the lower four leaves in this zone. Egg masses appeared to be distributed randomly within fields but at low rates of incidence, and oviposition was relatively uniform between sampling areas within individual fields. Under moderate to high oviposition pressure (mean number of egg masses per plant over the duration of the oviposition period >ca. 0.02), eggs laid during the early phases of the oviposition period account for more subsequent stalk damage than eggs laid during the later phases of the oviposition period. Variations in second generation egg mass numbers accounted for ca. 70% of variation in stalk cavity numbers.     

吉林省二代区亚洲玉米螟危害趋势研究

【目的】明确吉林省二代区亚洲玉米螟Ostriniafurnacalis(Guenee)发生趋势,为亚洲玉米螟的早期防治提供理论依据。【方法】2002—2013年采用田间调查的方法对吉林省二代区亚洲玉米螟的田间落卵量及为害趋势进行研究,同时分析田间落卵和为害情况的关系。【结果】亚洲玉米螟1代卵始见期在6月14日左右,高峰期在6月25日左右,末期在7月15日左右;2代卵始见期在7月25日左右,高峰期在8月15日左右,末期在9月1日左右。1代落卵量呈整体下降趋势,2代落卵量呈整体增加趋势,两代之间微弱相关(r=-0.058,P=0.857)。百株虫孔数呈整体下降趋势,虫量和被害株率在年度间呈不规则波动,整体发生趋势12年间未发生明显变化。通过对亚洲玉米螟卵量和玉米受害情况进行相关分析和通径分析,表明亚洲玉米螟为害是两代共同作用的结果,1代落卵量对越冬虫量影响很小,秋季剖杆时玉米螟的越冬虫量主要由2代落卵量决定,但1代落卵量对秋季剖杆百株虫孔数和被害株率的贡献大于2代。【结论】1代玉米螟发生重,秋季收获时虫孔数较多;2代玉米螟发生重,秋季收获时虫量较大;玉米螟秋季剖杆百株虫孔数整体下降,但被害株率没有发生显著变化,说明2代玉米螟为害呈逐年加重趋势。     

Effect of Cry3Bb1-expressing transgenic corn on plant-to-plant movement by western corn rootworm larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Dispersal of larvae of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, in specific combinations of transgenic corn expressing the Cry3Bb1 protein and nontransgenic, isoline corn was evaluated in a 2-yr field study. In total, 1,500 viable western corn rootworm eggs were infested in each subplot. Each year, plant damage and larval recovery were evaluated among four pedigree combinations (straight transgenic; straight nontransgenic corn; nontransgenic corn with a transgenic central, infested plant; and transgenic corn with a nontransgenic central, infested plant) on six sample dates between egg hatch and pupation. For each subplot, the infested plant, three successive plants down the row (P1, P2, and P3), the closest plant in the adjacent row of the plot, and a control plant were sampled. The number of western corn rootworm larvae recovered from transgenic rootworm-resistant plants adjacent to infested nontransgenic plants was low and not statistically significant in either 2001 or 2002. In 2001, significantly fewer larvae were recovered from transgenic rootworm-resistant plants than from nontransgenic plants when both were adjacent to infested, nontransgenic plants. In 2002, significantly more neonate western corn rootworm larvae were recovered from nontransgenic plants adjacent to infested, transgenic rootworm-resistant plants than nontransgenic plants adjacent to infested, nontransgenic plants on the second sample date. Together, these data imply that both neonate and later instar western corn rootworm larvae prefer nontransgenic roots to transgenic rootworm-resistant roots when a choice is possible. However, when damage to the infested, nontransgenic plant was high, western corn rootworm larvae apparently moved to neighboring transgenic rootworm-resistant plants and caused statistically significant, although only marginally economic, damage on the last sample date in 2001. Implications of these data toward resistance management plan are discussed.     

Spatial dispersion and sampling of citrus whitefly,Dialeurodes citri,for control decisions in a citrus orchard

1 Monitoring the citrus whitefly Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead) in citrus orchards in Israel is necessary for control decisions in IPM in the period before the establishment of natural enemies. The main damage caused by D. citri is due to sooty mould, which colonizes the sweet secretions of this pest. 2 Using Taylor’s Power Law to describe the variance–mean relationship, the dispersion of the citrus whitefly was found to be aggregated at all developmental stages. The action threshold was estimated using regression of sooty mould level on egg or larval counts. 3 Two-stage sampling plans were constructed in different pest generations, for eggs and larval stages, on the basis of the variance between leaves on a tree and the variance between trees in a plot. 4 Fixed sample size plans were prepared, with possible numbers of trees and the numbers of leaves per tree to be sampled, in order to attain a given precision level. 5 Sequential sampling plans were also drawn up, on the basis of four leaves per tree, where trees are sampled until a decision can be reached. The maximum number of trees to be sampled was set according to the corresponding fixed sample size plan. 6 Simulation of the sequential sampling plans showed them to be highly reliable in terms of the decision reached with economy in sample size for high and low infestation levels.     

Insect pest densities across site-specific management zones of irrigated corn in northeastern Colorado

The ability to manage insect pests in a site-specific manner is hindered by the costs and time required to describe pest densities and distributions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether insect pest distributions are related to site-specific management zones (SSMZs). Site-specific management zones, as described in this study, delineate fields into three zones of similar yield potential: high, medium, and low productivity. If insect densities vary across SSMZs, it is possible that management decisions could be made at the SSMZ level instead of treating the whole field. This research was conducted during summers 2001 and 2002 on cooperators' farms in northeastern Colorado. Surveys were conducted within corn, Zea mays L., fields, so that densities of three common insect pests of Colorado corn could be compared across SSMZ. The three insect pests were western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte; European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (HiAbner); and western bean cutworm, Richia albicosta (Smith). D. v. virgifera larvae and adults were most common in the high-productivity SSMZ. O. nubilalis larval abundance was similar at three fields, whereas in a fourth field the larvae were most common in the high-productivity SSMZ. In one field that contained substantial numbers of R. albicosta, egg abundance was similar across SSMZs, whereas larvae were most common in the high-productivity SSMZ. Site-specific management zones seemed to correlate well with the abundance of some insect pests and might prove useful for managing insects in a site-specific manner.     

Presence-absence sequential sampling plan for northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Acari: Macronyssidae), on caged-layer hens

Caged-layer hens were scored as infested or uninfested by visual examination of the vent region, and the number of northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago), per hen was estimated. The proportion infested and average number of mites per hen were shown to have a highly significant, positive relationship (r = 0.936). Sampling among houses within a flock, and rows and sections within houses were analyzed to determine the reliability of sampling a representative portion of a flock. Low- and moderate-tolerance treatment thresholds, based on percentage of hens infested with mites, were developed from sampling 1 wk before and 1 wk after acaricide treatments determined necessary by the producer. These thresholds were used to compare a fixed (single) sampling plan, a curtailed procedure of the fixed sampling plan, and a sequential sampling plan based on a sequential probability ratio test, by sampling 174 hens (the maximum number needed for the single sampling plan). The sequential sampling plan required fewer hen examinations on average to reach a treatment decision than did the other plans, depending on the infestation tolerance limits. Using a low tolerance approach in which infestations below 15% are considered noneconomic (safe threshold) and infestations above 25% are considered economically important (action threshold), as few as 5 hens required examination to reach a treatment decision. Sequential sampling plan graphs are presented for 2 tolerance threshold scenarios (a 15% safe-threshold paired with a 25% action threshold and a 35% safe-threshold paired with a 45% action threshold). These sequential sampling plans using presence absence assessments should greatly facilitate monitoring and treatment decisions for this important pest.     

Evaluation of sequential presence-absence sampling plans for the diamondback moth (Plutellidae: Lepidoptera) in cruciferous crops in Australia

Two sets of sequential presence-absence sampling plans for decision-making in the management of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), were developed and evaluated. One set of sampling plans targeted the classification of proportions of infested plants, and the other set of sampling plans targeted the classification of larval density. The action thresholds investigated were 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45 proportion of plants infested with larvae, and 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 larvae per plant. They are representative of the action thresholds currently practiced by Australian crucifer growers. For each sampling plan, the population range within which a minimal correct decision rate of 95% can be expected at a maximal average sample size of 50 plants (OC95ASN50) was specified. The closeness of an OC95ASN50 range to the target action threshold is a measure of the expected performance of the sampling plan. A closer distance reflects better performance. The OC95ASN50 ranges of the proportion-classification sampling plans were within 33-53% of the target action thresholds. The width of these OC95ASN50 ranges represents 73-87% of the entire population range (0-1). For the classification of larval density, an empirical proportion-density model was first established using data from different states and different cruciferous crops. The OC95ASN50 ranges of the density-classification sampling plans were within 57-75% of the target action threshold. Simulated sampling of 20 independent data sets showed that for most data sets the correct classification rate was at least 98% and the matching average sample size was <50 plants.     

Evaluation of fixed sample-size plans for Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on broccoli crops in Australia

Fixed sample-size plans for monitoring Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on broccoli and other Brassica vegetable crops are popular in Australia for their simplicity and ease of application. But the sample sizes used are often small, approximately 10-25 plants per crop, and it may be that they fail to provide sufficient information upon which to base pest control decisions. We tested the performance of seven fixed sample-size plans (10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 40, and 45 plants) by resampling a large data set on P. xylostella in commercial broccoli crops. For each sample size, enumerative and presence-absence plans were assessed. The precision of the plans was assessed in terms of the ratio of the standard error to the mean; and at least 45 and 35 samples were necessary for the enumerative and presence-absence plans, respectively, to attain the generally accepted benchmark of < or = 0.3. Sample sizes of 10-20 were highly imprecise. We also assessed the consequences of classifications based on action thresholds (ATs) of 0.2 and 0.8 larvae per plant for the enumerative case, and 0.15 and 0.45 proportion of plants of infested for the presence-absence case. Operating characteristic curves and investigations of the frequency of correct decisions suggest improvements in the performance of plans with increased sample size. In both the enumerative and presence-absence cases, the proportion of incorrect decisions was much higher for the lower of the two ATs assessed, and type II errors (i.e., failure to suggest pest control upon the AT is exceeded) generally accounted for the majority of this error. Type II errors are the most significant from a producer's standpoint. Further consideration is necessary to determine what is an acceptable type II error rate.     

Economic injury levels and sequential sampling plans for Mexican bean beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on dry beans

Field studies were conducted during the growing seasons of 1995 and 1996, in Scotts-bluff, Nebraska, to determine yield-loss relationships for Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis Mulsant) on dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Results of those experiments were combined with data from other studies previously conducted to develop economic injury levels (EILs), economic thresholds (ETs), and a sequential sampling program for Mexican bean beetle. Yield loss was regressed against larvae/row-m, and the slope of the linear regression (113 kg/ha per larvae/row-m) was used as the DI (yield loss/insect density) variable in EIL calculations. The EILs calculated in larvae/row-m were converted to egg masses/row-m and adjusted to reflect average survivorship to the adult stage. An example EIL for esfenvalerate at 0.509 (formulation) liter/ha (0.0453 gal/a) and crop value of 0.44 dollars/kg (20 dollars/100 lbs) was 17.78 larvae/row-m. The corresponding ET is 1.04 egg masses/row-m, which reflects an average of 54.6 eggs/egg mass and 33% survival rate from egg to injurious stages. Sequential sampling plans were calculated based on a negative binomial distribution using parameter k estimated from previous research. Because sampling is based on egg masses, growers can make management decisions and take management actions before significant injury occurs. Also, ETs can be adjusted to include the occurrence of natural mortality in the egg and early instars. Analyses demonstrated that relatively minor variation in ETs has substantial impact on sequential sampling plans, including parameters such as average sample number. An interactive spreadsheet was developed that allows users to input economic and other data specific to their situation to calculate Mexican bean beetle EILs, ETs, and sequential sampling plans.     

Survey of predators and sampling method comparison in sweet corn

Natural predation is an important component of integrated pest management that is often overlooked because it is difficult to quantify and perceived to be unreliable. To begin incorporating natural predation into sweet corn, Zea mays L., pest management, a predator survey was conducted and then three sampling methods were compared for their ability to accurately monitor the most abundant predators. A predator survey on sweet corn foliage in New York between 1999 and 2001 identified 13 species. Orius insidiosus (Say), Coleomegilla maculata (De Geer), and Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) were the most numerous predators in all years. To determine the best method for sampling adult and immature stages of these predators, comparisons were made among nondestructive field counts, destructive counts, and yellow sticky cards. Field counts were correlated with destructive counts for all populations, but field counts of small insects were biased. Sticky cards underrepresented immature populations. Yellow sticky cards were more attractive to C. maculata adults than H. axyridis adults, especially before pollen shed, making coccinellid population estimates based on sticky cards unreliable. Field counts were the most precise method for monitoring adult and immature stages of the three major predators. Future research on predicting predation of pests in sweet corn should be based on field counts of predators because these counts are accurate, have no associated supply costs, and can be made quickly.     

Sampling methods, dispersion patterns, and fixed precision sequential sampling plans for western flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and cotton fleahoppers (Hemiptera: Miridae) in cotton

A 2-yr field study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of two sampling methods (visual and plant washing techniques) for western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), and five sampling methods (visual, beat bucket, drop cloth, sweep net, and vacuum) for cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter), in Texas cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.), and to develop sequential sampling plans for each pest. The plant washing technique gave similar results to the visual method in detecting adult thrips, but the washing technique detected significantly higher number of thrips larvae compared with the visual sampling. Visual sampling detected the highest number of fleahoppers followed by beat bucket, drop cloth, vacuum, and sweep net sampling, with no significant difference in catch efficiency between vacuum and sweep net methods. However, based on fixed precision cost reliability, the sweep net sampling was the most cost-effective method followed by vacuum, beat bucket, drop cloth, and visual sampling. Taylor's Power Law analysis revealed that the field dispersion patterns of both thrips and fleahoppers were aggregated throughout the crop growing season. For thrips management decision based on visual sampling (0.25 precision), 15 plants were estimated to be the minimum sample size when the estimated population density was one thrips per plant, whereas the minimum sample size was nine plants when thrips density approached 10 thrips per plant. The minimum visual sample size for cotton fleahoppers was 16 plants when the density was one fleahopper per plant, but the sample size decreased rapidly with an increase in fleahopper density, requiring only four plants to be sampled when the density was 10 fleahoppers per plant. Sequential sampling plans were developed and validated with independent data for both thrips and cotton fleahoppers.     

Oviposition of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and natural predation on its egg masses in Bt-expressing fields

Generalist predators are relevant natural enemies of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) in Europe. In fields of insect resistant genetically modified plants (GMPs), predators could be exposed to toxins either directly (e.g., via pollen), or indirectly through feeding on herbivorous prey. Hence, they represent an important functional group to consider when studying environmental impacts of GMPs. CPB females show a ‘bet-hedging’ strategy in spatial and temporal distribution of eggs, through which the species tries to minimize the risks of progeny loss due to adverse conditions. Experimental fields of GM eggplants expressing Cry3Bb toxin and potatoes expressing Cry1Ab toxin were set up. CPB egg masses were counted on naturally infested plants at four time points during the field season of each crop. To assess predation, newly deposited egg masses were marked at the same dates. Daily visual observations were conducted recording the numbers of intact or preyed eggs and neonate larvae. In both cases, oviposition was similar between GM and control plots, as the number of egg masses per plant and the number of eggs per mass did not differ significantly between treatments. A statistical analysis of the spatial distribution of egg masses revealed a similar aggregation in the potato field, whereas in the eggplant field, the variance of the number of egg masses per plant was smaller than expected in GMP plots. The predation rate was similar between treatments. These results suggest that the ecological function of natural predation on CPB eggs in GM plots was not impaired.     

Seed mixtures as a resistance management strategy for European corn borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) infesting transgenic corn expressing Cry1Ab protein

Dispersal of neonate European corn borers, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), in seed mixtures of transgenic corn expressing Cry1Ab protein (Bt+) and nontransgenic corn (Bt-) was evaluated in a 2-yr field study. The main objective was to determine if larval dispersal limits the effectiveness of seed mixtures as a resistance management strategy. Mixtures evaluated included (1) all Bt+ plants, (2) every fifth plant Bt- with remaining plants Bt+, (3) every fifth plant Bt+ with remaining plants Bt-, and (4) all Bt- plants. The transformation events MON 802 (B73 BC1F2 x Mol7) and MON 810 (B73 BC1F1 x Mo17), which express the Cry1Ab endotoxin isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, were used as the sources of Bt+ seed in 1994 and 1995, respectively (YieldGard, Monsanto, St. Louis, MO). At corn growth stage V6-V8, subplots within each mixture (15-20 plants each) were infested so that every fifth plant in mixtures 1 and 4, every Bt- plant in mixture 2, and every Bt+ plant in mixture 3 received two egg masses. Larval sampling over a 21-d period indicated increased neonate dispersal off of Bt+ plants, reduced survival of larvae that dispersed from Bt+ plants to Bt- plants, and a low incidence of late-instar movement from Bt- plants to Bt+ plants. Computer simulations based on mortality and dispersal estimates from this study indicate that seed mixtures will delay the evolution of resistant European corn borer populations compared with uniform planting of transgenic corn. However, resistant European corn borer populations likely will develop faster in seed mixes compared with separate plantings of Bt and non-Bt corn.