Spatial distribution of Oncometopiafacialis (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in citrus orchard

The spatial distribution of Oncometopia facialis (Signoret) was studied in sweet orange to elaborate sampling plans and decision-making procedure for the control of this sharpshooter in the field. The samplings were carried out fortnightly in a grid design disposition of 100 points (plants) in citrus orchard, with yellow sticky traps. The average number of O. facialis ranged from 0.35 to 1.17 insects/trap, with the I index varying from 0.89 to 1.82. The fit tests to negative binomial, Poisson distribution, I index and Morisita index indicated aggregated distribution of this insect. The b result of Taylor's power law was 1.6382 (t = 2.71; d.f. = 11; P < 0.05). Sampling plans were elaborated with a precision level of 10, 20 and 25% of error in the mean estimation.