Doppler radar detection of exceptional mass-migration of aphids into Finland |
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Authors: | M Nieminen Matti Leskinen Juha Helenius |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Ecology and Systematics, Division of Population Biology, P.O. Box 17, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland e-mail: marko.nieminen@helsinki.fi Fax: +358-0-1917301, FI;(2) Department of Meteorology, P.O. Box 4, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland e-mail: matti.leskinen@helsinki.fi, FI;(3) Agroecology, Department of Plant Production, P.O. Box 27, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland e-mail: juha.helenius@helsinki.fi, FI |
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Abstract: | Our objective was to detect mass migrations of insects of economic significance by insect traps and a Doppler weather radar.
Migrants were sampled by suction traps, tow nets and light traps in the Helsinki region. We used radar to observe the migrating
insects, and trajectories to backtrack mass migrations of aphids (Homoptera, Aphididae) in spring 1988. The aphid migrations
were clearly observed in trap catches and by radar. The first migration, mainly involving Euceraphis betulae, occurred on 18 May and was tracked back to northern Poland. The second migration, mainly of Rhopalosiphum padi (a serious pest of small-grain cereals), occurred 3 days later and was tracked back to a large area covering Latvia and western
Russia south of St Petersburg. The third migration included both E. betulae and R. padi, and took place on 30 May. It originated from Estonia. Neither trap nor radar data provide exact quantitative information
on migrations. Trapping efficiency depends strongly on wind speed and insect size. Radar echo intensity is very strongly related
to the sizes of insects in the large volume of air measured, and the sizes are not known accurately. Weather data, especially
temperature, can be used in predicting the development of aphids, and air-parcel trajectories in estimating the source areas
of migrants. These methods for forecasting aphid migrations, combined with radar observations, are useful for warning purposes
and to intensify insect trapping. This would contribute to more efficient agricultural pest management.
Received: 11 March 2000 / Revised: 24 April 2000 / Accepted: 26 April 2000 |
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Keywords: | Aphid migrations Doppler weather radar Euceraphis betulae Rhopalosiphum padi Wind trajectory |
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