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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Southern Insect Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #200816
Title: Comparison of Three Insect Sampling Methods in Sweetpotato Foliage in Mississippi

Author
item Abel, Craig
item Adams, Larry

Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2009
Publication Date: 4/1/2010
Citation: Abel, C.A., Adams, L.C. 2010. Comparison of Three Insect Sampling Methods in Sweetpotato Foliage in Mississippi. Journal of Entomological Science. 45(2):11-128.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Three sampling methods-sweep-net, hand-vacuum modified from a leaf vacuum/blower, and a wheeled, blower-vacuum designed to blow insects from the foliage into the vacuum port of a leaf vacuum-were compared as methods for sampling insects in sweetpotatoes, lpomead batatas L. Results of the 4-yr study at 2 locations in Mississippi showed that the number of insects collected by the blower-vacuum method was lower than number collected by the other 2 methods. Although results differed with different insect species, the numbers of insects collected in hand-vacuum samples were usually greater than or equal to those collected in sweep-net samplers during the first few weeks after planting, but less than those in sweep-net samples late in the season. Based upon these results, sweep-nets are the preferred method for season-long sampling of insects in sweetpotators.