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A sampling procedure for quantifying mites in soybeans
Lindolfo Storck1, Rubens Alex Fiorin, Alberto Cargnelutti Filho
1Department of Crop, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. lindolfo@pq.cnpq.br
Experimental & Applied Acarology
|April 11, 2012
Summary
Quantifying soybean mites requires standardized sampling. This study determined an ideal leaflet area (20 cm²) and number of leaflets (12) for accurate mite counts, improving pest management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Pest Management
- Soybean Crop Science
Background:
- Phytophagous mites pose an economic threat to soybean crops.
- Accurate mite quantification is essential for effective pest control.
- Irregular mite distribution on soybean leaflets complicates sampling.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine optimal count-area size per soybean leaflet.
- Establish the necessary number of soybean leaflets for reliable mite quantification.
- Standardize sampling procedures for phytophagous mites in soybean.
Main Methods:
- Collected 100 infested soybean plants.
- Divided leaflets into 1.0 cm² sections for mite counting (adults, nymphs, eggs).
- Estimated ideal count-area size (Xo) using maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation.
- Employed bootstrap resampling to estimate averages and sample size.
Main Results:
- Identified an optimal evaluated area of 20 cm² per soybean leaflet.
- Determined that 12 leaflets are sufficient for a bootstrap confidence interval of four mites (adults + nymphs) cm⁻².
- Developed a standardized sampling procedure for mite quantification.
Conclusions:
- A 20 cm² evaluated area per leaflet and sampling 12 leaflets are sufficient for accurate mite quantification.
- Standardized sampling procedures enhance the economic viability of phytophagous mite control.
- This methodology provides a reliable basis for soybean pest management decisions.
