Sequential sampling plan for Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on rubber tree

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management
• Statistical Methods in Agriculture

Background:

• Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is a significant pest affecting rubber tree cultivation.
• Effective pest management strategies are crucial for maintaining rubber crop yield and quality.
• Sequential sampling offers a statistically robust approach to optimize pest monitoring and control decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a sequential sampling plan for managing Tenuipalpus heveae infestations in rubber plantations.
• To establish clear decision thresholds for implementing chemical control measures against this mite pest.
• To enhance the efficiency of pest control decision-making processes in rubber tree cultivation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a sequential sampling plan based on the Sequential Test Likelihood Ratio.
• Experimental setup involving 1,000 rubber plants (RRIM 600 clone) across 100 plots.
• Mite counting conducted under laboratory conditions after leaf sample collection.
• Determination of operating characteristic and maximum expected sample size curves.
• Establishment of decision lines (S1 and S0) for recommending or not recommending chemical control.

Main Results:

• The sequential sampling plan provides distinct decision boundaries for T. heveae control.
• The established control threshold is set at six mites per 12 cm².
• The sampling plan indicates that decisions on chemical control require sampling between 6 to 18 plants.

Conclusions:

• The developed sequential sampling plan is an effective tool for optimizing T. heveae management in rubber trees.
• This method allows for timely and efficient application of control measures, reducing unnecessary treatments.
• Implementation of this plan can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective pest control strategies in rubber plantations.