Binomial Sequential Sampling Plans for Macadamia Felted Coccid (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) Infesting Hawaii Macadamia...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management
• Invasive Species Biology

Background:

• The macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei) is an invasive pest impacting macadamia orchards in Hawaii.
• This pest causes significant damage, including distorted growth, stunted development, and branch dieback, leading to reduced nut yields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the dispersion patterns of Eriococcus ironsidei in macadamia orchards.
• To develop a binomial sequential sampling plan for efficient pest management.

Main Methods:

• Field sampling across ten macadamia orchards in Hawaii over 18 months.
• Analysis of pest dispersion using Taylor's Power Law and Iwao's mean crowding index.
• Development of binomial sequential sampling plans based on infestation thresholds.

Main Results:

• Eriococcus ironsidei exhibited an aggregated dispersion pattern in the field.
• A tally threshold of >10 crawlers per unit area proved to be the most effective predictor of mean crawler density.
• Binomial sequential sampling plans were developed using critical infestation proportions of 0.40, 0.60, and 0.80.

Conclusions:

• The developed binomial sequential sampling plan can enhance the management of Eriococcus ironsidei.
• This approach optimizes the number of samples required for effective pest control decisions.
• Implementing this plan can lead to improved crop protection and yield in affected macadamia orchards.