A Novel CO2-Based Insect Sampling Device and Associated Field Method Evaluated in a Strawberry Agroecosystem

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management
• Insect Ecology

Background:

• Current insect sampling methods (aspirators, sweep nets) can bias results and damage plants.
• Accurate insect sampling is crucial for effective integrated pest management (IPM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel insect sampling device utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) for anesthetization.
• To determine the optimal CO2 application pressure and exposure duration for Lygus hesperus anesthetization.
• To compare the efficacy of the CO2 method with a portable aspirator in a strawberry agroecosystem.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory experiments tested CO2 effects on Lygus hesperus anesthetization.
• Field trials compared the CO2 method to a portable aspirator for insect community sampling in strawberries.
• CO2 application pressure and exposure duration were systematically varied.

Main Results:

• CO2 application was effective for anesthetization, with increased exposure reducing time to effect.
• The CO2 method collected significantly more parasitoids and thrips than a portable aspirator.
• At 50 PSI and 15-s exposure, the CO2 method collected a comparable number of pests to the standard aspirator.

Conclusions:

• The CO2 insect sampling device offers an effective alternative to traditional methods.
• This novel method minimizes plant damage and provides precise spatial and temporal data.
• The CO2 method is scalable and improves the collection of beneficial insects in agroecosystems.