Sequential Sampling Plans for Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Soybean Crops With Insecticide Applications Using Tractor or Airplane

Sampling plans are an essential part of integrated pest management programs. Sequential sampling plans enable rapid and low-cost assessment of pest densities. Thrips are emerging pests in soybean crops, and the main method used in pest control is chemical. In soybean crops, insecticides are applied mainly using tractors or airplanes. Thus, this work aimed to determine sequential sampling plans for thrips in soybean crops with insecticide applications using a tractor or airplane. Data were collected in 56 soybean fields, and each field was 20 ha. Sampling plans were determined and validated. The lower (m(0)) and upper (m(1)) limits of the sequential sampling plans were: m(0) = 1.72 and m(1) = 3.43 (by tractor applications) and, m(0) = 2.27 and m(1) = 4.53 thrips. sample(-1) (by airplane applications). The slope (S) and the lower (h(0)) and upper (h(1)) intercepts of the sequential sampling plans were: S = 2.42, h(0) = -5.79, and h(1) = 5.79 (by tractor applications) and, S = 3.19, h(0) = -6.83, and h(1) = 6.83 (by airplane applications). Sequential sampling plans allowed for correct decisions to be made in all situations using a maximum of 10 samples. The sequential plan reduced the sampling effort by over 87% compared to conventional sampling plans. Therefore, these control decision-making systems have proven feasible and advantageous for implementing integrated pest management programs for controlling thrips species in soybean crops.

Automated summary

Sampling plans are crucial for integrated pest management programs, and sequential sampling plans provide a rapid and cost-effective way to assess pest densities. This study focused on determining sequential sampling plans for thrips in soybean crops with insecticide applications using tractors or airplanes. The plans were developed and validated using data collected from 56 soybean fields. The sequential sampling plans allowed for accurate decisions to be made with a maximum of 10 samples, reducing sampling effort by over 87% compared to conventional plans. These control decision-making systems have proven to be feasible and beneficial for managing thrips in soybean crops.