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Predicting Phytophagous Insect Mortality Due to Predators
In a two-year study, a logistic equation was used to predict PNC egg (simulated by gluing bollworm eggs on pecan leaves as sentries) mortality as a function of native predator density. Between 60 and 90% egg mortality occurred due to predators. These and similar results in cotton suggest native predators can furnish biological control of phytophagous insect species in many of our orchard and field crops. The insect density evaluation system developed at NMSU has the potential of revolutionizing biological control of field crop and orchard insects by increasing the accuracy and speed and lowering the cost of evaluating phytophagous insect mortality due to beneficial insects. This system will assure growers when they can rely on beneficial insects for control instead of using insecticides.| New Mexico State University Biological Control Task Force |
Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003 General Inquires: (505) 646-2037 |
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