Methods for Estimating Adult Densities of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Staked Tomato Fields

Abstract

Linear regression equations for estimating densities of adult liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) in staked tomato fields were developed from data collected in fall 1986 and spring 1987 in Florida. Densities of adult flies were estimated separately for the fall and spring seasons as a function of the mean numbers of flies collected per day on yellow sticky cards. Predicted densities were compared with field estimates. In the fall, all predicted adult densities were within 95% CIs of field estimates. In the spring, 67% of the predicted densities fell within 95% CIs of field estimates. Predicted adult densities early in the season, when the leafminer population was below an action threshold, were the only predicted values not within the CLs of field estimates. Equations for estimating absolute density of adults should be of value for making leafminer pest control decisions.