Periodicity of the outbreaks of the carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis) cannot be explained by sunspot activity

Abstract

The periodicity of the fluctuations in the attacks of the carrot psyllid Trioza apicalis in long-term monitoring was studied by analysis of data of previous authors. The occurence of only one generation in the year shows that peaks of attack cannot arise suddenly in one year, but are prolonged over several years, as are the troughs of attack. This is the cause of the long-term fluctuation, which seems to be periodic. The statement of Ozols, that the period of the fluctuations of carrot psyllid was connected with climatic conditions via sunspot activity, was not evident statistically.