Spatial distribution pattern and sequential sampling plans for Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Dip: Tephritidae) in olive orchards

Abstract

The distribution of adult and larvae <em>Bactrocera oleae</em> (Diptera: Tephritidae), a key pest of olive, was studied in olive orchards. The first objective was to analyze the dispersion of this insect on olive and the second was to develop sampling plans based on fixed levels of precision for estimating <em>B. oleae</em> populations. The Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s patchiness regression models were used to analyze the data. Our results document that Iwao’s patchiness provided a better description between variance and mean density. Taylor’s <em>b</em> and Iwao’s <em>β</em> were both significantly more than 1, indicating that adults and larvae had aggregated spatial distribution. This result was further supported by the calculated common <em>k</em> of 2.17 and 4.76 for adult and larvae, respectively. Iwao’s a for larvae was significantly less than 0, indicating that the basic distribution component of <em>B. oleae</em> is the individual insect. Optimal sample sizes for fixed precision levels of 0.10 and 0.25 were estimated with Iwao’s patchiness coefficients. The optimum sample size for adult and larvae fluctuated throughout the seasons and depended upon the fly density and desired level of precision. For adult, this generally ranged from 2 to 11 and 7 to 15 traps to achieve precision levels of 0.25 and 0.10, respectively. With respect to optimum sample size, the developed fixed-precision sequential sampling plans was suitable for estimating flies density at a precision level of D=0.25. Sampling plans, presented here, should be a tool for research on pest management decisions of <em>B. oleae</em>.