Sequential sampling How to decide when to ‘take action’ based on a threshold and counts Based on: Robson, J.D., Wright, M.G. & Almeida, R.P.P Within-plant spatial distribution and binomial sampling of Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on banana in Hawai'i. Journal of Economic Entomology 99: (Funded by PBARC, WSARE, TSTAR)
The ‘average’ The average count always has ‘error’ – counts may range say from 3 to 9, with an average of 6; or 7; or 5. When can you be sure you have the correct average? Sample size calculations – include error judgments
Sequential sampling Have an economic threshold – number of insect that cause you to take action; Take a series of small samples Add up numbers of insects Make quick decision at low or high pest density
Sample 15 plants, count insects
Sample 5 more, add number of insect to first 15
Sample 5 more, add number of insects to first 25
Low numbers?
So much counting! Go Binomial Just say yes; or no (any aphids or none) Count number of plants with aphids, and plot them on the graph…. This saves time and effort, and allows a quick and accurate decision.
Action Zone!! Count-more Zone No-action Zone