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Spatial distribution and colonization pattern of Bemisia tabaci in tropical tomato crops
Author(s) -
Ribeiro Arthur V,
Ramos Rodrigo S,
Araújo Tamíris A,
Soares João RS,
Paes Jhersyka da S,
Araújo Vitor CR,
Bastos Cristina S,
Koch Robert L,
Picanço Marcelo C
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.6237
Subject(s) - pest analysis , integrated pest management , colonization , whitefly , nymph , biology , spatial distribution , population , agronomy , common spatial pattern , ecology , horticulture , geography , remote sensing , demography , sociology
BACKGROUND In precision integrated pest management, management tactics are implemented only where and when needed, by identifying the sites where the pest population has reached economic thresholds. Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum (Linn.), is a vegetable cultivated worldwide, but its production is reduced by insect pests such as the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.). To improve management, there is a need to understand B. tabaci spatial dynamics in tomato fields, which will elucidate colonization patterns and may improve management of this pest. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the spatial autocorrelation, distribution, and colonization patterns of B. tabaci in 19 commercial tomato fields through the growing season. RESULTS A total of 69 isotropic variograms were fit for B. tabaci . The insect distribution was aggregated with a strong level of spatial dependence. Ranges of spatial dependence varied from 0.53 to 19.05 m and 0.5 to 20 m for adults and nymphs, respectively. Overall, densities of adults and nymphs were higher and reached the economic threshold mainly at the field edges. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a colonization pattern for B. tabaci starting at the edges and spreading inwards in to the tomato fields. This study can improve B. tabaci management in tomato fields, especially scouting and decision‐making to treat fields. Scouting for this pest should be directed to the field edges, with sample points at least 20 m apart from each other for independent insect counts. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry