engleski

Population dynamics of noctuid moths and damage forecasting in sugar beet

1.The most damaging Noctuidae pests in sugar beets in Croatia are classified into two groups based on the injuries that their larvae produce: the cutting species (Agrotis ipsilon and Agrotis segetum) and the surface-feeding species Mamestra brassicae, Lacanobia oleracea and Autographa gamma). 2.The flight activity of male moths was detected and monitored using traps baited with sex pheromone. 3.The study aimed to determine the population dynamics of noctuid pests in sugar beet crops and to propose damage forecasts and thresholds based on male moths capture in pheromone traps in specific weather conditions. 4.A strong positive correlation between captured male moths in pheromone traps and the level of damage to sugar beet crops was established. The population densities were extremely affected by the weather conditions that prevailed in the sugar beet growing period. If the weather conditions are not optimal, the population of the second generation of moths and larvae will be smaller, and the level of damage to plants will decrease accordingly. 5.Thus, intensive monitoring of noctuid male moth flights and weather conditions in the sugar beet growing season enabled forecasting of future damage to a larger area, although visual inspections are necessary to plan insecticide applications

damage forecasting ; flight dynamics ; noctuids ; sugar beet

This research was financially supported by the Croatian Science Foundation project: ‘09/23 Technology transfer in sugar beet production: improvements in pest control following the principles of integrated pest management (IPM)’ and the European Union: IPA 2007/HR/16IPO/001-040511 project, ‘Enhancement of collaboration between science, industry and farmers: Technology transfer for integrated pest management (IPM) in sugar beet as the way to improve farmer’s income and reduce pesticide use’.