Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: July 15, 2005
Publication Date: January 10, 2006
Citation: Bancroft, J.S., Garcia, M.L., Welch, J.M. 2006. Lygus hesperus Movement and Response to Environmental Variability. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. 2006 CDROM.
Technical Abstract:
Mark recapture data showed dispersal differences due to Lygus sex, crop, and cardinal direction. The seasonal distribution of Lygus shows distinct generation peaks in April and May. Lygus dispersal distribution suggests movement among nearby fields and not regional migration. A barrier-gap crossing experiment examined how Lygus respond to gaps or field edges. Percent of Lygus crossing barriers was significantly different among gap types with flight increasing above a threshold temperature of about 90F. A flight direction experiment noted that Lygus tend to fly upwind just above the ground and are strongly attracted to odors of alfalfa. Preliminary analysis of a sampling study showed correlations among plants, arthropods and climate. Plant size was associated with (in descending order) fruit lost, spiders, carabids, and damsel & assassin bugs. Fruit loss was associated only with plant size. Lygus adults were associated with (in descending order) bigeye bugs, plant size, lacewings & hover flies, ladybird beetles, and air temperature. Lygus nymphs were associated with ladybird beetles and plant size.
Jay Bancroft PhD 661-746-8003 lab:x-8004 c:201-6273 http://www.ars.usda.gov/pwa/wicsru
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