Result Demonstration Report DEVELOPMENT OF A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT SAMPLING PLAN FOR COTTON FLEAHOPPER AND LYGUS PLANT BUGS USING THE BEAT BUCKET SAMPLING METHOD

Several commercial cotton fields from several locations in Texas were sampled in 2000 and 2001 in order to develop an efficient and reliable sampling plan based on the beat bucket sampling method. This sampling method utilizes a white five gallon bucket, which is economical and easy to find. Results indicate that one sampling plan could be used to sample both cotton fleahopper (CFH) and lygus plant bugs (LPB). To estimate 0.3 CFH/LPB per plant an average of 53 samples would be required. The average time needed to take 53 samples was 37 minutes. Relative to the visual sample method the beat bucket sample method increased efficiency in excess of 70%.