The within-field spatial and temporal distribution of the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) in winter wheat.

Abstract

The within-field spatial distribution of the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) was investigated by intensively sampling a field of winter wheat during the spring and summer of 1996 using a 9 x 7 sampling grid comprising 63 locations at 30 m intervals. The data were described using Taylor's power law and by SADIE statistics in order to identify spatial pattern. Analysis demonstrated generally weak spatial association and some edge effects, although there was a significant within-field dependence of yield on aphid population parameters. The implications of these findings in relation to the development of pest management strategies are discussed.