The field scale distribution of insects in winter wheat.

Abstract

The work described in this paper characterises the spatial and temporal distributions of aphids and their natural enemies in winter wheat. Three uses of these data are presented, which investigate; firstly, the possible effectiveness of precision-based spatially varied pesticide application: secondly, crop-scouting strategies; and thirdly, predator-prey interactions. Results from field studies describing the development of populations of Sitobion avenae and Metopolophium dirhodum are presented and the implications for the development of Integrated Pest Management strategies discussed.