eefficiently of sweep net to estimate population density of sunn pest, eurygaster integriceps (heteroptera: scutelleridae) in rainfed fields of wheat

sunn pest (eurygaster integriceps put.) cause serious economic damage to wheat and barley in borujerd, north of lorestan province, iran. sweep net sampling, is the most convenient sampling procedure for many arthropods, but it is difficult to interpret in terms of accuracy and precision. much of the variation of sweep net catches, stems from human factors and its calibration. in this research, sampling design, and efficiently of sweep net to estimate population density of sunn pest were investigated using a standard sweep net in wheat fields in years 2004-2005. results show that, sweep net sampling was accurate for estimating numbers of three, four and five nymph instars and newly emerged adult, but was less efficient for 2nd nymph instar. the efficiently of sweep net to estimate those life stages (except 5th nymph instar and newly emerged adult) was significantly different. counting of three and four nymph instars and two last stages (5th nymph instar and newly emerged adult) abundance in one m2 of wheat fields area were equal to 10.9, 4.1 and 3.2 sweeping, respectively. the use of sweep net was the most preferred and convenient equipment to estimate three, four and five nymph instars and newly emerged adults of e. integriceps in rainfed fields of wheat.