Quantifying trade-os between pest sampling time and precision in commercial IPM sampling programs

A key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agricultural systems is ®eld monitoring for pests prior to reaching a management decision. The study objective was to quantify a common design constraint of commercial IPM sampling programs: the trade-o€ between sampling time and accuracy of the resulting pest management decision. Using consperse stink bug (Euschistus conspersus Uhler) in processing tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller), this paper develops a sample size model based on pest spatial distribution and response from a pest control advisor survey. Results identify a gap between pest sampling programs developed by University researchers and sampling methods adopted at the commercial ®eld level. The sample size model permits variation in pest treatment thresholds and treatment decision accuracy. Conclusions support use of this model to satisfy commercial time constraints while maintaining a reliable level of sampling precision. This study introduces a novel approach to transferring IPM sampling programs from University research to commercial ®eld adoption. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.