Influence of inter-observer variation on insect scouting observations and management decisions
1989
Shufran, K.A. | Raney, H.G.
Accuracy of integrated pest management (IPM) scouting observations was assessed by quantifying inter-observer variation and determining its influence on insect management decisions. During 1984 and 1985, the senior author assumed the role of a scout in the Lincoln Trail area of Kentucky where IPM scouts were employed by a farmer-organized, nonprofit corporation. At the end of the scouting seasons, observations on European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), on western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera LeConte, and on alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), made by IPM scouts were compared and contrasted with those recorded by the rearch scout. A management decision was made for each paired scouting visit using first the research scout's report and then an IPM scout's report. The results suggest that a population estimate based on one person's observations is not adequate to make a correct insect management decisions. Inter-observer variation can affect insect population estimates and management decisions, but it has little effect when populations are at subeconomic levels. Economic thesholds should be developed and used with inter-observer variation in mind.
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