Sequential Sampling for the Imported Cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.)

Abstract

AbstractSequential sampling, in which decisions depend upon the accumulated results of a series of observations, leads to considerable saving of time and money. A sequential plan, based on the negative binomial distribution and providing for population estimates in three infestation categories, was drawn up for use in control of the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), on cabbage. An appraisal of the plan under field conditions showed that it reduced the sampling time by 75% while rating the infestation correctly in 94 of 100 cases. With the six discrepancies, population means lay between the limits set for the infestation categories.