Sampling techniques and population estimation for Atherigona reversura Villenueve (Diptera: Muscidae) in bermudagrass hay fields

Abstract

Atherigona reversura Villenueve (Diptera: Muscidae) has the potential to become a substantial threat to bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Pers.) hay fields through much of the southeastern and south central USA. In order to determine a protocol for treatment, a better understanding of A.reversura biology and a method for population estimation is needed. Regression analysis of an absolute and relative sampling technique yielded an equation [Density = 2(e-0.723 x sweep net count0.698), where Density = the number of flies/m² and sweep net count = the number of flies /10 sweep sample] to estimate the population of adult flies in a given hay field. The pupation period of A. reversura was determined to be 7-10 days on a 14:10 (L: D) photoperiod at two different temperature regimes (29.4°C/27.4°C and 27.0°C/25.0°C). The adult lifespan was 15-25 days when fed sugar water.