Abstract
Field data from 48 plots monitored during diverse weather conditions in two separate years were subjected to multiple regression analysis to determine which factors were related to spider-mite aerial dispersal. With the number of aerially dispersing mites as the dependent variable, partial regression coefficients (b) for mite population density and percent corn-leaf area infested with mites were positive, while those for percentNeozygites-infected mites and hours per week ≥90% r.h. were negative. When an aerial dispersal index (number of aerially dispersing mites/mites per plant) was used as the dependent variable, the partial regression coefficient for percent leaf area infested was positive, while coefficients for hours per week ≥90% r.h. and percentNeozygites-infected mites were negative. Mite aerial dispersal was greatest in predator-suppressed field plots under dry weather conditions. Mite aerial dispersal was substantially reduced in plots where moist weather conditions induced epizootics ofNeozygites floridana before corn plants became entirely infested with mites.
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Smitley, D.R., Kennedy, G.G. Aerial dispersal of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) from field corn. Exp Appl Acarol 5, 33–46 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02053815
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02053815