Survey of beneficial arthropods in potato crops in south-east Queensland

Abstract

An autumn and spring crop of potatoes were grown using standard cultural practices except that no insecticides were applied. Crops were divided into plots of equal size and a number of randomly chosen plots inspected weekly and all arthropods (pest and beneficial) recorded. Each plot was sampled only once in the duration of each crop. Sampling methods included pitfall and yellow pan traps left in place for one week and suction machine samples and plant inspections made once weekly. A malaise trap was used to monitor flying insect
populations in the area of the crop for its duration. All arthropod species recovered from both crops are listed according to their status (pest, parasite or predator) and host associations given for parasites and predators of pest species.