Methods of Observation and Trapping of Diseases and Insects in Field Crops
Identifying diseases and insects requires using precise trapping and visual observation methods. Following these protocols ensures a reliable diagnosis for appropriate decision-making.
- On cereals
- Slug: slug trap
- Gall midge: yellow bowl
- Leafhopper: yellow sticky trap
- For oilseed rape
- Slugs: slug trap
- Terminal bud weevil: yellow bowl and longitudinal section
- Stem weevil: yellow bowl and longitudinal section
- Pod weevil: yellow bowl
- Adult flea beetle: yellow bowl
- Flea beetle larva: yellow bowl
- Pollen beetle: yellow bowl
- Regarding peas and faba beans
- Slugs: slug trap
- Moth: pheromone trap
- Gall midge: yellow bowl
The slug trap
To provide effective information, setting up slug traps must follow certain rules:
- Place before sowing, on moist soil to assess potential pressure,
- Place after sowing up to 3-4 leaves to assess actual pressure,
- Place at least 4 traps, 10m from edges and spaced a few meters apart.
This gives you an estimate per m².
The yellow bowl
The yellow bowl must be located at least 10m from the edge and downwind. It contains a water base with soap to trap insects.
The yellow color of the bowl must be visible among the green biomass as it attracts the insects.
The yellow bowl should be positioned at vegetation level for maximum effectiveness, so it needs to be raised as the crop grows.
The longitudinal section
Longitudinal dissection of the stem and bud of oilseed rape is useful to identify:
- The terminal bud weevil
- Flea beetle larvae
Annexes
