Sequential Sampling for Pest Control Programs

Abstract

In comparison with traditional sampling techniques, sequential sampling reduces the number of samples required to evaluate a population level by 40-80%. This reduction lowers monitoring costs and facilitates the implementation of an integrated pest management programme. The authors review 4 prerequisites imposed by this technique and compare the advantages and limitations of the methods used by A. Wald and S. Iwao. They also describe the calculation methods and provide a practical example of the use of Poisson and negative binomial distributions (for Lygocoris communis on apple in Quebec).