Evaluation of sampling procedure for leaf hopper and thrips in groundnut

Sampling methods were evaluated for their efficiency in the estimation of population of leaf hopper (Balclutha hortensis Lindb) and the susbania thrips (Caliothrips indicus Begnall) in groundnut in India. Best method was the use a sweep net based on reliability and economics. The actual count of thrips (C. indicus) by 3 sweeps using sweep net per sample is the sound method. The cost of egg count was Rs.725 for the three samples in a crop season, whereas it was only Rs.245 to go for actual population count by sweep net method. While going for leaf sampling for egg counting, older leaves (6th and 7th leaf from top of the main branch) are to be selected for counting the eggs.