Three Methods for Sampling Arthropod Numbers on California Cotton

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Abstract
Three collection methods were compared as measures of pest and beneficial arthropod numbers in cotton: a visual examination of plants, a modified berlese-funnel method, and whole-plant collection in cloth bags. Numbers of arthropods collected by the three methods were compared, with developmental stages separated where possible. No significant differences in the numbers collected by the three methods were detected when arthropod populations were at low densities. No single method was most effective for estimating all life stages of two or more particular arthropod species. A combination of the bag and berlese-funnel methods provided a better estimate for some arthropod populations than the use of bags alone. Some of these methods are suitable for research purposes, but none are feasible for use by commercial pest control advisors.