Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What is the most insect-specific method for sampling insect populations in a field?

1. Visual inspections

2. Trap

3. Soil assays

4. Sticky cards

The correct answer is: Trap

Using traps is the most insect-specific method for sampling insect populations in a field because they are designed to capture specific types of insects, thereby minimizing the chances of collecting non-target species. Traps can be tailored for various insects by utilizing specific baits, attractants, or mechanisms that draw in the target species while reducing the likelihood of bycatch. Traps can provide quantitative data, revealing not only the presence of an insect species but also its abundance within the field. This method allows for a more accurate assessment of pest populations and their changes over time, making it easier to inform management decisions. In contrast, visual inspections rely on the ability of the observer to identify and count insects, which can be limited by the observer's experience and the activity levels of the insects being surveyed. Soil assays target soil-borne pests or beneficial organisms in the soil rather than aerial insect populations. Sticky cards, while useful for monitoring certain flying insect populations, may collect non-target species and thus do not offer the same specificity as traps designed for particular insects.