Observations on the Control of Insects by Hand-collection

E-ISSN： 1475-2670|26|4|533-541

ISSN： 0007-4853

Source： Bulletin of Entomological Research, Vol.26, Iss.4, 1935-12, pp. : 533-541

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Abstract

The paper deals with the control of insects by hand-collection. An experimental study of the method as used against Antestia on coffee in Kenya is described. The rate of increase of the yield of insects collected falls off in a definite and measurable manner as the time spent on the work increases. The formula for the curve fitting the results is P = 100(1 − (V.e.)^−t) where “ P ” is the percentage collected of the total Antestia present, “ t ” is the time spent collecting, and “ V ” is a coefficient which has different values according to the conditions prevailing. In practice one careful experimental picking provides data for the calculation of the formula which may be used to determine the cost of hand-picking any percentage.