DefinePK

Abstract

A three-year survey was conducted to evaluate population density and movement of Lygus species on cultivated crops and non-cultivated habitats throughout the growing season in Colorado. Three Lygus species, L. elisus, L. hesperus, L. lineolaris, were commonly found in cultivated crops and non-cultivated habitats based on concurrent adult collections in Colorado. Lygus species were found from early April to late in August, having multiple generations in each year in Colorado. Lygus species had wide host range in Colorado. Alfalfa was a significant host plant for Lygus species. However, after cutting alfalfa, Lygus species moved to adjacent crops, i.e. canola and caused significant injury during early flower and pod stages. The wild mustards, flixweed, D. sophia L. and tansy mustard, D. pinnata (Walt.), were significantly important host plants in non-cultivated areas and within cultivated crops. Removing wild mustard in sampling area resulted in the movement of Lygus species to canola crop. In conclusion, it might be important to know population density of Lygus species and their movement on cultivated crops and non-cultivated habitats to predict their injury to canola plants to develop control strategies.