AN INNOVATIVE AERIAL INSECT TRAP FOR SAMPLING AIR BORNE INSECTS AND ITS FIELD VALIDATION WITH FARMERS’ PARTICIPATORY APPROACH

摘要

An innovative insect trap for sampling air borne insects was designed, standardized and field validated. It works with the help of natural wind velocity and no other source of energy is required. The trap constituted a broad barrel shaped structure with both of its ends open. One of the ends is fixed into a broad sleeve, which is kept tied from the other end thus forming a sac like structure. The other end has a cone section at its opening. It is mounted on a telescopic upright arrangement having a ball bearing which helps in its rotation. It can be used for sampling air borne insects like aphids and parasitic insects. Pest management strategies can be planned based upon the sampling information and injudicious use of chemical pesticides can be minimized.