A Method for Sampling Lucerne Flea, Sminthurus viridis L. (Collembola: Sminthuridae), in Annual Medic Pastures

Abstract

A simple sticky‐trap method suitable for estimating the abundance of Srninthurus viridis on annual medic pastures was developed and compared to a standard coring method. The sticky‐trap was developed for sampling in newly established medic pastures when cores cannot be removed intact due to insufficient plant material, particularly on dry or sandy soils. This method provides a quick estimate of S. viridis population density in the field.