LAUSR

BACKGROUND Understanding the dynamics of pest immigration into an agroecosystem enables effective and timely management strategies. The pollen beetles (Brassicogethes aeneus) is a primary pest of the infloresence stages of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of pollen beetle immigration into oilseed rape fields in Denmark and the UK using multiple methods, including optical sensors. RESULTS In all fields, pollen beetles were found to be aggregated and beetle density was related to plant growth stage, with more beetles occuring on plants after the budding stage than before inflourescence development. Optical sensors were the most efficient monitoring method, recording pollen beetles two and four days ahead of water traps and counts from plant scouting, respectively. CONCLUSION Optical sensors are a promising tool for early warning of insect pest immigration. The aggregation pattern of pollen beetles post immigration could be used to precisely target control in oilseed rape crops.