Abstract:
The potential for extensive adult movements is one of the key factors contributing to the success of Heliothis spp. as pests (Farrow & Daly 1987, Fitt 1989). Adult movements may occur on several spatial scales; from one field to another, between areas within a valley or between regions (see Gregg et al 1990). Quantitative information about adult behaviour, and movement in particular, is required for the Heliothis population models currently being developed to provide forecasts of infestations on cotton crops (Dillon & Fitt 1990). There are a number of questions to be answered and these are being tackled using a range of techniques (Drake & Fitt 1990) to provide a comprehensive picture of Heliothis movement In particular we are interested in the behaviour of newly emerged moths produced from crops within the cotton areas. How far do these moths fly before colonising a crop in which to lay eggs? When do they leave? How do they move in relation to the wind? What characteristics of crops cause moths to leave or stay within them to mate and lay eggs? To answer some of these questions we are conducting a series of mark recapture studies at Myall Vale.
