Solar influence to the numerousness dynamics of Bothynoderes punctiventris Germ. in Vojvodina

Abstract

In the region of Vojvodina, sugar beet weevil (Bothynoderes punctiventris G e r m) is the most important sugar beet pest. Therefore, it would be of great practical benefit if we could establish some regularity in their population dynamics, if it exists and then organize the control of this pest more successfully. During the period of 1961-2004, in Vojvodina, the population density of B. punctiventris was monitored. The annual average of population density varied between 0 and 15 insects per square meter. Analyzing the obtained data it was noticed that there existed a certain periodicity of population outbreaks (maximal densities), approximately of 11 years. Regarding the fact that the solar activity, known as solar flux (observed at 2800 MHz) has a similar periodicity, a statistical processing in the paper of the collected data (periodograms, cross periodograms /real and imaginary ones/, cross densities, cross quadratures, cross amplitudes, squared coherencies as well as cross correlations) was carried out. Inter alia, it was concluded that the population outbreaks of B. punctiventris follows the maximal solar activity (known as solar flux on 2800 MHz), with a lag of seven years.

Keywords

• solar activity
• Bothynoderes punctiventris Germ.
• population dynamics