Ovipositional preference of the cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus, and distribution of eggs among host plant species
Distribution of eggs of cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus among wild host plants in a field study area was found to be related to the species and phenology of the plants. On a per plant basis, horsemint, Monarda punctata , accounted for the highest proportion of eggs until mid-July. After July 29 all P. seriatus eggs in the study area were found on Croton capitatus . Other aspects of the distribution of eggs among host plants in the field were investigated. Laboratory studies showed that flowering Monarda punctata , and flowering Croton capitatus were favored over other host species and other phenological stages as oviposition sites. Significantly more eggs were deposited in a pubescent cotton variety than in a glabrous variety.
Summary ::: ::: The addition of 0.07 per cent Fe or more in the form of polycations decreased the total area of cracks and increased the number of transmissive pores of soils after simulated rainfall and drying. This resulted in increased per cent emergence and lower mean day of emergence of wheat plants. Per cent emergence (.v) was negatively correlated with penetrometer resistance (x). ::: ::: ::: ::: The increased germination was followed by greater plant growth, including increased plant height and yield. The Fe polycation treatments had no significant effect on root length measured at harvest.