AN EXTRACTION METHOD FOR RAPID COUNTS OF INSECT EGGS AND SMALL ORGANISMS

Abstract

Insect eggs and small organisms may be removed from foliage or bark with solvents and recovered on filter paper. Tests with Acleris variana (Fern.) showed that 96 per cent of eggs were recovered compared to 47–70 per cent counted on foliage. Tests indicated that the extraction method required one-third to one-tenth the time spent in counting the organisms on foliage. The extraction method was more consistent than counts on foliage, and less affected by differences in personnel and working conditions. The method and the solvent must be selected and modified to suit the organism.