How many plants should be scouted for True Armyworm across various locations?

The selection of 20 plants from 5 locations is significant for effective scouting of True Armyworm, as it allows for a comprehensive assessment of pest presence and population density across different environments. By scouting multiple locations, you can better understand the variability in pest pressure due to factors like microclimates, crop management practices, and natural enemy presence.

Scouting 20 plants ensures that a sufficient sample size is being monitored, as this increases the reliability of the data collected. This approach helps to mitigate the risk of missing out on localized infestations which could adversely affect crop health. Sampling from multiple locations also reduces the chances of skewed results that might occur if only one area is surveyed.

This method aligns with Integrated Pest Management principles, where thorough and varied scouting is vital for informed decision-making regarding pest management strategies. Having a diverse sample size helps in identifying hotspots of infestation and determining the overall pest status accurately.