The study of insects' spatial distribution is fundamental to elaborate potential sampling plans to be used in integrated pest management. Spatial distribution of Toxoptera citricida was studied in plots of commercial orange orchards (Citrus sinensis) from 'Pêra' variety of 5, 9 and 15 years old, respectively, from September 2004 to April 2005. It was carried through 14 fortnightlies Toxoptera citricida samplings numbers, utilizing yellow adhesive traps (0.11 x 0.11 m) settled on the plant at 1.5 m of height approximately. The traps were distributed in the area each five plants in the line, in alternated lines, totalizing 137 traps in the 5 years plot, 140 in the 9 years plot and 80 in the 15 years plot. The dispersion indexes used were: variance/mean relationship (I), index of Morisita (Idelta), coefficient of Green (Cx) and k exponent of negative binomial distribution. The best aggregation index was the k exponent of negative binomial distribution and negative binomial distribution was the best of the data models. Through these analyses it was verified that most of the samplings presented an aggregated distribution of the brown citrus aphid population.
pest; brown citrus aphid; Citrus sinensis; sampling; negative binomial distribution
