An improved quantitative method for estimating invertebrate predation in the field using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Abstract
An equation for estimating invertebrate predation was tested in laboratory experiments with Sitobion avenae and polyphagous predators (Agonum dorsale, Bembidion lampros, Tachyporus hypnorum and Erigone atra) and compared with previously published equations. The newly proposed equation showed marked collinearity between observed and estimated rates, and the ratio of the two (2.0) was close to the theoretically expected value of 2.8. Two previously published equations underestimated consumption.