The spatial distribution of the bird cherry-oat aphidRhopalosiphum padiin spring cereals was analyzed using the negative binomial commonk, Taylor's power law, and Iwao's regression technique. A commonkcould not be fitted to all data because of the large range in densities. Taylor's method was chosen instead of Iwao's because of problems with interpretation of the results. Using Taylor's regression coefficients, sequential count and sampling decision plans were developed. Their uses in the field for forecasting and monitoring for economic thresholds are discussed.