Evaluating trap cropping strategies for insect pest control through simulation models
Authored by Maria S Fenoglio, Martin Videla, Juan M Morales
Date Published: 2017
DOI: 10.1007/s10340-016-0807-y
Sponsors:
Fondo para la Investigacion Cientifica Tecnologica
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Flow charts
Model Code URLs:
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Abstract
Trap cropping is a habitat management strategy where the aim is to
reduce damage to the crop of interest by mixing it with other plants
that are highly attractive to insect pests. However, despite its
potential, the application of this strategy has been limited mainly due
to a lack of consistent effectiveness. Here, we developed an
individual-based spatially explicit model that accounts for
reproduction, movement and mortality of insects within a mixed crop
system. This model was used to evaluate the effects of varying trap crop
spatial configurations (border, stripes and patches), cover (2, 4 and 10
\%) and supplemental management strategies (early harvest and pesticide
application) to gain insight into the best control options offered by
trap cropping. As a case study, we considered Liriomyza huidobrensis, a
world known leafminer pest. Our results showed a maximum reduction of
about 34 \% in the pest population of the main crop when using trap
plants. The supplemental management strategy had a stronger effect than
other factors, with pesticide use being the best option. A sensitivity
analysis showed that demographic parameters were more relevant than the
behavioral ones in determining the success of the method. Our model
suggests that trap cropping is only suitable for controlling L.
huidobrensis if a pesticide application is added to the trap crop.
Individual-based models, which are cheaper and less laborious than
direct field testing, might provide an important tool to help define
management schemes for the control of herbivorous pests.
Tags
Individual-based model
Management
Performance
movement
ecology
patterns
systems
Liriomyza-huidobrensis
Leafminer
Preference
Hemiptera
Herbivores
Pest management