Improving the efficiency of augmentative biological control with arthropod natural enemies: A modeling approach
Authored by Wouter N Plouvier, Eric Wajnberg
Date Published: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2018.05.010
Sponsors:
European Union
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Flow charts
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
A better understanding of the life-history traits of biocontrol agents
and their effect on population dynamics is key to obtaining more
efficient pest control and generating higher economic returns for
biocontrol practitioners. To this end, we constructed an optimality
simulation model based on principles of the behavioral ecology of
natural enemies. This model allows for the identification of the most
important life-history traits of natural enemies (e.g., fecundity,
longevity, attack rate, competition and dispersal), taking into account
the costs and benefits for biocontrol practitioners. The model was kept
general and was designed in such a way that it can be adapted to
different target species and their specific ecology (natural
enemy-pest-plant combination). Results indicate strong interactions
between the optimized life-history traits of the biocontrol agents. Two
different optimized life-history strategies for the agents were found
with higher potential economic returns. These strategies differ most
significantly in the plant-leaving decision and host handling time of
the biocontrol agent, but also in their respective fecundity, longevity
and dispersal ability. The preferred strategy depends on the number of
agents released and the growth rate of the plant. Information from these
optimality models can help to determine which agents should be released
and how they should be released in a specific agro-ecological situation.
Tags
Genetic Algorithms
Individual-based model
Genetic algorithm
ecology
Dispersal
Host-parasitoid dynamics
Mortality
Mechanisms
Strategies
Reproduction
Behavioral ecology
Life-history traits
Natural enemies
Insect parasitoids
Cost efficiency
Time
allocation