A new multistage dynamic model for biological control exemplified by the host–parasitoid system Spodoptera exigua–Chelonus oculator

Abstract

Over the last few decades, important advances have been made in understanding of host-parasitoid relations and their applications to biological pest control. Not only has the number of agent species increased, but new manipulation techniques for natural enemies have also been empirically introduced, particularly in greenhouse crops. This makes biocontrol more complex, requiring a new mathematical modeling approach appropriate for the optimization of the release of agents. The present paper aimed at filling this gap by the development of a temperature-and stage-dependent dynamic mathematical model of the host-parasitoid system with an improved functional response. The model is appropriate not only for simulation analysis of the efficiency of biocontrol agents, but also for the application of optimal control methodology for the optimal timing of agent releases, and for the consideration of economic implications. Based on both laboratory and greenhouse trials, the model was validated and fitted to the data of Chelonus oculator (F.) (Hym.: Braconidae) as a biological control agent against the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lep.: Noctuidae). We emphasize that this model can be easily adapted to other interacting species involved in biological or integrated pest control with either parasitoid or predator agents. Key message• The paper aimed at filling the gap between existing host-parasitoid models and the empirically introduced new manipulation techniques of biocontrol. • The result is a temperature-and stage-dependent dynamic model of the host-parasitoid system, appropriate for simulation analysis and optimization of the release of biocontrol agents • For an illustration, the model is validated and fitted to the data of a concrete host-parasitoid system. • Our model building can be easily adapted to biocontrol by predatory agents.

Theoretical Foundation of the Control of Pollination by Hoverflies in a Greenhouse

“…The species considered for this work was Eristalis tenax (L.) (Diptera, Syrphidae: Eristalinae). Data on its biology and ecology have been collected from the available literature on this species and other nearby species in the same genus (e.g., [14,27,[32][33][34][35][36]).…”

“…The second question is: In which way can we maintain this desired pollinator density (e.g., [23,27])? Here, instead of the extremely inefficient continuous release of adult flies in the greenhouse, we propose another way: Initially we release adult flies.…”

Dynamic analysis and control of a rice-pest system under transcritical bifurcations

“…Biological controls constitute effective methods including natural enemies of insect pests as control agents such as parasitoids (e.g., Diapriidae for flies) [21], predators (e.g., Ophionea nigrofasciata ) [22], genetic sterilisation [23], pathogens (viral infections) [24,25], or the exploitation of competitor relationships (e.g. a competition for preying between the protist Didinium and Paramecium ) [26].…”

“…cultural methods such as field sanitation, crop rotation, tillage, etc., biological controls, or combinations thereof [3,9]. Biological controls constitute effective methods including natural enemies of insect pests as control agents such as parasitoids (e.g., Diapriidae for flies) [13], predators (e.g., Ophionea nigrofasciata) [14], genetic sterilisation [15], pathogens (viral infections) [16], or the exploitation of competitor relationships (e.g., a competition for preying between the protist Didinium and Paramecium) [17]. Further, the application of artificial signals such as that mimicking a female pheromone can be applied to confuse heterospecifics or to trap reproductives [18] an alternative with no harmful chemicals being emitted [14].…”

Phytochemical variation mediates the susceptibility of insect herbivores to entomoviruses

“…Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) are an important group of baculovirus that has been exploited to control many lepidopteran pests (Garay et al, 2015;Moreau et al, 2005;Stevenson, D'Cunha, & Grzywacz, 2010). Several studies have examined the plant-mediated effects on the susceptibility of noctuid pests to NPV (Ali et al, 1998(Ali et al, , 2002Monobrullah et al, 2007;Shikano et al, 2010).…”