MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS: MODELING THE BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL

2008 ◽  
Vol 03 (01n02) ◽  
pp. 241-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARAT RAFIKOV ◽  
JOSÉ MANOEL BALTHAZAR ◽  
HUBERTUS F. VON BREMEN

The aim of this paper is to study the cropping system as complex one, applying methods from theory of dynamic systems and from the control theory to the mathematical modeling of the biological pest control. The complex system can be described by different mathematical models. Based on three models of the pest control, the various scenarios have been simulated in order to obtain the pest control strategy only through natural enemies' introduction.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 709-716
Author(s):  
M. Mala ◽  
M. M. I. Mollah ◽  
M. Baishnab

Traditional there are two strategies to handle pest problems in crop production, either dependence on non-chemical agricultural practices (such as cultural, mechanical, biological practices etc.) or reliance on existing natural pest control mechanisms. Intercropping is a cultural non-chemical agricultural practice where two or more crops are grown on the same field in a year with different cropping patterns. In this multiple cropping system, biodiversity and pest suppression are increased. Biodiversity can restore the natural elements of agro ecosystem because almost all favorable elements of natural enemies are available in diversified agro ecosystem. Energy intensive modern technology in agriculture is one of the vital causes for loss of biodiversity. In intercropping system biological pest control method can be ensured with higher level of crop diversity instead of energy intensive agriculture. Intercropping provides different benefits on pest management with two available hypotheses or mechanism. One of the hypotheses is the ‘resource concentration hypothesis’ and another is the ‘natural enemies hypothesis’. Intercropping, directly and indirectly, influences to increase biodiversity which results in reduction of pest densities in crop fields. As a result, less expense for use of pesticide is required and finally higher yield also add some financial benefits. Intercropping system utilizes inherent ability of plant to protect pests. Therefore further knowledge about genotypic crop diversity, diversity of natural enemies, chemically-mediated mechanisms of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) will be effective for further improvement of intercropping system for greater benefits.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-257
Author(s):  
Sergey I. Makarov

This paper discusses approaches to economic and mathematical modeling skills development among students of universities of economics. The need for this competency among specialists in the digital economy is shown. The motivation of the student the future specialist in the digital economy in mastering the basic techniques of economic processes and systems modeling is outlined. The sections of the school course in mathematics are given, which are the basis for the development of these skills. Mathematical courses are examined; their study is considered to be the foundation for the development of the competence in economic processes modeling. The author describes the main types of mathematical models that are studied at the present stage at universities of economics and are widely used in the digital economy. The author also presents a classification of the models used in the educational process while studying mathematical courses. The main requirements for economic-mathematical models are discussed and substantiated. The author has listed necessary requirements for teachers of mathematical departments of universities. These requirements can help them to teach basic mathematics and its applied sections (e.g. mathematical modeling) to students successfully. The main conclusions and results of the study can be used in the practical work of teachers of mathematical departments at universities of economics when creating electronic teaching aids of economic and mathematical modeling and methods of their application in the educational process.


1997 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
George H. Dibdin

A set of mathematical equations constitutes a mathematical model if it aims to represent a real system and is based on some theory of that system's operation. On this definition, mathematical models, some very simple, are everywhere in science. A complex system like a biofilm requires modeling by numerical methods and, because of inevitable uncertainties in its theoretical basis, may not be able to make precise predictions. Nevertheless, such models almost always give new insight into the mechanisms involved, and stimulate further investigation. The way in which diffusion coefficients are measured for use in a model, particularly whether they include effects of reversible reaction, is a key element in the modeling. Reasons are given for separating diffusion from reversible reaction effects and dealing with them in a separate subroutine of the model.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Gerben J. Messelink ◽  
Jérôme Lambion ◽  
Arne Janssen ◽  
Paul C. J. van Rijn

One of the ecosystem services of biodiversity is the contribution to pest control through conservation and stimulation of natural enemies. However, whether plant diversity around greenhouses is beneficial or a potential risk is heavily debated. In this review, we argue that most greenhouse pests in temperate climates are of exotic origin and infest greenhouses mainly through transportation of plant material. For indigenous pests, we discuss the potential ways in which plant diversity around greenhouses can facilitate or prevent pest migrations into greenhouses. As shown in several studies, an important benefit of increased plant diversity around greenhouses is the stimulation of indigenous natural enemies that migrate to greenhouses, where they suppress both indigenous and exotic pests. How this influx can be supported by specific plant communities, plant characteristics, and habitats while minimising risks of increasing greenhouse pest densities, virus transmission, or hyperparasitism needs further studies. It also requires a better understanding of the underlying processes that link biodiversity with pest management. Inside greenhouses, plant biodiversity can also support biological control. We summarise general methods that growers can use to enhance pest control with functional biodiversity and suggest that it is particularly important to study how biodiversity inside and outside greenhouses can be linked to enhancement of biological pest control with both released and naturally occurring species of natural enemies.


BIOMAT 2007 ◽  
2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARAT RAFIKOV ◽  
JOSÉ MANOEL BALTHAZAR ◽  
HUBERTUS F. VON BREMEN

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 533
Author(s):  
Frédéric Francis ◽  
Hans Jacquemyn ◽  
Frank Delvigne ◽  
Bart Lievens

Integrated pest management (IPM) is today a widely accepted pest management strategy to select and use the most efficient control tactics and at the same time reduce over-dependence on chemical insecticides and their potentially negative environmental effects. One of the main pillars of IPM is biological control. While biological control programs of pest insects commonly rely on natural enemies such as predatory insects, parasitoids and microbial pathogens, there is increasing evidence that plant, soil and insect microbiomes can also be exploited to enhance plant defense against herbivores. In this mini-review, we illustrate how microorganisms from diverse origins can contribute to plant fitness, functional traits and indirect defense responses against pest insects, and therefore be indirectly used to improve biological pest control practices. Microorganisms in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere have not only been shown to enhance plant growth and plant strength, but also promote plant defense against herbivores both above- and belowground by providing feeding deterrence or antibiosis. Also, herbivore associated molecular patterns may be induced by microorganisms that come from oral phytophagous insect secretions and elicit plant-specific responses to herbivore attacks. Furthermore, microorganisms that inhabit floral nectar and insect honeydew produce volatile organic compounds that attract beneficial insects like natural enemies, thereby providing indirect pest control. Given the multiple benefits of microorganisms to plants, we argue that future IPMs should consider and exploit the whole range of possibilities that microorganisms offer to enhance plant defense and increase attraction, fecundity and performance of natural enemies.


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