Byers, J.A. 1993. Simulation and equation models of
insect population control by pheromone-baited
traps. Journal of Chemical Ecology 19:1939-1956.
Abstract--
A spatial-temporal model for personal computer is developed that simulates
trapping of an insect population based on trap and population parameters that
can be varied independently. The model allows individual `insects' to move
forward at any step size with right or left turns within any specified angle
taken at random. The X- and Y-axes of the area within which insects move can be
varied as well as the number of insects, their flight speed, and the duration
of the control period. In addition, the number of pheromone-baited traps, their
placement in a grid or at random (with a variable degree of spacing), and their
effective catch radius (proportional to pheromone release rate) can also be
varied. Simulations showed that catch was similar regardless of whether traps
were placed in a grid or practically at random (random placement but no traps
were allowed to overlap in their effective catch radii). Iterative equations
were developed for computer that can rapidly obtain values that correspond to
the mean results from the slower simulation model. Based on a set of input
parameters, the equations determine the percentage of the population that
should be caught during a specified time, the time required to catch a
specified proportion of the insects, and the number of traps necessary to catch
the population proportion in the time period. The effects of varying the number
of insects, flight speed, trap radius, and number of traps on the percent
control or time to catch all insects are presented. Population control of the
bark beetle Ips typographus was simulated using realistic pheromone trap and
population parameters. A discussion of insect and bark beetle
(Coleoptera: Scolytidae) population control using pheromone traps is
presented.
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Chemical Ecology