Insect-pathogen dynamics: stage-specific susceptibility and insect density dependence.

M Moerbeek; F van den Bosch

doi:10.1016/s0025-5564(96)00175-7

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Insect-pathogen dynamics: stage-specific susceptibility and insect density dependence.

M Moerbeek·F van den Bosch

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Abstract

The control of insect pests by using insect pathogens as dynamic biological control agents is a recent effort. Model studies on insect-pathogen relations can help in the development of biocontrol programs. Except for the work of Briggs and Godfray [1], insect-pathogen models ignore the stage-specific susceptibility of insects. Moreover most models do not incorporate insect self-regulation. We develop stage-structured models of insect-pathogen relations incorporating insect-density dependence and disease transmitted through direct contact between susceptible and infective individuals. The models are analyzed by using steady-state and stability analysis. Numerical solutions are used as sources of further insight into the dynamics of the insect-pathogen systems. It is shown that there are major differences in the dynamics of adult- and juvenile-infecting diseases. Moreover, the interplay between insect-density dependence and stage-specific susceptibility has important consequences for the dynamics of insect-pathogen systems.

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Agriculture Animals Disease Susceptibility Insect Control Insecta Models, Statistical Models, Theoretical Pest Control, Biological Population Dynamics Software Journal Article

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M Moerbeek, F van den Bosch. 1997-04-15. Insect-pathogen dynamics: stage-specific susceptibility and insect density dependence.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0025-5564(96)00175-7

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