Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - 10:53 AM
1265

Selecting flight behaviors in a simulation that explains Lygus population dynamics on a set of contiguous fields

Jay S. Bancroft, jsbancroft@pw.ars.usda.gov, USDA-ARS, 17053 Shafter Av, Shafter, CA and Peter B Goodell, University of California, Kearney Agricultural Center, 9240 S Riverbend, Parlier, CA.

Lygus bugs are a key pest in many crops. Population simulations were used to predict abundance and movement among the mosaic of crops. The selection of movement formulations that better fit empirical data provides a mechanistic basis for prediction. The results provide estimates of pest pressure in time and space. General conclusions about risk management of Lygus hesperus may be used in other contexts.

 



Species 1: Hemiptera Miridae Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug)