Journal of Pest Science (2012) 85, 163-167

Emily A. Fontenot, Frank H. Arthur, James R. Nechols and James E. Throne (2012)
Using a population growth model to simulate response of Plodia interpunctella Hübner to temperature and diet
Journal of Pest Science 85 (1), 163-167
Abstract: Response to temperature and diet are major factors in the potential population growth of Plodia interpunctella Hübner, a damaging pest of many stored products. A population growth model was used to simulate population development on an optimal wheat-based diet and a sub-optimal diet of raisins at 20-35°C, using different starting values for initial density and life stage. Predicted population development on the two diets increased with temperature and growth patterns were similar regardless of starting population levels at temperatures over 20°C. The predicted population levels on raisins were much less than those predicted for wheat diet, with the same general patterns of increasing populations with temperature at each starting density level or life stage. Results show that the intrinsic population dynamics for P. interpunctella even on a sub-optimal diet and at sub-optimal temperatures are such that density can increase rapidly to levels that would cause extensive economic damage. The ability to predict population growth is a valuable tool to aid pest managers in decision making.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Frank H. Arthur, James E. Throne, Emily A. Fontenot

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Plodia interpunctella	Stored grain