The Canadian Entomologist (2020) 152, 311-329

O. Olfert, R.M. Weiss, M. Vankosky, S. Hartley and J.F. Doane (2020)
Modelling the tri-trophic population dynamics of a host crop (Triticum aestivum; Poaceae), a major pest insect (Sitodiplosis mosellana; Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), and a parasitoid of the pest species (Macroglenes penetrans; Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae): a cohort-based approach incorporating the effects of weather
The Canadian Entomologist 152 (3), 311-329
Abstract: This paper describes a tri-trophic analysis of the ecological dynamics of a crop, an insect pest, and a natural enemy of the insect pest. Worldwide wheat (Triticum Linnaeus) (Poaceae) production in 2018–2019 was estimated at over 700 million metric tons in 2018–2019. Wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a serious insect pest of wheat, is widely distributed in many parts of the world where wheat production occurs. Macroglenes penetrans (Kirby) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a parasitoid of S. mosellana, has successfully established in most wheat midge-infested areas. Mechanistic, or process-based, population models were used in this study to assess the interactive population dynamics of the three species, based on their respective life cycles and meteorological factors. The models were validated with survey data from multiple sites over numerous years (1991–2016). These simulation models helped to detail our understanding of the tri-trophic population dynamics and will help guide pest management decisions both prior to the growing season and until wheat heading, when wheat is no longer susceptible to S. mosellana. The associated models also help identify gaps in system knowledge, provide a foundation for evaluating future innovative management options, and evaluate the potential impact of a changing climate.
(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): Owen Olfert, Meghan A. Vankosky

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
population dynamics/ epidemiology
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
population dynamics/epizootiology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sitodiplosis mosellana	Wheat (Triticum)	Canada (west)
Macroglenes penetrans (parasitoid)	Sitodiplosis mosellana	Wheat (Triticum)	Canada (west)