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Abstract

The capacity of a predator population to suppress a prey population that varies in abundance and spatial distribution is explored in a lattice simulation model. The model is based on empirically derived parameters for particular species. Within season predation by Pterostichus cupreus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of varying densities and distributions of the prey Rhopalosiphum padi (Homoptera: Aphididae) in spring cereals was simulated. From these spatially explicit simulations prey population suppression was found to be largely dependent on the spatial distribution of the prey. A possible mechanism was that high degrees of prey aggregation provided refuge for the prey that, when aggregated, escaped detection by P. cupreus. In contrast, P. cupreus was found to efficiently suppress incipient outbreaks for evenly distributed prey populations, even at high prey densities. A higher predator density compensated for the lowered control ability of the predators for highly aggregated prey populations and hastened the decline of the prey population. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Keywords

Aphididae; Rhopalosiphum padi; Carabidae; pest control; foraging behavior

Published in

Ecological Modelling
2007, volume: 201, number: 2, pages: 163-170
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

SLU Authors

  • Ekbom, Barbara

    • Department of Entomology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences and Nature Conservation
Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2006.09.012

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/14019