The Manipulation of the Population Growth of a Pest Species: An Analytical Approach

Abstract

The demographic effects of reducing temperature and of insecticidal application against populations of the stored grain pest, S. oryzae, were investigated analytically, using a Leslie matrix model of population growth. Reduction of the grain temperature from 27-18.degree. C and imposing an adult mortality of 83% at 27.degree. C depressed population growth equally. The prevention of population growth at 18.degree. C requires only 59% adult mortality/wk, whereas at 27.degree. C, 95% is required. The implications of these results of control strategies are discussed.