Production Flow System Evaluation of Within-tree Populations of Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Abstract

Production flow system methodologies, originally developed for use in industrial quality control and electrical engineering problem solving, were adopted for use in describing the partial within-tree population system of Dendroctonus frontalis. The spatial and statistical distribution of D. frontalis life stages were defined by 2 and 3 parameter non-linear mathematical models. By integrating under the curves generated by the models for the various life stages it was possible to quantitatively define within-tree populations of the various life stages. For each year of study, transition probabilities between life stages were calculated using standard production flow system techniques. These transition probabilities were cast into a production flowgraph format. Each of the production flow models was evaluated using an algebraic solution technique and the similarities and differences between populations occuring in the 3 yr of study were contrasted. The production flow system technique was suggested as an alternative to the traditional life table format. Several advantages of the production flow system format over the life table were suggested. The most important advantage was that the variables are tied together mathematically and cast into a formalized engineering methodology.