Models of <i>Diabrotica</i> Populations: Demography, Population Genetics, Geographic Spread, and Management

• Main Authors: David W. Onstad, Michael A. Caprio, Zaiqi Pan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
• Series: Insects
• Subjects: <i>Diabrotica barberi</i>; <i>Diabrotica virgifera virgifera</i>; insect resistance management; population dynamics
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/10/712

Both <i>Diabrotica virgifera virgifera</i> LeConte and <i>D. barberi</i> Smith and Lawrence are among the most damaging insects impacting corn in North America. <i>D. virgifera virgifera</i> has also invaded Europe and has become an important pest in that region. Computer models have become an important tool for understanding the impact and spread of these important pests. Over the past 30 years, over 40 models have been published related to these pests. The focus of these models range from occupancy models (particularly for Europe), impact of climate change, range expansion, economics of pest management, phenology, to the evolution of resistance to toxins and crop rotation. All of these models share characteristics. We elaborate on the methods in which modelers have incorporated the biology of these pests, including density-dependence, movement, fecundity and overwintering mortality. We discuss the utility of both spatially-explicit, complex models and spatially-implicit, generational models and where each might be appropriate. We review resistance models that either explain past evolution to crop rotation, insecticides or insecticidal traits or attempt to predict the consequences of resistance management strategies.