BioControl

, Volume 56, Issue 6, pp 935–945 | Cite as

Modeling the interaction between the exotic invasive aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum and the native biocontrol agent Euhrychiopsis lecontei to improve augmented management programs

  • James Kyle Miller
  • Lara Roketenetz
  • Heath Garris
Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Mathematical modeling is used to investigate control of the invasive aquatic plant Myriophyllum spicatum L. by the native watermilfoil weevil Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz. An age-structured population model with discrete development class is used to separate the destructive activity of Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz larvae from the relatively benign activity of the other developmental stages. Empirical model behavior is evaluated and agrees with expected system characteristics. Simulation results demonstrate diminishing returns in the control impact of E. lecontei Dietz as a function of population stocking density. These results indicate that predictive modeling of this type may be used to optimize the utilization of Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz as a biological control agent.

Keywords

Euhrychiopsis lecontei Myriophyllum spicatum Biocontrol Predator–prey model 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

We would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Peter Niewiarowski for his advice and support.

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Copyright information

© International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  • James Kyle Miller
    • 1
  • Lara Roketenetz
    • 1
  • Heath Garris
    • 1
  1. 1.University of AkronAkronUSA

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