Applications of biological control in resistant host-pathogen systems

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Mathematical Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Insect pests cause significant crop damage, traditionally managed with chemical insecticides.
• Overuse of chemical insecticides raises environmental and health concerns, prompting research into alternative pest control methods.
• Biological control agents are promising alternatives, but can inadvertently select for resistant insect pest strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a discrete-time host-pathogen model analyzing the interaction between insect pests and biological control agents.
• To investigate how the development of resistance in insect pest populations affects their viability and population dynamics.
• To explore the ecological trade-offs influencing host-pathogen interactions under varying resistance levels.

Main Methods:

• A discrete-time mathematical model was formulated to represent the host (insect pest) and pathogen (biological control) interaction.
• The model utilizes a single-state variable to describe the host population dynamics.
• Analysis focused on the impact of the proportion of resistance within the host population on population viability and levels.

Main Results:

• The proportion of resistance in the insect pest population significantly influences its overall viability.
• When the host population persists, its susceptibility and population density are intricately linked.
• Ecological explanations for observed scenarios involve trade-offs in intrinsic growth rates, disease susceptibility, and intraspecific competition.

Conclusions:

• Biological control strategies must consider the potential for inducing resistance in pest populations.
• Mathematical modeling provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of host-pathogen systems in pest management.
• Understanding resistance evolution is crucial for developing sustainable and effective insect pest control strategies.