An Interactive Teaching Tool Describing Resistance Evolution and Basic Economics of Insecticide-Based Pest...

Area of Science:

• Applied Entomology
• Population Genetics
• Pest Management

Background:

• Population modeling is crucial in applied entomology but often perceived as abstract and theoretical by students.
• Effective teaching requires establishing relevance and engaging students in dialogue.
• Bridging the gap between theory and practical application is essential for complex scientific concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce undergraduate and graduate entomology students to hands-on population modeling.
• To provide an interactive teaching tool for understanding genetic population models and resistance evolution.
• To demonstrate the economic implications of insecticide-based pest management scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A deterministic genetic population model simulating three genotypes (SS, SR, RR) over 30 generations.
• Incorporation of user inputs for genotype-specific parameters (survival, fitness, reproduction, migration).
• Inclusion of pest management variables (action thresholds, damage rates, costs, profit) for economic analysis.

Main Results:

• The model generates outputs on resistance evolution based on user-defined genetic parameters and initial allele frequencies.
• It allows for the examination of economic effects of various pest management strategies.
• While simplified, the model offers insights into resistance evolution and management economics.

Conclusions:

• The interactive genetic population model serves as a valuable teaching tool for entomology students.
• It enhances understanding of complex concepts like resistance evolution and pest management economics.
• The tool facilitates engagement and relevance, improving the learning experience for abstract topics.