Modelling biological control dynamics of the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) by generalist predators in a banana agroecosystem
by Eliab Horub Kweyunga; Julius Tumwiine; Eldad B. Karamura
International Journal of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation (IJMMNO), Vol. 11, No. 1, 2021

Abstract: The biological control dynamics of the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) by the generalist predator, Plaesius javanus are studied by adopting a logistic model incorporating ratio - dependent functional response. The steady states are obtained and their stability established. The expression for the banana weevil intrinsic growth rate, a key threshold that governs the control or persistence of the banana weevil is derived and its implications studied. Analysis of the model reveals that the model can have at least one and at most two equilibria depending on the relative sizes of the intrinsic growth rate vis-a-vis the carrying capacity and the predation rate. The banana weevil intrinsic growth rate and the predation rate are identified as the target parameters in managing infestation of the banana weevil. Numerical simulations are carried out to validate the analytical results. The study highlights the need for implementation of a complete integrated pest management (IPM) package against the banana weevil.

Online publication date: Fri, 11-Dec-2020

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