Project Number: 6217-22000-013-05
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 01, 2005
End Date: Aug 31, 2010

Objective:
The objective is to elucidate the spatio-temporal population dynamics of the Russian wheat aphid and greenbug as a prerequisite to developing simulation models and remote sensing technology for monitoring and predicting outbreaks of the pests.

Approach:
We are conducting field and laboratory research studies using the variable life table approach to develop the quantitative database required to model the population dynamics of the greenbug and Russian wheat aphid. The variable life table method involves detailed study of all the factors causing population change in the target species, in this case the particular aphid, and describing those factors quantitatively by developing and testing models. Aphid densities, parasitism, disease, coccinellid and other predator populations, meteorological variables, and features of the environment within fields such as soil type, slope, and aspect are being monitored and measured in production winter wheat fields. Models will be constructed to describe the population dynamics. The modeling approach will be generalized to include effects of intrinsic and extrinsic mortality from all measurable sources. Models describing various life processes will be developed primarily from our field studies, but where applicable, will be obtained from other unpublished or published data. The purpose of the models is twofold. First, to interface with the cereal aphid decision support system. Second, to serve as predictors in remote sensing technology for monitoring aphid infestations in wheat fields.