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Assessment of the relative impact of different natural enemies on population dynamics of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae in the field
Author(s) -
Plantegenest M.,
Pierre J. S.,
Dedryver C. A.,
Kindlmann P.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
ecological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.865
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1365-2311
pISSN - 0307-6946
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2311.2001.00330.x
Subject(s) - sitobion avenae , biology , aphid , integrated pest management , population , pest analysis , ecology , agronomy , aphididae , homoptera , botany , demography , sociology
Summary 1. A detailed population dynamics model was devised to provide a tool for integrated pest management against the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae on winter wheat. 2. This model allowed investigation of the relative impact of different natural enemies on aphid population dynamics. 3. The output of the model was compared with a set of data collected in the western part of France from 1976 to 1986. 4. Fungal diseases accounted for 75% of the reduction in peak aphid density and were the key factor acting on aphid dynamics in this region. 5. This study highlights the importance of detailed population dynamics modelling of keystone species, like aphids, for elucidation of the relations between the keystone species and other species associated in the ecosystem.