Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/6312
Title: Simulation model of waterhyacinth and its biocontrol agents. Report 1, First-generation model
Authors: Akbay, Kunter S., 1955-
Wooten, Jean W.
Howell, Fred G.
Keywords: Aquatic plant management
Aquatic plants
Environmental management
Simulation model
Biological control
Biocontrol
Waterhyacinth
Insects
INSECT
Computer program
Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (U.S.)
Publisher: U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station
Series/Report no.: Technical Report (Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (U.S.)) ; no.Technical Report A-88-8
Abstract: This report presents the results of initial efforts to develop a microcomputer-based software package that simulates the effectiveness of biological agents in controlling waterhyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes Mart. (Solms)]. This first-generation model (INSECT) simulates the development of populations of waterhyacinth and two biocontrol agents [Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera:Curculionidae)] for a 1-year period (i.e., 365 Julian days). Algorithms included in the model are based on available information concerning the response of these organisms to environmental factors (e.g., temperature and solar radiation). Actual field data have been compared with simulation output with encouraging results. Starting biomass of the plants and numbers of weevils in each life stage can be varied to determine the algorithms' sensitivity to initial conditions. Several iterations of this procedure have been performed with realistic responses, shown as graphs of the simulated response compared to corresponding field observations from the same time period. Sample input and output for 1 year of simulation are included as an appendix. Data and relationships needed to improve the performance of the model are identified, and suggestions for further refinement of the model are included.
Description: Technical Report
Gov't Doc #: Technical Report A-88-8
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/6312
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

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