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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 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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TR-A-88-8.pdf | Technical Report A-88-8 | 11.14 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |