Mortality dynamics of a polyphagous invasive herbivore reveal clues in its agroecosystem success.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The population dynamics of polyphagous pests such as Bemisia argentifolii (B. tabaci MEAM1) are governed by complex, interacting factors involving its cultivated and wild host plants, seasonality, movement and demography. To understand mechanisms contributing to population development and pest success within the agroecosystem, contiguous multi-host field sites were established in three environmentally distinct areas in Arizona. Life tables quantified and partition models described mortality sources and rates for immature insect stages on each host plant.

Results

Predation and dislodgement were the largest sources of marginal mortality, supplied the highest irreplaceable mortality and predation was the key factor. Rates of mortality were best predicted, in order, b

SUBMITTER: Naranjo SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9544257 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature