| Abstract: | Delia antiqua is a serious pest of many species of the genus Allium, including onions and chives. Over a period of two years (1997/1999), we have developed a model to simulate the population dynamics of D. antiqua based on an extended Leslie model. The model structure as well as the developmental functions for the different life stages of D. antiqua are presented. Using daily mean air and soil temperatures, the model calculates the population matrix for developmental stages of D. antiqua including eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. The simulation can be used to optimize the timing of control measurements against a specific life stage of D. antiqua. Flight activity can be simulated using wind speed as additional information. Simulated flight activity and the observed flight activity of D. antiqua monitored with water pan traps in three different regions of Germany in 1998 are presented and discussed. The model, which was programmed as part of the SWAT 3.5 package of programs to simulate the population dynamics of root‐fly pests in horticultural crops, will also be available via other expert systems such as PASO. |
