A Model Simulating Mating Behaviour of Spodoptera littoralis

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Abstract
A computer model was developed simulating the mating behavior and population increase of S. littoralis adults on an isolated site. Whenever possible the input was based on the results of field work in Cyprus where a synthetic sex attractant was also tested as a preliminary to its possible use for control. The effect of varying different parameters, including sex ratio, immigration and emigration rates and the rate of emergence from the overwintering population was examined before control measures were simulated in the model. Results suggest that the size of the overwintering population and the time it takes to emerge are critical factors. With a very small overwintering population, the best strategy to ensure establishment on a site is for emigration to be restricted at the beginning of the season and females to outnumber males. Trapping and confusion techniques were tested in the model using the sex attractant. The results suggest that neither technique is likely to provide reliable crop protection unless intensively applied from the start of the season.

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