A combined experimental and modelling framework has been produced to allow rapid development of stochastic, spatially explicit models for biological control in ornamental crops. Application of this framework to the simulation of the dynamics of spidermites, Tetranychus urticae, and predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis, have shown that the movement and dispersal of mites are crucial to the success of biological control. This paper describes the application of the novel technology of virtual plants to modelling of mite movement within the complex plant canopies associated with ornamental crops.
展开▼
