Introduction to Theories & Models of Biological Control

In this section we introduce some of the theories and models of biological control. As the goal of biological control is to alleviate pest problems using natural enemies, we are naturally interested in the biology of natural enemies and their impact on host (prey) population dynamics. The diversity and complexity of theories and models in biological control precludes complete converge here. In the following, we review several major models and theories that form the basis for many theoretical developments. Specifically, we discuss the Nicholson-Bailey model and two of its modifications that address several issues related to the stability of host-parasite systems. We present a simulation model of predator-prey dynamics, PREDPREY, which you can use to gain an appreciation of the impact of predators on pest dynamics in an annual crop (soybeans). We review the essential components of natural control, which serves as the basis for biological control and other pest control tactics. Finally, we present and overview of several behavioral models that describe the behavioral and physiological theories of host parasite systems. Besides these we have also provided a reading list that gives you an entry into the current and historical literature. We recommend that you review the sections on natural control and Nicholson-Bailey model first and proceed from there.