Mathematical modeling and an application of the filled function method in entomology

Abstract

Macrosiphum rosae (L.) is one of the most destructive pests for Rosa damascena (Miller) when it is found in high numbers. In order to understand the population dynamics of this pest, our priority should be the determination of what extent environmental factors affect the pest population. In this study, we apply fuzzy logic modeling to visualize the population variations, which depends on the environmental factors (temperature and humidity), by using the data obtained from the field studies. After that, we determine the values of temperature and humidity that makes the number of M. rosae maximum by using the filled function method as a global optimization technique.

Keywords:

• Macrosiphum rosae (L.)
• population variations
• global optimization
• fuzzy logic modeling
• filled function method

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the editor of the Journal of Pest Management Dr. Juan Corley. They would also like to thank the refrerees for their valuable comments.