Landscape Modeling of Lygus hesperus Populations

Jay Bancroft1, Peter Goodell2

1 USDA-ARS, Shafter, CA, USA

2 Kearney Agricultural Center University of California, Kearney, CA, USA

Correspondence: jsbancroft@pw.ars.usda.gov

Lygus bugs are a key pest in several of the 200 crops grown in the geographically distinct San Joaquin Valley. Spring weather patterns drive population build-up on host-plants. Habitat maps were created from survey sites in cropping regions of Kern County, CA. Parameters were calibrated from literature and dispersal experiments. Population simulations were used to predict abundance and movement among the mosaic of landcover types. The results provide estimates of pest pressure in target areas. General conclusions about risk from landscape configuration may be used in other contexts.

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Functional genetics of Lygus lineolaris

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Age specific fecundity of Lygus hesperus in high, fluctuating temperatures