Computer simulation of Aphis gossypii insects using Penna aging model

A computer simulation was made for the population dynamics of Aphis gossypii in laboratory and field conditions. The age structure was inserted in the dynamics through bit string model for biological aging, proposed by Penna in 1995. The influence of different host plants and of climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation was considered in the simulation starting from experimental data. The results obtained indicate that the simulation is an appropriate instrument for understanding of the population dynamics of these species and for the establishment of biological control strategies. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.