The interplay between multiple control mechanisms in a host-parasitoid system: a discrete-time stage-structured modelling approach

We propose a discrete-time host-parasitoid model with stage structure in both species. For this model, we establish conditions for the existence and global stability of the extinction and parasitoid-free equilibria as well as conditions for the existence and local stability of an interior equilibrium and system persistence. We study the model numerically to examine how pesticide spraying may interact with natural enemies (parasitoids) to control the pest (host) species. We then extend the model to an impulsive difference system that incorporates both periodic pesticide spraying and augmentation of the natural enemies to suppress the pest population. For this system, we determine when the pest-eradication periodic solution is globally attracting. We also examine how varying the control measures (pesticide concentration, natural enemy augmentation and the frequency of applications) may lead to different pest outbreak or persistence outcomes when eradication does not occur.

Automated summary

We propose a discrete-time host-parasitoid model with stage structure in both species and establish conditions for the existence and stability of different equilibria. We study the model numerically to examine the interaction between pesticide spraying and natural enemies for pest control. We extend the model to incorporate periodic pesticide spraying and augmentation of natural enemies and determine conditions for global attraction of a pest-eradication periodic solution.