DOI: 10.5061/dryad.t3b5s
title: Data from: A new multistage dynamic model for biological control exemplified by the host–parasitoid system Spodoptera exigua–Chelonus oculator

description: Over the last few decades, important advances have been made in our
 understanding of host-parasitoid relations and their applications to
 biological pest control. Not only has the number of agent species
 increased, but new manipulation techniques for natural enemies have also
 been empirically introduced, particularly in greenhouse crops. This makes
 biocontrol more complex, requiring a new mathematical modelling approach
 appropriate for the optimization of the release of agents. We developed a
 temperature- and stage-dependent dynamic mathematical model of the
 host-parasitoid system with an improved functional response. The model is
 appropriate not only for simulation analysis of the efficiency of
 biocontrol agents, but also for the application of optimal control
 methodology for the optimal timing of agent releases, and for the
 consideration of economic implications. Based on both laboratory and
 greenhouse trials, the model was validated and fitted to the data of
 Chelonus oculator (F.) (Hym.: Braconidae), a biological control agent
 against the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lep.: Noctuidae). We
 emphasize that this model can be easily adapted to other interacting
 species involved in biological or integrated pest control with either
 parasitoid or predator agents.
description: 1_HostLabDevelopmentData for evaluation of biological parameters of the host species Spodoptera exigua: (a) laboratory trial, developmental time. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include temperature (º C), egg, I-instar, II-instar, III-instar, IV-instar, V-instar, VI-instar, total larvae, and pupae development (in days).2_HostLabAdultsData for evaluation of biological parameters of the host species Spodoptera exigua: (a) laboratory trial, longevity and fecundity of adults. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include temperature (º C), female fecundity (no. eggs/female), female and male longevity (in days).3_ParasitoidDevelopmentData for evaluation of biological parameters of the parasitoid species Chelonus oculator: (a) Laboratory trial, developmental time. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include temperature (º C), time inside of host, outside of host, pupa, and total immature (in days).4_ParasitoidLongData for evaluation of biological parameters of the parasitoid species Chelonus oculator: (a) Laboratory trial, longevity of adults. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include temperature (º C), sex, and longevity (in days).5_ParasitoidFecundityData for evaluation of biological parameters of the parasitoid species Chelonus oculator: (a) Laboratory trial, fecundity of adults. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include temperature (º C), and fecundity (no. eggs/female).6_HostTransitionData for host transition, Spodoptera exigua, found at the corresponding stages in greenhouse pepper crop. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include cage number, accumulated degree-days (º C x day), number of eggs, I-instar, II-instar, III-instar, IV-instar, V-instar, total larvae, number of pupae, and adults (no. individuals / cage).7_ParasitoidTransitionData for parasitoid transition, Chelonus oculator, found at the corresponding stages in laboratory trials. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include accumulated degree-days (º C x day), number inside host, number outside host+pupa, and total immatures.8_FunctionalResponseData for the evaluation of functional response of the parasitoid species Chelonus oculator: (b) greenhouse trial. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include host densities (X) (no. eggs/patch), parasitoid densities (Y) (female adults/m2), and parasitized host (Xa) (replications 1 to 12) (parasitized egg/patch).9_ModelValidationData for model validation. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include time (in days), real parasitoid immature number, and model parasitoid inmature number (no./100 m2 of greenhouse crop).10_SimulationValues of simulation results for the development of different stages of host Spodoptera exigua, when it is supposed that, from day 30 till day 60, entrance of host adults to the greenhouse takes place at a rate of 50 adults per day, and parasitoid Chelonus oculator, when releases of parasitoid adults (600 adults/100 m2, with sex ratio 1:1) on days 32 and 38 were considered in the greenhouse. MS Excel 2007 File (read only). Data include time (in days), host egg, host larvae, host pupae, host adults, parasitoid eggs, parasitoid larvae+pupae, and parasitoid adults (No./100 m2 of greenhouse crop).