| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/N00616/01 |
| Title: |
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF BEETLE-NEMATODE SLUG-BIOCONTROL DYNAMICS |
| Principal Investigator: |
Bees, Professor MA |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Electronics & Physical Sciences |
| Organisation: |
University of Surrey |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
25 January 2000 |
Ends: |
24 July 2001 |
Value (£): |
52,668
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Development (Biosciences) |
Non-linear Systems Mathematics |
| Numerical Analysis |
Population Ecology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Funding is requested to support a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the mathematical modelling, analysis and experimental validation of a biocontrol mechanism for slug control, which is of paramount importance for organic farmers. At present, slug-parasitic nematodes are commercially available for distribution on fields of susceptible crops and have been shown to be as effective at minimising crop damage as chemical methiocarb pellet controls. Furthermore, the nematode treatment has minimal environmental impact and can last longer than the chemical treatment. However, it is unclear how to maximise the efficacy of this expensive commodity and how the treatment can be optimised especially when taking into account the carabid beetle, a naturally occurring predator. Laboratory and field experiments have revealed the complex nature of the dynamics, such as time delays and spatial inhomogeneities in the form of diffusively and/or tactically driven instabilities.We propose to investigate each of these mechanisms, analytically and numerically, using a series of simple models and, later, to incorporate the most relevant mechanisms in a full system from which it should be possible to propose cost-reducing optimal strategies for nematode dispersal.At each and every stage, we will collaborate in full with experimentalists and industry.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.surrey.ac.uk |