On dynamical behavior of the sugarcane borer - Parasitoid agroecosystem

The interaction between the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) and its most important larvae parasitoid (Cotesia flavipes) was investigated by aid of a mathematical model. The steady states of the system are determined, and the dynamical behavior of the larvae, parasitized larvae and parasitoid populations is examined. The traditional biological control strategy by liberation of the high-density parasitoid populations is investigated. The numerical simulations show that in some cases this strategy does not control the sugarcane borer efficiently. The linear feedback control strategy, based on the optimal control theory, is proposed to indicate how the natural enemies should be introduced in the environment.