Applying a computer program, based on a developed mathematical model, to protect cereal crops from leaf beetles (Oulema spp.)

摘要

In many countries, including Poland, one of the most economically significant pests on cereal crops are leaf beetles (Oulema spp.). Determining the optimum time for chemical control of Oulema spp. is not easy due to extended duration of egg laying and larval development of the species. For this reason, cereal crops producers are not always able to determine correctly proper timing for a chemical treatment. Research conducted in the years 2006-2009 in the conditions of Wielkopolska province regarded short-term forecasting of leaf beetles on cereal crops using a computer program. The program is based on a mathematical model of multiple curvilinear regression equation. The computer program is of assistance when making a decision to set an optimum date for Oulema spp. control. The differences between the date set by the computer program and the date set using signalling oscillated between + 2 and −2 days.