The formulation of models to describe predator-prey dynamics of pests and natural enemies have a long history, however often the findings never reach and potentially benefit stakeholders. This gap has been evident for some years, yet little has been done to actively reduce it. Indeed, to what extent are follow-up assessments of biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) programs, that identify model impacts, conducted? Furthermore, are such assessments quantitative indications of the effectiveness of biocontrol or IPM measures? Only by addressing these questions can we begin to fully integrate models into practice. The contributions made to the Research Topic would benefit several areas of applied researchers, not only biocontrol and IPM stakeholders (e.g. plant breeders).
The problem is two-fold. Firstly, there is an insufficient collaboration of theoretical ecologists with applied researchers and stakeholders where stakeholders are actively engaged. Second, when actively engaged with stakeholders and applied researchers, there is a need to highlight the contribution that theory can bring to the effective application of control measures, whether through biocontrol or a combination of biocontrol and other measures within an IPM program. We propose to address these issues in the following way:
1) Highlight the importance of theory to biocontrol and IPM;
- Theory can explain counterintuitive outcomes
- Theoretical models have historically shown to benefit other applied fields (use of matrix models
in conservation management, use of individual-based models in fisheries)
- Theoretical models can aid in the implementation of new control measures and highlight the
the economic value of biocontrol in IPM systems (e.g. contribution to cost-benefit analysis,
highlight long-term efficacy of potential measures)
2) Address the gap between theoreticians and applied researchers;
- Bridge the gap between the creation of population models and use by researchers in biocontrol
and IPM. This gap has been highlighted previously but it seems the state is unchanged,
here the intent is to provide steps to address this gap.
- Make mathematical arguments more verbal and explain counterintuitive arguments (e.g.
plant breeders: the role of plant defense in biocontrol). This would aid with discussion and
more input with stakeholders whilst ensuring that stakeholders understand what they are being
advised to do and why.
The scope of the research topic aims to highlight the importance of theory to biocontrol and IPM and to bridge the gap between theoreticians and applied researchers, with the purpose of integrating theoretical models into practice. Importantly, there will be a strong editorial steer to encourage contributors to engage with each other, thus ensuring a more cohesive set of contributions.
Themes:
- Direct applications of theory and theoretical models to biocontrol and IPM
- How to bridge the gap between theoreticians and researchers in biocontrol, IPM and plant breeders
- Contribution of coupled predator-prey systems to current theory
Types of manuscripts:
- Original research
- Methods
- Protocol
- Review/Mini-review/Opinion
- Case reports
The formulation of models to describe predator-prey dynamics of pests and natural enemies have a long history, however often the findings never reach and potentially benefit stakeholders. This gap has been evident for some years, yet little has been done to actively reduce it. Indeed, to what extent are follow-up assessments of biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) programs, that identify model impacts, conducted? Furthermore, are such assessments quantitative indications of the effectiveness of biocontrol or IPM measures? Only by addressing these questions can we begin to fully integrate models into practice. The contributions made to the Research Topic would benefit several areas of applied researchers, not only biocontrol and IPM stakeholders (e.g. plant breeders).
The problem is two-fold. Firstly, there is an insufficient collaboration of theoretical ecologists with applied researchers and stakeholders where stakeholders are actively engaged. Second, when actively engaged with stakeholders and applied researchers, there is a need to highlight the contribution that theory can bring to the effective application of control measures, whether through biocontrol or a combination of biocontrol and other measures within an IPM program. We propose to address these issues in the following way:
1) Highlight the importance of theory to biocontrol and IPM;
- Theory can explain counterintuitive outcomes
- Theoretical models have historically shown to benefit other applied fields (use of matrix models
in conservation management, use of individual-based models in fisheries)
- Theoretical models can aid in the implementation of new control measures and highlight the
the economic value of biocontrol in IPM systems (e.g. contribution to cost-benefit analysis,
highlight long-term efficacy of potential measures)
2) Address the gap between theoreticians and applied researchers;
- Bridge the gap between the creation of population models and use by researchers in biocontrol
and IPM. This gap has been highlighted previously but it seems the state is unchanged,
here the intent is to provide steps to address this gap.
- Make mathematical arguments more verbal and explain counterintuitive arguments (e.g.
plant breeders: the role of plant defense in biocontrol). This would aid with discussion and
more input with stakeholders whilst ensuring that stakeholders understand what they are being
advised to do and why.
The scope of the research topic aims to highlight the importance of theory to biocontrol and IPM and to bridge the gap between theoreticians and applied researchers, with the purpose of integrating theoretical models into practice. Importantly, there will be a strong editorial steer to encourage contributors to engage with each other, thus ensuring a more cohesive set of contributions.
Themes:
- Direct applications of theory and theoretical models to biocontrol and IPM
- How to bridge the gap between theoreticians and researchers in biocontrol, IPM and plant breeders
- Contribution of coupled predator-prey systems to current theory
Types of manuscripts:
- Original research
- Methods
- Protocol
- Review/Mini-review/Opinion
- Case reports