New Model May Reveal How Humans Impact Pest Populations in Agriculture

When it comes to pest control, farmers have far more influence than you might think. Scientists have found that the actions of individual farmers should be considered when studying and modelling strategies of pest control.

In this latest study, the researchers presented a model to understand the actions of humans and the dynamics of pest populations. This is particularly important to use when it comes to understanding what practices should be used to deter pests.

Using game theory, the researchers found that the farmers' perceptions of profit and loss, alongside communication networks between individuals, affects pest populations. A farmer's decision on whether to control a pest is usually based on the perceived threat of the pest and the guidance of commercial advisors.

This means that farmers in a region are often influenced by similar circumstances, which can create a coordinated response to a pest. This coordinated response, although not intentional, can affect ecological systems at the landscape scale.

"By understanding the dynamics of farmer decisions we can determine how to manage better the system, though improved communication, subsidy or taxation, to achieve robust and cost effective area-wide control, while minimizing the risk of the evolution of resistance to control strategies.," said Alice Milne, one of the researchers, in a news release.

The findings are published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.

Related Articles

Hunter-Gatherers and Farmers Grew the Same During Prehistoric Times

Ecosystem Shift 6,000 Years Ago Caused by Humans

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).