Ratpop: a population model of the ricefield rat (Rattus rattus mindanensis Mearns)
1983
Benigno, E.A. | Jackman, J.A. | Fieldler, L. (University of the Philippines at Los Banos, College, Laguna. National Crop Protection Center)
A model was constructed to describe the dynamics of ricefield rat population using projection matrices that vary with crop growth stage. The model was simulated in BASIC language on a minicomputer (Hewlett-Packard 9845B). The simulated population fluctuated between a low level at transplanting and a high level at harvest, the suceeding crop having a larger population than the previous one. Sensitivity analysis of the model showed that reproduction at postharvest had the most significant effect on population and damage in the next crop. Increasing mortality from land preparation to maximum tillering, as in sustained baiting, was best strategy for reducing population and damage at harvest. In this model, the number of tillers did not influence degree of rat damage. It was not also necessary to estimate very accurately for model input the initial number of ricefield rats by monthly age classes
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