A four-population model of Diaphorina citri and Tamarixia radiata with citrus flushing dynamics and impulsive parasitoid releases
Discuss this preprint
Start a discussion What are Sciety discussions?Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
Diaphorina citri is the primary vector of Huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating disease that affects global citrus production. Effective biological control using the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata represents a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides, but its efficacy depends heavily on environmental variables and resource availability. In this work, we develop a four-population mathematical model to analyze the dynamics of D. citri in the presence of T. radiata , a known parasitoid. Our model incorporates the cyclical and periodic behavior of citrus flushing (new shoots), providing a realistic representation of resource-limited dynamics as observed in field conditions. Through comparative simulations of three scenarios, without parasitoid, a single initial introduction, and periodic augmentative releases, we characterize and compare the impact of T. radiata as a biological control agent. Our results show that periodic releases maintain pest suppression, whereas a single introduction only delays pest recovery. By aligning theoretical modeling with ecological reality, this framework supports the role of T. radiata in pest suppression and provides a baseline for future work on optimal and cost-effective release strategies.
