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Colloquium, Winter 2005

Day: Friday February 11th Time: 4:00pm Place: BH 227 Title: Models of a Subterranean Parasite and its Insect Host Speaker: Chris Dugaw, University of California, Davis Abstract: I will present a series of mathematical models I have developed to understand the distribution and population dynamics of an important soil microparasite and its host, caterpillars of the ghost moth. These caterpillars feed on the roots of bush lupines, sometimes leading to the destruction of over 10,000 mature bushes in a single season. Through a process known as a trophic cascade, these parasites can protect plants by maintaining low ghost moth caterpillar density. Consequently these parasites have been used in agriculture to control pest populations. Understanding what factors lead to persistence or local extinction of entomopathogenic nematodes in their natural environment is important to advancing ecological theory and to agricultural application of these natural enemies. Cookies: In BH 300 at 3:30pm.