Monday, August 2, 2010
Exhibit Hall A, David L Lawrence Convention Center
Background/Question/Methods Powerpoint template for scientific posters (Swarthmore College) Biological control of pests has the potential to be a useful tool in agriculture. But improper assessment of population dynamics and predator and prey interactions can prove to be detrimental in the use of this ecological application. Thus conducting appropriate research of population dynamics and what limits the population growth of a considered pest is key in utilizing biological control. A two month study on the population dynamics of the three lined potato beetle Lema daturaphila (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) was conducted during the summer of 2009 in the ecological field station Blandy Experimental Farm located in Boyce, Virginia. An estimated life table was constructed using proportions of mortality observed in each different life stage of the beetle. The life table was constructed with the number of egg clutches found throughout the summer on Lema daturaphila preferred host Physalis longifolia.
Results/Conclusions