On the developing use of modelling in insect ecology and pest management*

Abstract

Abstract Systems modelling in insect ecology and management is undertaken for either descriptive or prescriptive purposes, and can be either general or specific in nature. Although recent achievements in general descriptive modelling are considerable, they do not contribute greatly in the analysis, synthesis and understanding of particular systems. Conditions governing progress in specific modelling are discussed mainly from Australian examples. It is felt that a renewed emphasis should be placed on the inductive approach to the study of ecological systems. The cost of acquiring the necessary information is so great that, increasingly, empirical investigations will have to serve clearly defined, mission‐oriented goals. Consequently, in the immediate future, prescriptive modelling of particular systems for pest control may be the principal source of data and the main testing ground for generalizations.