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Orientador: Rodney Carlos Bassanezi / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Matematica, Estatistica e Computação Cientifica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-12T05:14:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Santos_LuizRafaeldos_M.pdf: 1659435 bytes, checksum: 5f919360eaa92970fd9189ca97ecdb83 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho é propor um modelo utilizando Sistemas Baseados em Regras Fuzzy (SBRF) que possa controlar, do ponto de vista teórico, uma determinada espécie, considerada como praga em uma lavoura ou plantação. Faz-se primeiro uma introdução à Teoria dos Conjuntos Fuzzy, bem como aos sistemas especialistas fuzzy que utilizam regras de inferência, através do método de inferência de Mamdani e que utilizem o método de defuzzificação por centro de massa. Logo após, são abordados os conceitos de Sistemas Dinâmicos P-Fuzzy uni e bidimensionais desenvolvidos por Silva [24] e Cecconelo [7]. É proposto um novo tipo de Sistema Dinâmico P-fuzzy para modelar a dinâmica populacional, de uma espécie ou de um sistema presa-predador, que leve em conta fatores extrínsecos da(s) espécie(s) envolvida(s). Estes fatores são representados por uma Condição Ambiental, que é definida e acoplada aos Sistemas P-fuzzy usuais. Ainda, usando um controlador fuzzy propomos um sistema de controle híbrido com controladores biológicos e químicos (biocidas) em que as espécies que interagem estão sujeitas também às condições ambientais. Simulações e experimentos computacionais feitos com o auxílio da Fuzzy Logic Toolbox do software Matlab são realizados e seus resultados são comentados. / Abstract: The aim of this work is to propose determined model, using Fuzzy Rule-based Systems (FRBS), wich can control, in a theoretical manner, a species considered a plage in a farming or plantation. An introduction to Fuzzy Sets is maded as well as maded to Fuzzy Systems wich uses inference mIes, through the Mamdani method of inference and that uses Centroid as defuzzification method. After this, the concepts of uni and bidimensional P-fuzzy Dynamic Systems are studied and approached, as developed by Silva [24] and Cecconelo [7]. We propose a new type of P-fuzzy Dynamic System, to model the population dynamics of one species system or of a prey-predator system, that takes into account extrinsic factors of the species involved. Such factores are represented by an Enviromental Condition wich is defined and connected to the usual P-fuzzy Systems. Finnaly, using a Fuzzy Controller, we propose a system for hybrid control with biological and chemical (biocides) controllers in wich the density of species are also influenced by enviromental conditions. Computational simulations and experiments are made with the aid of Matlab Fuzzy Logic Toolbox and its results are commented. / Mestrado / Biomatematica / Mestre em Matemática Aplicada

The results presented in this dissertation have been partially presented at scientific meetings. Chapter 2 is an exact copy of the technical contents of a paper submitted to a scientific journal. The format of this paper however has been changed to comply with the format used in this dissertation. The results of this paper were partially presented at the 36th National Congress of the South African Society of Animal Science, 5 – 8 April 1998 held in Stellenbosch. In this chapter errors occurred in the execution of the trial, but these were corrected in the follow-up trial after consulting with the manufacturers. It is discussed in the paper. Results of chapter 3 were partially presented at the 5th International Sheep Veterinary Congress 21 – 25 January 2001 held in Stellenbosch and at an International Congress (The FLICS (Flystrike & Lice IPM Control Strategies) Conference, 25 – 27 June 2001, Launceston) in Tasmania by Mr. S.W.P. Cloete in 2001. The updated results are given in this chapter. The results of chapter 4 were presented at a combined congress between the Grasslands and the Animal Production Societies of South Africa (The GSSA/SASAS Joint Congress 2002. 13 – 16 May) in Christiana in 2002. The results in this chapter represent the same experimental period as was reported upon at that congress, but additional statistical analyses were executed on the same data set. Copies of the abstracts of the contributions to these meetings are attached in chapter 6. The major objective of this study initially was to evaluate the Lucitrap® system under South African conditions. During the experimental period I had an opportunity to visit Australia and meet many role players. It came under my attention that the control of the blowfly is a rather complex problem with many facets. A current issue worldwide on the use of chemicals as a control method against insects and its hazardous influence on the environment is forcing producers to minimize chemical residues in textiles and other agricultural products. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach seems to be the only option. This study has been executed to try and understand some aspects of the blowfly problem for future application in such a blowfly control program.

The commercial forest industry in South Africa is predominantly dependent on large tracts of exotic monoculture plantations. While this simplifies management practice, there is always the inherent danger posed by introduced pests and diseases. Classical biological control is usually the most effective control method against introduced exotic pests. Climatic factors and seasonal differences may negatively affect the ability of the natural enemies to establish successfully at the new location. Successful establishment of the natural enemies usually results in control over the pest within four years. Sirex noctilio naturally occurs in the mediterranean countries of Europe and North Africa. It is the only member of the Siricid family capable of killing living pine trees. Sirex noctilio was accidentally introduced into New Zealand from Europe during the early 1900s. It has since been found in Australia, Brazil, Argentina South Africa and Chile. Initial biological control in New Zealand and Tasmania was through the release of Siricid specific parasitoid wasps from Europe and North America. The discovery of the accidental introduction of the entomophagous nematode Beddingia siricidicola and its subsequent artificial culturing for release provided the platform for the biological control methodology, which brought the Sirex woodwasp under control. The methods and natural enemies used in New Zealand and Australia were introduced by the South American countries and in the Western Cape of South Africa. Successful biological control was achieved in the Western Cape within two years after the initial introduction of the nematode B. siricidicola. The migration of S. noctilio into the summer rainfall regions of South Africa occurred in the absence of the associated natural enemies. This resulted in rapid population growth of the pest and substantial damage was caused to plantations of Pinus patula in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Initial attempts at introducing B. siricidicola during 2004 were not very successful. This study contributes to the understanding and adaptation of the biological control methods to the summer rainfall climate. The key finding was that in the summer rainfall climate, only the bottom third of nematode inoculated S. noctilio infested trees produced parasitized adults during the emergence period. A comparative study was done on log samples from S. noctilio infested trees collected in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. iv An adapted nematode inoculation technique for pulpwood plantations in the summer rainfall regions was developed and implemented in mass inoculations with B. siricidicola during 2007 and 2008. Locally available herbicides were tested for suitability of use in the establishment of trap trees, which would attract ovipositing S. noctilio females in situations where low numbers of the woodwasp occur. Determination of the levels of natural B. siricidicola parasitism in S. noctilio adults during the 2008 emergence period indicate successful establishment of the nematode in KwaZulu-Natal. Successful introduction of the parasitoid wasp Ibalia leucospoides into the summer rainfall regions has also been achieved.

Please read the Resume in the section 06resume of this document / Dissertation (MSc (Agric))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Microbiology and Plant Pathology / unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Thesis (DPhil (Entomology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

For a successful and economical integrated control program aimed at a particular disease, pertinent information, regarding the environmental conditions prevailing in the growing area, the crop itself and the pathogen, must be available. Recently, the control of powdery mildew disease on cashew has moved from the use of non-systemic fungicides with a wide range of action, to highly specific systemic ones. Such a shift requires a more effective integrated control system, whereby tolerant varieties in combination with fungicide unaffected biocontrol agents are timely used to ensure disease control and reduce the hazards associated with excessive fungicide applications. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the disease epidemic and some climatic factors over time. Appropriate periods for management interventions were determined. The cellular host reaction to infection by Oidium anacardii Noack was studied with a view to rapidly identify disease tolerant host types. Potential antagonists were isolated, screened and compared with commercial biocontrol products using in vivo techniques and chemical control programs were finally evaluated. Electron microscopy elucidated that the powdery mildew tolerant cashew variety (H1) had a relatively higher consistency of cytoplasmic aggregates upon infection by O. anacardii when compared to the susceptible clone. Based on conidia and conidiophore morphology, conidial germination and conidiogenesis processes observed indicated that O. anacardii belongs to the subgenus Pseudoidium (Y.S. Paul&J.N. Kapoor) comb.Et. Stat. Nov. (Holomorph Erysiphe Sect. Erysiphe U. Braun). There was no direct relationship between the progress of the cashew powdery mildew epidemic and temperature, relative humidity or dew point over time. However, the epidemic did not start until conditions of average temperatures under the tree canopy were below 30°C, relative humidity was 80% and dew point was above 15. In vivo screening of 72 isolates, amongst them bacteria and fungi, from cashew leaves and florets showed that none were effective against O. anacardii, the causal agent of cashew powdery mildew. However, commercial antagonists, Candida saitoana, Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis, significantly reduced the growth and branching of primary hyphae. One antagonist, B. licheniformis, was as effective as the commercial fungicide triadimenol 25% EC (Bayfidan). Chemical fungicides were found to be effective against powdery mildew; however, the currently prevailing economic environment in Mozambique was found inappropriate for the use of expensive organic fungicides. Additional gain from the use of fungicides was found to be solely qualitative and thus did not represent a fair investment return ratio in terms of cashew nut prices and production costs. The use of integrated cashew management was finally recommended. Further studies should focus on development of integrated and cost effective disease management strategies. / Dissertation (MSc(Plant Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Microbiology and Plant Pathology / unrestricted

This report includes the determination of activity and possible mode of action for a group of potential new insecticides. The biological screening procedure was developed using Drosophila melanogaster as the test organism while Musca domestica was used for mode of action assays. The percent kill for each compound is based on the number of eggs placed on media containing the insecticide minus the number of adults enclosed as compared to the control media reared flies. Observations were made on all stages from eggs through adults to determine time of death and if any malformations were present. These observations aided in the mode of action studies as did preciously published work on diflurbenzuron. The mode of action studies encompassed chitin synthesis, chitin breakdown and DNA synthesis. Cuticle deposition was determined gravimetrically on pupal instar reared on media with and without DOWCO 416. Chitin synthesis and DNA synthesis were followed by measuring the incorporation of radiolabeled precursors by pupal instars reared on media with and without DOWCO 416. Chitin breakdown was followed through the measurement of chitinase activity spectrophotometrically on all stages of larvae which were reared on media with and without DOWCO 416. Direct inhibition of chitinase was investigated by incubation of the purified chitinase from Staphlycoccus griseus with varying concentrations of the test compound.

M.S.