Qualitative modeling of fruit fly injuries on chayote in Réunion: Development and transfer to users

Abstract

Intensive chayote cultivation in Réunion almost disappeared in the 2000s due to significant yield losses from fruit flies attacking this historically important crop (Dacus ciliatus, Zeugodacus cuurbitae and Dacus demmerezi). Since the late 2000s, the adoption of agroecological crop protection practices have led to the effective management of fruit fly populations, a significant reduction in pesticide use, an increase in chayote production and plantations, and the development of organic production. To assist in fruit fly management, a qualitative model which simulates fruit fly damage to chayote crops, known as IPSIM-chayote, was developed, providing satisfactory prediction results. It has a user-friendly interface and is now available free of charge online, in three languages (French, English and Spanish): https://pvbmt-apps.cirad.fr/apps/ipsim-chayote/?lang=en. The IPSIM-chayote modeling platform can be used by farmers as a tool to simulate fruit fly damage to their crops and also as a decision-making tool for their agricultural practices. The model can be used as a training resource in agroecological crop protection. Public authorities and local government can use it as a tool in planning and forecasting agricultural development. Finally, researchers can use it as a prediction tool and a resource for the exchange of information, allowing them to review scientific knowledge or identify new, relevant research areas suited to the context and challenges. IPSIM-chayote can be considered as a forum for exchange and can stimulate collaborative work between individuals. It is a flexible model, as it allows variables to be added. IPSIM-chayote is the first qualitative model developed for crop pests in a tropical environment. It could serve as a basis for the development of other similar models simulating crop pest incidence, thus contributing significantly to the development of agroecological crop protection.