Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21948
Title: Impact of environmental variables on Dubas bug infestation rate: A case study from the Sultanate of Oman
Contributor(s): al Kindi, Khalifa (author); Kwan, Paul  (author); Andrew, Nigel R  (author)orcid ; Welch, Mitchell  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2017
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178109Open Access Link
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21948
Abstract: Date palm cultivation is economically important in the Sultanate of Oman, with significant financial investment coming from both the government and from private individuals. However, a global infestation of Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus Bergevin) has impacted the Middle East region, and infestations of date palms have been widespread. In this study, spatial analysis and geostatistical techniques were used to model the spatial distribution of Dubas bug infestations to (a) identify correlations between Dubas bug densities and different environmental variables, and (b) predict the locations of future Dubas bug infestations in Oman. Firstly, we considered individual environmental variables and their correlations with infestation locations. Then, we applied more complex predictive models and regression analysis techniques to investigate the combinations of environmental factors most conducive to the survival and spread of the Dubas bug. Environmental variables including elevation, geology, and distance to drainage pathways were found to significantly affect Dubas bug infestations. In contrast, aspect and hillshade did not significantly impact on Dubas bug infestations. Understanding their distribution and therefore applying targeted controls on their spread is important for effective mapping, control and management (e.g., resource allocation) of Dubas bug infestations.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: PLoS One, 12(5), p. 1-17
Publisher: Public Library of Science
Place of Publication: United States of America
ISSN: 1932-6203
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 090903 Geospatial Information Systems
089999 Information and Computing Sciences not elsewhere classified
050204 Environmental Impact Assessment
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 401302 Geospatial information systems and geospatial data modelling
410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 970110 Expanding Knowledge in Technology
960504 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Environments
960413 Control of Plant Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species in Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Environments
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 180601 Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems
180602 Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in terrestrial environments
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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