A model for the population dynamics of banana weevil <i>Cosmopolites sordidus</i> (Germar) with harvesting and time delay: implications for management

Abstract

In this paper, we study a single-species logistic delayed model to represent the population dynamics of the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar). In particular, we consider a logistic equation that incorporates time delay in the recruitment term and constant effort trapping. We analyse the model for the existence and stability of the steady states. The effects of time delay and constant effort trapping on the dynamics of the banana weevil population are investigated. We validate our analytical results using numerical simulations for a given set of parameter values and find that a reduction in egg-to-adult banana weevil survival rate coupled with early and consistent trapping of the banana weevils are key in managing an infestation of the banana weevil on a plantation.