Approximating Optimal Release in a Deterministic Model for the Sterile Insect Technique

Figure 2

(a) Approximations to optimal sterile male pulse sizes obtained assuming that the maximum release of insects is limited to ten times the initial density (taken equal to 1000). ((b) and (c)) Progress of female and sterile male densities, with pulses of sterile males made every ten days (top) and fifteen days (bottom). Notice that (i) the maximum release is required only at the beginning stages, until the sterile population overflows the wild population and (ii) release of sterile males is not required after the Allee effect takes place and drives the remaining pest population to extinction.

(a)

(b)

(c)