PEST OUTBREAKS AND RAINFALL IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF CHILE
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1985
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Abstract
The paper has two main objectives: (i) to document rodent and insect outbreaks in the three main agricultural valleys of the semi-arid region of central Chile (30-32.degree. S) and (ii) to attempt to relate these outbreaks of rainfall in these same areas. Rodent and insect outbreaks are documented on the basis of qualitative complaint records by subsistence farmers of the area. Contingency table analysis of standard rainfall data and complaint records show a statistically significant relationship between these variables, for both types of pests. The relation between outbreaks of these wild species in agricultural valleys, primary productivity of the between-valley areas and presumptive movements of those species are discussed, particularly in relation to eventual pest management strategies.