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Abstract
Epigeic coleopteran species are linked by complex trophic webs and implicated in several ecosystem services for agriculture. Although there are reports of ground-dwelling Coleopterans inhabiting main extensive agroecosystems, their assemblages in horticultural crops in Argentina have been little explored. We examined the community structure of epigeal Coleoptera assemblages of Curculionidae, Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Coccinellidae species, in lettuce and tomato crops located in Northern Buenos Aires province, over a 3-year sampling period (2010 to 2013) by using pit-fall traps. Crop species and cycles, and phytosanitary measures (conventional and organic farming), were main factors considered as influencing the insect species composition, abundance and seasonal occurrence in the assemblages. Seventy coleopteran species were identified. The curculionids Ceutorhynchini sp. and Phyrdenus muriceus (Germar), the carabid Scarithes anthracinus Dejean, the coccinelid Eriopis connexa (Germar) and the staphylinids Aleochara sp. and Aleochara obscurus Bernhauer are the most common species in lettuce and tomato crops in the region studied. Especially the carabids, staphylinids and E. connexa are known act as natural enemies of several pests in the agroecosystems studied. Coleopteran assemblages found in lettuce differed from those associated to tomato crops, being the cropping season the main factor that influenced the community structure.
Highlights
Agricultural activities significantly alter soil properties, as well as its biota in terms of their abundance, biomass and diversity (Brown et al 2001)
We examined the community structure of epigeal Coleoptera assemblages of Curculionidae, Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Coccinellidae species, in lettuce and tomato crops located in Northern Buenos Aires province, over a 3-year sampling period (2010 to 2013) by using pit-fall traps
To evaluate species composition and community structure of epigeic Coleopteran assemblages in L. sativa and S. lycopersicon, open field crops under conventional (CM) or organic (OM) pest management were selected in the localities of Colonia Urquiza (34°56’36.76 “S, 58°05’20.24”W), Los Hornos (34°58’55.77”S, 57°59’02.01”W) and Lisandro Olmos (35°00’20.48”S, 58°01’59.89”W) (La Plata county, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)
Summary
Agricultural activities significantly alter soil properties, as well as its biota in terms of their abundance, biomass and diversity (Brown et al 2001). Among soil macrofauna (organisms with a body size > 2 mm), beetles represent a numerous and diverse group of species. They are linked by complex trophic webs, and engaged either directly or indirectly in several ecosystem processes such as biological control of pests, as phytophagous, decomposition, nutrient cycling, erosion control, genetic resources and pollination. Monoculture, tillage, weeds and pest control produce a simplification of community structure, being generalist species less affected by this management practice Those heterogeneous systems that provide both shelter and food to them and other invertebrates pose a greater diversity of coleopterans - both taxonomic and functional
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