Abundance Of Beneficial Insects Research Articles

Intercropping in maize reduces fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) infestation, supports natural enemies, and enhances yield

Fall armyworm (FAW) is a multi-generational invasive insect pest of maize. Field experiments were conducted in diverse ecologies at Hyderabad, Telangana (Location 1); Dholi, Bihar (Location 2); Kolhapur, Maharashtra (Location 3) during the rainy season from July-November, 2023 to assess the impact of maize intercropping with legumes and leafy vegetables on FAW damage, abundance of beneficial insects, weed dynamics, and yield. In the present study, location-specific intercrops were selected for the experimentation. In location 1, maize intercropped with cowpea followed by groundnut reduced the level of FAW infestation compared to sole maize. The increased natural enemy population (coccinellids, spiders, earwigs); weed suppression, and higher yields were observed in maize when intercropped with cowpea followed by groundnut and red amaranthus. In location 2, maize intercropped with cowpea followed by green gram and black gram reduced the FAW damage and higher natural enemy population. Maximum yield was obtained in maize intercropped with black gram followed by green gram and cowpea. However, concerning weed suppression and cost-benefit ratio, green gram followed by black gram was found to be superior. Minimum FAW infestation, abundant natural enemy population, weed suppression, and improved economic returns were observed in maize when intercropped with cowpea followed by groundnut and fenugreek in location 3. Each intercrop had its advantages concerning pests, weed suppression, an abundance of natural enemy populations, and higher yields. Therefore, it is suggested that the selection of plants as intercrops with maize should be based on the location-specific importance of particular aspects to attain multifunctional benefits. The present results revealed that crop diversification with location-specific intercrops can reduce significant yield losses caused by FAW and promote higher yields in maize.

Effectiveness of Different Plant Extract for the Control of Black Bean Aphids and Abundance of Beneficial Insects on Common Beans

Effectiveness of Different Plant Extract for the Control of Black Bean Aphids and Abundance of Beneficial Insects on Common Beans

Effect of Maize–Legume Intercropping on Maize Physio-Agronomic Parameters and Beneficial Insect Abundance

In developing countries, intercropping is commonly used to boost land productivity and agricultural benefits. However, in the Yucatan region of Mexico, maize (Zea mays L.) yields remain low, despite consistent fertilizer and pesticide inputs in traditional intercropping systems. Furthermore, little is known about the photosynthetic mechanisms that occur when maize plants interact with legumes, and there is a lack of understanding of how intercropping systems affect other organisms in the system, such as beneficial and insect pest population dynamics. A field experiment was carried out on the Yucatan Peninsula in 2021 to assess the impact of maize–legume intercropping systems on maize yield, physiological characteristics as evaluated by gas exchange measurements, and the abundance of beneficial insects in traditional and novel maize intercropping systems. The experiment was carried out with a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included maize intercropped with a novel legume, crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea L.), maize intercropped with a traditional legume, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), and sole maize as a control. Significant differences in plant height were shown at growth stages V12 (45 days after sowing) and VT (60 days after sowing). No differences were observed in stem diameter, leaf area index, or chlorophyll content. The maize/cowpea intercrop increased the photosynthesis rate by 12.9% and 9.84% in the maize/crotalaria and sole maize, respectively (p < 0.001), and transpiration rate by 6.5% and 8.5% in the maize intercropped with crotalaria and sole maize treatments, respectively (p < 0.001), of maize plants. No significant effects on stomatal conductance or water use efficiency were observed, but the carbon intercellular rate was reduced by 9.74% and 9.15 when compared to the maize/crotalaria and the sole maize treatments, respectively. Overall, intercropping treatments attracted more beneficial insects than sole maize. For predators, the families that stood out were Coccinelidae, Formicidae, Araneidae, Thomisidae, Syrphidae, Chrysomelidae, Oxypidae, Vespidae, Reduviidae, Carabidae, Asilidae, Salthicidae, Dolichopodidae, while among parasitoids, the most frequent families were Eurytomydae, Braconidae, Tachinidae, Pteromalidae, Scelionidae, and Figitidae. In comparison to the maize/cowpea and maize/crotalaria treatments, the sole maize treatment resulted in a grain yield increase of 24.5% and 32%, respectively. However, sole maize was not statistically different to that of maize/cowpea intercropping. In conclusion, our findings suggest that maize/cowpea intercropping could be a viable alternative to sole maize cropping systems for enhancing maize yield and the abundance of beneficial insects, without increasing interspecific competition with the maize crop. Therefore, the maize/cowpea intercropping system represents a sustainable planting alternative for promoting maize grain yield and also promoting edible legume production within the system. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study can serve as a theoretical framework for increasing maize–legume intercropping profitability under growing conditions on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Intercropping With Peppermint Increases Ground Dwelling Insect and Pollinator Abundance and Decreases Drosophila suzukii in Fruit

Intercropping can be used to reduce pest insects within agricultural systems, e.g., through deterring pests directly or by increasing habitat for their natural enemies. For example, plant produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can deter or confuse host-finding by insects through olfactory disruption. Drosophila suzukii is an invasive fruit fly of agricultural concern as it can lay its eggs in both ripening and fresh fruits and, uses olfactory cues to identify its wide range of host plants. Peppermint plants (Mentha × piperita) produce high levels of VOCs while growing and may, therefore, be suitable as an intercrop to reduce D. suzukii infestations in the field, as peppermint essential oil VOCs have previously been shown to deter D. suzukii in olfactory trials. We conducted a field intercropping experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of peppermint plants compared to traditional ryegrass/clover mixes in reducing D. suzukii oviposition in the field, and the effect of peppermint intercrops on other invertebrates. In the field, we monitored sentinel fruit baits weekly for D. suzukii infestation. Additionally, we monitored intercropping effects on the invertebrate community through weekly pitfall trap collection and through a pollinator point survey. We monitored for local, farm level presence of D. suzukii through apple cider vinegar traps within crop fields and along hedgerows and found high abundance of D. suzukii (>3,000 individuals trapped). Peppermint intercrops had fewer D. suzukii emerge from fruit baits and supported greater beneficial insect abundance (predators and pollinators) compared to ryegrass/clover. However, levels of D. suzukii were low across both intercrop types. Overall, we found that peppermint intercrops could be a potential aromatic intercrop used to reduce D. suzukii adult emergence from fruit compared to conventional ryegrass/clover mixes, however this trial should be replicated over multiple growing seasons, geographic locations, and host fruits. Furthermore, further study should determine the effects of the intercrop on the focal crop of interest.

The impact of planting buckwheat strips along lowbush blueberry fields on beneficial insects

Pollination and pest control are important in many agroecosystems. Beneficial insects that provide these services (e.g., bees and natural enemies) often require floral resources beyond crop bloom. Planting floral resources along crop field margins may be a useful tactic to support communities of beneficial insects in agroecosystems. We examined the effect of planting buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) along lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) field margins on beneficial insect abundance and generic richness. We found that bee abundance was higher in buckwheat transects than control transects in 2014 and 2015, but not 2016, and that bee generic richness was higher in buckwheat transects than in control transects in 2015 only. High variability occurred across years. All bee genera recorded during blueberry bloom were also collected in buckwheat transects, suggesting buckwheat is a useful resource for the bee community involved in blueberry pollination. The effect of buckwheat on natural enemies was variable and inconsistent. We conclude that buckwheat influenced bee and natural enemy communities during certain years, but field edges in the lowbush blueberry fields studied may already adequately support beneficial insects. Thus, not all habitat management efforts with augmentative floral plantings may consistently boost communities of beneficial insects.

Chemical control of the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Australian cotton: glasshouse assessments of insecticide efficacy

AbstractThe efficacy of commercially available chemical insecticides and biopesticides on the cotton mealybug (CMB), Phenacoccus solenopsis, was evaluated in the glasshouse. Spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor and buprofezin were identified as key insecticides for use in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies aimed at controlling CMB without flaring other co‐occurring pests. When used as a single application, spirotetramat and sulfoxaflor at the rate of 96 g (active ingredient, ha−1) provided variable control of CMB. Spirotetramat used in a double spray tactic (two sequential sprays, 14–15 days apart) without crop oil provided ≥80% control of adult CMB while the addition of oil (5% v/v) increased control to ≥90%. Clothianidin synergised the spirotetramat + oil combination and was identified as a potentially useful tank mix option for use in situations where a quick knockdown of high density and/or large infestation of CMB is required, or to treat high risk infestations in squaring or younger cotton when the abundance of beneficial insects is typically low. Sulfoxaflor used in a double spray tactic provided ≥90% control of adult CMB. The addition of Pulse® penetrant (0.5% v/v) to both options improved overall efficacy. Addition of crop oil to sulfoxaflor did not yield any tangible benefits. Spirotetramat and buprofezin were identified as important tools in managing situations where whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is the primary pest management target, but CMB is also present in the crop. Buprofezin was effective on early instar mealybugs; this makes it an option for arresting CMB population growth while allowing the beneficial insect populations to increase. Sulfoxaflor was shown to be a useful option in situations where CMB is present along with key pests such as mirids (Creontiades spp.). Mealybugs are typically well controlled by naturally occurring beneficial insects without the need for insecticide use. Chemical insecticides for CMB control should be considered only as a last resort and deployed within the bounds of an IPM strategy.

Intercropping buckwheat with squash to reduce insect pests and disease incidence and increase yield

ABSTRACTAphids and whiteflies are significant direct pests of squash and transmit plant viruses. The use of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, as a living mulch intercropped with squash has been shown to reduce insect pests and diseases while increasing the abundance of beneficial insects; however, how to best implement buckwheat in squash fields has not been determined. Several arrangements of intercropping buckwheat and squash were evaluated, with and without the introduction of a natural enemy, Delphastus catalinae (Horn), to find a tactic that reduces insect pests and disease incidence while increasing marketable yield. Intercropping treatments included planting strips of buckwheat alternating on either side of the squash with and without D. catalinae (arrangement A), planting buckwheat in the middle of squash planted on both sides of the bed with and without D. catalinae (arrangement B), buckwheat planted on both sides of squash (arrangement C), and a bare ground treatment. Aphid densities and insect-transmitted viruses were reduced, while natural enemies were more abundant, in buckwheat treatments compared with bare ground treatments. Plant size was reduced in intercropping arrangements B and C compared with arrangement A. Marketable yields were not different between the bare ground treatment and buckwheat arrangements A and B.

Ecological interaction between insect pests, climatic factors and plant traits on abundance of beneficial insects in paddy field

The presences of beneficial insects in the paddy field are very important for the ecological systems of paddy field as those insects could help managing the population of the pests. Hence, it will reduce the dependence on pesticides usage to combat the population of insect pests. This study was aimed to study on ecological interaction between environmental factors such as insect pests, plant height, rainfall, temperature and humidity with abundance of beneficial insects in paddy field of Sungai Burong, Tanjung Karang, Selangor for two seasons of paddy planting. Low number of insects composition were recorded in paddy field at Sungai Burong during the vegetative phase and highest during the reproductive and maturity phases for two seasons of paddy planting. The trend of mean composition of insects were gradually increasing from vegetative to maturity phases while, the ecological interaction between insect pests, climatic factors and plant traits were acceptable as good predictor for all beneficial insects collected in this study namely Zygoptera, Gerridae, Coccinellidae and Staphylinidae except for Anisoptera. Therefore, consideration on several stated factors by maintaining or conserving ecology and controlling practices in good manner in paddy field has high potential and more reliable to control insect pests effectively using beneficial insects.

Quality over quantity: buffer strips can be improved with select native plant species.

Native plants attractive to beneficial insects may improve the value of buffer strips by increasing biodiversity and enhancing the delivery of insect-derived ecosystem services. In a 2-yr field experiment, we measured the response of insect communities across nine buffers that varied in plant diversity. We constructed buffers with plants commonly found in buffers of USDA-certified organic farms in Iowa (typically a single species), recommended for prairie reconstruction, or recommended for attracting beneficial insects. We hypothesized that the diversity and abundance of beneficial insects will be 1) greatest in buffers composed of diverse plant communities with continuous availability of floral resources, 2) intermediate in buffers with reduced species richness and availability of floral resources, and 3) lowest in buffers composed of a single species. We observed a significant positive relationship between the diversity and abundance of beneficial insects with plant community diversity and the number of flowers. More beneficial insects were collected in buffers composed of species selected for their attractiveness to beneficial insects than a community recommended for prairie restoration. These differences suggest 1) plant communities that dominate existing buffers are not optimal for attracting beneficial insects, 2) adding flowering perennial species could improve buffers as habitat for beneficial insects, 3) buffers can be optimized by intentionally combining the most attractive native species even at modest levels of plant diversity, and 4) plant communities recommended for prairie reconstruction may not contain the optimal species or density of the most attractive species necessary to support beneficial insects from multiple guilds.

Comparison and Relationship between Water Parameters and Abundance of Insects in Field and Irrigation System of Paddy Area of Sungai Burong, Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia

Any disturbance that occurs in agro-ecosystem especially in alteration of water quality has significant effects towards the diversity and distribution of insects. Improper agronomic practices in plantation areas such as the extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides may cause the disturbance of water quality. Thus, affecting the diversity and distribution of the insect communities. Following to that, the intention of this study is to determine the effect of water parameter on abundance of beneficial insects in the paddy field of Sungai Burong at two seasons of sampling periods. Indeed, sampling was done in both paddy plots and drains. The measurement of water temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO in mg/L and %) was analyzed using YSI 550A Multi-parameter probe while the suspended solid, ammonia, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were analyzed in the laboratory. The results showed that there were relationships between all beneficial insects with water parameters. Moreover, the water temperature, DO, BOD and COD were good predictors for abundances of beneficial insects which were Anisoptera, Zygoptera, Gerridae and Coccinellidae. Therefore, it was recommended that all farmers maintain the quality of water in inlet, paddy plots and drains at the acceptable level thus, the abundance of beneficial insects can be increased, reducing the dependency on application of insecticides.

Development of an Insectary Plant Mixture for New Mexico and its Effect on Pests and Beneficial Insects Associated with Pumpkins

Abstract An insectary mixture of flowering annuals suitable for use in the high desert irrigated agriculture of New Mexico was developed over 3 years using pumpkins, Cucurbita moschata L., as a model cropping system. Plant establishment, survival, and flowering phenology were assessed in both clay and sandy soils by using weekly quadrat samples. Abundance of beneficial insects and spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, were monitored with yellow sticky cards (Trece Inc., Adair, OK). Abundance of squash bug, Anasa tristis (DeGeer), was monitored weekly by sampling eggs and nymphs. Establishment of the flowering mixture was significantly better in clay than sandy soils in each of the 3 years. Of the fifteen plant species tested, California bluebell (Phacelia campanularia A. Gray), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria Nuttall), garden cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus Cavanilles), and sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritim...

Influence of Native Flowering Plant Strips on Natural Enemies and Herbivores in Adjacent Blueberry Fields

Conservation plantings of native wildflowers were established adjacent to highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fields to test the hypothesis that provision of resources for natural enemies increases their abundance in adjacent crop fields without increasing the abundance of pest insects. For two growing seasons, natural enemies and herbivorous insects were sampled in fields with flowering borders and in control fields where growers maintained standard mown grass perimeters. Insects were categorized according to their trophic level and their potential pest status, and their abundance was compared between years and between treatments. Syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) were significantly more abundant in fields with conservation strips, as were plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae), thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and hoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae), thrips, fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), and pirate bugs (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) decreased significantly in abundance from 2007 to 2008. Beneficial insect abundance in crop fields increased in the latter half of the season in both years and this increase was more pronounced in fields adjacent to conservation plantings. We discuss the implications of these findings for pest management and conservation of biodiversity in farmland.

INTERCROPPING WITH SUNFLOWERS TO ATTRACT BENEFICIAL INSECTS IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) are listed in many extension factsheets and other such publications as excellent plants to attract beneficial insects in addition to those known to be important pollinators. We performed a 2-year study at a number of organic farms in Alachua County, Florida to determine if the presence of sunflower rows included in a polyculture system increased the occurrence and abundance of beneficial insects in cropped fields. The occurrence of beneficial insects was significantly greater on sunflower than on crop vegetation in control blocks and crop vegetation greater than 10 m distant from sunflowers. While crop vegetation 10 m distant from sunflowers harbored significantly fewer beneficial insects, this difference in occurrence was not seen in crop vegetation 1 m distant from sunflowers. Our results indicate that sunflowers indeed attract and play host to numerous beneficial insects suggesting that sunflower plantings within rows of vegetable crops may indeed be an effective way to attract beneficial insects into cropped fields. However, further study is required to fully describe the distances key beneficial insects move from sunflowers and the impact these beneficial insects have on crop pests.

Sticky pane monitoring of Froggatts apple leafhopper and two beneficial insects in three orchard management systems

A convenient monitoring system for a range of pipfruit arthropods was investigated as part of the development of Integrated Fruit Production for apples The monitoring system based on clear sticky panes was used to monitor adults of Froggatts apple leafhopper (Edwardsiana crataegi) and two beneficial insects (Sejanus albisignata and Micromus tasmaniae) in Canterbury apple orchards under three management regimes over three seasons The results reconfirmed the presence of two generations of Froggatts apple leafhopper and S albisignata in Canterbury Differences in pest and beneficial insect abundance were evident between the three orchard production systems Numbers of S albisignata were consistently lowest in the conventional fruit production system but this was not the case for M tasmaniae or E crataegi

Efficacy of Fipronil for Control of Boll Weevil, 1996

Abstract Cotton was planted 25 Apr in 40-inch rows (8-row X 75-ft plots) at the Texas Agriculture Experiment Station at Chillicothe. The experimental design was a RCB with 5 insecticide treatments and a check replicated 4 times. Cotton was inspected for boll weevil damage (percentage of boll weevil damaged squares per plot) and abundance of beneficial insects (25 sweeps/plot) on 3 Jul (pre-treatment), 11, 15, and 24 Jul (post-treatments). Insecticide treatments were applied on an approximate 5-day spray schedule on 5, 12, 17, and 22 Jul. The scheduled spray date of 10 Jul had to be postponed until 12 Jul because of a heavy rain on 7 Jul. Treatments were applied with a John Deere High Cycle 6000 sprayer. Spray drops were used to provide three nozzles per row, delivering 9.7 total gallons of spray solution per acre at 40 psi.