Natural Pest Research Articles

Assessment of biodiversity and seasonal dynamics of spiders in maize crops of Punjab, Pakistan

Spiders contribute significantly to natural pest control in agriculture. Here, we investigated the biodiversity, population dynamics and predatory activities of spiders in the maize-growing districts (Kasur and Lahore) of Punjab, Pakistan during 2018–2019. Various collecting methods including pitfall and yellow pan traps, manual hand-picking, beat sheet, and sweep nets were used to collect spiders on a biweekly basis. The collected 12,894 individuals represented 45 different species, 27 genera, and 13 families. The major families recorded were Araneidae (32.92%), Lycosidae (20.43%) and Salticidae (11.12%) comprising >64% of the overall abundance. Neoscona theisi (Araneidae) was found to be most dominant species (11.61%). Moreover, the species Macracantha hasselti (Araneidae) and Atypena formosana are reported for the first time from Pakistan. Besides, the estimated species diversity from both districts was 97%. The Margalef's index was highest in Kasur (D = 5.08) and lowest in Lahore (D = 4.95). The values of the Shannon-Wiener and species evenness indices were similar in Kasur and Lahore suggesting similar diversity levels and an even distribution. Spider abundance was highest in April and lowest in June and July. These findings will help to develop effective Integrated Pest Management strategies in maize growing areas across the world.

Reviews on the Strategies Employed in Implementing the 'Push-Pull' Approach to Integrated Pest Management

Abstract: For small-holder maize farmers in Africa, the push-pull strategy is outlined as an alternate ecological management technique to traditional insecticide-based integrated pest management for the control of the spotted stem borer Chilo partellus and the autumn armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. Push-Pull Technology (abbreviated PPT) is a unique integrated pest management method developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and its partners. This tactic involves influencing the behavior of natural enemies and insect pests by strategically deploying stimuli that make the resource under protection unappealing or inappropriate for the pests (the "push"). Additionally, the pests are drawn to an alluring source the pull, from which they are then eliminated

Farmers' biodiversity knowledge improves natural enemy conservation in agricultural ecosystems

ContextIn the face of dual challenges of sustainable food production and biodiversity conservation, the knowledge gaps of farmers about biodiversity, pests, and their natural enemies can become a crucial barrier to adopting sustainable land management practices. ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess farmers' knowledge and understanding of crop pest and natural enemy diversity and their impacts, and whether the adoption of Climate-Smart or Conservation Agriculture (CSA here onwards) was associated with this knowledge. MethodsWe conducted questionnaire-based interviews and showed biodiversity images, including crop pests and beneficial insects, to understand farmers' knowledge of biodiversity on their farms. A comparison was drawn between farmers practising CSA and non-CSA farmers to understand the role of CSA in enhancing biodiversity knowledge. Results and conclusionsFarmers facing greater yield losses were aware of pests, but they were less knowledgeable about their natural enemies, and they used fewer conservation management practices. CSA farmers, however, showed more biodiversity knowledge, especially of natural enemies, and they employed a wider range of CS management practices. Farmers’ age, experience, education, and training were positively correlated with biodiversity knowledge, leading to better natural enemy conservation and pest management practices. SignificanceThe findings underscore the need for biodiversity-focused capacity building in sustainable agricultural programs, targeting less knowledgeable farming groups. It emphasises the crucial role of farmers' knowledge in developing sustainable and biodiversity-friendly food production systems.Africa, East Usambara Mountains, Food security, Biodiversity conservation, Invertebrates, Crop pests, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Farmer education.

Polyalthia longifolia-mediated green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: characterization, photocatalytic and antifungal activities.

The biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from plant extracts has emerged as a novel method for producing NPs with great scalability and biocompatibility. The present study is focused on bio-fabricated zinc oxide nanomaterial characterization and investigation of its photocatalytic and antifungal activities. ZnO NPs were biosynthesized using the leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia without using harmful reducing or capping chemicals, which demonstrated fungicidal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. The results showed that the inhibition of the radial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris was enhanced as the concentration increased from 100 ppm to 300 ppm. The effectiveness of the photocatalytic activity of biosynthesized ZnO NPs was analyzed using MB dye degradation in aqueous medium under ultraviolet (UV) radiation and natural sunlight. After four consecutive cycles, the photocatalytic degradation of MB was stable and was 84%, 83%, 83%, and 83%, respectively, during natural sunlight exposure. Under the UV sources, degradation reached 92%, 89%, 88%, and 87%, respectively, in 90 minutes. This study suggests that the ZnO NPs obtained from plant extract have outstanding photocatalytic and antifungal activities against F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and have the potential for application as a natural pest control agent to reduce pathogenesis.

A Comparative Study on the Antioxidant and Insecticidal Activities of <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis </i>Essential Oil and Hydrosol

The study investigates the hydrosol of <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i> to assess its value and potential applications within the essential oil (EO) industry. Following steam distillation of <i>E. camaldulensis</i> leaves to extract essential oil, the resulting hydrosol underwent liquid-liquid extraction to yield a secondary essential oil (SEO). Comparative chemical analysis was performed using GC/MS. Comparative chemical analysis of the SEO and EO revealed distinct compositions, with 24 compounds identified in the SEO compared to 41 in the EO. Oxygenated compounds predominated in the SEO while non-oxygenated compounds were the most abundant in the EO (63.61%). Eucalyptol emerged as the primary constituent in both, with higher concentrations observed in the SEO (60.41%) than in the EO (28.53%). Additionally, antioxidant activity assessed using the DPPH assay demonstrated significant radical reduction in the SEO compared to the EO. In insecticidal tests targeting Callosobruchus maculatus, the SEO exhibited pronounced toxicity, with an IC<sub>50</sub> value lower than that of the EO. This study showed the abundance of oxygenated compounds in <i>E. camaldulensis</i> hydrosol compared to pure essential oil, suggesting its potential as an antioxidant agent and for integrated pest management in agriculture. The research highlights the value of hydrosols in the EO industry and their potential applications in natural product formulations and pest control strategies.

Ground beetle movement is deterred by habitat edges: a mark-release-recapture study on the effectiveness of border crops in an agricultural landscape.

Border crops can increase beneficial insect biodiversity within agricultural fields by supplementing insects with food and nesting resources. However, the effectiveness of border crops relies on insect movement between adjacent habitats and some insects might consider habitat boundaries as barriers. Therefore, understanding insect movement between habitats is needed to determine the effectiveness of border crops for ecosystem services such as pest control within agricultural habitats. Our objective was to compare ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) movement across soybean plots that were bordered by corn and grassland habitat to determine whether habitat boundaries were considered barriers of movement to predatory beetles. Using a grid of pitfall traps within these habitats, we conducted a mark, release, and recapture experiment to track and evaluate ground beetle movement patterns. We found that ground beetles stayed in the habitat of their release and that movement between habitats, despite the type of bordering habitat or type of edge, was uncommon. We also found that long-distance movement was rare as most beetles moved less than 5 m (regardless of release or recaptured habitat) and movement was perpendicular to habitat edges. These results suggest that any edge habitat, including agricultural-agricultural boundaries and natural-agricultural boundaries, are likely barriers to ground beetle movement. Therefore, in order for border crops to be effective in pest management by ground beetles, making habitat edges more permeable, especially using techniques such as edge softening, could promote cross-habitat movement and ultimately contribute to natural pest control in agricultural systems.

Determinants of the Availment of Crop Insurance Program

Crop insurance is a crucial shield for farmers facing the challenges of climate change, including natural disasters, pests, and diseases. This descriptive-relational study using a researcher-made questionnaire examines the determinants of crop insurance adoption among 180 farmers in Negros Occidental's fourth district. The statistical tools are frequency, percentages, means, standard deviations, ranks, and linear regression. Findings reveal that coverage amount, covered risks, indemnity settlement, and adjustment significantly impact farmers' decisions to adopt crop insurance. Farmers highly value crop insurance for its potential coverage against pests and diseases. Correspondingly, loan requirements and farm eligibility moderately affect utilization, with debt levels emerging as a significant predictor. Optimizing crop insurance as a protection tool can raise farmer awareness and bolster agricultural sustainability and income stability. Recommendations include updating insurance components, expanding local government adoption, enhancing service delivery, and providing ongoing farmer education.

Principles and Applications of Agroecology: A Review

Agroecology is a holistic approach to agriculture that combines ecological principles with farming systems. Its primary goal is to create sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural ecosystems. In this review, we will explore the fundamental ideas and various applications of agroecology. We will delve into the biological components of agricultural landscapes, focusing on natural pest control, biodiversity, and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, we will showcase successful case studies from different regions, demonstrating how agroecology benefits smallholder farmers, food security, and climate resilience. However, we will also address obstacles to its widespread adoption, such as technological and regulatory challenges. Additionally, we will examine the environmental impacts of agroecology compared to traditional agriculture, emphasizing how it promotes soil health, conserves biodiversity, and mitigates climate change. Taking into account its social and economic aspects, we will underscore the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge while highlighting the economic feasibility of agroecology and its empowering effects on local communities. The review will conclude by emphasizing the need for scalable techniques, improved research, and supportive policies to fully integrate agroecology into mainstream agricultural practices, thereby creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural environment. We will also propose potential pathways towards achieving this goal.

Comparing various bio-intensive pest management modules in rice

Rice is the key cereal crop in the tropics, supporting diverse pests and natural enemy populations. Recurrent pest outbreaks and yield losses led farmers to rely on extensive insecticide application, disturbing the stability of rice ecosystems and increasing residues in the harvestable products. A study has been conducted to assess the impact of various modules of Bio-Intensive Pest Management (BIPM) on its conservational potential and sustainability in comparison with Farmers’ Practices (FP) in Nalgonda district of Telangana state during kharif-2020. The BIPM practices included application of farm yard manure; rice husk ash; clipping of seedlings; alleyways and weekly release of Trichogramma japonicum in the main field; wet seed treatment and foliar application with Pseudomonas fluorescens (BIPM 1), Trichoderma asperellum strain TAIK1 (BIPM 2) and Bacillus cabrialesii strain BIK3 (BIPM 3). Whereas, FP 1 with need-based insecticide spraying and FP 2 with schedule-based insecticide spraying and Untreated control with (UC) with no intervention. The observations were taken by visual counts at 15-day intervals. The incidence of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis was highest in UC (9.50), followed by BIPM 1 (7.25) and least in FP 2 (2.50) whereas the highest mean population of Apanteles sp. was found in the untreated control (13.75), followed by BIPM 3 (9.50) and least in FP 2 (4.25). The Benefit Cost Ratios (BCR) of BIPM 3 (1.68) were highest followed by BIPM 1 (1.64) and least in FP 2 (1.40) elucidating that BIPM practices can be more economically feasible. The Shannon-Wiener Index for species diversity and species evenness was higher in BIPM treatments as compared to farmers’ practices indicating the potential of these BIPM treatments in natural pest control and maintaining crop ecosystem stability.

Insecticidal action, repellency, and toxicity mechanism of the essential oil of Lippia turbinata against the stored product pest Rhipibruchus picturatus (F.)

The use of essential oils (EOs) in the development of alternative management methods for bruchid control under storage conditions aroused great interest because they have proven to be effective, less toxic, and less persistent in the ecosystem than synthetic pesticides. In this sense, leaves of Lippia turbinata (Griseb.) Moldenke EO were studied in the present work. The monoterpene limonene and the monoterpenoid eucalyptol were its main constituents. EO showed a potent insecticidal activity, both in contact and fumigant conditions, against Rhipibruchus picturatus (F.) which is one of the main pests of Prosopis alba pods in stored conditions. Moreover, the EO produces repellency in these insects. Additionally, the toxicity mechanism of action was studied. In this regard, the EO inhibits the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in in vitro assays, alters the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, and produces an increase in the lipid peroxidation reactions. This is the first report of the use of the L. turbinata EO against R. picturatus insect pest. The data obtained demonstrate its potential for developing more efficient and natural storage pest control strategies.

Studies on Benefits of Organic Food Products in Human Life during Covid-19

Organic food products have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their perceived health and environmental benefits. This comprehensive review examines the scientific evidence surrounding the advantages of consuming organic foods compared to conventionally produced counterparts. Firstly, organic farming practices emphasize the use of natural fertilizers and biological pest control methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Numerous studies have demonstrated that organic produce tends to have lower pesticide residues, reducing the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure. Moreover, organic farming promotes soil health and biodiversity by minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Healthy soils are essential for nutrient-rich crops and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability. Additionally, organic agriculture typically utilizes crop rotation and intercropping techniques, which enhance soil fertility and resilience. Furthermore, organic livestock production adheres to stringent animal welfare standards, including access to outdoor grazing and the prohibition of routine antibiotic use and growth hormones. As a result, organic meat, dairy, and poultry products often contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In terms of nutritional quality, several meta-analyses have suggested that organic fruits and vegetables may have slightly higher levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown counterparts. While the differences may be modest, the cumulative effects of consuming organic foods over time could contribute to improved overall health outcomes. Beyond individual health benefits, supporting organic agriculture also has positive implications for environmental conservation and sustainable food systems. By minimizing chemical inputs and promoting biodiversity, organic farming helps mitigate soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional agriculture.

2018–2021年湖北省恩施市烟田瓢虫、食蚜蝇数据集

Tobacco is a pillar industry in Enshi City, Hubei Province. However, in recent years, the increasing impact of diseases and pests on the yield and quality of tobacco leaves has been growing in Enshi due to climate change and the expanding scale of agricultural planting. Making good use of natural enemies is crucial for implementing green pest control and effectively reducing the negative effects of pesticides, which holds great significance for the sustainable development of the environment in Enshi. Coccinellids and Syrphidae, as important natural enemy resources, exhibit great potential for natural pest control. In order to evaluate the species and population dynamics of Coccinellids and Syrphidae in Enshi, we collected data on natural enemy insect resources from Enshi’s tobacco fields from late 2018 to late 2021 in the paper. All the data were obtained from five Malaise traps. The research covers the specimens of 1,079 predatory Coccinellids and 4,286 Syrphidae. Among them, 26 species of Coccinellids were collected, with 20 species and 6 genera identified. Additionally, there were 23 species of Syrphidae, with 18 species and 5 genera identified. The screening and identification of natural enemy insects were completed by professionals to ensure the data quality. The dataset provides information on the species, quantity, and different parts of the species of Coccinellids and Syrphidae natural enemies, along with specimen bottle photos. It can serve as theoretical basis for implementing comprehensive pest control strategies and using the natural enemy resource in tobacco fields.

Dietary metabarcoding reveals the simplification of bird-pest interaction networks across a gradient of agricultural cover.

Agriculture is vital for supporting human populations, but its intensification often leads to landscape homogenization and a decline in non-provisioning ecosystem services. Ecological intensification and multifunctional landscapes are suggested as nature-based alternatives to intensive agriculture, using ecological processes like natural pest regulation to maximize food production. Birds are recognized for their role in increasing crop yields by consuming invertebrate pests in several agroecosystems. However, the understanding of how bird species, their traits and agricultural land cover influence the structure of bird-pest interactions remains limited. We sampled bird-pest interactions monthly for 1 year, at four sites within a multifunctional landscape, following a gradient of increasing agricultural land cover. We analysed 2583 droppings of 55 bird species with DNA metabarcoding and detected 225 pest species in 1139 samples of 42 bird species. As expected, bird-pest interactions were highly variable across bird species. Dietary pest richness was lower in the fully agricultural site, while predation frequency remained consistent across the agricultural land cover gradient. Network analysis revealed a reduction in the complexity of bird-pest interactions as agricultural coverage increased. Bird species abundance affected the bird's contribution to the network structure more than any of the bird traits analysed (weight, phenology, invertebrate frequency in diet and foraging strata), with more common birds being more important to network structure. Overall, our results show that increasing agricultural land cover increases the homogenization of bird-pest interactions. This shows the importance of maintaining natural patches within agricultural landscapes for biodiversity conservation and enhanced biocontrol.

A Comprehensive Review on Harvesting Abundance: Exploring the Tools and Techniques of Zero Budget Natural Farming

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an innovative and sustainable agricultural paradigm that redefines conventional farming practices. Pioneered by Subhash Palekar, ZBNF promotes a harmonious coexistence with nature by minimizing external inputs and eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals. The approach is rooted in indigenous wisdom, emphasizing the use of locally available resources and traditional farming techniques. Through the judicious application of inputs such as Jeevamrut and Bijamrita, ZBNF aims to enhance soil fertility and plant resilience. ZBNF advocates crop diversification, cover cropping, and agroforestry, fostering biodiversity and mitigating the risks associated with monoculture. The method encourages farmers to adopt natural pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. One of the distinctive features is its "zero budget" approach, wherein farmers aim to meet their agricultural needs without incurring additional costs. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern ecological principles, ZBNF stands as a promising model for sustainable and regenerative agriculture, addressing global concerns about environmental impact and food security.

A novel free-air diesel and ozone enrichment (FADOE) research platform

Air pollution is an escalating concern in the modern world, posing substantial threats to ecosystem processes. While the importance of comprehending the impact of pollutants on natural environments is evident, conducting rigorous field-based experiments presents formidable challenges. Elevating pollutant concentrations within open air environments in a controlled manner is complex. Nonetheless, such real-world experiments are invaluable for revealing the genuine influence of air pollutants on ecosystems and their functioning. Field-scale measurements have emerged as a pivotal avenue for advancing our understanding of the interactions between air pollutants and the natural world, providing unique insights into ecosystem dynamics, including critical processes like pollination and natural pest regulation. In atmospheric and ecological research, free-air exposure systems have proven effective in elevating carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations, facilitating the exploration of their ecological consequences. Yet, nitrogen oxides (NOx), a class of pollutants with significant ecological and atmospheric relevance, have largely eluded field-based ecological investigations. This paper introduces the recently developed FADOE (Free-Air Diesel and Ozone Enrichment) platform, which allows the elevation of O3 and diesel exhaust (including NOx) within a field-scale context. Comprehensive information on the system's design, construction, and performance data from the 2023 summer season is presented.•Air pollution and ecosystem functioning•Elevated ozone and nitrogen oxides (NOx)•Free-air exposure systems for field scale measurements.

Spider guilds in a maize polyculture respond differently to plant diversification, landscape composition and stage of the agricultural cycle

Abstract Agroecosystem simplification for greater food production has led to the loss of ecosystem services such as pest control by predators. Plant diversification has shown excellent potential to improve the diversity of crop predators such as spiders. However, in agroecosystems with frequent disturbances such as annual crops, it is unknown whether the effect of plant diversification on spiders depends on the surrounding landscape and the stages of the agricultural cycle (i.e., periods with differences in vegetation, weather and agricultural practices). Here, we evaluated the effect and interaction of local management (plant diversification), landscape (forest areas) and agricultural cycle on the richness and abundance from the main spider guilds of a maize polyculture in Mexico. We found that greater crop diversification (i.e., addition of legumes and leafy plants) caused a greater abundance of ground‐hunting spiders. We also show that a larger area of forest around the crop favours a greater richness and abundance of ground‐ and vegetation‐hunting spiders. We found that each stage of the agricultural cycle had a different spider richness and abundance, ground hunters were more common at the beginning of the agricultural cycle, while vegetation hunters and web‐builders were more common during the peak developmental stages of the crops. Our findings support the idea that to foster functionally diverse spider communities that potentially enhance natural pest control, we must jointly manage plant elements within the crop, in the surrounding landscape, considering the high dynamics of spider communities throughout the agricultural cycle.

Biotic and abiotic factors drive multi-trophic interactions among spiders at different spatial scales in urban greenspaces

Abstract Urbanization is often detrimental to biodiversity, yet urban greenspaces can be managed to provide habitat for many arthropods. Understanding how anthropogenic filters influence processes of community assembly in urban ecosystems will inform conservation of species such as spiders, which provide natural pest control. Spiders are abundant in urban areas, but the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors for structuring spider communities in urban greenspaces is unclear. We initiated the Cleveland Pocket Prairie Project in the legacy city of Cleveland, Ohio, where vacant lots and urban prairies were established across eight inner-city neighborhoods. In each greenspace, spiders were collected along with landscape and local environmental data in July 2017. Using a path analysis approach, we investigated the relative importance and strength of landscape and local environmental filters for influencing the structure of spider communities during mid-summer within this system. We found that spider community assembly was influenced by multiple abiotic and biotic drivers across spatial scales related to landscape composition, soil texture and quality, prey breadth, and habitat management designs. Web-building and active hunting spiders responded differently to these landscape and local drivers, highlighting the need to incorporate a functional perspective when studying community assembly. These findings suggest that a multi-scale approach to conservation management is needed to support biodiversity and associated biological control services in urban ecosystems.

The benefits of floral border crops in smallholder rice production depends on agronomic inputs and landscape context

Abstract Ecological intensification (EI) provides an important and increasingly adopted pathway for achieving more sustainable agricultural systems. However, the implementation and success of on‐farm EI practices may vary depending on landscape context and local management practices. We evaluated how EI interventions, including two different agricultural input regimes (high or low use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers) and floral border crops, affected local natural enemy biodiversity, pest abundance and crop yield, and how this was influenced by the surrounding landscape context across 12 rice fields on smallholder farms in Puducherry, India. Reducing agricultural inputs positively impacted the overall natural enemy assemblage; however, responses to landscape factors varied. For example, coccinellid beetles were negatively correlated with higher densities of field edges (landscape configuration). In contrast, spiders, the most abundant group surveyed, were not significantly influenced by any landscape metric. Furthermore, pest abundance was greatest in fields with reduced inputs but only at sites where floral border crops were not present. Mean rice grain yield was lower across low‐input sites compared with high‐input sites and floral border crops had opposing effects across high‐ and low‐input sites. At low‐input sites, mean yields were 33% higher where floral border crops were present. At high‐input sites, the presence of floral border crops was correlated with a lower mean yield (16%). These findings show that ecological intensification practices can benefit smallholder crop systems but highlight the need to account for variations in landscape context and local management practices for developing effective sustainable management practices.

Avicenna's views on pest control and medicinal plants he prescribed as natural pesticides.

The present study aimed to introduce Avicenna's views on pest control and the medicinal plants he proposed as natural pesticides. Also, we addressed the strategies that he leveraged to formulate and prescribe them, and, finally, we put his views into perspective with modern science. The data were collected using Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) as well as scientific databases. According to Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb, 42medicinal plants are described as natural pest control agents. After introducing the pest control properties of each plant, Avicenna explained the appropriate strategies for use of these plants. These strategies or formulations included incensing, spraying, spreading, rubbing, smudging, and scent-dispersing, which are equivalent to the modern pesticide formulations of fumigants, aerosols, pastes and poisoned baits, lotions, creams, and slow-release formulations, respectively. This study revealed that Avicenna introduced the pest control approach with natural plants in his book Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb and, thus, harnessed the power of nature to control nature. Future research is recommended to find the pest control merits of the presented medicinal plants, in order to incorporate them into pest control programs and reduce environmental pollution resulting from the complications of current synthetic pesticides.

Expert-based model of the potential for natural pest control with landscape and field scale drivers in intensively managed cereal-dominated agricultural landscapes

Agricultural intensification has contributed to the loss of biodiversity and of the ecosystem services that it supports, such as natural pest control. Decision support tools are needed to understand and predict where natural pest control can be enhanced and pesticide applications decreased. While many studies have assessed the impact of field and landscape-scale management in a range of crops, few attempts have been made to synthesize this knowledge in a single model. In this study, we developed an expert-based moving window model of natural pest control potential. This model builds on the knowledge of 52 experts across Europe regarding the importance of herbaceous areas, forest interiors, and edges, and field scale agricultural management practices (i.e. farming system, field size and crop diversity) for the abundance of generalist predators (e.g. carabids, spiders), specialist predators (e.g. coccinelids) and parasitoid natural enemies. We assessed the model’s performance by comparing its predictions to field data on natural enemy abundance from 117 sites in Sweden. The natural pest control potential scores predicted by the model explained 11% of the variation in carabid field abundances. However, the model’s performance was less satisfactory for spiders and parasitoids. We provide guidance for improving this indicator, particularly by incorporating more ecological processes, such as accounting for the functional diversity of spiders and the density-dependent effects of parasitoid-host interactions. In addition, the model could be further refined by accounting for non-linear relations and potential threshold effects and interactions among field and landscape-scale management practices. In its current state, the developed indicator can be used to identify areas where further ecological intensification practices can be promoted to enhance natural pest control potential, especially for carabids.