Silicon enhances natural enemy attraction and biological control through induced plant defences

2009 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.L. Kvedaras ◽  
M. An ◽  
Y.S. Choi ◽  
G.M. Gurr
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Field Experiment ◽  
Recent Work ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
Plant Defence ◽  
Plant Defences ◽  
Pest Infestation ◽  
Arthropod Pests

AbstractSilicon (Si) is known to have a role in constitutive plant defence against arthropod pests, and recent work has illustrated involvement in induced plant defences. The present tri-trophic study tested the hypothesis that Si increases natural enemy attraction to pest-infested plants and improves biological control. Cucumber plants treated with potassium silicate (Si+) and untreated control plants (Si−) were maintained in separately vented glasshouse compartments. Y-tube olfactometer studies showed that adult Dicranolaius bellulus were significantly more attracted to Si+ plants upon which Helicoverpa armigera larvae had fed compared with Si−, pest-infested plants. Predators were not significantly more attracted to Si+ plants when comparing uninfested cucumbers. In a field experiment, we placed H. armigera-infested and uninfested Si+ and Si− cucumber plants in a lucerne stand. Removal rates of H. armigera egg baits showed predation was greater for Si+ infested plants than for other treatments. Results suggest that Si applied to plants with a subsequent pest infestation increases the plants' attractiveness to natural enemies; an effect that was reflected in elevated biological control in the field.

scholarly journals Methyl Salicylate Fails to Enhance Arthropod Predator Abundance or Predator to Pest Ratios in Cotton

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven E Naranjo ◽  
James R Hagler ◽  
John A Byers
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Methyl Salicylate ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Control Function ◽  
Conservation Biological Control ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Control Activity ◽  
Synthetic Chemicals

Abstract Conservation biological control is a fundamental tactic in integrated pest management (IPM). Greater biological control services can be achieved by enhancing agroecosystems to be more favorable to the presence, survival, and growth of natural enemy populations. One approach that has been tested in numerous agricultural systems is the deployment of synthetic chemicals that mimic those produced by the plant when under attack by pests. These signals may attract arthropod natural enemies to crop habitats and thus potentially improve biological control activity locally. A 2-yr field study was conducted in the cotton agroecosystem to evaluate the potential of synthetic methyl salicylate (MeSA) to attract native arthropod natural enemies and to enhance biological control services on two key pests. Slow-release packets of MeSA were deployed in replicated cotton plots season long. The abundance of multiple taxa of natural enemies and two major pests were monitored weekly by several sampling methods. The deployment of MeSA failed to increase natural enemy abundance and pest densities did not decline. Predator to prey ratios, used as a proxy to estimate biological control function, also largely failed to increase with MeSA deployment. One exception was a season-long increase in the ratio of Orius tristicolor (White) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) to Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring (= Bemisia tabaci MEAM1) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) adults within the context of biological control informed action thresholds. Overall results suggest that MeSA would not likely enhance conservation biological control by the natural enemy community typical of U.S. western cotton production systems.

An Investigation of the Possibilities of Biological Control ofMelittomma insulareFairm. (Coleoptera, Lymexylonidae), a serious Pest of Coconut in the Seychelles

1956 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. Simmonds
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy

The biology and general ecology ofMelittomma insulareFairm. in the Seychelles is briefly described and the difficulties in the biological control of this pest are stressed.As much information as possible was obtained concerning the species of the little-known family Lymexylonidae, particularly with regard to their biology, which in most cases has not been investigated. Several species might warrant further investigation with a view to providing natural enemies for use againstM. insulare, but in general what is known of their biology does not afford much hope that an effective parasite or predator will be found.The biology ofAtractocerus brasiliensisLep. & Serv. was investigated in detail in Trinidad but no natural enemy was found.The only possibility is thatRhizophagus dispar(Payk.), recorded as attackingHylecoetus dermestoides(L.) in England, might also attack the eggs ofM. insulare.

Supplemental food affects thrips predation and movement of Orius laevigatus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.J. Skirvin ◽  
L. Kravar-Garde ◽  
K. Reynolds ◽  
J. Jones ◽  
A. Mead ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Trichoderma Viride ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Neoseiulus Cucumeris ◽  
Orius Laevigatus ◽  
Supplemental Food ◽  
Species Movement ◽  
Predation Rates

AbstractTwo experiments were done to examine the predation of thrips, and the movement of Orius laevigatus Fieber and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) in the presence and absence of two supplemental food sources, pollen and the fungus Trichoderma viride. The presence of pollen led to a 55% reduction in predation of the thrips by N. cucumeris and a 40% reduction in thrips predation by O. laevigatus, in experiments using single predators. The presence of fungus had no significant effect on thrips predation by either of the natural enemy species. Movement of the natural enemies was examined in a multiple predator experiment, and this showed that O. laevigatus was more likely to remain on the plant in the presence of thrips and when supplemental food, either pollen or fungus, was present. For N. cucumeris, there was no association between the presence of thrips and the mite, with the majority of the mites being found on the leaves where pollen was present. Although the single and multiple predator experiments were done at different times, the indications are that the predation rates of the N. cucumeris do not differ greatly between the two experiments, suggesting that there may be a potential interference effect between the mites, which is not present for O. laevigatus. The significance of these results for the use of supplemental food sources in biological control is discussed.

scholarly journals Landscape composition mediates suppression of major pests by natural enemies in conventional cruciferous vegetables

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Shijun You ◽  
Dongsheng Niu ◽  
Karla Giovana Gavilanez Guaman ◽  
Ao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Landscape Composition ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Cruciferous Vegetables ◽  
Natural Habitats

ABSTRACTBackgroundConservation biological control provides an environment-friendly approach to improve the efficacy of natural enemies. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of semi-natural habitats in promoting biological control in organic or unsprayed agroecosystems, few studies were conducted in conventional agricultural fields. In this study, we investigated the effects of landscape composition on the major pests of cruciferous vegetables and on the assemblages of their natural enemies in southeastern China.ResultsHabitat diversity, particularly increasing grassland proportion in the landscape, had a positive impact in controlling both small-sized pests (aphids, leaf miners, thrips and flea beetles) and Plutella xylostella. This increasing proportion also promoted greater abundance and diversity of canopy-dwelling predators, more forests supported a higher diversity of airborne enemies (parasitoids and canopy-dwelling predators) as well as a higher abundance of ground-dwelling predators. A general increase in habitat diversity was beneficial to parasitoids and ground-dwelling predators. Additionally, the proportion of forest, grassland, and non-cruciferous vegetable area, as well as habitat diversity, affected the compositions of natural enemy communities. Moreover, inconsistent effects of non-cruciferous and grassland habitats were found between sampling regions for small-sized pests and canopy-dwelling predators. Moreover, the scale at which pests and natural enemies’ abundance and richness responded most to landscape composition varied with their feeding range and dispersal ability.ConclusionOur study provides evidence that increasing the amount of semi-natural habitats and habitat diversity can result in lower pest and higher natural enemy abundance in conventional cruciferous agroecosystems. Regional conditions and spatial scales also should be considered in designing the agricultural landscape mosaic.

scholarly journals Balancing Disturbance and Conservation in Agroecosystems to Improve Biological Control

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Tooker ◽  
Matthew E. O'Neal ◽  
Cesar Rodriguez-Saona
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Intensification ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Insect Outbreaks ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Crop Fields ◽  
Pest Outbreaks

Disturbances associated with agricultural intensification reduce our ability to achieve sustainable crop production. These disturbances stem from crop-management tactics and can leave crop fields more vulnerable to insect outbreaks, in part because natural-enemy communities often tend to be more susceptible to disturbance than herbivorous pests. Recent research has explored practices that conserve natural-enemy communities and reduce pest outbreaks, revealing that different components of agroecosystems can influence natural-enemy populations. In this review, we consider a range of disturbances that influence pest control provided by natural enemies and how conservation practices can mitigate or counteract disturbance. We use four case studies to illustrate how conservation and disturbance mitigation increase the potential for biological control and provide co-benefits for the broader agroecosystem. To facilitate the adoption of conservation practices that improve top-down control across significant areas of the landscape, these practices will need to provide multifunctional benefits, but should be implemented with natural enemies explicitly in mind.

Some Concepts on the Ecological Basis of Biological Control of Weeds

1962 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. B. Huffaker
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Natural Scene ◽  
Biological Control Of Weeds ◽  
Ecological Relationships ◽  
Ecological Basis

Contrary to a common conception, employment of biological control of weeds is fundamentally the same as the employment of biological control of insect pests. The goal in each case is not eradication but the reduction of pest populations to non-injurious levels. The ecological relationships which apply in the regulation of any organism by natural enemies in the undisturbed natural scene also apply when we attempt to introduce a natural enemy not already present. While it is true that our work has an economic or applied objective, the pursuit of objectives in biological control in general takes us deeply into fundamental considerations – fundamentals which constitute the broad science of ecology.

scholarly journals Toxicity of Insecticides and Miticides to Natural Enemies in Australian Grains: A Review

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Kathy Overton ◽  
Ary A. Hoffmann ◽  
Olivia L. Reynolds ◽  
Paul A. Umina
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
International Organization ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Seed Treatments ◽  
Target Effects

Continued prophylactic chemical control to reduce pest populations in Australian grain farming systems has limited the effectiveness of biological control via natural enemies in crops within an integrated pest management (IPM) framework. While a variety of data is available to infer potential non-target effects of chemicals on arthropod natural enemies, much of it may be irrelevant or difficult to access. Here, we synthesise the literature relevant to Australian grain crops and highlight current knowledge gaps for potential future investment. A range of testing methodologies have been utilised, often deviating from standardised International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) protocols. Consistent with findings from over 30 years ago, research has continued to occur predominantly at laboratory scales and on natural enemy families that are easily reared or commercially available. There is a paucity of data for many generalist predators, in particular for spiders, hoverflies, and rove and carabid beetles. Furthermore, very few studies have tested the effects of seed treatments on natural enemies, presenting a significant gap given the widespread global use of neonicotinoid seed treatments. There is a need to validate results obtained under laboratory conditions at industry-relevant scales and also prioritise testing on several key natural enemy species we have identified, which should assist with the adoption of IPM practices and decrease the reliance on broad-spectrum chemicals.

Impact of Solenopsis invicta Buren Suppression on Arthropod Ground Predators and Pest Species in Soybean

2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Seagraves ◽  
Robert M. McPherson ◽  
John R. Ruberson
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Solenopsis Invicta ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
Ground Beetles ◽  
Fire Ants ◽  
Fire Ant ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Solenopsis Invicta Buren

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, reportedly contributes to the biological control of key soybean pests. However, S. invicta may negatively affect ground-dwelling natural enemies such as ground beetles and earwigs. Information on the interactions between natural enemies is important for anticipating the success of biological control in agroecosystems with multiple interacting entomophagous species. Ground arthropods were monitored in soybean using pitfall traps in the 2000 and 2001 growing seasons to determine their response to selected fire ant controls. Three treatments were examined: an untreated check, Amdro™ (hydramethylnon) bait (ant-specific), and Lorsban™ (chlorpyriphos) (broad spectrum) plus Amdro. Fire ant captures in pitfall traps were lower in the Amdro and in the Amdro plus Lorsban treatments compared to the untreated control. Reduced fire ant density plus chemical treatment impacted the abundance of certain ground predators. Spiders, primarily Lycosidae, were significantly more abundant in the untreated control plots on some sampling dates; whereas, the earwig Labidura riparia Pallas was more abundant in the Lorsban and Amdro plots, presumably due to the removal of fire ants and other natural enemies. Ground beetles (Carabidae) were not different between treatments on any sampling dates. This study supports the assumption that spiders are compatible with fire ants as natural enemies and that earwigs are not compatible with fire ants. Numbers of lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller, were not affected by the suppression of fire ant predation or the chemical treatments in 2000, the only year when they were captured. Crickets (Gryllidae), mole crickets (Gryllotalpridae), click beetles (Elateridae), scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), and false darkling beetles (Melandryidae) also were not different between the fire ant suppression treatments.

scholarly journals Linear woody landscape elements may help to mitigate leaf surface loss caused by the cereal leaf beetle

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 2225-2238
Author(s):  
Károly Lajos ◽  
Orsolya Császár ◽  
Miklós Sárospataki ◽  
Ferenc Samu ◽  
Ferenc Tóth
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Leaf Surface ◽  
Leaf Beetle ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Landscape Elements ◽  
Surface Loss ◽  
Cereal Leaf Beetle

Abstract Context Woody semi-natural habitats serve as permanent habitats and hibernation sites for natural enemies and, through spillover processes, they play an important role in the biological control of insect pests. However, this service is also dependent on the amount and configuration of the dominating woody habitat types: linear landscape elements (hedgerows, shelterbelts), and more evenly extended plantations. Relating natural enemy action to the landscape context can help to identify the effect of woody habitats on biological control effectiveness. Objectives In the Central European agricultural landscapes such as in the Hungarian lowlands, where our study took place, woody linear elements are characterised by high, while woody areal elements, mostly plantations, by low biological and structural diversity. In this study, we aimed to determine which composition and configuration of woody linear and areal habitats in the landscape may enhance the effect of natural enemy action on plant damage caused by the cereal leaf beetle (CLB, Oulema melanopus). Methods Herbivory suppression by natural enemies was assessed from the leaf damage difference between caged and open treatments. These exclusion experiments were carried out in 34 wheat fields on plants with controlled CLB infections. The results were related to landscape structure, quantified by different landscape metrics of both woody linear and areal habitats inside buffers between 150 and 500 m radii, surrounding the wheat fields. Results The exclusion of natural enemies increased the leaf surface loss caused by CLBs in all fields. Shelterbelts and hedgerows in 150–200 m vicinity of the wheat fields had a strong suppressing effect on CLB damage, while the presence of plantations at 250 m and further rather impeded natural enemy action. Conclusions Our results indicate that shelterbelts and hedgerows may provide a strong spillover of natural enemies, thus contribute to an enhanced biological control of CLBs.

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