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Ferrante M, Lövei GL, Lavigne L, Vicente MC, Tarantino E, Lopes DH, Monjardino P, Borges PAV. Flowering Coriander ( Coriandrum sativum) Strips Do Not Enhance Ecosystem Services in Azorean Orchards. INSECTS 2023; 14:634. [PMID: 37504640 PMCID: PMC10380325 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The effect of flower strips on ecosystem services (ESs) and disservices (EDs) is routinely assessed following changes in service provider densities without measuring the associated levels of ES/EDs. By using the sentinel approach (i.e., exposing a plant, seeds, and prey models in a standardized way), we tested how coriander (Coriandrum sativum) strips planted in mixed orchards on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal) affected herbivory on lettuce plants, seed predation on wheat and weed seeds, and predation on artificial caterpillars. Vertebrates had more influence than invertebrates on ESs/EDs. Herbivory (ED) after 2 weeks was similar in the coriander and the control plots (mean ± SD; 2.3% ± 3.3% vs. 2.2% ± 2.9%, n = 32 for both). Seed predation was higher in the control than in the coriander plots for both grain (ED; 30.8% ± 38.9% vs. 15.3% ± 10.8%, n = 18 for both) and weed seeds (ES; 2.5% ± 4.1% vs. 0.4% ± 0.5%, n = 18 for both). Vertebrate predation (ES) rates after 48 h were significantly higher in the control (estimate 9%, 95% CI: 4-20%) than in the coriander plots (3%, 1-8%), while no difference was observed for invertebrate predation. Coriander strips did not support increased ES/reduced ED levels in this setting. The tools used can be effective to quantitatively compare multiple ESs/EDs under different farming management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ferrante
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- Functional Agrobiodiversity, Department of Crop Science, Georg-August University of Gottingen, DE-37077 Gottingen, Germany
| | - Gabor L Lövei
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark
- ELKH-DE Anthropocene Ecology Research Group, Debrecen University, HU-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lambert Lavigne
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Mario Caballero Vicente
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Elisa Tarantino
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - David Horta Lopes
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Paulo Monjardino
- CBA-Biotechnology Centre of Azores, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Paulo A V Borges
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, PT-9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
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2
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Lund MC, Larsen BB, Rowsey DM, Otto HW, Gryseels S, Kraberger S, Custer JM, Steger L, Yule KM, Harris RE, Worobey M, Van Doorslaer K, Upham NS, Varsani A. Using archived and biocollection samples towards deciphering the DNA virus diversity associated with rodent species in the families cricetidae and heteromyidae. Virology 2023; 585:42-60. [PMID: 37276766 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Rodentia is the most speciose order of mammals, and they are known to harbor a wide range of viruses. Although there has been significant research on zoonotic viruses in rodents, research on the diversity of other viruses has been limited, especially for rodents in the families Cricetidae and Heteromyidae. In fecal and liver samples of nine species of rodents, we identify 346 distinct circular DNA viral genomes. Of these, a large portion are circular, single-stranded DNA viruses in the families Anelloviridae (n = 3), Circoviridae (n = 5), Genomoviridae (n = 7), Microviridae (n = 297), Naryaviridae (n = 4), Vilyaviridae (n = 15) and in the phylum Cressdnaviricota (n = 13) that cannot be assigned established families. We also identified two large bacteriophages of 36 and 50 kb that are part of the class Caudoviricetes. Some of these viruses are clearly those that infect rodents, however, most of these likely infect various organisms associated with rodents, their environment or their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Lund
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Brendan B Larsen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA; Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA
| | - Dakota M Rowsey
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Hans W Otto
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium; OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Museum of Natural Sciences, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simona Kraberger
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Joy M Custer
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Laura Steger
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Kelsey M Yule
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Robin E Harris
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA
| | - Michael Worobey
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The BIO5 Institute, Department of Immunobiology, Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Nathan S Upham
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Arvind Varsani
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA; The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA; Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa.
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3
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Effective dispersal and genetic structure of a small mammal in an intensively managed agricultural landscape: is there any barrier to movement? Evol Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-023-10233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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4
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Duvall ES, Schwabe EK, Steensma KMM. A win–win between farmers and an apex predator: investigating the relationship between bald eagles and dairy farms. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S. Duvall
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
| | - Emily K. Schwabe
- College of the Environment University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Karen M. M. Steensma
- Department of Biology Trinity Western University Langley British Columbia Canada
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5
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Saikia U, A.B. Meetei. Diversity, distribution, and abundance status of small mammalian fauna (Chiroptera: Rodentia: Eulipotyphla) of Manipur, India. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2022. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.8050.14.9.21751-21768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The three mammalian orders Chiroptera, Rodentia, and Eulipotyphla constitute the bulk of small mammalian species. In spite of their diversity, numerical preponderance, and widespread distribution, they are the least explored mammals with serious information gap on the diversity and distribution especially in the context of northeastern India. To partially fill this crucial information gap, we conducted two extensive field surveys covering nine districts of Manipur state during 2019 and 2021 resulting in the collection of 62 examples of these groups. Besides, 12 additional examples of bats and shrews from Manipur deposited at the North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) of ZSI, Shillong and two specimens of rodents deposited in Manipur University in recent times were also examined. Based on these voucher records and field evidences, we report the presence of 38 species of small mammals from the state including 27 species of bats, 10 species of rodents and one species of shrew. Out of these, 12 species of bats have been recorded for the first time from the state. It is expected that the present inventory will expand with further surveys as fossorial rodents and shrews were not adequately sampled during the present studies.
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Tresson P, Tixier P, Puech W, Abufera B, Wyvekens A, Carval D. Caught on camera: Field imagery reveals the unexpected importance of vertebrates for biological control of the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Col. Curculionidae). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274223. [PMID: 36125985 PMCID: PMC9488773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of ecological interactions is necessary for the application of biological control. Banana is the second most produced fruit worldwide and the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) is the most important pest of banana and plantain. Its biological control remains challenging because of the robustness and cryptic behaviour of the adult and the hidden development of larval stages. Researchers therefore tend to favour conservation biological control of this pest. The commonly used methods for measuring the effects of natural enemies on the regulation of this pest focus on invertebrates and may underestimate the role of vertebrates on biological control. Using cameras, we recorded the predation of sentinel adult weevils in banana plots in La Réunion island that differed in weevil infestation levels and in animal biodiversity. To facilitate image analysis, we used background subtraction to isolate moving parts of image sequences and thus detect predators and predation events. Our cameras recorded only vertebrates as predators of adult banana weevils. The most important predator appeared to be the Asian shrew (Suncus murinus), which was responsible for 67% of the predation events. Other predators included the house mouse (Mus musculus), the oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor), and the guttural toad (Sclerophrys gutturalis). The exact time of predation events were determined from the images metadata. It was thus possible to identify predator foraging periods that coincided with activity of adult weevils. Our results confirm that images provide useful information for biological and ecological studies. Along with other recent studies, our results suggest that the role of vertebrates in biological control may be underestimated. Based on these results, we advocate for several management implications such as the installation of hedges, grasslands, and ponds to favour these vertebrate predators of the banana weevil, possibly also favouring other vertebrate and invertebrate natural enemies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Tresson
- CIRAD, UPR GECO, Montpellier, France
- GECO, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UPR GECO, Saint-Pierre, France
- LIRMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Philippe Tixier
- CIRAD, UPR GECO, Montpellier, France
- GECO, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - William Puech
- LIRMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard Abufera
- GECO, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UPR GECO, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Antoine Wyvekens
- GECO, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UPR GECO, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Dominique Carval
- CIRAD, UPR GECO, Montpellier, France
- GECO, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UPR GECO, Saint-Pierre, France
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7
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Schütz L, Wenzel B, Rottstock T, Dachbrodt‐Saaydeh S, Golla B, Kehlenbeck H. How to promote multifunctionality of vegetated strips in arable farming: A qualitative approach for Germany. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schütz
- Julius Kühn‐Institut, Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment Kleinmachnow Germany
| | - Bettina Wenzel
- Julius Kühn‐Institut, Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment Kleinmachnow Germany
| | - Tanja Rottstock
- Julius Kühn‐Institut, Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment Kleinmachnow Germany
| | - Silke Dachbrodt‐Saaydeh
- Julius Kühn‐Institut, Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment Kleinmachnow Germany
| | - Burkhard Golla
- Julius Kühn‐Institut, Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment Kleinmachnow Germany
| | - Hella Kehlenbeck
- Julius Kühn‐Institut, Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment Kleinmachnow Germany
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8
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Ambarlı D, Simons NK, Wehner K, Kämper W, Gossner MM, Nauss T, Neff F, Seibold S, Weisser W, Blüthgen N. Animal-Mediated Ecosystem Process Rates in Forests and Grasslands are Affected by Climatic Conditions and Land-Use Intensity. Ecosystems 2021; 24:467-483. [PMID: 34776776 PMCID: PMC8550575 DOI: 10.1007/s10021-020-00530-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Decomposition, vegetation regeneration, and biological control are essential ecosystem functions, and animals are involved in the underlying processes, such as dung removal, seed removal, herbivory, and predation. Despite evidence for declines of animal diversity and abundance due to climate change and land-use intensification, we poorly understand how animal-mediated processes respond to these global change drivers. We experimentally measured rates of four ecosystem processes in 134 grassland and 149 forest plots in Germany and tested their response to climatic conditions and land-use intensity, that is, grazing, mowing, and fertilization in grasslands and the proportion of harvested wood, non-natural trees, and deadwood origin in forests. For both climate and land use, we distinguished between short-term effects during the survey period and medium-term effects during the preceding years. Forests had significantly higher process rates than grasslands. In grasslands, the climatic effects on the process rates were similar or stronger than land-use effects, except for predation; land-use intensity negatively affected several process rates. In forests, the land-use effects were more pronounced than the climatic effects on all processes except for predation. The proportion of non-natural trees had the greatest impact on the process rates in forests. The proportion of harvested wood had negative effects, whereas the proportion of anthropogenic deadwood had positive effects on some processes. The effects of climatic conditions and land-use intensity on process rates mirror climatic and habitat effects on animal abundance, activity, and resource quality. Our study demonstrates that land-use changes and interventions affecting climatic conditions will have substantial impacts on animal-mediated ecosystem processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Ambarlı
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Düzce University, 81620 Düzce, Turkey
| | - Nadja K Simons
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.,Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Katja Wehner
- Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Wiebke Kämper
- Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.,Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Martin M Gossner
- Forest Entomology, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland.,Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Nauss
- Environmental Informatics Unit, Department of Geography, University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Felix Neff
- Forest Entomology, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland.,Landscape Ecology, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Seibold
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.,Ecosystem Dynamics and Forest Management Group, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weisser
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Nico Blüthgen
- Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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9
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Carabajal-Capitán S, Kniss AR, Jabbour R. Seed Predation of Interseeded Cover Crops and Resulting Impacts on Ground Beetles. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 50:832-841. [PMID: 33843995 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Interseeding cover crops into standing grains can promote both agronomic and environmental benefits within agroecosystems. Producers must decide which cover crops are the best fit for their goals, and whether diverse cover crop mixtures provide benefits that are worth the increased seed cost. Broadcast seeding is an accessible strategy to try interseeding but can lead to patchy establishment; it is unknown how much seed loss is due to seed predators. In a two-year study, six cover crop species-planted as either single species or mixtures-were interseeded into standing corn. We evaluated seed predation at the time of seeding, agronomic impact through cover crop, and weedy biomass at the end of the season, and conservation impact through activity-density of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Cover crop seeds were vulnerable to seed predation, primarily by vertebrate seed predators, and seed loss varied across cover crop species. Cover crop biomass did not differ according to cover crop diversity and weedy biomass was not affected by cover crop presence or species. Cover crop diversity effects on carabid activity-density were inconsistent: carabids were higher in diverse mixtures in 1 year of the study, but only predicted by vegetative cover, not by cover crop, in the second year. Interseeding cover crops into corn has potential benefits for ground beetles, although the value of mixtures must be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Carabajal-Capitán
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Andrew R Kniss
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Randa Jabbour
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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10
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Perrot T, Rusch A, Coux C, Gaba S, Bretagnolle V. Proportion of Grassland at Landscape Scale Drives Natural Pest Control Services in Agricultural Landscapes. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.607023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing regulating ecosystem services delivered by biodiversity in farmland is a way to maintain crop yields while reducing the use of agrochemicals. Because semi-natural habitats provide shelter and food for pest enemies, a higher proportion of semi-natural habitats in the landscape or their proximity to crops may enhance pest control in arable fields. However, the ways in which the spatial arrangement of these habitats affects the delivery of this beneficial ecosystem service to crops remains poorly known. Here, we investigated the relative effects of the amount of grassland in the landscape versus the distance to the nearest grassland on the predation rates of weed seeds and aphids into 52 cereal fields. We found that both seed and aphid predation levels increased with the proportion of grassland in a 500 m radius buffer while the distance to the nearest grassland displayed no effect. We show that increasing from 0 to 50% the proportion of grasslands in a 500 m radius, respectively, increased seed and aphid predation by 38 and 20%. In addition to the strong effect of the proportion of grassland, we found that seed predation increased with the proportion of forest fragments while aphid predation increased with the proportion of organic farming in the landscape. Overall, our results reveal that natural pest control in cereal crops is not related to the distance to the nearest grassland, suggesting that natural enemies are not limited by their dispersal ability. Our study indicates that maintaining key semi-natural habitats, such as grasslands, is needed to ensure natural pest control and support food production in agricultural landscapes.
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11
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Kolkert HL, Smith R, Rader R, Reid N. Prey removal in cotton crops next to woodland reveals periodic diurnal and nocturnal invertebrate predation gradients from the crop edge by birds and bats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5256. [PMID: 33664383 PMCID: PMC7970855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors influencing the efficacy of insectivorous vertebrates in providing natural pest control services inside crops at increasing distances from the crop edge are poorly understood. We investigated the identity of vertebrate predators (birds and bats) and removal of sentinel prey (mealworms and beetles) from experimental feeding trays in cotton crops using prey removal trials, camera traps and observations. More prey was removed during the day than at night, but prey removal was variable at the crop edge and dependent on the month (reflecting crop growth and cover) and time of day. Overall, the predation of mealworms and beetles was 1-times and 13-times greater during the day than night, respectively, with predation on mealworms 3-5 times greater during the day than night at the crop edge compared to 95 m inside the crop. Camera traps identified many insectivorous birds and bats over crops near the feeding trays, but there was no evidence of bats or small passerines removing experimental prey. A predation gradient from the crop edge was evident, but only in some months. This corresponded to the foraging preferences of open-space generalist predators (magpies) in low crop cover versus the shrubby habitat preferred by small passerines, likely facilitating foraging away from the crop edge later in the season. Our results are in line with Optimal Foraging Theory and suggest that predators trade-off foraging behaviour with predation risk at different distances from the crop edge and levels of crop cover. Understanding the optimal farm configuration to support insectivorous bird and bat populations can assist farmers to make informed decisions regarding in-crop natural pest control and maximise the predation services provided by farm biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi L Kolkert
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Rhiannon Smith
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Romina Rader
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Nick Reid
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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12
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Schumacher M, Dieterich M, Gerhards R. Effects of weed biodiversity on the ecosystem service of weed seed predation along a farming intensity gradient. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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13
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Assessing molar wear in narrow-headed voles as a proxy for diet and habitat in a changing Arctic. Mamm Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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14
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Effects of supplementary feed for game birds on activity of brown rats Rattus norvegicus on arable farms. MAMMAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-020-00539-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBrown rats are widespread in agroecosystems, but our understanding of factors affecting their activity is incomplete due to cryptic, nocturnal behaviours. Indirect monitoring methods include tracking plates and camera traps. Supplementary feeding of game birds may provide resources for rats away from farm buildings, allowing them to persist in winter when there is little other food available. Developing reliable methods to monitor such populations will facilitate landscape-scale studies of rat populations in farm environments and aid ecologically based approaches for controlling rats on farms. We compared camera traps and tracking plates to monitor brown rat activity near game bird feeders at a mixed farm in Northumberland, UK. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to compare rat incidence estimated from camera traps and tracking plates. A strong positive relationship was found between the two methods, although tracking plate estimates were less reliable when rat activity was very low. Factors that affected populations of brown rats near game bird feeders were assessed via linear mixed-effect models (LMM) of monthly tracking plate data (October 2017 to September 2018). Populations were highest at the feeders (0 m) compared with further away (10 m, 20 m) and were also higher in periods of cold, wet weather and when more food was available from the feeders. Rodenticide application near feeders did not significantly affect activity, nor did land cover 100 m around each feeder. A highly significant relationship was detected with food supply, suggesting that the use of game bird feeders could potentially have major impacts on rat population dynamics.
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Veres A, Wyckhuys KAG, Kiss J, Tóth F, Burgio G, Pons X, Avilla C, Vidal S, Razinger J, Bazok R, Matyjaszczyk E, Milosavljević I, Le XV, Zhou W, Zhu ZR, Tarno H, Hadi B, Lundgren J, Bonmatin JM, van Lexmond MB, Aebi A, Rauf A, Furlan L. An update of the Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) on systemic pesticides. Part 4: Alternatives in major cropping systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:29867-29899. [PMID: 32500500 PMCID: PMC7378116 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09279-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We present a synthetic review and expert consultation that assesses the actual risks posed by arthropod pests in four major crops, identifies targets for integrated pest management (IPM) in terms of cultivated land needing pest control and gauges the implementation "readiness" of non-chemical alternatives. Our assessment focuses on the world's primary target pests for neonicotinoid-based management: western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) in maize; wireworms (Agriotes spp.) in maize and winter wheat; bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) in winter wheat; brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) in rice; cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) and silver-leaf whitefly (SLW, Bemisia tabaci) in cotton. First, we queried scientific literature databases and consulted experts from different countries in Europe, North America, and Asia about available IPM tools for each crop-pest system. Next, using an online survey, we quantitatively assessed the economic relevance of target pests by compiling country-level records of crop damage, yield impacts, extent of insecticide usage, and "readiness" status of various pest management alternatives (i.e., research, plot-scale validation, grower-uptake). Biological control received considerable scientific attention, while agronomic strategies (e.g., crop rotation), insurance schemes, decision support systems (DSS), and innovative pesticide application modes were listed as key alternatives. Our study identifies opportunities to advance applied research, IPM technology validation, and grower education to halt or drastically reduce our over-reliance on systemic insecticides globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Veres
- Department of Integrated Plant Protection / Plant Protection Institute, Szent István University (SZIE), Páter Károly út 1, Gödöllő, 2103, Hungary
| | - Kris A G Wyckhuys
- China Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Chrysalis, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jozsef Kiss
- Department of Integrated Plant Protection / Plant Protection Institute, Szent István University (SZIE), Páter Károly út 1, Gödöllő, 2103, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Tóth
- Department of Integrated Plant Protection / Plant Protection Institute, Szent István University (SZIE), Páter Károly út 1, Gödöllő, 2103, Hungary
| | - Giovanni Burgio
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna (UNIBO), Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefan Vidal
- Department of Crop Sciences/Agricultural Entomology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jaka Razinger
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Renata Bazok
- Department for Agricultural Zoology, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ewa Matyjaszczyk
- Institute of Plant Protection - National Research Institute, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Xuan Vi Le
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Wenwu Zhou
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Rong Zhu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Marc Bonmatin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Orléans, France
| | | | - Alexandre Aebi
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, Institute of Ethnology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Aunu Rauf
- Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Lorenzo Furlan
- Agricultural Research Department, Veneto Agricoltura, Legnaro, Italy.
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Tschumi M, Ekroos J, Hjort C, Smith HG, Birkhofer K. Predation-mediated ecosystem services and disservices in agricultural landscapes. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 28:2109-2118. [PMID: 30192426 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ecological intensification may reduce environmental externalities of agriculture by harnessing biodiversity to benefit regulating ecosystem services. However, to propose management options for the production of such services, there is a need to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of net effects between ecosystem services and disservices provided by wild organisms across taxonomic groups in relation to habitat and landscape management. We studied the contribution of predatory vertebrates and invertebrates (including both carnivores and seed herbivores) to regulating ecosystem services and disservices in 16 cereal fields in response to a local habitat contrast and a landscape complexity gradient. From May to November 2016, we provided weed (predation reflects an ecosystem service) and crop (predation reflects a disservice) seeds, as well as pest (predation reflects an ecosystem service) and beneficial (predation reflects a disservice) invertebrate prey to predators. Seed predation was dominated by vertebrates, while vertebrates and invertebrates contributed equally to predation of animal prey. Before harvest, predation steadily increased from very low levels in May to high levels in July independent of the resource type. After harvest, ecosystem services declined more rapidly than disservices. The presence of adjacent seminatural grasslands promoted crop seed predation, but reduced pest prey predation. Predation on beneficial prey decreased with increasing proportions of seminatural grassland in the landscape. Predatory vertebrates and invertebrates provide important ecosystem services due to the consumption of pests. However, beneficial invertebrates and crop seeds were often consumed to a similar or even higher extent than harmful invertebrates or weed seeds. Our results therefore raise concerns that management options aimed at enhancing service providers may simultaneously increase levels of disservices. By considering positive and negative effects simultaneously, this study addresses an important knowledge gap and highlights the importance of interactions between local management, landscape composition, and service and disservice provision across taxa and over time. Considering trade-offs between ecosystem services and disservices when evaluating the net effects of biodiversity conservation measures on ecosystem service provision is crucial. Future agri-environment schemes that offer payments for seminatural habitats may need to provide higher compensation for farmers in cases where net effects are likely to be negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Tschumi
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Ekroos
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Hjort
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik G Smith
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Klaus Birkhofer
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 6A, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus, Germany
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