Interactions between Metisa plana, its hyperparasitoids and primary parasitoids from good agriculture practices (GAP) and non-gap oil palm plantations

Host-parasitoid food webs in oil palm plantations in Asia

Oil palm plantations are typically managed as wide monocultures and cover large areas, which can lead to a reduction in biodiversity and the provision of biological control services. However, it is less clear what the factors are and how the management of these plantations affects the biological control services, in particular, the host-parasitoid food webs. Understanding host-parasitoid food webs and the factors influencing species interactions is important for the development of pest management strategies in oil palm plantations. Food webs are critically linked to the stability and function of ecological communities by describing their underlying structure. The variation in the interactions can be different not only between the oil palm plantations within the same landscape but also between different geographical areas. Several factors have an influence on these interactions and should be taken into account in the management of oil palm plantations. This review highlights the host-parasitoid food webs in oil palm plantations in Asia, particularly in Indonesia, and explores the key factors influencing these interactions, providing insights that are critical for developing effective pest management strategies.