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Wyckhuys KAG, Gu B, Ben Fekih I, Finger R, Kenis M, Lu Y, Subramanian S, Tang FHM, Weber DC, Zhang W, Hadi BAR. Restoring functional integrity of the global production ecosystem through biological control. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 370:122446. [PMID: 39270336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Human society is anchored in the global agroecosystem. For millennia, this system has provided humans with copious supplies of nutrient-rich food. Yet, through chemical intensification and simplification, vast shares of present-day farmland derive insufficient benefits from biodiversity and prove highly vulnerable to biotic stressors. Here, we argue that on-farm action centered on biological control can effectively defuse pest risk by bolstering foundational ecosystem services. By harnessing plant, animal and microbial biodiversity, biological control offers safe, efficacious and economically-sound plant health solutions and coevolved options for invasive species mitigation. In recent years, its scientific foundation has been fortified and solutions have been refined for myriad ecologically brittle systems. Yet, for biological control to be mainstreamed, it needs to be rebooted, intertwined with (on- and off-farm) agroecological tactics and refurbished - from research, policy and regulation, public-private partnerships up to modes of implementation. Misaligned incentives (for chemical pesticides) and adoption barriers further need to be removed, while its scientific underpinnings should become more interdisciplinary, policy-relevant, solution-oriented and linked with market demand. Thus, biological control could ensure human wellbeing in a nature-friendly manner and retain farmland ecological functioning under global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris A G Wyckhuys
- Chrysalis Consulting, Danang, Viet Nam; Institute for Plant Protection, China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Australia; Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy.
| | - Baogen Gu
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Yanhui Lu
- Institute for Plant Protection, China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Sevgan Subramanian
- International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Donald C Weber
- USDA-ARS Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI-CGIAR), Washington DC, USA
| | - Buyung A R Hadi
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy; International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Rome, Italy
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Ghosh D, Borzée A. Biological pest regulation can benefit from diverse predation modes. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:240535. [PMID: 39295914 PMCID: PMC11407875 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Increases in agricultural intensity due to anthropogenic demands alongside the need to reduce the reliance on pesticides have resulted in an urgent need for sustainable options for pest control. Biological pest regulation is an alternative strategy that relies on natural predators and is essentially a by-product of successful foraging. Therefore, knowledge of the predator's specific foraging behaviour can significantly improve bioregulation. In this article, we discuss the implications of predators' diverse foraging modes on their efficiency as bioregulators of crop pests using amphibians and reptiles as models. Amphibians and reptiles are promising bioregulators as they are insectivorous, and the diversity in their foraging styles-ambush and active foraging, differing in energy expenditure, movement, cognitive abilities, reliance on cues, response to predatory risk, competition and prey salience-can have specific impacts on pest regulation. We propose the uptake of this concept into strategizing pest management actions. We are now moving towards an era of biological pest regulation, which is the most targeted, economically profitable method with zero negative impact on the ecosystem. Utilizing diverse traits associated with the different foraging modes in vertebrate predators can be a crucial tool in allowing pest management to adapt to the extreme challenges it is facing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyatima Ghosh
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Amaël Borzée
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Agricultural Biodiversity Cultivation and Utilization Research Center, Nanjing 210014, People's Republic of China
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Klinnert A, Barbosa AL, Catarino R, Fellmann T, Baldoni E, Beber C, Hristov J, Paracchini ML, Rega C, Weiss F, Witzke P, Rodriguez-Cerezo E. Landscape features support natural pest control and farm income when pesticide application is reduced. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5384. [PMID: 38918388 PMCID: PMC11199556 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48311-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Future trajectories of agricultural productivity need to incorporate environmental targets, including the reduction of pesticides use. Landscape features supporting natural pest control (LF-NPC) offer a nature-based solution that can serve as a partial substitute for synthetic pesticides, thereby supporting future productivity levels. Here, we introduce a novel approach to quantify the contribution of LF-NPC to agricultural yields and its associated economic value to crop production in a broad-scale context. Using the European Union as case study, we combine granular farm-level data, a spatially explicit map of LF-NPC potential, and a regional agro-economic supply and market model. The results reveal that farms located in areas characterized by higher LF-NPC potential experience lower productivity losses in a context of reduced synthetic pesticides use. Our analysis suggests that LF-NPC reduces yield gaps on average by four percentage points, and increases income by a similar magnitude. These results highlight the significance of LF-NPC for agricultural production and income, and provide a valuable reference point for farmers and policymakers aiming to successfully invest in landscape features to achieve pesticides reduction targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Klinnert
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, C/Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Ana Luisa Barbosa
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, C/Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Rui Catarino
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Thomas Fellmann
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, C/Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Edoardo Baldoni
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, C/Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Caetano Beber
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, C/Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Jordan Hristov
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, C/Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Carlo Rega
- European Commission, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Franz Weiss
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Peter Witzke
- EuroCARE Bonn GmbH, Buntspechtweg 22, D-53123, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Food and Resource Economics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Gray HL, Ivers NA, Lopez E, Peter BG, Longing SD, López-Uribe MM, Jha S. Diet specialization mediates drivers of Cucurbita herbivory in a semi-arid agroecosystem. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 5:100087. [PMID: 38988880 PMCID: PMC11233904 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2024.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Herbivory is a major fitness pressure for plants and a key driver of crop losses in agroecosystems. Dense monocultures are expected to favor specialist herbivorous insects, particularly those who primarily consume crop species; yet, levels and types of herbivory are not uniform within regional cropping systems. It is essential to determine which local and regional ecological factors drive variation in herbivory in order to support functional agroecosystems that rely less on chemical inputs. Crops in the genus Cucurbita host a suite of both generalist and specialist herbivores that inflict significant damage, yet little is known about the relative contribution of these herbivores to variation in herbivory and how local- and landscape-scale Cucurbita resource concentrations, management practices, and natural enemies mediate this relationship. In this study, we tested whether three foundational ecological hypotheses influenced Cucurbita herbivory across 20 pumpkin fields in the semi-arid Southern High Plains Region of Texas. We used generalized linear mixed models and confirmatory path analysis to assess whether the Density-dependent Herbivory Hypothesis, Resource Concentration Hypothesis, or the Natural Enemies Hypothesis, could explain variation in Cucurbita herbivory and insect dynamics in the context of conventional agronomic practices. We found that herbivory increased over time, indicating that herbivores were causing sustained damage throughout the growing season. We also found that fields with higher local Cucurbita resources had lower herbivory, suggesting a resource dilution effect. Natural enemy communities were more abundant and taxonomically rich in sites with greater generalist herbivore abundance, though predator abundance declined over time, indicating that late-season crop fields are most at risk given high herbivory and low natural enemy-based control. Our findings also suggest that while local resource availability may drive the abundance and richness of arthropod communities, additional agronomic and phenological information is needed to anticipate herbivory risk in an agriculturally dominated landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Gray
- Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 205W. 24th St., Austin 78712, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Ivers
- Dept. of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, 547 ASI Bldg., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lopez
- Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 205W. 24th St., Austin 78712, TX, USA
| | - Brad G. Peter
- Dept. of Geosciences, University of Arkansas, 340N. Campus Walk, Fayetteville 72701, AK, USA
| | - Scott D. Longing
- Dept. of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, 2911 15th St., Lubbock 79409, TX, USA
| | - Margarita M. López-Uribe
- Dept. of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, 547 ASI Bldg., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Shalene Jha
- Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 205W. 24th St., Austin 78712, TX, USA
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., University of Texas, Austin 78739, TX, USA
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Gontijo LM. Addressing context dependence in studies of plant diversity to improve the understanding of natural enemy conservation. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101202. [PMID: 38642848 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Increasing plant diversity has become a major aspect of habitat management and natural enemy conservation. Nonetheless, the results of plant diversity studies have varied significantly within and across agroecosystems. This variation has often been ascribed to a condition known as context dependence. However, concluding plainly that results are context dependent does not allow for the understanding of the actual underlying causes. Therefore, I discuss in this paper the importance of identifying and dealing with context dependence. I specifically comment on common biotic and abiotic inherent variables that can drive context dependence. The most common context types explored herein are location, time, nonfocal plant and crop species, and natural enemy species. Finally, I offer several recommendations for identifying and dealing with context dependence. I believe understanding the different forms in which context dependence arises is paramount to reduce unexplained variation and improve the predictability of plant diversity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lessando M Gontijo
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil.
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Ma YF, Zhao YQ, Zhou YY, Feng HY, Gong LL, Zhang MQ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, Roy A, Smagghe G, He M, He P. Nanoparticle-delivered RNAi-based pesticide target screening for the rice pest white-backed planthopper and risk assessment for a natural predator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171286. [PMID: 38428617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171286] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Vacuolar-type (H+)-ATPase (vATPase) is a conserved multi-subunit eukaryotic enzyme composed of 14 subunits that form a functional complex consisting of an ATP-hydrolytic domain (V1) and a proton-translocation domain (V0). ATP hydrolysis and subsequent H+ translocation rely heavily on a fully assembled V1/V0 complex. Since vATPase is crucial for insect survival, it is a viable molecular target for pest control. However, detailed functional analyses of the 14 subunits and their suitability for pest control have not been fully explored in a single insect species. In this study, we identified 22 vATPase subunit transcripts that correspond to 13 subunits (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, a1, a2, c and d) in the white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera, a major hemipteran pest of rice. RNAi screens using microinjection and spray-based methods revealed that the SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 subunits are critical. Furthermore, star polymer (SPc) nanoparticles were utilized to conduct spray-induced and nanoparticle-delivered gene silencing (SI-NDGS) to evaluate the pest control efficacy of RNAi targeting the SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 transcripts. Target mRNA levels and vATPase enzymatic activity were both reduced. Honeydew excreta was likewise reduced in WBPH treated with dsRNAs targeting SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2. To assess the environmental safety of the nanoparticle-wrapped dsRNAs, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter, a major natural enemy of planthoppers, was also sprayed with dsRNAs targeting SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2. Post-spray effects of dsSfVHA-a2 and dsSfVHA-c2 on C. lividipennis were innocuous. This study identifies SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 as promising targets for biorational control of WBPH and lays the foundation for developing environment-friendly RNAi biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Feng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yang-Yuntao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Hong-Yan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, 7 Nadi El-Seid Street, Dokki, 12618 Giza, Egypt
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute Entomology, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, PR China; Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ming He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
| | - Peng He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
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Gagnon AÈ, Fortier AM, Audette C. Biological Control and Habitat Management for the Control of Onion Thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in Onion Production in Quebec, Canada. INSECTS 2024; 15:232. [PMID: 38667362 PMCID: PMC11050518 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) can pose a significant threat to onion crops, causing leaf damage, reduced bulb size and quality, and yield loss during severe infestations. Conventional insecticide use has been the primary method for managing this pest species, but the efficacy of this approach is inconsistent. Furthermore, emerging pest resistance is a growing concern in some regions. This two-year field study aimed to assess the effectiveness of several pest management strategies in controlling onion thrips populations and limiting their impact on onion yields. The strategies tested consisted of habitat manipulations (including flower strips and straw mulch), biological control agents (Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii, and Beauveria bassiana), as well as physical barrier control methods (exclusion nets, kaolin, and mineral oil). Habitat manipulation techniques, particularly the use of flower strips, reduced thrips populations by up to 50% and increased onion yields by 25%. In contrast, exclusion nets had a detrimental effect on onion yields, and the other alternative control methods produced results comparable to those obtained for untreated controls. When used alone, biological control agents were not effective at maintaining thrips populations below economically damaging levels. This study offers valuable insights into effective and sustainable pest management practices for the onion industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie-Ève Gagnon
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 430 Gouin Boulevard, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 3E6, Canada;
| | - Anne-Marie Fortier
- Compagnie de Recherche Phytodata Inc., 291 Rue de la Coopérative, Sherrington, QC J0L 2N0, Canada;
| | - Carolane Audette
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 430 Gouin Boulevard, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 3E6, Canada;
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Yağmur A, Demir S, Canpolat S, Rezaee Danesh Y, Farda B, Djebaili R, Pace L, Pellegrini M. Onion Fusarium Basal Rot Disease Control by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Trichoderma harzianum. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:386. [PMID: 38337919 PMCID: PMC10857072 DOI: 10.3390/plants13030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Soilborne pathogens reduce 60% of the yield of onion crops. A common fungal pathogen causing wilt disease and severe losses is Fusarium basal rot (FBR). In this study, the combination of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with Trichoderma harzianum was investigated against FBR. Onion samples were collected from the Ankara-Polatlı region. Among the isolates, isolate S6 was identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOC) using morphological and molecular methods and pathogenicity tests. Different combinations of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae pure strain and the commercial AMF) and T. harzianum were inoculated on susceptible onion cultivars (Seç, Gence, and Şampiyon). The effects of the treatments on FOC biocontrol were studied under growth chamber conditions. The results showed that Şampiyon was the most resistant, while Gence was the most susceptible to basal rot disease. Different colonization rates (8.91-24%), spore densities (16.4-50.4 spore/10 g soil), and the extent to which a plant needs mycorrhizal conditions to grow to its maximum potential (i.e., mycorrhizal dependencies-18.3-51.9%) were recorded by treatment. Both single and combined applications of AMF and Trichoderma applications suppressed FOC. Suppressive effects were more pronounced when the F. mosseae pure strain was used alone (when F. mosseae was used, disease severity decreased from 90 to 68%, p < 0.05). The F. mosseae pure strain also showed the best plant growth promotion and phosphorus content release. The results indicate an interesting potential use of F. mosseae and the combination of AMF with T. harzianum in the management of FOC in onions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Yağmur
- Directorate of Plant Protection Central Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 06172 Ankara, Turkey; (A.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Semra Demir
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, 65090 Van, Turkey;
| | - Sirel Canpolat
- Directorate of Plant Protection Central Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 06172 Ankara, Turkey; (A.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Younes Rezaee Danesh
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, 65090 Van, Turkey;
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Beatrice Farda
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (B.F.); (L.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Rihab Djebaili
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (B.F.); (L.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Loretta Pace
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (B.F.); (L.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Marika Pellegrini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (B.F.); (L.P.); (M.P.)
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Borges I, Oliveira L, Durão A, Arruda P, Soares AO. Feeding preference and intraguild interactions between the parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae and the predator Macrolophus pygmaeus, two biological agents of Tuta absoluta. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:4376-4382. [PMID: 37384575 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuta absoluta is an exotic species and a major pest of tomato crops in Europe. Macrolophus pygmaeus and Trichogramma achaeae are two biocontrol agents widely used in integrated pest management programs of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta. In this study, we evaluated under laboratory conditions the (i) voracity of M. pygmaeus females fed on single diets of Tuta absoluta eggs parasitized or unparasitized by Trichogramma achaeae, (ii) voracity and feeding preference of M. pygmaeus females provided with mixed diets of Tuta absoluta eggs unparasitized and parasitized by Trichogramma achaeae and (iii) effect of competitive and intraguild interactions between M. pygmaeus and Trichogramma achaeae on the number of Tuta absoluta eggs consumed and/or parasitized. Lastly, we assessed under field conditions the effect of interspecific and intraspecific interactions between natural enemies on the number of Tuta absoluta eggs consumed and/or parasitized. RESULTS Macrolophus pygmaeus consumed more unparasitized than parasitized eggs of Tuta absoluta. Under mixed diet regimes, Manly indices revealed a feeding preference for unparasitized eggs, and a decrease in the total number of eggs consumed, as the proportion of available parasitized eggs increased, whereas the unparasitized eggs were consumed in direct proportion to their availability. Conspecific interactions between M. pygmaeus, in contrast to Trichogramma achaeae, revealed the possible occurrence of intraspecific competition. For intraguild heterospecific interactions, the number of Tuta absoluta eggs consumed by M. pygmaeus and parasitized by Trichogramma achaeae was lower than that predicted for additive and non-interactive scenarios. Under field conditions, a significant difference between the conspecific treatment and heterospecific treatments revealed a slightly higher success rate in controlling Tuta absoluta when both M. pygmaeus and Trichogramma achaeae were used simultaneously. CONCLUSION Macrolophus pygmaeus prefers unparasitized eggs of Tuta absoluta but inflicts intraguild predation on Trichogramma achaeae. In conspecific experiments, mutual interference between M. pygmaeus predators intensifies as the number of individuals increases, but for Trichogramma achaeae, it occurs in an unpredictable manner. Adding Trichogramma achaeae could significantly increase the level of control of Tuta absoluta compared to what could be achieved when only M. pygmaeus is present in glasshouse tomatoes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Borges
- cE3c - ABG - Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group and CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Science and Technology, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Luisa Oliveira
- CBA - Biotechnology Center of Azores, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Ana Durão
- Serviço de Desenvolvimento Agrário de São Miguel, Quinta de São Gonçalo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Patricia Arruda
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - António O Soares
- cE3c - ABG - Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group and CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Science and Technology, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
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Ratto F, Bruce T, Chipabika G, Mwamakamba S, Mkandawire R, Khan Z, Mkindi A, Pittchar J, Sallu SM, Whitfield S, Wilson K, Sait SM. Biological control interventions reduce pest abundance and crop damage while maintaining natural enemies in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221695. [PMID: 36475436 PMCID: PMC9727667 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect pests are a major challenge to smallholder crop production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where access to synthetic pesticides, which are linked to environmental and health risks, is often limited. Biological control interventions could offer a sustainable solution, yet an understanding of their effectiveness is lacking. We used a meta-analysis approach to investigate the effectiveness of commonly used biocontrol interventions and botanical pesticides on pest abundance (PA), crop damage (CD), crop yield (Y) and natural enemy abundance (NEA) when compared with controls with no biocontrol and with synthetic pesticides. We also evaluated whether the magnitude of biocontrol effectiveness was affected by type of biocontrol intervention, crop type, pest taxon, farm type and landscape configuration. Overall, from 99 studies on 31 crops, we found that compared to no biocontrol, biocontrol interventions reduced PA by 63%, CD by over 50% and increased Y by over 60%. Compared to synthetic pesticides, biocontrol resulted in comparable PA and Y, while NEA was 43% greater. Our results also highlighted that the potential for biocontrol to be modulated by landscape configuration is a critical knowledge gap in SSA. We show that biocontrol represents an effective tool for smallholder farmers, which can maintain yields without associated negative pesticide effects. Furthermore, the evidence presented here advocates strongly for including biocontrol practices in national and regional agricultural policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Ratto
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Miall Building, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK,Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Miall Building, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK,Department of Health Studies and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Toby Bruce
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Gilson Chipabika
- Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, Mulungushi House, Independence Avenue, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Sithembile Mwamakamba
- Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), 141 Cresswell St Weaving Park, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rachel Mkandawire
- Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), 141 Cresswell St Weaving Park, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Zeyaur Khan
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Angela Mkindi
- School of Life Sciences and Bio-engineering, Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, PO Box 447- Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Jimmy Pittchar
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Susannah M. Sallu
- Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Miall Building, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stephen Whitfield
- Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Miall Building, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Steven M. Sait
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Miall Building, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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11
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Ji S, Gong J, Cui K, Zhang Y, Mostafa K. Performance Test and Parameter Optimization of Trichogramma Delivery System. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1996. [PMID: 36422425 PMCID: PMC9698907 DOI: 10.3390/mi13111996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Trichogramma is a small wasp that is a natural enemy of many agricultural pests. Although Trichogramma can be used in sustainable crop production, conventional methods of delivering Trichogramma to fields are expensive and may cause pollution. In this study, the feasibility of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for Trichogramma delivery was investigated. A six-rotor plant protection UAV was equipped with a Trichogramma delivery device, and a Box-Behnken experimental design was carried out with the Trichogramma pills as the test material, the launch height, the launch speed and the launch interval as the experimental factors, and the Trichogramma pills' landing accuracy as the test index. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Design-Expert software, and the influence of each experimental factor on the accuracy of the Trichogramma pills bolus landing was explored through response surface analysis. The regression model between the experimental factors and the experimental indicators was established, and the parameters were optimized based on the response surface method, and the optimal combination parameters were obtained. The ANOVA revealed that the launch height A had the greatest effect on the accuracy, followed by launch interval C and launch velocity B. The results demonstrated that the optimal parameter combination of the Trichogramma delivery system is the launch height of 147.95 cm, the launch speed of 3.7745 m/s, and the launch interval of 2.98 s. At this moment, the accuracy of Trichogramma pills' bolus landing was the highest, with an accuracy of 93.29%. The average relative error between the experimental value and the optimization result was 1.71%, indicating that the Trichogramma delivery system could meet the requirements of delivery. This study provides theoretical references and technical support for verifying the feasibility of the Trichogramma delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzheng Ji
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Jinliang Gong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Nanjing Dragonfly Smart Agri Research Corp. LTD, Nanjing 210019, China
| | - Yanfei Zhang
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Kazi Mostafa
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecosystem, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
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12
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Park JH, Lee JM, Kim EJ, Park JW, Lee EP, Lee SI, You YH. A study on the proliferation of Myzus persicae (sulzer) during the winter season for year-round production within a smart farm facility. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276520. [PMID: 36269770 PMCID: PMC9586411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the feasibility of Myzus persicae proliferation through interrelationships with host plants in a smart farm facility during winter. We investigated aphid proliferation under an LED artificial light source and attempted to interpret aphid proliferation in relation to the net photosynthetic rate of the host plant, Eutrema japonicum. We observed that aphids continuously proliferated in the smart farm facility in winter without dormancy. The average number of aphids was greater under the 1:1 red:blue light irradiation time ratio, where the photosynthetic rate of the host plant was lower than under the 5:1 and 10:1 red:blue light irradiation time ratios. These results show that it is important to maintain a low net photosynthetic rate of the host plant, E. japonicum, in order to effectively proliferate aphids under artificial light such as in the case of smart farm facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hoon Park
- Department of Life Science, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- Department of Life Science, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Eui-Joo Kim
- Department of Life Science, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Ji-Won Park
- Department of Life Science, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Eung-Pill Lee
- National Ecosystem Survey Team, National Institute of Ecology, Seochon, South Korea
| | - Soo-In Lee
- Invasive Alien Species Research Team, National Institute of Ecology, Seochon, South Korea
| | - Young-Han You
- Department of Life Science, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
- * E-mail:
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13
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Gaines KC, Stelinski LL, Neupane S, Diepenbrock LM. Detectability of Hibiscus Mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Hemiptera: Pseudoccocidae), DNA in the Mealybug Destroyer, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Survey of Its Predators in Florida Citrus Groves. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:1583-1591. [PMID: 35686325 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), has recently established in Florida citrus and become a pest of concern given secondary pest outbreaks associated with management of citrus greening disease. Chemical controls used to manage other citrus arthropod pests are not as effective against N. viridis due to its waxy secretions, clumping behavior, and induced cellular changes to host plant tissue which increase microhabitats. Populations of this mealybug pest are regulated by natural enemies in its native region, but it remains unclear if resident natural enemies in Florida citrus could similarly suppress N. viridis populations. This investigation: 1) established species-specific primers for N. viridis based on the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome-oxidase 1 (COI), 2) determined duration of N. viridis DNA detectability in a known predator, the mealybug destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant), by using identified primers in molecular gut content analysis, and 3) screened field-collected predators for the presence of N. viridis DNA. The detection rate of N. viridis DNA was >50% at 36 h after adult C. montrouzieri feeding but DNA was no longer detectable by 72 h after feeding. Field-collected predators were largely comprised of spiders, lacewings, and C. montrouzieri. Spiders, beetles (primarily C. montrouzieri), and juvenile lacewings were the most abundant predators of N. viridis, with 17.8, 43.5, and 58.3 of field-collected samples testing positive for N. viridis DNA, respectively. Our results indicate that Florida citrus groves are hosts to abundant predators of N. viridis and encourage the incorporation of conservation or augmentative biological control for management of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen C Gaines
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA
| | - Lukasz L Stelinski
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA
| | - Surendra Neupane
- School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida, 136 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lauren M Diepenbrock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA
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14
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Alharbi W, Sandhu SK, Areshi M, Alotaibi A, Alfaidi M, Al-Qadhi G, Morozov AY. Revisiting implementation of multiple natural enemies in pest management. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15023. [PMID: 36056142 PMCID: PMC9440112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A major goal of biological control is the reduction and/or eradication of pests using various natural enemies, in particular, via deliberate infection of the target species by parasites. To enhance the biological control, a promising strategy seems to implement a multi-enemy assemblage rather than a single control agent. Although a large body of theoretical studies exists on co-infections in epidemiology and ecology, there is still a big gap in modelling outcomes of multi-enemy biological control. Here we theoretically investigate how the efficiency of biological control of a pest depends on the number of natural enemies used. We implement a combination of eco-epidemiological modelling and the Adaptive Dynamics game theory framework. We found that a progressive addition of parasite species increases the evolutionarily stable virulence of each parasite, and thus enhances the mortality of the target pest. However, using multiple enemies may have only a marginal effect on the success of biological control, or can even be counter-productive when the number of enemies is excessive. We found the possibility of evolutionary suicide, where one or several parasite species go extinct over the course of evolution. Finally, we demonstrate an interesting scenario of coexistence of multiple parasites at the edge of extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weam Alharbi
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Simran K Sandhu
- School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mounirah Areshi
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer Alotaibi
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alfaidi
- Department of Biology, University College of Duba, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada Al-Qadhi
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrew Yu Morozov
- School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
- Laboratory of Behaviour of Lower Vertebrates, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
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15
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de Andrade Lourenço D, Branco I, Choupina A. A systematic review about biological control of phytopathogenic Phytophthora cinnamomi. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:9947-9962. [PMID: 35585380 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The oomycetes of the genus Phytophthora have the most aggressive species for agriculture and forestry, such as Phytophthora sojae which is responsible for soybean root rot, Phytophthora infestans responsible for the potato downy mildew that caused the diaspora in Ireland in the nineteenth-century, and Phytophthora cinnamomi that affects a wide variety of tree species, from avocado in America, trees in Oceania to European chestnut trees. P. cinnamomi reproduces either sexually or asexually and asexual zoospores can live as saprotrophs and subsist in the soil long after death and removal of host plants. Controlling this organism is very challenging for researchers due to the limited range of effective chemical inhibitors. In this work, we present a systematic review of alternatives for biocontrol of Phytophthora in general and P. cinnamomi in particular. Our literature review indicates that Trichoderma spp., mainly Trichoderma harzianum, T. virens, and T. asperellum are very promising fungal species in the control of different Phytophthora spp. The Bacillus genus is also very promising in the control and inhibition of several Phytophthoras spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darling de Andrade Lourenço
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelo's street, 2600, 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Iuliia Branco
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Altino Choupina
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal. .,Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO) - Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia, 5301-855, Bragança, Portugal.
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16
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Moreno A, Rescia AJ, Pascual S, Ortega M. Methodological approach to spatial analysis of agricultural pest dispersal in olive landscapes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:411. [PMID: 35532854 PMCID: PMC9085683 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of a Geographical Information Systems cost-distance tool for detecting landscape permeability in relation to the movement of pests in olive landscapes was established. The simplification of agricultural systems is linked to an increased incidence of pests on crops. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of different land uses surrounding olive groves on pests. In this work, we analysed the effect of the structure of the olive landscape on the movement of two main olive pests-the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the olive moth, Prays oleae (Bernard) (Lepidopetera: Praydidae). We applied linear mixed effects models to analyse the relationship between pest abundance and cost-distance, using different hypotheses to evaluate those land uses that are favourable or unfavourable for the movement of these pests. The results show that this methodology is effective in detecting possible unfavourable land uses with a barrier effect, such as woodland and artificial land uses, and favourable land uses with a corridor effect such as olive groves. Whether other land uses, such as scrubland or riverbanks, act as a barrier or corridor depends on the pest and its life cycle stage. The effect that different land uses have in maintaining low levels of pest populations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these agricultural systems are discussed. The implications of landscape permeability for the physical structure of the landscape and the dispersal of organisms, and the potential of that landscape to impact the continuous flow of natural processes are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Moreno
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, C./ J.A. Novais, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - A. J. Rescia
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, C./ J.A. Novais, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - S. Pascual
- Department of Plant Protection, National Institute for Agricultural Research and Experimentation, Carretera de La Coruña (A6), km. 7,5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Ortega
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, C./ J.A. Novais, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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17
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D. Fernandes L, Mata AS, Godoy WAC, Reigada C. Refuge distributions and landscape connectivity affect host-parasitoid dynamics: Motivations for biological control in agroecosystems. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267037. [PMID: 35421182 PMCID: PMC9009636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Species distributions are affected by landscape structure at different spatial scales. Here we study how the interplay between dispersal at different spatial scales and landscape connectivity and composition affect local species dynamics. Using a host-parasitoid model, we assessed host density and host occupancy on the landscape, under different parasitoid dispersal ranges and three local distributions of non-crop habitats, areas where hosts are unable to grow but parasitoids are provided with alternative hosts and food resources. Our results show distinct responses of host density to increases in non-crop area, measured by differences in slopes for different distributions of non-crop habitats, and that the effect of local landscape composition on species dynamics depends on the landscape connectivity at the regional scale. Moreover, we show how host density and occupancy are affected by increasing parasitoid dispersal ranges depending on landscape structure. Our results demonstrate the role of local and regional scales on species distributions and the importance of the combined effects of species biological parameters and landscape structure on species dynamics. Finally, we highlight the relevance of these aspects for the development of better strategies of biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D. Fernandes
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz—Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Angelica S. Mata
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Wesley A. C. Godoy
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz—Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina Reigada
- Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luís, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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18
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Mathematical Model of Pest Control Using Different Release Rates of Sterile Insects and Natural Enemies. MATHEMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/math10060883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the framework of integrated pest management, biological control through the use of living organisms plays important roles in suppressing pest populations. In this paper, the complex interaction between plants and pest insects is examined under the intervention of natural enemies releases coupled with sterile insects technique. A set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations is developed in terms of optimal control model considering characteristics of populations involved. Optimal control measures are sought in such a way they minimize the pest density simultaneously with the control efforts. Three different strategies relating to the release rate of sterile insects and predators as natural enemies, namely, constant, proportional, and saturating proportional release rates, are examined for the attainability of control objective. The necessary optimality conditions of the control problem are derived by using Pontryagin maximum principle, and the forward–backward sweep method is then implemented to numerically calculate the optimal solution. It is shown that, in an environment consisting of rice plants and brown planthoppers as pests, the releases of sterile planthoppers and ladybeetles as natural enemies can deteriorate the pest density and thus increase the plant biomass. The release of sterile insects with proportional rate and the release of natural enemies with constant rate are found to be the most cost-effective strategy in controlling pest insects. This strategy successfully decreases the pest population about 35 percent, and thus increases the plant density by 13 percent during control implementation.
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19
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Belt K, Foley RC, O'Sullivan CA, Roper MM, Singh KB, Thatcher LF. A Plant Stress-Responsive Bioreporter Coupled With Transcriptomic Analysis Allows Rapid Screening for Biocontrols of Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:708530. [PMID: 34540894 PMCID: PMC8446517 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.708530] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptomyces are soil-borne Actinobacteria known to produce a wide range of enzymes, phytohormones, and metabolites including antifungal compounds, making these microbes fitting for use as biocontrol agents in agriculture. In this study, a plant reporter gene construct comprising the biotic stress-responsive glutathione S-transferase promoter GSTF7 linked to a luciferase output (GSTF7:luc) was used to screen a collection of Actinobacteria candidates for manipulation of plant biotic stress responses and their potential as biocontrol agents. We identified a Streptomyces isolate (KB001) as a strong candidate and demonstrated successful protection against two necrotrophic fungal pathogens, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani, but not against a bacterial pathogen (Pseudomonas syringe). Treatment of Arabidopsis plants with either KB001 microbial culture or its secreted compounds induced a range of stress and defense response-related genes like pathogenesis-related (PR) and hormone signaling pathways. Global transcriptomic analysis showed that both treatments shared highly induced expression of reactive oxygen species and auxin signaling pathways at 6 and 24 h posttreatment, while some other responses were treatment specific. This study demonstrates that GSTF7 is a suitable marker for the rapid and preliminary screening of beneficial bacteria and selection of candidates with potential for application as biocontrols in agriculture, including the Streptomyces KB001 that was characterized here, and could provide protection against necrotrophic fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Belt
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, Australia
| | - Rhonda C Foley
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, Australia
| | - Cathryn A O'Sullivan
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Margaret M Roper
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, Australia
| | - Karam B Singh
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, Australia
| | - Louise F Thatcher
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, Acton, ACT, Australia
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20
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Perez‐Alvarez R, Grab H, Polyakov A, Poveda K. Landscape composition mediates the relationship between predator body size and pest control. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02365. [PMID: 33938606 PMCID: PMC8459275 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2365] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms contributing to positive relationships between predator diversity and natural pest control is fundamental to inform more effective management practices to support sustainable crop production. Predator body size can provide important insights to better understand and predict such predator-pest interactions. Yet, most studies exploring the link between predator body size and pest control have been conducted in species-poor communities under controlled environmental conditions, limiting our ability to generalize this relationship across heterogeneous landscapes. Using the community of naturally occurring ground beetles in cabbage fields, we examined how landscape composition (percent cropland) influences the size structure (mean, variance, and skewness of body size distribution) of predator communities and the subsequent effects on pest control. We found that predator communities shifted their size distribution toward larger body sizes in agriculturally dominated landscapes. This pattern arose from increasing numerical dominance of a few large-bodied species rather than an aggregated response across the community. Such landscape-driven changes in community size structure led to concomitant impacts on pest control, as the mean body size of predators was positively related to predation rates. Notably, the magnitude of pest control depended not only on the size of the dominant predators but was also strongly determined by the relative proportion of small vs. large-bodied species (i.e., skewness). Predation rates were higher in predator assemblages with even representation of small and large-bodied species relative to communities dominated by either large or small-bodied predators. Landscape composition may therefore modulate the relationship between predator body size and pest control by influencing the body size distribution of co-occurring species. Our study highlights the need to consider agricultural practices that not only boost effective predators, but also sustain a predator assemblage with a diverse set of traits to maximize overall pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Perez‐Alvarez
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
- Zoological BiodiversityInstitute of GeobotanyLeibniz University of HannoverHannover30167Germany
| | - Heather Grab
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
- School of Integrative Plant ScienceCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| | - Anthony Polyakov
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| | - Katja Poveda
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
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21
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Zhan Y, Chen S, Wang G, Fu J, Lan Y. Biological control technology and application based on agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent delivery of insect natural enemies (Trichogramma) carrier. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3259-3272. [PMID: 33759315 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural pests and diseases affect grain yield and quality. In addition to the use of chemical agents, the biological control of diseases and insect pests has attracted more and more attention due to an urgent need for environmental protection. However, traditional operational methods do not integrate well with biological control technology. With the advantages of simple operation, low operating cost, high operating efficiency and wide application range, use of multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in biological control is of great significance. RESULTS An intelligent delivery system comprising an insect natural enemy (Trichogramma) capsule based on an M45 electric multirotor UAV was built to release Trichogramma ostriniae in corn fields under full autonomous mode. During operation, the M45 UAV can fly accurately in accordance with operational requirements; average deviation between the actual and planned routes was 0.24 m, the average flight speed was 9.18 m s-1 and the average altitude was 5.08 m. The effective coverage rate of natural enemies was 99.33% and the coverage redundancy was 36.75%. After delivery, an investigation into the field control effect showed an average control effect of 83.70%, which can result in effective pest control. CONCLUSION A natural enemy carrier intelligent delivery system based on an M45 electric multirotor UAV was found to have good flight performance. In addition, natural enemies were evenly distributed, giving even coverage of the target fields. The system had a good control effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Zhan
- National Center for International Collaboration Research on Precision Agricultural Aviation Pesticides Spraying Technology (NPAAC), South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Electronic Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengde Chen
- National Center for International Collaboration Research on Precision Agricultural Aviation Pesticides Spraying Technology (NPAAC), South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Electronic Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guobin Wang
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Agricultural Aviation Intelligent Equipment, College of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Jinwei Fu
- Shenzhen Hi-Tech New Agriculture Technologies Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yubin Lan
- National Center for International Collaboration Research on Precision Agricultural Aviation Pesticides Spraying Technology (NPAAC), South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Electronic Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Beaumont, Texas, USA
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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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Haan NL, Iuliano BG, Gratton C, Landis DA. Designing agricultural landscapes for arthropod-based ecosystem services in North America. ADV ECOL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Wetherbee R, Birkemoe T, Sverdrup-Thygeson A. Veteran trees are a source of natural enemies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18485. [PMID: 33116276 PMCID: PMC7595169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Predation of invertebrate pest by natural enemies is a critical contribution of nature to people, because invertebrate pests cause a vast amount of economic damage and pesticides use has many long-term costs. Veteran trees are keystone structures and hotspots for biodiversity, and are a potential source of natural enemies. To explore this, we used a balanced experimental design where we measured predatory beetle diversity and attack marks on three colors of artificial caterpillars placed around 20 veteran oaks and 20 nearby young oaks, in Southern Norway. We predicted that around the veteran oaks there would be a greater diversity of predatory beetles and more invertebrate attacks on artificial caterpillars. Sampling for predatory beetles was conducted in summer 2017 and 2018, and invertebrate attacks were measured in 2018. We found support for the predictions: diversity of predatory beetles was higher around veteran trees and there were more arthropod attack marks on artificial caterpillars placed around veteran trees. Our results indicated that veteran trees are a source of natural enemies. Valuing and protecting veteran trees and their communities is an essential step towards a more sustainable system of management that has the possibility of promoting both the wellbeing of people and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Wetherbee
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Aas, Norway.
| | - Tone Birkemoe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Aas, Norway
| | - Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Aas, Norway
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25
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Rix RR, Cutler GC. Low Doses of a Neonicotinoid Stimulate Reproduction in a Beneficial Predatory Insect. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:2179-2186. [PMID: 32814948 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biological stimulation induced by low doses of toxicants or other stressors is known as hormesis. Hormetic stimulation of life history traits in insect pests can negatively impact agriculture, but stimulation of beneficial insects could be leveraged to enhance biological control agents. We examined whether low doses of imidacloprid could enhance oviposition, fecundity, fertility, and survival in the beneficial stink bug predator, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), exposed at different life stages and across two generations. When treated as young adults, P. maculiventris fecundity was stimulated at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/liter imidacloprid (<2% of the field rate) without changes in time to oviposition, fertility, and survival. Nymphs exposed to 0.015 mg/liter imidacloprid (<1% of the field rate) also had stimulated reproduction without effects on oviposition, fertility, and survival, but treatment of nymphs at 0.15 and 1.5 mg/liter imidacloprid stimulated fecundity at the expense of fertility and survival. In another experiment we found reproductive stimulation can occur trans-generationally without major reduction in fertility or survival. Our results suggest biocontrol producers may be able to strategically apply low doses of stress to natural enemies during culturing without compromising fitness in subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Rix
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS
| | - G C Cutler
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS
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Roy L, Taudière A, Papaïx J, Blatrix R, Chiron G, Zriki G, Bonato O, Barnagaud JY. Evaluating the link between predation and pest control services in the mite world. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:9968-9980. [PMID: 33005357 PMCID: PMC7520221 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pest regulation by natural enemies has a strong potential to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides in agroecosystems. However, the effective role of predation as an ecosystem service remains largely speculative, especially with minute organisms such as mites.Predatory mites are natural enemies for ectoparasites in livestock farms. We tested for an ecosystem level control of the poultry pest Dermanyssus gallinae by other mites naturally present in manure in poultry farms and investigated differences among farming practices (conventional, free-range, and organic).We used a multiscale approach involving (a) in vitro behavioral predation experiments, (b) arthropod inventories in henhouses with airborne DNA, and (c) a statistical model of covariations in mite abundances comparing farming practices.Behavioral experiments revealed that three mites are prone to feed on D. gallinae. Accordingly, we observed covariations between the pest and these three taxa only, in airborne DNA at the henhouse level, and in mites sampled from manure. In most situations, covariations in abundances were high in magnitude and their sign was positive.Predation on a pest happens naturally in livestock farms due to predatory mites. However, the complex dynamics of mite trophic network prevents the emergence of a consistent assemblage-level signal of predation. Based on these results, we suggest perspectives for mite-based pest control and warn against any possible disruption of ignored services through the application of veterinary drugs or pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Roy
- CEFE University of Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | - Adrien Taudière
- CEFE University of Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | | | - Rumsais Blatrix
- CEFE University of Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | - Geoffrey Chiron
- Institut Technique de l'AVIculture (ITAVI) Lyon Lyon Cedex 07 France
| | - Ghais Zriki
- CEFE University of Montpellier CNRS EPHE, IRD Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | - Olivier Bonato
- Interactions Plantes Microorganismes Environnement (IPME) IRD Cirad, UM Montpellier France
| | - Jean-Yves Barnagaud
- CEFE University of Montpellier CNRS EPHE-PSL University IRD Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
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27
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Postic E, Le Ralec A, Buchard C, Granado C, Outreman Y. Variations in community assemblages and trophic networks of aphids and parasitoids in protected crops. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Postic
- UMR IGEPP Agrocampus Ouest INRAE Université de Rennes 1 Rennes 35000 France
- AOPn Fraises de France Estillac 47310 France
| | - Anne Le Ralec
- UMR IGEPP Agrocampus Ouest INRAE Université de Rennes 1 Rennes 35000 France
| | - Christelle Buchard
- UMR IGEPP Agrocampus Ouest INRAE Université de Rennes 1 Le Rheu 35650 France
| | | | - Yannick Outreman
- UMR IGEPP Agrocampus Ouest INRAE Université de Rennes 1 Rennes 35000 France
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