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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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Zhang Y, Liu S, Du X, Chen Z, Ma Z, Mu Y. The inhibitory potential of green manure return on the germination and seedling growth of Eleusine indica L.. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1287379. [PMID: 38384751 PMCID: PMC10879556 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1287379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Trifolium repens L. (white clover) and Lolium perenne L. (ryegrass) are green manures widely used in conservation tillage systems worldwide. Eleusine indica L. (goosegrass) is a globally recognized noxious weed. Herein, we investigated the effects of aqueous extracts, decomposed liquids, and different straw-to-soil ratios on the germination and growth of goosegrass. The results showed that high concentrations (≥ 30%) of aqueous extracts or decomposed liquids of both green manures significantly inhibited germination-related parameters of goosegrass. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed for the 7-day decomposition treatment, and white clover's inhibitory effect was greater than ryegrass's. A pot experiment showed that non-photochemical quenching, catalase, and peroxidase activity levels of goosegrass leaves were significantly increased. At the same time, the net photosynthetic rate significantly decreased. Seedling growth was inhibited when the straw-to-soil ratio was greater than 3:100. The ryegrass treatments inhibited goosegrass seedlings more than the white clover treatments. This study demonstrated the inhibitory potential of white clover and ryegrass straw return on seed germination and seedling growth of goosegrass. The study has also helped to identify weed-resistant substances in these green manures so that their weed-control properties can be used more effectively and herbicide usage can be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Silin Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Du
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongwen Chen
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Ma
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Mu
- College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Cultivation in South China, College of Agronomy/Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
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Mugala T, Brichler K, Clark B, Powell GS, Taylor S, Crossley MS. Ground beetles suppress slugs in corn and soybean under conservation agriculture. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 52:574-582. [PMID: 37235638 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvad047] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Conservation agriculture practices such as eliminating tillage and planting high residue cover crops are becoming increasingly important in field crop systems in the US Mid-Atlantic. However, these practices have sometimes been associated with an increase in moderate to severe damage to field crops by slugs. Conserving natural enemy populations is a desirable way to manage slug infestations because remedial control measures are limited. Here, we tested the effects of conservation practices, weather, and natural enemies on slug activity-density measured by tile traps placed among 41 corn and soybean fields during the spring of 2018 and 2019 in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, USA. We found that a positive effect of cover crops on slug activity-density was reduced by tillage and that slug activity-density declined with increasing ground beetle activity-density. Slug activity-density also declined with decreasing rainfall and increasing average temperature. Weather was the only significant predictor of ground beetle activity-density, which was reduced in sites and weeks that were relatively hot and dry or that were cool and wet. However, we also found a marginally significant negative effect of pre-plant insecticides on ground beetles. We suggest that the observed interacting effects of cover crops and tillage reflect favorable conditions for slugs provided by increased small grain crop residue that can be mitigated to some extent by even low levels of tillage. More broadly, our study suggests that implementation of practices known to promote recruitment of ground beetles in crop fields can improve natural suppression of slugs in corn and soybean that are being increasingly cultivated according to conservation agriculture practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabu Mugala
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kirsten Brichler
- Department of Agriculture, Culinology, and Hospitality Management, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, MN 56258, USA
| | - Bobby Clark
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, Blacksubrg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Gareth S Powell
- Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Sally Taylor
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Michael S Crossley
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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Leslie AW, McCluen SR, Hooks CRR. Impact of Post-Harvest Management Practices in Corn ( Zea mays L.) Fields on Arthropods in Subsequent Soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Plantings. INSECTS 2023; 14:93. [PMID: 36662021 PMCID: PMC9861304 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is increased adoption of cover cropping and conservation tillage in the USA. Many farmers view these practices as methods for improving their soils. However, different cover cropping and tillage practices conducted post-harvest can have a disparate impact on arthropods within the subsequent cash crop. Field experiments were conducted during 2017 and 2018 at two experimental sites to examine the influences of different post-harvest practices following corn (Zea mays L.) harvest on pests and beneficials in subsequent soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plantings. Experimental treatments included: (1) tillage via chisel plow (CP), (2) no-tillage in which corn residue/stubble remained on the soil surface (CS), and (3) planting a cover crop into corn residue (CC) following corn harvest. Overall, insect herbivore abundance was greater in the CP treatment. Foliar predator numbers were similar among treatments or of greater abundance in CP. The activity density of epigeal insect predators varied according to site and feeding guild. However, spider activity density was greatest in CP. Stink bug egg mortality due to predation and parasitism varied among treatments. However, the percentage of stink bug eggs that hatched was greatest in the CC during both years. Findings suggest that post-harvest practices investigated during this study will have a similar influence on most epigeal and foliar arthropods in soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan W. Leslie
- University of Maryland Extension, University of Maryland, Charles County, Bel Alton, MD 20611, USA
| | - Scott R. McCluen
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Cerruti R. R. Hooks
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Appenfeller LR, Brainard DC, Hayden ZD, Szendrei Z. Beneficial and Pest Arthropod Responses to Tillage and Cover Crop Residues in Organic Cucurbits. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:1182-1190. [PMID: 36178322 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvac076] [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: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reduced tillage methods such as strip tillage are often combined with cover crop mixtures to provide agronomic benefits which can support crop and soil health. However, reduced tillage and cover crop species/arrangements effects on arthropods is less understood and results of previous studies have varied. In this study, we examined how agriculturally relevant pest and beneficial arthropod species were impacted by tillage and cover crop methods in USDA-certified organic Cucurbita (L.) (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae). Aphididae were the most observed foliar pests and abundance was highest in full tillage treatment plots while foliar herbivores overall, excluding Aphididae, were more abundant in strip tillage treatment plots regardless of cover crop arrangement. Formicidae was also observed more on foliage, flowers, and in pitfall traps in full tillage, similarly to Aphididae. Parasitica were the most observed foliar natural enemies with increased abundance in strip tillage treatments. Activity densities of several epigeal natural enemies were also higher in strip tillage compared to full tillage. No significant effects of tillage and cover crop treatments were observed on flower visitation rates of Eucera pruinosa (Say) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), an important pollinator of Cucurbita, while the highest visitation rates of Apis mellifera (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Bombus spp. (Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were in strip tillage treatments. These results suggest that reduced tillage methods can support greater abundances of natural enemies and possibly pollinators. This may lead to enhanced biological control and pollination, but impacts may vary for different arthropod species and crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan R Appenfeller
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Daniel C Brainard
- Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Zachary D Hayden
- Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Zsofia Szendrei
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Habitat complexity mediates spatiotemporal niche partitioning among native and invasive seed predators. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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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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Soil Properties and Weed Dynamics in Wheat as Affected by Rice Residue Management in the Rice-Wheat Cropping System in South Asia: A Review. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10050953. [PMID: 34068758 PMCID: PMC8151931 DOI: 10.3390/plants10050953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) has substantially contributed in making India self-sufficient in food grain production; however, rice residue management is of great concern, threatening the sustainability of this system. Rice residue is invariably disposed of by farmers through open burning. In addition to environmental pollution, residue burning of rice also leads to loss of soil nutrients. One of the alternatives to overcome these problems and sustain the RWCS is managing the rice residues in the field itself. Rice residue retention has variable effects on agricultural pests (namely, weeds, insect pests, diseases, and rodents) in the RWCS. High weed infestation in the RWCS results in high consumption of herbicides, which leads to several ecological problems and evolution of herbicide resistance. The shift from intensive tillage to conservation tillage causes major changes in weed dynamics and herbicide efficacy. Incorporation of rice residue reduces weed density and helps in improving soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Rice residue retention on the surface or mulching reduces weed density and the biomass of both grass and broadleaf weeds in wheat crop as compared to its removal. Long-term field studies involving the use of rice residue as a component of integrated weed management strategies are needed to be done in the RWCS.
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Headrick D. The Future of Organic Insect Pest Management: Be a Better Entomologist or Pay for Someone Who Is. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020140. [PMID: 33562223 PMCID: PMC7914490 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The Federal National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines for pest management can be viewed as constraining to certified organic growers giving them a “limited toolbox” relative to non-organic crop production systems. Certifying agencies work with individual growers in setting boundaries for acceptable pest management tactics and enforce compliance for annual certification, but the knowledge required to have a successful insect pest management program can be overwhelming for growers. Traditional grower educational programs are challenged in providing the needed one-on-one training and follow up to ensure growers successfully master current and adopt newly developed pest management tactics. Gaps in the guidelines, such as monitoring, if included, could aid in grower adoption of practices that inform better decision-making and efficacy. This review promotes the idea that these issues can be overcome by utilizing experiential learning programs to educate growers and paid professionals, such as a pest control advisor. If the pest control advisor is a valued partner in the educational and extension process, they can be an effective advocate, educator, mentor, and assessor reaching more growers than education/extension programs alone, thus, achieving the NOP’s philosophical goal of a production system managed to respond to site-specific conditions. Abstract Insect pest management in certified organic production systems presents considerable challenges for growers. The Federal National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines list acceptable tactics, but their effective use requires a considerable knowledgebase in entomology. The range of tactics allowed by the NOP are viewed as limiting by many growers and there are important elements missing from the list such as pest monitoring and identification. Educational programs must consider utilizing instructional methods and additional means of outreach that introduce new pest management tactics that are individualized, regionally appropriate and emphasize grower adoption and collaboration with local professionals. This review describes the challenges and knowledge burden associated with the listed NOP pest management guidelines, provides an educational model that includes an additional level of professional support for enhanced adoption of novel pest management tactics, or refinement of current practices, with a special emphasis on the importance of insect pest population monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Headrick
- Horticulture and Crop Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
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Lewis DG, Cutulle MA, Schmidt-Jeffris RA, Blubaugh CK. Better Together? Combining Cover Crop Mulches, Organic Herbicides, and Weed Seed Biological Control in Reduced-Tillage Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:1327-1334. [PMID: 33017024 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Organic vegetable farmers rely heavily on labor-intensive tillage for weed management, which adversely affects soil health and harms beneficial insects that consume crop pests and weed seeds. Using cover crop residues as a weed-suppressive mulch enables some reduction in tillage, and combining this tool with recently developed organic herbicides may further enhance weed suppression in vegetable production. However, organic herbicides may also adversely affect beneficial insects, and their nontarget effects are unknown. Here, we examine the combined impacts of cultural and chemical tools on weed cover while monitoring activity of beneficial epigeal insects and measuring rates of weed seed biological control to assess potential nontarget effects of organic herbicides. In a 2-yr experiment, we compared three cover crop mulch treatments and three organic herbicide treatments (capric/caprylic acid, corn gluten meal, and herbicide-free) in a reduced-tillage system. Organic herbicides led to no reductions in beneficial insect activity nor weed seed biocontrol. In both years, capric/caprylic acid herbicide and cover crop mulches reduced weed pressure relative to a fallow control treatment, whereas corn gluten meal had no effect. In year 2, a combination of cover crop mulch with organic herbicide had the greatest weed suppression relative to the fallow control. Integrated weed management is a perpetual challenge, but our results suggest that organic herbicides used in concert with cover crop mulch may enhance weed control and reduce the need for tillage, with limited collateral damage to natural enemies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle G Lewis
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Coastal Research and Education Center, Clemson University, Charleston, SC
| | - Matthew A Cutulle
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Coastal Research and Education Center, Clemson University, Charleston, SC
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Frei B, Guenay Y, Bohan DA, Traugott M, Wallinger C. Molecular analysis indicates high levels of carabid weed seed consumption in cereal fields across Central Europe. JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE 2019; 92:935-942. [PMID: 31178674 PMCID: PMC6528783 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-019-01109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Carabid beetles are abundant in temperate agroecosystems and can play a pivotal role as biocontrol agents. While there is good knowledge regarding their effects on invertebrate pests in some systems, comparably little is known on the rate of seed feeding under field conditions. Molecular approaches are ideally suited for investigating carabid feeding interactions; to date, however, they have only been applied to animal prey. We sampled adult carabid beetles in organic cereal fields in three regions along a Central European transect. Regurgitates from populations of the three most common species, Poecilus cupreus, Pseudoophonus rufipes and Pterostichus melanarius, were screened for plant DNA, cereal aphids, collembolans and earthworms. The frequency of carabid individuals positive for plant DNA was high (> 70%) and independent of carabid species, sex, region and the time point of sampling. Detections for non-pest and pest prey were comparably lower, with 21.6% for collembolans, 18.1% for earthworms and 4.2% for aphids, respectively. Despite the prolonged detection period of plant DNA in carabid guts, as compared to animal prey, these first results suggest that weed seeds form an important part of the adult carabid diet. It would also lend support to the hypothesis that seed-feeding carabids are biocontrol agents of weeds, with effects of regulation on the weed seedbank that depend on behavioural and contextual factors including carabid species preferences for weed seed species, their life stage and tillage practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Frei
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Agroecologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Yasemin Guenay
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Mountain Research, IGF, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Technikerstraße 21a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David A. Bohan
- Agroecologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Michael Traugott
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Corinna Wallinger
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Mountain Research, IGF, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Technikerstraße 21a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Buchanan AL, Hooks CRR. Influence of Winter Cover Crop Mulch on Arthropods in a Reduced Tillage Cucurbit System. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:292-299. [PMID: 29438476 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvy004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Winter cover crop mulches can diversify agricultural habitats and provide a range of benefits for crop production and pest management. Here we report the influence of strip tilled winter cover crop mulches on arthropod abundance in organic vegetable plots. Crookneck squash (Cucurbita pepo L.; Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae) was direct seeded into mowed and strip tilled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.; Poales: Poaceae), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.; Fabales: Fabaceae), a barley + crimson clover mixture, or a no-cover crop control. Arthropods on squash plants were assessed weekly using visual counts. Seed predation was assessed using weed seed arenas. In 2013, mixed species cover crops produced the most ground cover, fewest weeds, and largest squash plants, but herbivore and predator abundance were not correlated with any of those factors. In 2014, mixed species cover crops again produced the most ground cover and fewest weeds, but the largest squash plants were found in no-cover crop control plots, which also had the highest herbivore abundance per plant. Predator and herbivore abundance were positively correlated with squash plant size in 2014. There were no differences in seed predation across treatments. Differences in ground cover biomass and weed presence between the 2 yr may have contributed to differences in squash plant quality and subsequent herbivore abundance between seasons. Results suggest that arthropods on plants responded largely indirectly to cover crops through host plant quality. Results are interpreted in light of overall costs and benefits of cover cropping.
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