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Siesto G, Pietrafesa R, Alberico G, Tedesco F, Cardinale M, Romano P, Capece A. Culturable yeast community associated with grape must and honey bees sampled from apiaries located in the vineyards. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae160. [PMID: 38991988 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM In this study, we investigated culturable yeast community, present in grape must sampled from vineyards with apiaries on the borders, and in honey bees collected in these apiaries. METHODS AND RESULTS To this aim, yeasts isolated from spontaneously fermented grapes randomly collected in two vineyards (P1 and P2) with apiaries on the borders (A1 and A2) were compared to those isolated from spontaneously fermented grapes collected from a vineyard without apiary (P4). At the same time, yeast community was analyzed on bees collected in each apiary placed in the vineyards, in comparison to yeasts isolated from an apiary (A3) located far from the vineyards. The analysis was performed for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). The isolated yeasts were identified by restriction analysis of amplified ITS region, followed by sequencing of ITS fragment.Our research showed that the presence of apiaries seems to increase yeast counts of grape must, in particular of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; furthermore, the permanence of apiaries in the vineyards allowed the recovering of these yeasts also from bees. CONCLUSIONS Our findings seem to corroborate the role of bees as vectors and reservoirs of oenologically relevant yeasts, such as a source of non-conventional yeasts with potential biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Siesto
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spin-off StarFInn s.r.l.s., Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rocchina Pietrafesa
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Grazia Alberico
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spin-off StarFInn s.r.l.s., Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Cardinale
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, SP6 Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romano
- Dipartimento di Economia, Universitas Mercatorum, 00186 Roma, Italy
- Spin-off StarFInn s.r.l.s., Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Angela Capece
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spin-off StarFInn s.r.l.s., Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Zaviezo T, Muñoz AE. Conservation biological control of arthropod pests using native plants. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 56:101022. [PMID: 36918044 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Habitat or vegetation manipulation is a strategy within conservation biological control, yet, its formal study is relatively recent and lacking in many parts of the world, particularly when using native plants. We found 56 studies dealing with native plants and conservation biological control, from 2002 to 2022. Most were carried out in developed countries, and studied the provision of flower resources to natural enemies' complexes in several crops. The main gaps in knowledge, similar to studies with non-native plants, were the lack of understanding mechanisms, unknown effects on pest populations, and absence of cost-benefit analyses. Breaching these gaps will allow this strategy to be more transferable among cropping systems and locations and will promote its use by farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Zaviezo
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
| | - Alejandra E Muñoz
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
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3
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McClinton JD, Shriver RK, Leger EA. Ecology of
Eriogonum tiehmii
, a rare soil specialist: Arthropod diversity, soil preferences, and demography. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jamey D. McClinton
- Department of Biology University of Nevada Reno Reno Nevada USA
- Nevada Division of Natural Heritage Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Carson City Nevada USA
| | - Robert K. Shriver
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada Reno Reno Nevada USA
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Leger
- Department of Biology University of Nevada Reno Reno Nevada USA
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
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4
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Influence of Plant Physical and Anatomical Characteristics on the Ovipositional Preference of Orius sauteri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12040326. [PMID: 33917606 PMCID: PMC8067476 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural enemies play an important role in managing insect pests. Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), a predator of many soft-body insects, is an important biological control agent in Asia. Understanding this predator's egg-laying preferences and a habitat needs is important for its success in pest control. We investigated the plant acceptability and ovipositional preference of O. sauteri for coriander (Coriadrum sativum L., Apiales: Apiaceae), marigold (Tagetes erecta L., Asterales: Asteraceae), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L., Brassicales: Brassicaceae), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., Fabales: Fabaceae), and focused on the effects of plant physical and anatomical characteristics on the ovipositional preference of O. sauteri. The results showed that O. sauteri can lay eggs on uninfested plants in the vegetative stage and their eggs hatched normally. Orius sauteri females prefer plants with high stomatal density, a large stomatal area, and fewer trichomes as oviposition hosts, and the depth of egg placement was determined by leaf thickness. Our studies suggested that O. sauteri females can select oviposition hosts and specific oviposition sites by assessing the structural qualities of plant surface. Coriander and marigold are potentially suitable host plants for O.sauteri. The results aid the selection of cover crops to enhance natural enemies in the fields.
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5
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Gibson DR, Rowe L, Isaacs R, Landis DA. Screening Drought-Tolerant Native Plants for Attractiveness to Arthropod Natural Enemies in the U.S. Great Lakes Region. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:1469-1480. [PMID: 31701140 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvz134] [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: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods provide a variety of critical ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes; however, agricultural intensification can reduce insect abundance and diversity. Designing and managing habitats to enhance beneficial insects requires the identification of effective insectary plants that attract natural enemies and provide floral resources. We tested the attractiveness of 54 plant species with tolerance to dry soils, contrasting perennial forbs and shrubs native to the Great Lakes region to selected non-native species in three common garden experiments in Michigan during 2015-2016. Overall, we found 32 species that attracted significantly more natural enemies than associated controls. Among these, Achillea millefolium and Solidago juncea were consistently among the most attractive plants at all three sites, followed by Solidago speciosa, Coreopsis tripteris, Solidago nemoralis, Pycnanthemum pilosum, and Symphyotrichum oolantangiense. Species which attracted significantly more natural enemies at two sites included: Asclepias syriaca, Asclepias tuberosa, Monarda fistulosa, Oligoneuron rigidum, Pycnanthemum virginianum, Dasiphora fruticosa, Ratibida pinnata, Asclepias verticillata, Monarda punctata, Echinacea purpurea, Helianthus occidentalis, Silphium integrifolium, Silphium terebinthinaceum, Helianthus strumosus, and Symphyotrichum sericeum. Two non-native species, Lotus corniculatus, and Centaurea stoebe, were also attractive at multiple sites but less so than co-blooming native species. Parasitic Hymenoptera were the most abundant natural enemies, followed by predatory Coleoptera and Hemiptera, while Hemiptera (Aphidae, Miridae, and Tingidae) were the most abundant herbivores. Collectively, these plant species can provide floral resources over the entire growing season and should be considered as potential insectary plants in future habitat management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Gibson
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
- Jensen Ecology, Madison, WI
| | - Logan Rowe
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
- Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University Extension, Lansing, MI
| | - Rufus Isaacs
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
| | - Douglas A Landis
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
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6
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Cornelius ML, Vinyard BT, Gates MW. Use of Flowering Plants to Enhance Parasitism and Predation Rates on Two Squash Bug Species Anasa tristis and Anasa armigera (Hemiptera: Coreidae). INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10100318. [PMID: 31557963 PMCID: PMC6835606 DOI: 10.3390/insects10100318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A two-year study evaluated the effect of a flowering border of buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Moench on rates of egg parasitism, egg predation and adult parasitism on two squash bug species, Anasa tristis (DeGeer) and Anasa armigera Say, by comparing rates in squash fields with and without a flowering border. Furthermore, we evaluated whether there was an edge effect by comparing parasitism and predation rates in plots located in the corner of a squash field with plots located in the center of a squash field for fields with and without a flowering border. The egg parasitism rates were not affected by either treatment (flowering border or control) or plot location (edge or center). Anasa armigera egg masses only accounted for 4.3% of the total egg masses collected. The egg parasitism rates increased gradually throughout the season, peaking in the last week of August in 2017 at 45% for A. tristis egg masses. The most common egg parasitoid recovered was Gryon pennsylvanicum (Ashmead) followed by Ooencyrtus anasae (Ashmead). Adult parasitism was not affected by treatment, but A. tristis adult parasitism rates were higher in plots located on the edge of squash fields compared with plots located in the center of squash fields in 2016. Since adult parasitoid, Trichopoda pennipes (Fabricius) flies were observed visiting buckwheat flowers, future studies could explore the possibility that the flowering buckwheat may have a more impact on adult parasitism if there was a greater distance between fields with and without a flowering border.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Cornelius
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Lab, ARS-USDA, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Bldg. 007, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Bryan T Vinyard
- Statistics Group, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Northeast Area Office, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Michael W Gates
- Systematic Entomology Laboratory, ARS-USDA, c/o National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 10th & Constitution Ave. NW, MRC 168, Washington, DC 20560, USA.
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7
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Fisk MR, Apostol KG, Ross‐Davis AL, Cahoy DO, Davis AS. Informing native plant sourcing for ecological restoration: cold‐hardiness dynamics, flowering phenology, and survival ofEriogonum umbellatum. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Fisk
- Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling ResearchUniversity of Idaho 1025 Plant Science Road, Moscow ID 83843 U.S.A
| | - Kent G. Apostol
- Environmental Review, Inc. 925 N Fairgrounds Road, Goldendale WA 98620 U.S.A
| | - Amy L. Ross‐Davis
- College of ForestryOregon State University 109 Richardson Hall, Corvallis OR 97331 U.S.A
| | - Dexter O. Cahoy
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of Houston‐Downtown Houston TX 77002 U.S.A
| | - Anthony S. Davis
- College of ForestryOregon State University 109 Richardson Hall, Corvallis OR 97331 U.S.A
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8
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Riley L, McGlaughlin ME, Helenurm K. Limited Genetic Variability in Native Buckwheats (Eriogonum: Polygonaceae) on San Clemente Island. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2018. [DOI: 10.3398/064.078.0413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Riley
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069
| | | | - Kaius Helenurm
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069
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9
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Identity and Seasonal Abundance of Beneficial Arthropods Associated with Big Sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata) in Central Washington State, USA. INSECTS 2018; 9:insects9030076. [PMID: 29958425 PMCID: PMC6163323 DOI: 10.3390/insects9030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) characterizes and dominates the sagebrush steppe, the largest temperate semi-desert ecosystem in North America. The beneficial arthropod fauna hosted by A. tridentata is poorly known but could be of importance to nearby agriculture seeking to exploit biologically-based pest management. Over four years, we identified and assessed the seasonal abundance of beneficial arthropods (predators, parasitoids, pollinators) associated with A. tridentata during spring to autumn in the Yakima Valley of central Washington using sticky traps. During 2011–2014, 207 sticky traps were placed on non-blooming and blooming A. tridentata plants for a total of 966 trapping days. Overall, across all seasons, we trapped 259.7 beneficial arthropods per trap and 92% of these were parasitoid wasps. Significantly greater numbers of beneficial arthropods were associated with blooming A. tridentata during autumn (410/trap) than non-blooming plants in the spring (181.3/trap) or summer (85.1/trap). Parasitoid wasps and predatory true bugs were most abundant during the autumn, but ladybeetles, lacewings, spiders, bees, and predatory thrips were most common during spring. The association of high numbers of predators, parasitoids, and pollinators with A. tridentata during blooming and non-blooming periods indicates that this plant is an important reservoir of beneficial arthropods in the sagebrush steppe of central Washington. Consequently, biologically-based pest management programs in central Washington may benefit from careful management and retention of A. tridentata plants on crop borders.
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10
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Abstract
The promotion of native vegetation as a habitat for natural enemies, which could increase their abundance and fitness, is especially useful in highly simplified settings such as Mediterranean greenhouse landscapes. Spiders as generalist predators may also be involved in intra-guild predation. However, the niche complementarity provided by spiders as a group means that increased spider diversity may facilitate complementary control actions. In this study, the interactions between spiders, the two major horticultural pests, Bemisia tabaci and Frankliniella occidentalis, and their naturally occurring predators and parasitoids were evaluated in a mix of 21 newly planted shrubs selected for habitat management in a highly disturbed horticultural system. The effects of all factors were evaluated using redundancy analysis (RDA) and the generalized additive model (GAM) to assess the statistical significance of abundance of spiders and pests. The GAM showed that the abundance of both pests had a significant effect on hunter spider’s abundance, whereas the abundance of B. tabaci, but not F. occidentalis, affected web-weavers’ abundance. Ordination analysis showed that spider abundance closely correlated with that of B. tabaci but not with that of F. occidentalis, suggesting that complementarity occurs, and thereby probability of biocontrol, with respect to the targeted pest B. tabaci, although the temporal patterns of the spiders differed from those of F. occidentalis. Conservation strategies involving the establishment of these native plants around greenhouses could be an effective way to reduce pest populations outdoors.
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11
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Wilson H, Wong JS, Thorp RW, Miles AF, Daane KM, Altieri MA. Summer Flowering Cover Crops Support Wild Bees in Vineyards. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:63-69. [PMID: 29300949 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvx197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural expansion and intensification negatively affect pollinator populations and has led to reductions in pollination services across multiple cropping systems. As a result, growers and researchers have utilized the restoration of local and landscape habitat diversity to support pollinators, and wild bees in particular. Although a majority of studies to date have focussed on effects in pollinator-dependent crops such as almond, tomato, sunflower, and watermelon, supporting wild bees in self-pollinated crops, such as grapes, can contribute to broader conservation goals as well as provide other indirect benefits to growers. This study evaluates the influence of summer flowering cover crops and landscape diversity on the abundance and diversity of vineyard bee populations. We showed that diversity and abundance of wild bees were increased on the flowering cover crop, but were unaffected by changes in landscape diversity. These findings indicate that summer flowering cover crops can be used to support wild bees and this could be a useful strategy for grape growers interested in pollinator conservation as part of a broader farmscape sustainability agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houston Wilson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Jessica S Wong
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Robbin W Thorp
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Albie F Miles
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Kent M Daane
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Miguel A Altieri
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
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12
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Daane KM, Vincent C, Isaacs R, Ioriatti C. Entomological Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Viticulture in a Global Market. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 63:193-214. [PMID: 29324036 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010715-023547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Viticulture has experienced dramatic global growth in acreage and value. As the international exchange of goods has increased, so too has the market demand for sustainably produced products. Both elements redefine the entomological challenges posed to viticulture and have stimulated significant advances in arthropod pest control programs. Vineyard managers on all continents are increasingly combating invasive species, resulting in the adoption of novel insecticides, semiochemicals, and molecular tools to support sustainable viticulture. At the local level, vineyard management practices consider factors such as the surrounding natural ecosystem, risk to fish populations, and air quality. Coordinated multinational responses to pest invasion have been highly effective and have, for example, resulted in eradication of the moth Lobesia botrana from California vineyards, a pest found in 2009 and eradicated by 2016. At the global level, the shared pests and solutions for their suppression will play an increasing role in delivering internationally sensitive pest management programs that respond to invasive pests, climate change, novel vector and pathogen relationships, and pesticide restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent M Daane
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3114;
| | - Charles Vincent
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre, Agriculture Agri-Food Canada, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec J3B 3E6, Canada;
| | - Rufus Isaacs
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824;
| | - Claudio Ioriatti
- Technological Transfer Center, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Trento 38010, Italy;
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James DG, Seymour L, Lauby G, Buckley K. Beneficial Insect Attraction to Milkweeds (Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias fascicularis) in Washington State, USA. INSECTS 2016; 7:insects7030030. [PMID: 27367733 PMCID: PMC5039543 DOI: 10.3390/insects7030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Native plant and beneficial insect associations are relatively unstudied yet are important in native habitat restoration programs for improving and sustaining conservation biological control of arthropod pests in agricultural crops. Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) are currently the focus of restoration programs in the USA aimed at reversing a decline in populations of the milkweed-dependent monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus); however, little is known of the benefits of these plants to other beneficial insects. Beneficial insects (predators, parasitoids, pollinators) attracted to two milkweed species (Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias fascicularis) in central Washington State, WA, USA were identified and counted on transparent sticky traps attached to blooms over five seasons. Combining all categories of beneficial insects, means of 128 and 126 insects per trap were recorded for A. speciosa and A. fascicularis, respectively. Predatory and parasitic flies dominated trap catches for A. speciosa while parasitic wasps were the most commonly trapped beneficial insects on A. fascicularis. Bees were trapped commonly on both species, especially A. speciosa with native bees trapped in significantly greater numbers than honey bees. Beneficial insect attraction to A. speciosa and A. fascicularis was substantial. Therefore, these plants are ideal candidates for habitat restoration, intended to enhance conservation biological control, and for pollinator conservation. In central Washington, milkweed restoration programs for enhancement of D. plexippus populations should also provide benefits for pest suppression and pollinator conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G James
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Prosser, WA 99350, USA.
| | - Lorraine Seymour
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Prosser, WA 99350, USA.
| | - Gerry Lauby
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Prosser, WA 99350, USA.
| | - Katie Buckley
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Prosser, WA 99350, USA.
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