In-Field Habitat Management to Optimize Pest Control of Novel Soil Communities in Agroecosystems

Insects

John F. Tooker¹  Kirsten A. Pearsons¹ 

[1] Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;

关键词: tillage;    cover crop;    soil community;    pest control;    in-field habitat;    novel ecosystem;    soil insecticides;    seed treatments;   

DOI  :  10.3390/insects8030082

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The challenge of managing agroecosystems on a landscape scale and the novel structure of soil communities in agroecosystems both provide reason to focus on in-field management practices, including cover crop adoption, reduced tillage, and judicial pesticide use, to promote soil community diversity. Belowground and epigeal arthropods, especially exotic generalist predators, play a significant role in controlling insect pests, weeds, and pathogens in agroecosystems. However, the preventative pest management tactics that dominate field-crop production in the United States do not promote biological control. In this review, we argue that by reducing disturbance, mitigating the effects of necessary field activities, and controlling pests within an Integrated Pest Management framework, farmers can facilitate the diversity and activity of native and exotic arthropod predators.

【 授权许可】

Unknown