Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests in Agroecosystems

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest and Vector Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 6875

Special Issue Editors

Senior Researcher, Department of Pesticides Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece
Interests: integrated pest management; agronomic practices/mitigation measures for conservation of natural enemies and pollinators; sustainable use of pesticides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Ås, Ås, Norway
2. Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
Interests: biological control; conservation biological control; tri-trophic interactions; functional agrobiodiversity; integrated pest management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Division of Applied Entomology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: parasitoids; biological control; exotic pests; side effects of pesticides; integrated pest management; biopesticides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Agricultural policies worldwide recognize the need for sustainable agricultural schemes, including pest management. Intensive agriculture has put great pressure on populations and resources of arthropod pests’ natural enemies through the adverse effects of pesticide application and the reduction of their habitats in agricultural land. Therefore, there is a need for more sustainable plant protection tools alternative to synthetic pesticides, such as biopesticides, semiochemicals (e.g., mating disruption, mass trapping, attract and kill), as well as agronomic measures to support the conservation of suitable habitats and provide food resources and shelter (e.g., management of field margins, cover crops, banker plants) to parasitoids and predators in agro-ecosystems. The successful development of such means and practices requires a good understanding of the chemical ecology, the tri-trophic interactions and the food-web theory in plant-pest-beneficial arthropod communities, in addition to the function of the bottom-up and top-down effects for the regulation of herbivore populations. This Special Issue aims to focus on new chemical and non-chemical means/methods of sustainable pest management, as well as conservation/mitigation practices to enhance beneficial arthropods and biological control in agricultural crops. Original research articles and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Filitsa Karamaouna
Prof. Dr. Lene Sigsgaard
Prof. Dr. Lucia Zappala
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • sustainable agriculture
  • biological control
  • integrated pest management
  • biopesticides
  • plant–insect interactions
  • semiochemicals
  • conservation of natural enemies
  • good agronomic practices
  • mitigation measures
  • pesticide side effects

Published Papers (5 papers)

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17 pages, 1347 KiB  
Article
Local Habitat Complexity and Its Effects on Herbivores and Predators in Urban Agroecosystems
by Azucena Lucatero, Shalene Jha and Stacy M. Philpott
Insects 2024, 15(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15010041 - 07 Jan 2024
Viewed by 976
Abstract
In urban community gardens, cultivated vegetation provides variable levels of habitat complexity, which can suppress pests by promoting predator diversity and improving pest control. In this study, we examine three components of the structural complexity of garden vegetation (cover, diversity, and connectivity) to [...] Read more.
In urban community gardens, cultivated vegetation provides variable levels of habitat complexity, which can suppress pests by promoting predator diversity and improving pest control. In this study, we examine three components of the structural complexity of garden vegetation (cover, diversity, and connectivity) to investigate whether higher garden vegetation complexity leads to fewer herbivores, more predators, and higher predation. We worked in eight community gardens where we quantified vegetation complexity, sampled the arthropod community, and measured predation on corn earworm eggs. We found that plots with high vegetation cover supported higher species richness and greater abundance of predatory insects. High vegetation cover also supported a greater abundance and species richness of spiders. In contrast, high vegetation diversity was negatively associated with predator abundance. While high predator abundance was positively associated with egg predation, greater predator species richness had a negative impact on egg predation, suggesting that antagonism between predators may limit biological control. Community gardeners may thus manipulate vegetation cover and diversity to promote higher predator abundance and diversity in their plots. However, the species composition of predators and the prevalence of interspecific antagonism may ultimately determine subsequent impacts on biological pest control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests in Agroecosystems)
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21 pages, 5990 KiB  
Article
Diversified Rice Farms with Vegetable Plots and Flower Strips Are Associated with Fewer Pesticide Applications in the Philippines
by Finbarr G. Horgan, Enrique A. Mundaca, Buyung A. R. Hadi and Eduardo Crisol-Martínez
Insects 2023, 14(10), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14100778 - 22 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1968
Abstract
Ecological engineering is defined as the design of sustainable ecosystems for the benefit of both human society and the environment. In Southeast Asia, researchers have applied ecological engineering by diversifying farms using flower strips to restore regulatory services to rice ecosystems and thereby [...] Read more.
Ecological engineering is defined as the design of sustainable ecosystems for the benefit of both human society and the environment. In Southeast Asia, researchers have applied ecological engineering by diversifying farms using flower strips to restore regulatory services to rice ecosystems and thereby reduce herbivore-related yield losses and overall pesticide use. We conducted a survey of 302 rice farmers across four regions of the Philippines to assess their farm diversification practices and determine possible associations with pesticide use. Rice was the main product on all farms; however, the farmers also produced fruits and vegetables, either rotated with rice (47% of the farmers) or in small plots in adjacent farmland. In addition, 64% of the farmers produced flowers, herbs, and/or vegetables on rice bunds. Vegetables were cultivated mainly to supplement household food or incomes, but 30% of the farmers also believed that the vegetables reduced pest and weed damage to their rice. We found that 16% of the farmers grew flowers on their bunds to reduce pest damage to rice and vegetables, and many farmers applied botanical extracts, growth stimulants, and insect traps to reduce damage to the vegetables. Some farmers avoided insecticides on rice by using Trichogramma cards. Planting flowers on rice bunds, rearing ducks in the rice fields, and farmers’ recognition of beneficial rice arthropods were statistically significantly associated with lower pesticide (particularly, insecticide) applications to rice. Our results indicate that farm diversification to produce supplementary foods for rural households and access to alternative pest management options can reduce pesticide use on rice farms in tropical Asia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests in Agroecosystems)
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10 pages, 1046 KiB  
Article
Intraguild Prey Served as Alternative Prey for Intraguild Predators in a Reciprocal Predator Guild between Neoseiulus barkeri and Scolothrips takahashii
by Mingxiu Liu, Mian Wang, Yuzhen Nima, Xiaotian Feng, Guangyun Li, Yi Yang, Yaying Li and Huai Liu
Insects 2023, 14(6), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14060561 - 16 Jun 2023
Viewed by 997
Abstract
The predatory mites Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) and the predatory thrips Scolothrips takahashii (Priesner) are known as potential biocontrol agents for the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch). These two predator species occur simultaneously on crops in agricultural ecosystems and are proved to be [...] Read more.
The predatory mites Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) and the predatory thrips Scolothrips takahashii (Priesner) are known as potential biocontrol agents for the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch). These two predator species occur simultaneously on crops in agricultural ecosystems and are proved to be involved in life-stage specific intraguild predation. The intraguild prey may play a role in securing the persistence of the intraguild predators during food shortage periods. To understand the potential of intraguild prey as food source for intraguild predators in the N. barkeri and S. takahashii guild at low T. urticae densities, the survival, development and reproduction of both predators was determined when fed on heterospecific predators. The choice tests were conducted to determine the preference of the intraguild predator between the intraguild prey and the shared prey. Results showed that 53.3% N. barkeri and 60% S. takahashii juveniles successfully developed when fed on heterospecific predators. Female intraguild predators of both species fed on intraguild prey survived and laid eggs throughout the experiment. In the choice test, both intraguild predator species preferred their extraguild prey T. urticae. This study suggested that intraguild prey served as an alternative prey for intraguild predators prolonged survival and ensured the reproduction of intraguild predators during food shortage, ultimately decreasing the need for the continual release of the predators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests in Agroecosystems)
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21 pages, 18247 KiB  
Article
Potential of Hedgerows with Aromatic Plants as Reservoirs of Natural Enemies of Pests in Orange Orchards
by Theodoros Stathakis, Leonidas Economou, Myrto Barda, Theodoros Angelioudakis, Vaya Kati and Filitsa Karamaouna
Insects 2023, 14(4), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040391 - 17 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1495
Abstract
In the present study, the potential of hedgerows from Mediterranean aromatic plant species, i.e., oregano, rosemary, sage, and savory, in orange field margins to function as reservoirs of natural enemies of citrus pests was tested in comparison to the common management practice of [...] Read more.
In the present study, the potential of hedgerows from Mediterranean aromatic plant species, i.e., oregano, rosemary, sage, and savory, in orange field margins to function as reservoirs of natural enemies of citrus pests was tested in comparison to the common management practice of bare soil or weed vegetation. Assessments were based on the abundance and diversity of parasitoid wasps, spiders, and insect predators in the field margins and on the orange trees for two growing seasons. Savory plants harbored more parasitoids compared to weed vegetation and the other aromatic plants (savory > organic rosemary > sage > oregano). Weed vegetation hosted more arachnid predators than the aromatic plants in their first year in the orchard, but this was reversed with their full growth in the following year (most abundant on rosemary). Oregano and sage favor insect predators. The similarity of the natural enemy communities on the field margins and on the orange trees increased with time, indicating the insects’ movement from the field margins to the trees. The results support the use of the tested aromatic plant species in conservation practices for targeted groups of beneficial arthropods in orange orchards, also considering the exploitation of suitable wild flowering plants of the weed flora. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests in Agroecosystems)
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10 pages, 1658 KiB  
Brief Report
Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Prevention against Early Life Stages of the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Laboratory and Greenhouse Trials
by Dana Ment, Noa Levy, Arnon Allouche, Michael Davidovitz and Gal Yaacobi
Insects 2023, 14(12), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14120918 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 902
Abstract
The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a highly destructive invasive pest for palms whose management is mainly by application of synthetic pesticides. As a key pest of date palm plantations, it is necessary to integrate environmentally safe measures for its management. [...] Read more.
The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a highly destructive invasive pest for palms whose management is mainly by application of synthetic pesticides. As a key pest of date palm plantations, it is necessary to integrate environmentally safe measures for its management. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been primarily studied as a preventative control measure due to the horizontal transfer of conidia within the RPW population. We previously demonstrated the horizontal transmission of fungal conidia from an egg-laying surface to the female weevil and then to the eggs and larvae. Based on that strategy, this study aimed to evaluate the virulence of commercial EPF products and laboratory EPF preparations to RPW females and their progeny, and their ability to protect palms against infestation. As such, it serves as a screening platform for field experiments. Mortality rates of females and eggs depended on the applied treatment formulation and fungal strain. Velifer®, a Beauveria bassiana product, and Metarhizium brunneum (Mb7) resulted in 60–88% female mortality. Mb7—as a conidial suspension or powder—resulted in 18–21% egg-hatching rates, approximately 3 times less than in the non-treated control. Treating palms with Mb7 suspension or dry formulation significantly inhibits infestation signs and results in protection. These results lay the foundation for investigating the protective rate of EPF products against RPW in date plantations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests in Agroecosystems)
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