Predator demographics and dispersal in alfalfa trap‐cropped strawberry

Abstract

Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. (Fabaceae), is a highly preferred host plant of Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae). As such, intercropping alfalfa trap-crops in strawberry production can serve as a sink for both Lygus (primarily Lygus hesperus Knight) and its natural enemies. Here we investigated the population dynamics and dispersal characteristics of the generalist predator complex in strawberry fields with alfalfa trap-crops spaced 50 rows (62 m) apart. Predator abundance was determined by counting six focal taxa collected from strawberry and alfalfa. The data revealed that Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were the numerically dominant predator taxa, comprising 84% of the focal predator population. In general, the population densities obtained for the various taxa throughout this agroecosystem were unexpectedly uniform. Predator movement from a central alfalfa trap-crop row was determined using a protein mark-capture procedure. Most protein-marked predator specimens were collected less than 2 m from the centrally marked alfalfa row, indicating that the trap-crop often produces a predator sink. Results suggest that alfalfa is a useful cultural (trap-cropping) and a biological (refuge for natural enemies) control tactic for managing Lygus spp. in strawberries.

Changes in arthropod communities mediate the effects of landscape composition and farm management on pest control ecosystem services in organically managed strawberry crops

“…(Hemiptera), Neuroptera, Formicidae (Hymenoptera) and Araneae (Bolda et al., 2019; Hagler, 2011). The categories represent functional groups identified by previous lygus bug predation studies (Hagler et al., 2020; Hagler et al., 2020; Leigh & Gonzalez, 1976; Perkins & Watson, 1972; Wilson & Gutierrez, 1980; Zink & Rosenheim, 2008). The lygus bug complex in this region primarily consists of Lygus hesperus , and also includes small proportions of L. elisus and L. lineolaris (Hagler, Nieto, et al., 2020).…”

Arthropod Pest Management in Strawberry

“…from the trap crop reduced damage on adjacent strawberry more than directly vacuuming the crop. In addition, trap crops such as alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.), can serve as a refuge for natural enemies [ 58 , 59 ].…”

Functionele biodiversiteit in en om de kas: mogelijke risico’s en kansen voor plaagbestrijding

“…Uit Amerikaanse veldstudies blijkt dat luzerne zo'n dubbelfunctie kan vervullen. Deze plant is zeer aantrekkelijk voor schadelijke wantsen van het genus Lygus, maar tegelijkertijd ook een zeer goede waardplant voor Orius, waardoor de schade in aangrenzende aardbeivelden afnam (Hagler et al 2020).…”