Relative and Seasonal Abundance of Beneficial Arthropods in Centipede grass as Influenced by Management Practices

Abstract

Pitfall traps were used to monitor the seasonal activity of arthropod preda tors, parasitoids, and decomposers in replicated plots of centipedegrass turf for 3 yr (1989-1991) at two locations. During 1990 and 1991, the influence of single or combined herbicide, insecticide, and fertilizer applications on these beneficials was assessed. In total, 21 species of carabids in 13 genera and 17 species of staphylinids in 14 genera were represented in pitfall-trap collections. Nonsminthurid collembolans, ants, spiders, and parasitic Hymenoptera were adversely affected in the short term by insecticide applica tions targeting the twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say). Other taxa, notably orib atid Acari, increased over time in response to pesticide or fertilizer applications. Although various taxa were reduced by pesticide application during three of four sample intervals, a lack of overall differences in season totals suggests that the disruptive influence of certain chemical management practices may be less severe than expected in the landscape.

Response of soil arthropods population to different farming systems under cotton integrated with groundnut and pigeonpea crops

“…In the present study, significantly higher population of macro arthropods was recorded in the organic farming (2.20 folds increase) over conventional farming is might be due to the abundance of organic matter, microbial biomass, optimum moisture, soil temperature and food availability. The present findings are corroborating with many workers (Abilasha et al, 2013a: Braman and Pandley, 1993: Gkisakis et al, 2014: Doring and Kromp, 2003: Naureen et al, 2010 they conclude that application of insecticides adversely affected the beneficial arthropods like ants (Formicidae), spiders (Araneae) and parasitic hymenoptera and others declining of macro-invertebrates was less pronounced in organically managed fields (low input) as compared to high input farming.…”

Beneficial Arthropods Associated with Buffalograss

“…and herbicides (atrazine and 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) used for broadleaf weed control. Cockfield and Potter (1984) and Braman and Pendley (1993) reported similar complexes of natural enemies associated with both cool-and warm-season turfgrasses in other regions in the United States, although both found greater diversity of beneficial arthropod species. Because buffalograss has fewer insect pests (prey species) than most other turfgrasses, it was not unexpected to find fewer natural enemies as well.…”

“…Total numbers of natural enemies collected from high and low maintenance sites were not significantly different. Several studies (e.g., Potter 1985, Braman andPendley 1993) have shown that both the abundance and species composition of beneficial arthropods in turfgrasses can be influenced by the type and level of management. Our results, however, suggest that natural enemy composition and abundance in buffalograss is not strongly affected by the level of turfgrass maintenance as defined by this study.…”

“…Turfgrasses are inhabited by a variety of predators and parasitoids (hereafter collectively referred to as beneficial arthropods) that may help regulate pest populations (Reinert 1978, Cockfield and Potter 1984, Braman and Pendley 1993. Preliminary studies conducted by Baxendale (1990) identified the following beneficial arthropods in buffalograss: big-eyed bugs (Lygaeidae), ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae), syrphid flies (Syrphidae), and numerous parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) .…”

Ecotoxicology of Chlorpyrifos

“…), and spiders] for up to 40 d (Mack 1992). Braman and Pendley (1993) evaluated the effects of chlorpyrifos (emulsifiable formulation; dose not specifted) on beneficial arthropods inhabiting turf. Collembolans, ants, spiders, and parasitic Hymenoptera showed transient decreases in abundance following chlorpyrifos application.…”