BioControl (2009) 54, 247-253
Johann G. Zaller, Dietmar Moser, Thomas Drapela and Thomas Frank (2009)
Ground-dwelling predators can affect within-field pest insect emergence in winter oilseed rape fields
BioControl 54 (2), 247-253
Abstract: We investigated, (i) whether the emergence from pupation of two coleopteran pest insect groups in oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.)-pollen beetles (Meligethes spp. F., Nitidulidae) and stem weevils (Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus Marsh and C. napi Gyll., Curculionidae)-is affected by the exclusion of ground-dwelling predatory arthropods, and (ii) the role for pest control of the widely abundant carabid beetles Anchomenus dorsalis Pontop. and Poecilus cupreus L. Densities of ground-dwelling arthropods were manipulated using enclosures; emerging pest adults were assessed using emergence traps. Where arthropods had been excluded, between two (June sampling) and tenfold (August sampling) more stem weevils emerged than where predators had free access. The addition of 25 adult A. dorsalis m−2 to formerly predator-free enclosures showed similar stem weevil emergence than plots where predators had free access; the addition of 25 adult P. cupreus m−2 did not reduce stem weevil emergence. In August, both A. dorsalis and P. cupreus additions marginally significantly reduced pollen beetle emergence.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Johann G. Zaller, Thomas Frank
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
