Login | Request Account (DAF staff only)

Prospects for habitat management to suppress vegetable pests in Australia

Share this record

Add to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to XAdd to WechatAdd to Microsoft_teamsAdd to WhatsappAdd to Any

Export this record

View Altmetrics

Rizvi, S. Z. M., Reynolds, O. L., Haque, A., Furlong, M. J., Mo, J., Melo, M. C., Akter, S., Sandoval-Gomez, V. E., Johnson, A. C. and Gurr, G. M. (2022) Prospects for habitat management to suppress vegetable pests in Australia. Austral Entomology, 61 (1). pp. 3-28. ISSN 2052-174X

[img]
Preview
PDF
1MB

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12588

Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/aen.12588

Abstract

Abstract Habitat management is an ecologically based approach to suppress pest densities, utilising properties of non-crop vegetation to improve the impact of natural enemies or to directly affect pest behaviour. Research in this approach has escalated dramatically this century, extending to uptake in some crops, but adoption in Australia has been lower than overseas. Here, we address the need of the Australian vegetable sector to reduce reliance on insecticides by assessing the scope for habitat management in brassica (Brassicaceae), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) (Asteraceae), capsicum (Capsicum annuum) (Solanaceae), carrot (Daucus carota) (Apiaceae), French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (Fabaceae) and sweetcorn (Zea mays) (Poaceae) crops. Each crop is of major economic importance, and together, they represent contrasting botanical families and production systems that are associated with different arthropod complexes. We review studies of habitat management that are based on provision of shelter, nectar, alternative prey or pollen for natural enemies (top-down effects) or changing pest behaviour (bottom-up effects) through intercropping or trap crops. The likely utility of these approaches under Australian conditions is assessed, and recommendations are made to promote adoption and for adaptive research. Nectar- and pollen-providing plants, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima) (Brassicaceae), offer strong potential to promote natural enemies in multiple crops whilst trap crops, especially yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris) (Brassicaceae), have more targeted utility against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), the most serious pest of brassicas. Opportunities for intercrops and banker plant species are also identified. Our recommendations serve as a platform for researchers and for farmer-led studies to help realise the full potential of habitat management approaches in Australian vegetable production systems.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Horticulture and Forestry Science
Additional Information:Open access
Keywords:conservation biological control, ecological engineering, natural enemy, vegetable pest
Subjects:Plant culture > Food crops
Plant culture > Vegetables
Plant pests and diseases
Plant pests and diseases > Pest control and treatment of diseases. Plant protection > Organic plant protection. Biological control
Live Archive:24 Feb 2022 01:21
Last Modified:24 Feb 2022 01:21

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics