managing natural enemies anna fiedler and doug landis michigan state university
TRANSCRIPT
Managing natural enemies
Anna Fiedler and Doug Landis
Michigan State University
Ecosystem Services
Decomposition Biological ControlPollination
Use of natural enemies to keep unwanted pest populations low
Biological Control
• Predators: eat many prey in a lifetime, feeding both as young and as adults.
• Parasitoids: specialized insects that develop as a young in one host, eventually killing it.
• Pathogens: nematodes, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans.
Three types of Natural Enemies
• Classical: introduction of non-native natural enemy to control a pest population.
• Augmentative: periodically increase natural enemy population with an artificially reared release.
• Conservation: maintain or enhance existing natural enemy populations.
Types of Biological Control
Alternate host/prey
ShelterModerated microclimates In-season refugesOverwintering sites
FoodNectarPollenSap, honeydew
What do beneficial insects need?
Prairie Oak savanna
Diverse habitats provide
- Biodiversity
- Pest suppression
- Pollination
Historical Landscapes
Use native plants to provide beneficial insects with nectar and pollen.
Decrease pesticide use and increase pollination.
Native Plant Project Goals
Benefits–Reliable seed or plant sources–Prolific floral display –Previous success in other locations
Disadvantages–Do not enhance native biodiversity–May be invasive
Exotic Plants
alyssumphacelia
buckwheatcoriander
Benefits–Enhance native biodiversity–Re-creation of imperiled habitats–Less likely to be invasive–Adapted to local climate–Habitat permanency
Disadvantages–Greater initial cost–Longer establishment time
Native Plants
Total natural enemies collected, 2005
Col 2: 12.0000 Col 2: 144.0000 Col 2: 20.0000 Col 2: 857.0000 Col 2: 75.0000 Col 2: 22.0000 Col 2: 95.0000 Col 2: 78.0000 Col 2: 74.0000 Col 2: 441.0000 Col 2: 3485.0000 Col 2: 13.0000 Col 2: 225.0000 Col 2: 69.0000 Col 2: 587.0000 Col 2: 28.0000 Col 2: 1542.0000 Col 2: 153.0000 Col 2: 918.0000 Col 2: 4259.0000 Col 2: 119.0000 Col 2: 928.0000
Soldier beetles
Minute pirate bug
Lady beetles
Spiders
Chalcids
Syrphid flies
Predatory mirids
Nabids
Dance fliesTotal natural enemies collected, 2005
Col 2: 12.0000 Col 2: 144.0000 Col 2: 20.0000 Col 2: 857.0000 Col 2: 75.0000 Col 2: 22.0000 Col 2: 95.0000 Col 2: 78.0000 Col 2: 74.0000 Col 2: 441.0000 Col 2: 3485.0000 Col 2: 13.0000 Col 2: 225.0000 Col 2: 69.0000 Col 2: 587.0000 Col 2: 28.0000 Col 2: 1542.0000 Col 2: 153.0000 Col 2: 918.0000 Col 2: 4259.0000 Col 2: 119.0000 Col 2: 928.0000
Soldier beetles
Minute pirate bug
Lady beetles
Spiders
Chalcids
Syrphid flies
Predatory mirids
Nabids
Dance flies
Natural Enemies Collected at Flowers
30%25%
2005 data
Incorporating native plants on your farm
• Use local native plants.
• Choose several colors of flowers.
• Plant flowers in clumps.
• Select flowers to provide bloom through the season.
• More flower area = more beneficial insects!
• Include native grasses for structural support
Beneficial Insect Friendly Practices
• Provide nesting and overwintering resources.
• Avoid insecticide use.
• Provide flowers through growing season.
Native Plants in the Landscape
Establishing native plants
Select a site
Analyze the site
Consider planting optionsSize of areaTime to floweringCost
Plan and design the plantingPlantMaintenance
Short termLong term
Select a Site
Analyze the site
ConsiderLight availabilitySoil typeSoil moistureSoil pH
Select Plant species
Suited to conditions
Variety of bloom periods
Include wildflowers and grasses
Local seed or plant source
Seed vs. plant material
Michigan Wildflower Farm
Site Preparation
Yard – Treat with roundup fall or mid-spring – Smother 2-3 months when growing
Typical ag field– 1 year fallow– Repeated light tillings
Weedy site (old field)– Burn or plow– 1 year fallow
Plant or Seed
Plant or Seed
Maintenance
Weed your native planting
OR
1) Mow a seeding 2-4 times in year one 1-2 times in year two
2) Burn or mow annually
Learn More
Native Plants to Enhance Beneficial Insects website
www.nativeplants.msu.edu
E-2985
E-2973
E-2949
Learn More
Contact a native plant producer:
Acorus Native Plant Nursery www.ecologyart.com
Native Plant Source www.nativeplantsource.com – may not be local seed
www.nativeplants.msu.edu
Research collaboratorsBill Schneider, Wildtype Native Plant NurseryEsther Durnwald, MI Wildflower FarmJerry Stewart, Native ConnectionsGene Vogel, Richard StuckeyRufus Isaacs, Julianna TuellUSDA NRCSIngham County Soil Conservation DistrictMSU IPM
Identification supportGary ParsonsDr. Debra Trock
Undergraduate research assistants
Jessica SteffenDawn RichardsEmily Knoblock
Acknowledgements
Funding Support
USDA Sustainable Agriculture Special Grant