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Insects
Special Issues
Insect Ecology: New Agroecosystem Design and Management for Ecosystem Services
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Insect Ecology: New Agroecosystem Design and Management for Ecosystem Services

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest and Vector Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 13908

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Séverin Hatt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Agroecology and Organic Farming (INRES), University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Interests: agroecology and agroecological pest management; diversification of cropping systems; management of semi-natural habitats; conservation biological control; insect-flower interactions
Prof. Dr. Thomas F. Döring

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Agroecology and Organic Farming (INRES), University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Interests: organic plant production; diversification of cropping systems; host plant finding in herbivorous insects; yield stability; resilience in cropping systems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In their natural habitats, insects interact with plants, other insects and animals, and microorganisms. They are sensitive to soil properties and (micro)climate conditions. In agroecosystems, these biotic and abiotic factors, which affect insect abundance and behavior and determine their fitness, are highly dependent on the spatial and temporal design and management of crop and non-crop plants, as well as of the management of soil.

Important research over the last few years has shown that diversification practices such as complexifying crop successions, mixing crops, associating crops with trees (agroforestry) and implementing semi-natural habitats at field margins, but also the type of soil management, can affect the regulation of pests, the pollination of crops and the recycling of nutrients. Nonetheless, recent overviews of these studies showed a high variability in these effects, highlighting the importance of the local conditions and suggesting complex mechanisms which remain partly unclear to date.

In this context, the present Special Issue invites contributions which aim at better understanding the ecology of insects in complex agroecosystems and/or test novel agroecosystem design and management strategies on the basis of insect ecology to enhance the delivery of ecosystem services. We invite the submission of high-quality original research papers and short communications, and encourage the submission of reviews and perspective or discussion papers. Great interest will be given to research exploring original field and landscape design and management strategies, identifying and/or discussing the mechanisms at play in such novel agroecosystems, and quantifying their performance in terms of ecosystem service delivery. Studies on new methods and tools serving to improve our understanding of the ecology of insects and helping in designing and managing novel agroecological systems are also especially welcome.

We expect this Special Issue to be a fascinating forum conveying results of very original studies and a springboard for future agroecological developments.

Dr. Séverin Hatt
Prof. Dr. Thomas F. Döring
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agroecology
  • diversified cropping system
  • soil management
  • regulating ecosystem services
  • insect conservation
  • agroecological pest management
  • pollination
  • nutrient cycling
  • insect–flower interactions

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1482 KiB  
Article
Banker Plant Bonuses? The Benefits and Risks of Including Brassicas in Field Margins to Promote Conservation Biocontrol of Specialist Pests in Oilseed Rape
by Matthew. P. Skellern, Suzanne J. Clark, Andrew W. Ferguson, Nigel P. Watts and Samantha M. Cook
Insects 2023, 14(4), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040349 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
European agri-environment schemes include the use of flower-rich field margins to promote on-farm biodiversity, but species mixtures rarely include Brassicaceae. As pests of oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) and their parasitoids are mostly brassica specialists, including brassica ‘banker plants’ in the mixtures [...] Read more.
European agri-environment schemes include the use of flower-rich field margins to promote on-farm biodiversity, but species mixtures rarely include Brassicaceae. As pests of oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) and their parasitoids are mostly brassica specialists, including brassica ‘banker plants’ in the mixtures would help support these important biocontrol agents and improve pest control throughout the crop rotation. We assessed the potential of six brassicaceous plants (replicated plots grown in the field) to enhance populations of parasitoids of OSR pests whilst minimising proliferation of their pest hosts. Fodder radish (Raphanus sativus) facilitated high production of parasitoids of the pollen beetle pest (Brassicogethes aeneus) but may proliferate Ceutorhynchus weevil pests due to low parasitism. Turnip rape (B. rapa) and the B. rapa hybrid ‘Tyfon’ showed potential to perform a trap cropping function for pests, but their early flowering phenology resulted in B. aeneus larvae escaping parasitisation, potentially assisting proliferation of this pest. Forage rape B. napus exhibited similarly high B. aeneus parasitoid production characteristics to R. sativus but did not potentiate problems with other pests, indicating that it would be a favourable banker plant option. Careful selection of plants in field margin mixtures is therefore needed to maximise their benefits and ideally the whole crop pest-beneficial complex needs to be studied, as focus on a single major pest risks unintended consequences with other pest problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Ecology: New Agroecosystem Design and Management for Ecosystem Services)
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22 pages, 5643 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Semiochemical Traps Designed for Bruchus rufimanus Boheman 1833 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Nontarget Beneficial Entomofauna in Field Bean Crops
by Arnaud Segers, Grégoire Noël, Louise Delanglez, Rudy Caparros Megido and Frédéric Francis
Insects 2023, 14(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020153 - 2 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2899
Abstract
Broad bean weevils (BBWs–Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are serious pests of field bean seeds that hamper the promotion of this crop in the diversification of European cropping systems. Recent research has identified different semiochemical lures and trap devices for the development of semiochemical-based control strategies [...] Read more.
Broad bean weevils (BBWs–Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are serious pests of field bean seeds that hamper the promotion of this crop in the diversification of European cropping systems. Recent research has identified different semiochemical lures and trap devices for the development of semiochemical-based control strategies of BBWs. In this study, two field trials were carried out in order to provide necessary information supporting the implementation of sustainable field use of semiochemical traps against BBWs. More particularly, three principal objectives were followed including (i) the identification of the most efficient traps for BBWs capture and the influence of trapping modality on BBWs sex-ratio, (ii) the assessment of eventual collateral effects on crop benefits including aphidophagous and pollinator insects such as Apidae, Syrphidae and Coccinellidae, (iii) the assessment of the crop developmental stage influence on the capture by semiochemical traps. Three different semiochemical lures were tested in combination with two trapping devices across two field trials in early and late flowering field bean crops. The crop phenology and climate parameters were integrated into the analyses to interpret the spatiotemporal evolution of the captured insect populations. A total of 1380 BBWs and 1424 beneficials were captured. White pan traps combined with floral kairomones were the most efficient traps for the capture of BBWs. We demonstrated that the crop phenology (c.f., the flowering stage) exerted strong competition on the attractiveness of semiochemical traps. Community analysis revealed that only one species of BBWs was captured in field bean crops (i.e., Bruchus rufimanus), and no trend was highlighted concerning the sex ratios according to the trapping devices. The beneficial insect community included 67 different species belonging to bees, hoverflies and ladybeetles. Semiochemical traps manifested a strong impact on beneficial insect communities that included some species under extinction threats and need to be further adapted to minimize such collateral effects. Based on these results, recommendations are provided for the implementation of the most sustainable BBWs control method that minimizes the impact on the recruitment of beneficial insects, which is an important ecosystem service for faba bean crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Ecology: New Agroecosystem Design and Management for Ecosystem Services)
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11 pages, 1297 KiB  
Article
Entomological Investigation of the Main Entomatic Adversities for Terrestrial Gastropods Helix aspersa Müller (Mollusca Gastropoda Pulmonata): A Preliminary Study in Sardinian Heliciculture Farms
by Giulia Murgia, Federica Loi, Stefano Cappai and Maria Paola Cogoni
Insects 2022, 13(7), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13070660 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
In the years 2020–2022, a survey was carried out with the aim of controlling the entomofauna present in seven Sardinian snail farms. The sampling was carried out during the spring–summer and autumn–winter periods, corresponding to the production cycles of the Helix aspersa snails [...] Read more.
In the years 2020–2022, a survey was carried out with the aim of controlling the entomofauna present in seven Sardinian snail farms. The sampling was carried out during the spring–summer and autumn–winter periods, corresponding to the production cycles of the Helix aspersa snails (Müller, 1774), the species most frequently bred in snail farms. The samples were taken from farms located in different areas of the region. For the predatory species found in most of the farms, 38% of the individuals were of the Silpha tristis Illiger, 1798 (Coleoptera: Silphidae) species, 32% were Ocypus olens Müller, 1764 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and 24% were Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus constantinus Kraatz, 1899 (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The Lampyris sardiniae Geisthardt, 1987 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Licinus punctatulus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) species were equally detected in 3% of the farms. In some farms, the predatory species S. tristis and C.morbillosus costantinus had caused the death of several snails. This preliminary study aimed to provide a first evaluation and description of the critical issues facing the snails present in seven Sardinian snail farms. First, a specific survey of the entomofauna during two observational periods (i.e., the spring–summer and autumn–winter periods) was conducted. Context-specific description and evaluation will allow providing valid information for Italian and European heliciculture farms to ensure the well-being of the mollusks. The presence of predatory species in snail farms is not easy to control, but some precautions could be useful to avoid massive colonization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Ecology: New Agroecosystem Design and Management for Ecosystem Services)
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12 pages, 1634 KiB  
Article
Optimizing the Use of Basil as a Functional Plant for the Biological Control of Aphids by Chrysopa pallens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in Greenhouses
by Yan Fang, Shu Li, Qingxuan Xu, Jie Wang, Yajie Yang, Yingying Mi, Zhenyu Jin, Nicolas Desneux and Su Wang
Insects 2022, 13(6), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13060552 - 16 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4169
Abstract
Effective biological control agents that can provide sustainable pest control need to be researched in further detail; functional plants (or non-crop insectary plants), in particular, are garnering increased research interest. Much remains to be learned as to how non-crop plants can augment biological [...] Read more.
Effective biological control agents that can provide sustainable pest control need to be researched in further detail; functional plants (or non-crop insectary plants), in particular, are garnering increased research interest. Much remains to be learned as to how non-crop plants can augment biological control in greenhouse systems. In this study, we combined laboratory and greenhouse assays to assess the extent to which basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) affected the biological control of aphids by the predatory lacewing Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). In the presence of the target prey (peach aphid; Myzus persicae (Sulzer)), both the vegetative and flowering stages of basil enhanced C. pallens longevity and (early-age) fecundity as compared to a control treatment. When basil plants were established near aphid infested eggplants (Solanum melongena L.), the C. pallens colonization rate improved by 72–92% in the short-term. Lacewing colonization patterns were modulated by the basil planting density and spatial arrangement (i.e., perimeter planting vs. intercropping). Under high density intercrop arrangements, C. pallens colonization rates were highest, its populations persisted longer in the crop, and the aphid numbers declined more rapidly. Our work shows how basil enhanced the key fitness attributes of a generalist predatory lacewing and benefitted aphid biological control in a greenhouse setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Ecology: New Agroecosystem Design and Management for Ecosystem Services)
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14 pages, 2158 KiB  
Article
Can Mixed Intercropping Protect Cereals from Aphid-Borne Viruses? An Experimental Approach
by Sarah Grauby, Aurélie Ferrer, Vincent Tolon, Anthony Roume, Alexander Wezel and Emmanuel Jacquot
Insects 2022, 13(6), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13060521 - 4 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2299
Abstract
Intercropping, i.e., association of two or more species, is promising to reduce insect populations in fields. The cereal aphid Rhopalosiphum padi, a vector of the Barley yellow dwarf virus PAV (BYDV-PAV), represents a major threat for cereal grain production. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Intercropping, i.e., association of two or more species, is promising to reduce insect populations in fields. The cereal aphid Rhopalosiphum padi, a vector of the Barley yellow dwarf virus PAV (BYDV-PAV), represents a major threat for cereal grain production. In this study, we tested the potential of winter barley intercropped with clover to reduce the size of R. padi populations and to lower the BYDV-PAV incidence in fields. We used arenas (i.e., sets of 36 barley plants) intercropped with or without clover plants (at different sown densities). In each arena, a single viruliferous founder, R. padi, (with an alate or a wingless morph) was deposited to introduce aphids and viruses in the experiment. Thirteen days later, the number of aphids in the arena, the percentage of plants hosting aphids and the infection rates were monitored. Data produced through this experimental design showed that clover alters the distribution of the aphid progeny (lower aphid spread) produced by an alate founder morph. Moreover, clover reduces the size of aphid populations produced by a wingless founder morph. However, despite the effects of clover on biological parameters of R. padi, the presence of clover in barley arena did not modify BYDV infections, suggesting complex mechanisms between partners of the BYDV pathosystem for plant-to-plant virus spread. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Ecology: New Agroecosystem Design and Management for Ecosystem Services)
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