Study

Effect of ground cover vegetation on the abundance and diversity of beneficial arthropods in citrus orchards

  • Published source details Silva E.B., Franco J.C., Vasconcelos T. & Branco M. (2010) Effect of ground cover vegetation on the abundance and diversity of beneficial arthropods in citrus orchards. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 100, 489-499.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Allow natural regeneration of ground cover beneath perennial crops

Action Link
Natural Pest Control
  1. Allow natural regeneration of ground cover beneath perennial crops

    A replicated, randomised and controlled study in three lemon Citrus limon orchards in Oeste, Portugal in 2002-2003 (Silva et al. 2010) found that spiders (Araneae), ladybirds (Coccinellidae) and parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) were more abundant in lemon trees above naturally regenerated vegetation than above bare ground controls, when sampled by both beating and suction. Lacewings (Chrysopidae) were more abundant in lemon trees over naturally regenerated ground covers (3.0 individuals/25 trees) than controls (0.5 individuals) in suction samples, but beating samples found no difference. Ground cover treatments provided the highest numbers of lacewings, ladybirds and parasitoid wasps (relative to controls) in spring and summer, but not in winter. The three orchards were split into plots of 0.6 ha which were allowed to naturally regenerate or kept bare with herbicide. Regenerated plots were mown twice per year and comprised a mixture of grasses and flowering plants, dominated by annual meadow grass Poa annua.

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