Agri-environment scheme enhancing ecosystem services: A demonstration of improved biological control in cereal crops

• Published in: Agriculture, ecosystems & environment ecosystems & environment, 2012-07, Vol.155, p.147-152
• Main Authors: Holland, J.M., Oaten, H., Moreby, S., Birkett, T., Simper, J., Southway, S., Smith, B.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: agricultural land; Agro-ecosystems; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Aphididae; Aphidoidea; Araneae; Biocontrol; Biological and medical sciences; biological control; Cereal aphids; Diptera; ecosystem services; farms; Functional biodiversity; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agroecology; General agroecology. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development. Rural area planning. Landscaping; General agronomy. Plant production; Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development; grain crops; grasses; IPM; Linyphiidae; Natural enemies; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; predators; Rhopalosiphum padi; Triticum aestivum; winter wheat
• ISSN: 0167-8809; 1873-2305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2012.04.014

► Aerially dispersing natural enemies controlled cereal aphids faster than epigeal predators. ► Grass margins had positive effect on cereal aphid control. ► Agri-environment schemes can enhance ecosystem services. The impact of two predatory guilds, epigeal and aerial natural enemies, on levels of cereal aphid control in winter wheat was examined on farms with contrasting proportions of grass margins, one of the most popular agri-environment options in England. In year 1, by 14d after inoculation the aerial natural enemies alone had caused substantial reductions (88%) in numbers of cereal aphids compared to where no natural enemies were present. In contrast, epigeal predators achieved a 31% reduction, although this reached 88% after 28d. In year 2, both aerial and epigeal natural enemies achieved over 87% control after 14d. Aerial natural enemies were largely comprised of predatory Diptera and Linyphiidae (Araneae). Levels of control were positively related to the proportion of linear grass margins within 250, 500 and 750m radii of the study arenas. There was weaker evidence that hedgerows decreased aphid control by epigeal predators. This study demonstrated that an agri-environment option can be used to improve an ecosystem service on arable farmland.