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Biological Control with Beneficial Insectary Plantings
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| Overview | Introducing flowering plants into agroecosystems increases pollen and nectar resources that stimulate populations of the natural enemies of insect pests. |
| Scale | field, patch, local region |
| Location | Corvallis, Oregon, USA (44.3°N, 123.2°W) |
| Elevation | 0 to 150 meters |
| Climate | Marine West Coast (Cb- G. T. Trewartha) |
| Agricultural Region | Dairy Farming - L |
| Population Density | 10-25 persons / square kilometer |
| Principle Crops | Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) |
| Domestic Animals | none |
| Soils | Mountain Soils - Udic great groups of Alfisols, Entisols, Ultisols, Inceptisols |
| Natural Vegetation | Needleleaf evergreen trees (E), Douglas fir (28) |
| Ecoregion | Marine Altitudinal Zone (H6) |
| Basic Principles addressed | Use Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics, Manage Ecological Relationships, Diversify, Value Health |
| Page Author and Date | Chris Bley from studies by compiled by the Organic Farming and Research Foundation |
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Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative attractiveness of potential beneficial insectary plants to natural enemies, including aphidophagous hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Included is a list of the sampled insectary plants, including seven flowering plants, annual alyssum (Lobularia maritima), calendula (Calendula officinalis), cilantro (Coriandrum sativa), mustard (Brassica juncea), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esceulentum), marigold (Tagetes patula) and four perennials: yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Korean licorice mint (Agastache rugosa), fennel (Foeniculim vulgare) and perennial alyssim (Aurinia saxitalis). Samples were collected during varied blooming periods and the relative attractiveness of flowering plants to hoverflies was assessed. |
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Natural enemies of insect pests depend on pollen and nectar for their reproductive success and longevity. Because of agricultural practices like frequent cultivation and herbicide applications, many farm fields have few if any flowering plants present, limiting the benefits of beneficial insects for biological control. This attractiveness study showed that cilantro was the most attractive to hoverflies in the early-season, followed by alyssum and buckwheat. Mustard, buckwheat and Korean licorice mint were most attractive to parasitic wasps. |
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Use Renewable Resources Planting beneficial insectary plants uses renewable resources instead of non-renewable resources to control pests. Minimize Toxics Use of beneficial insectary plantings and attracting natural enemies reduces or eliminates materials that have the potential to harm the environment or the health of farmers, farm workers, or consumers. Manage Ecological Relationships Natural enemies of insect pests are attracted to beneficial insectary plants, managing, rather than controlling, insect pests. Diversify Monocultures attract pests: insectary plantings increase biodiversity of both plants and insects, reducing pest populations to manageable levels. Value Health Attracting natural enemies eliminates environmental pollution by toxic pesticides. |
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Complete Report of Enhancing Biological Control with Beneficial Insectary Plants
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