Attraction of Beneficial Insects in Field Vegetable Production
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
As beneficial insect species decline, understanding their behavior and ways to increase pollination and pest management in agricultural settings is urgent. This study analyzes the effects of establishing habitat plantings on the distribution of beneficials at the UVM Horticulture Research and Education Center. Observational and trap data were collected over the span of 8 weeks from the months of June to July. Significantly greater numbers of bees and syrphid fly beneficials were observed in crops with habitat plantings compared to crops lacking them. Habitat plantings have the potential to attract and protect beneficial insects and encourage ecosystem services in agriculture.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Margaret Skinner
Graduate Student Mentors
Jay Hardesty
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Biological Science
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Attraction of Beneficial Insects in Field Vegetable Production
As beneficial insect species decline, understanding their behavior and ways to increase pollination and pest management in agricultural settings is urgent. This study analyzes the effects of establishing habitat plantings on the distribution of beneficials at the UVM Horticulture Research and Education Center. Observational and trap data were collected over the span of 8 weeks from the months of June to July. Significantly greater numbers of bees and syrphid fly beneficials were observed in crops with habitat plantings compared to crops lacking them. Habitat plantings have the potential to attract and protect beneficial insects and encourage ecosystem services in agriculture.