The influence of ecological infrastructure on vegetable pests and beneficial insects.

摘要

Trees and bushes, as well as other stands of wild plants, are the important components of the ecological infrastructure of each farm. Their effect on pests and beneficial insects involves three main categories: source of food, shelter and place of alternative development. The ecological infrastructure is also created and modified by mixed cropping (such as undersowing and intercrop cultivation) and farm practices. These changes have impact on the dimensional structure of crops, affecting pests and beneficial insects in the following ways: visual or odour disorientation, development of a physical barrier, attraction of parasitoids and predators, and provision of suitable conditions for the development of beneficial insects. Although the number of species of parasitoids and predators connected with the main pests of vegetables is high, the effectiveness of these organisms, in most cases, is not sufficient to protect plants. The effects of ecological infrastructure on main vegetable pests are discussed and possible ways of enhancing the activity of the most important beneficial species are described.