Effect of pest management systems on ground-dwelling spider assemblages in an apple orchard in Hungary.

摘要

Ground-dwelling spider assemblages in differently treated plots of an apple [Malus pumila] orchard were investigated by pitfall trapping in Hungary. The samples were taken weekly from April to November over 3 years. The effects of boundaries and different weed patterns on the spider assemblages were considered. No significant differences were found between conventional control using broad-spectrum compounds (pendimethalin, diuron, and glyphosate) and integrated pest management (IPM) based on selective insecticides (glyphosate) in terms of species richness and composition, and density and diversity of epigeic spider communities. The density in the IPM plots was moderately higher in only 1 year. Greater spider densities were observed in the tree rows where the weed coverage was higher than in the alleys where mechanical weed control was applied. However, community structures did not differ significantly. Near the edge of the orchard, the density and species richness of epigeic spiders were higher and the community structure differed slightly from that of the orchard habitats. The spiders showed a population peak in spring in all habitats, but this was more extended in the orchard edge. The collections included 1147 individuals representing 37 species, with Xysticus kochi, Pardosa agrestis and Titanoeca schineri being the most dominant species. Their population dynamics, sex ratio and habitat preferences are discussed.