Managing natural enemies

Anna Fiedler and Doug Landis

Michigan State University

Ecosystem Services

Decomposition Biological ControlPollination

Use of natural enemies to keep unwanted pest populations low

Biological Control

• Predators: eat many prey in a lifetime, feeding both as young and as adults.

• Parasitoids: specialized insects that develop as a young in one host, eventually killing it.

• Pathogens: nematodes, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans.

Three types of Natural Enemies

• Classical: introduction of non-native natural enemy to control a pest population.

• Augmentative: periodically increase natural enemy population with an artificially reared release.

• Conservation: maintain or enhance existing natural enemy populations.

Types of Biological Control

Alternate host/prey

ShelterModerated microclimates In-season refugesOverwintering sites

FoodNectarPollenSap, honeydew

What do beneficial insects need?

Prairie Oak savanna

Diverse habitats provide

- Biodiversity

- Pest suppression

- Pollination

Historical Landscapes

Use native plants to provide beneficial insects with nectar and pollen.

Decrease pesticide use and increase pollination.

Native Plant Project Goals

Benefits–Reliable seed or plant sources–Prolific floral display –Previous success in other locations

Disadvantages–Do not enhance native biodiversity–May be invasive

Exotic Plants

alyssumphacelia

buckwheatcoriander

Benefits–Enhance native biodiversity–Re-creation of imperiled habitats–Less likely to be invasive–Adapted to local climate–Habitat permanency

Disadvantages–Greater initial cost–Longer establishment time

Native Plants

Total natural enemies collected, 2005

Col 2: 12.0000 Col 2: 144.0000 Col 2: 20.0000 Col 2: 857.0000 Col 2: 75.0000 Col 2: 22.0000 Col 2: 95.0000 Col 2: 78.0000 Col 2: 74.0000 Col 2: 441.0000 Col 2: 3485.0000 Col 2: 13.0000 Col 2: 225.0000 Col 2: 69.0000 Col 2: 587.0000 Col 2: 28.0000 Col 2: 1542.0000 Col 2: 153.0000 Col 2: 918.0000 Col 2: 4259.0000 Col 2: 119.0000 Col 2: 928.0000

Soldier beetles

Minute pirate bug

Lady beetles

Spiders

Chalcids

Syrphid flies

Predatory mirids

Nabids

Dance fliesTotal natural enemies collected, 2005

Col 2: 12.0000 Col 2: 144.0000 Col 2: 20.0000 Col 2: 857.0000 Col 2: 75.0000 Col 2: 22.0000 Col 2: 95.0000 Col 2: 78.0000 Col 2: 74.0000 Col 2: 441.0000 Col 2: 3485.0000 Col 2: 13.0000 Col 2: 225.0000 Col 2: 69.0000 Col 2: 587.0000 Col 2: 28.0000 Col 2: 1542.0000 Col 2: 153.0000 Col 2: 918.0000 Col 2: 4259.0000 Col 2: 119.0000 Col 2: 928.0000

Soldier beetles

Minute pirate bug

Lady beetles

Spiders

Chalcids

Syrphid flies

Predatory mirids

Nabids

Dance flies

Natural Enemies Collected at Flowers

30%25%

2005 data

Incorporating native plants on your farm

• Use local native plants.

• Choose several colors of flowers.

• Plant flowers in clumps.

• Select flowers to provide bloom through the season.

• More flower area = more beneficial insects!

• Include native grasses for structural support

Beneficial Insect Friendly Practices

• Provide nesting and overwintering resources.

• Avoid insecticide use.

• Provide flowers through growing season.

Native Plants in the Landscape

Establishing native plants

Select a site

Analyze the site

Consider planting optionsSize of areaTime to floweringCost

Plan and design the plantingPlantMaintenance

Short termLong term

Select a Site

Analyze the site

ConsiderLight availabilitySoil typeSoil moistureSoil pH

Select Plant species

Suited to conditions

Variety of bloom periods

Include wildflowers and grasses

Local seed or plant source

Seed vs. plant material

Michigan Wildflower Farm

Site Preparation

Yard – Treat with roundup fall or mid-spring – Smother 2-3 months when growing

Typical ag field– 1 year fallow– Repeated light tillings

Weedy site (old field)– Burn or plow– 1 year fallow

Plant or Seed

Plant or Seed

Maintenance

Weed your native planting

OR

1) Mow a seeding 2-4 times in year one 1-2 times in year two

2) Burn or mow annually

Learn More

Native Plants to Enhance Beneficial Insects website

www.nativeplants.msu.edu

E-2985

E-2973

E-2949

Learn More

Contact a native plant producer:

Acorus Native Plant Nursery www.ecologyart.com

Native Plant Source www.nativeplantsource.com – may not be local seed

www.nativeplants.msu.edu

Research collaboratorsBill Schneider, Wildtype Native Plant NurseryEsther Durnwald, MI Wildflower FarmJerry Stewart, Native ConnectionsGene Vogel, Richard StuckeyRufus Isaacs, Julianna TuellUSDA NRCSIngham County Soil Conservation DistrictMSU IPM

Identification supportGary ParsonsDr. Debra Trock

Undergraduate research assistants

Jessica SteffenDawn RichardsEmily Knoblock

Acknowledgements

Funding Support

USDA Sustainable Agriculture Special Grant