Abstract. In this article we review the use of natural enemies in crop pest management and describe research needed to better meet information needs for practical applications. Endemic natural enemies (predators and parasites) offer a potential but understudied approach to controlling insect pests in agricultural systems. With the current high interest in environmental stewardship, such an approach has special appeal as a method to reduce the need for pesticides while maintaining agricultural profitability. Habitat for sustaining populations of natural enemies occurs primarily at field edges where crops and edge vegetation meet. Conservation and enhancement of natural enemies might include manipulation of plant species and plant arrangement, particularly at these edges; and consideration of optimum field sizes, number of edges, and management practices in and ncar edges. Blending the benefits of agricultural and forestry (windbreak) systems is one promising approach to field edge management that has additional benefits of wind protection and conservation of desirable wildlife species.
We monitored crown air temperature, volumetric soil moisture, leaf water potential, rates of gas exchange, and insect pests of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Marshall's Seedless'), Austrian pine (Pinus rdgra Arnold), and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) trees during a relatively hot summer in Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. Air temperatures and vapor pressure deficits (VPD) were much higher in trees growing downtown than in nearby trees growing on the University of Nebraska campus. Increased VPDs and reduced soil moisture decreased pre-dawn water potential and gas exchange of ash and oak trees on the downtown site compared to trees on campus. Green ash trees downtown had more damage from lilac borers (Podosesia syringae (Harris) (Sesiidae)) than did trees on campus. Aphids (Aphidiae) and lace bugs (Tingidae Corythucha arcuata (Say)) appeared to be more numerous on oak trees growing downtown than on those growing on campus. Cultural treatments that improve soil moisture availability, such as irrigating, increasing planter size, and mulching, are especially critical on heat island sites and may reduce tree stress, pest damage, and mortality.
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