Biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and classical biological control

Abstract

Increasing concern over worldwide loss of biodiversity has led ecologists to focus intently on how ecosystem functioning may depend on diversity. In applied entomology, there is longstanding interest in the issue, especially as regards the importance of natural enemy diversity for pest control. Here I review parallels in interest, conceptual framework, and conclusions concerning biodiversity as it affects ecosystem functioning in general and classical biological control in particular. Whereas the former focuses on implications of loss of diversity, the latter focuses on implications of increase in diversity as additional species of natural enemies are introduced to novel communities in new geographic regions for insect pest and weed control. Many field studies now demonstrate that ecosystem functioning, e.g., as reflected in primary productivity, is enhanced and stabilized over time by high diversity as the community increases in its efficiency in exploiting available resources. Similarly, there is growing field support for the generalization that increasing species and functional diversity of natural enemies leads to increasing pest suppression. Nonetheless a central concern of classical biological control in particular, as it seeks to minimize non-target effects, remains as to whether one or a few species of natural enemies can provide sufficient pest control.

The application of rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry in the analysis of Drosophila species—a potential new tool in entomology

“…Long-term biodiversity and environmental impact studies [2,3] tend to observe and log the changes and make-up of insect populations. In other circumstances, such as biological control in pest management, maintaining the population of certain species is desirable or even necessary to sustain ecosystem balance [4]. Conversely, many arthropod species can cause considerable harm, economically as well as environmentally, and pose a risk to human health, requiring population control or reduction.…”

Phylogenetic diversity correlated with above‐ground biomass production during forest succession: Evidence from tropical forests in Southeast Asia

“…The conversion of tropical forest to monoculture plantations and farmlands has resulted in mosaic landscapes with various spatial arrangements of forests of widely varying age (Clough et al, ; Meyfroidt et al, ; Schmidt‐Vogt et al, ). While it is generally acknowledged that secondary forests and farmlands do mitigate some of the biodiversity and ecosystem function losses (Chazdon, ), understanding how much and what type of biodiversity is needed to maintain ecosystem functioning remain key scientific questions (Brose & Hillebrand, ; Evans, ; Loreau, ; Midgley, ; Sutherland et al, ). Our study contributes directly to this body of knowledge by linking both evolutionary history (phylogenetic diversity and community structure) and ecosystem functioning to different successional forest phases in a mosaic landscape.…”

Agroforesterie et services écosystémiques en zone tropicale

“…Cette biodiversité végétale détermine l'abondance, la diversité et l'efficacité des communautés d'ennemis naturels via la fourniture de ressources (refuge, hôtes ou proies alternatifs, nourriture, etc.). En règle générale, la régulation écologique des bioagresseurs augmente avec la complexité du paysage (Evans, 2016). La composition et la configuration du paysage déterminent la disponibilité des ressources et leur accessibilité, par exemple par la présence de corridors biologiques ou au contraire de barrières physiques ou chimiques.…”

“…Une grande diversité végétale au sein d'un agroécosystème augmente généralement la diversité et l'abondance des ennemis naturels que sont les prédateurs ou les parasitoïdes des bioagresseurs de la culture principale (Thies et Tscharntke, 1999). C'est par exemple le cas dans les agroécosystèmes plurispécifiques, en comparaison des agroécosystèmes monospécifiques (Evans, 2016). Les plantes associées à la culture principale attirent les ennemis naturels des ravageurs en fournissant du pollen ou du nectar, qui sont une source d'alimentation.…”