Influence of flowering cover crops on Anagrus parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) and Erythroneura leafhoppers (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) in New York vineyards

Abstract

1 We tested the hypothesis that providing nectar-producing cover crops will enhance the biological control of grape leafhoppers (Erythroneura spp.) by Anagrus wasps in commercial vineyards in New York, U.S.A. 2 We established three cover crops between vine rows in a commercial vineyard:buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum (Moench)), clover (Trifolium repens L.) and mowed sod (Dactylis glomerata L.). 3 There was no effect of cover crop on adult Anagrus in 1996, whereas in 1997 adults were more abundant within edge vines with buckwheat compared to vines with clover or sod; adults were more abundant at the vineyard edge, especially early in the season. 4 Parasitism of 'sentinel' leafhopper eggs was higher on vines with buckwheat compared to parasitism on vines with clover or sod in 1996; a similar, nonsignificant trend, was observed in 1997. 5 Neither the abundance nor the distribution of leafhoppers was influenced by cover crops, although in 1997 there was a trend toward greater numbers of nymphs on edge vines with buckwheat. 6 In a cage experiment, parasitism by Anagrus of leafhopper eggs on grapes was greater when adults had access to flowering buckwheat rather than buckwheat without flowers. 7 In a laboratory study, longevity of female Anagrus was increased when provided with honey or sugar water compared to water only or nothing. 8 Our results suggest that parasitism of grape leafhoppers by Anagrus may be enhanced by providing floral resources within vineyards in New York, although it is unclear whether this will produce meaningful reductions in pest abundance.

The Role of Turnera subulata and Cosmos sulphureus Flowers in the Life of Anagrus nilaparvatae (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae)

“…On the other hand, the flower of C. sulphureus consumed by F 0 parent had its effect on the fecundity of F 1 progeny. These results confirm that food sources from flowers (pollen and nectar), which contains sugar, protein, amino acids, and lipids, could increase the fecundity of parasitoids, such as A. nilaparvatae (Baggen & Gurr, 1998;English-Loeb et al, 2003;Vattala et al, 2006;Sivinski et al, 2011;Zhu et al, 2013).…”

The effect of resource provisioning and sugar composition of foods on longevity of three Gonatocerus spp., egg parasitoids of Homalodisca vitripennis

“…are to beneWt from Xoral resource provisioning for enhanced activity against H. vitripennis. Chaney (1998) (Irvin et al, 2000;Tylianakis et al, 2004) and has led to lower abundance and higher parasitism of leafhoppers in vineyards (Nicholls et al, 2000;English-Loeb et al, 2003). Fagopyrum esculentum has good agronomic performance as it germinates easily, has a short sowing-Xowering time, its seed is inexpensive and readily available.…”

Drivers of Parasitoid Wasps' Community Composition in Cacao Agroforestry Practice in Bahia State, Brazil

“…Factors that affect these communities include host availability, adult food resource, habitat type and climate (English-Loeb, 2003;Tylianakis, 2004;Hoehn, 2008). In tropical forests, temperature varies little throughout the year, contrasting to the wide variation in rainfall and moisture, which explains the major importance of moisture as a key factor driving parasitoid wasps' community composition (Shapiro, 2000).…”