Universal Journal of Plant Science Vol. 4(4), pp. 50 - 57
DOI: 10.13189/ujps.2016.040402
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Habitat Management: A Key Option to Enhance Natural Enemies of Crop Pest

Kamrul Hassan ^1,*, Mahfuza Pervin ², Fuad Mondal ¹, Mukta Mala ^3
1 Department of Entomology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh
² University of Catania, Italy
³ Department of Entomology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Enhancement of natural enemies through habitat management developed sustainable pest management systems. Landscape composition; especially complex and permanent habitat mainly woody vegetation increased the abundance of natural enemies of crop pest. Alternatively, temporary vegetation like horticultural systems decreased the abundance of natural enemies as for monocropping. The rate of parasitism is higher in diverse ecosystems than in non-diverse ecosystems due to the availability of food source, provision of nectar and sugar, as well as alternative hosts. The intensification of agricultural practices disturbed the diversity of ecosystem and ultimately reduced the abundance of natural enemies and consequently diminished the efficacy of biological control of pests in a particular ecosystem. Moreover, plant characteristics especially in long blooming period, larger floral area, maximum flower height, narrow and deepest corolla and higher number of open flower increase the accessibility of nectar or pollen for natural enemies. As a result, the fecundity and longevity of predator and parasitoid are increased. Manipulation of food sources for natural enemies especially honey dew and artificial food spray like sucrose with the supplement of protein helps to enhance the activities of natural enemies, predators and parasitoids. For example, the widely applicable shelter habitats such as beetle banks are suitable over wintering sites for predatory beetles especially for Carabidae, Staphylinidae and spiders. Increase of non-crop habitats for instance, field margins, fallow land, hedgerows etc. might improve the shelters for natural enemies. Apart from the plants in that habitat under attack from herbivore, they make responses towards natural enemies by producing Herbivore Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) known as indirect plant defense. The habitat with abundant natural enemies makes such continuous support for plant by means of plant indirect defense. In a nutshell, habitat management not only conserves biological control but also provides other indirect services like increasing biodiversity, photosynthesis, the activity of soil biota, and reduced soil erosion. Besides, it can also ultimately maximize the yield and profitability of crops for the farmers and stabilize the sustainable pest management system.

KEYWORDS
Habitat Management, Ecosystem, Natural Enemies, Plant Characteristics, Herbivore Induced Plant Volatiles

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Kamrul Hassan , Mahfuza Pervin , Fuad Mondal , Mukta Mala , "Habitat Management: A Key Option to Enhance Natural Enemies of Crop Pest," Universal Journal of Plant Science, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 50 - 57, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/ujps.2016.040402.

(b). APA Format:
Kamrul Hassan , Mahfuza Pervin , Fuad Mondal , Mukta Mala (2016). Habitat Management: A Key Option to Enhance Natural Enemies of Crop Pest. Universal Journal of Plant Science, 4(4), 50 - 57. DOI: 10.13189/ujps.2016.040402.