Ecological studies of parasitoid hymenopterans (subclade Parasitoida) in southern Alberta agricultural systems
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Date
2024
Authors
Pawluk, Abbe D.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences
Abstract
Parasitoid hymenopterans are important biocontrol agents of agricultural pests. Despite their relevance to sustainable agriculture and an integrated pest management strategy, this subclade of insects is understudied. Here, we conducted two studies related to the biology of parasitoid hymenopterans in southern Alberta: 1) A survey of parasitism rates by a native genus of parasitoid, Peristenus, on a significant agricultural pest, Lygus, across 17 cultivated and uncultivated host plants; 2) A survey of parasitoid genera in canola fields as part of a study on the influence of type of edge boundaries and distance from the edge on parasitoid populations and diversity. Mean Peristenus-Lygus parasitism rates ranged from 0 – 45% across various host plant species, with a significant interaction between instar age and parasitism rates in late-stage canola and hemp. Type of edge boundary and distance from the edge did not significantly affect Hymenoptera diversity, and Diolcogaster is reported as the dominant genus of parasitoid hymenopterans in canola crops. Both studies contribute to enhanced integrated pest management studies, and more generally, to the understanding of southern Alberta insects.
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Keywords
parasitoid hymenopterans , biocontrol agents , agricultural pests , Lygus plant bugs , integrated pest management