Introducing the term 'Biocontrol Plants' for integrated pest management

Authors

  • Pia Parolin French National Institute for Agricultural Research; Theoretical and Applied Ecology in Protected Environments and Agrosystems
  • Cécile Bresch French National Institute for Agricultural Research; Theoretical and Applied Ecology in Protected Environments and Agrosystems
  • Christine Poncet French National Institute for Agricultural Research; Theoretical and Applied Ecology in Protected Environments and Agrosystems
  • Nicolas Desneux French National Institute for Agricultural Research; Theoretical and Applied Ecology in Protected Environments and Agrosystems

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162014000100011

Abstract

Studies of interactions between crops, additional plants, pests and beneficial organisms already exist as well as studies of natural enemy preference, dispersal, and abundance. However, these studies focus on tri-trophic interactions from an "arthropod" point of view. We think that in order to optimize crop protection methods we need to understand the effects that plant structures have on the various arthropods and on subsequent tri-trophic interactions. Although studies and reviews describing the role of secondary plants in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) exist, to date a general term which encompasses all plants added to a cropping system with the aim of enhancing IPM strategies has yet to be formulated. Therefore, we suggest a new term, "biocontrol plants", which we define as plants that are intentionally added to a crop system with the aim of enhancing crop productivity through pest attraction and/or pest regulation; a term that will promote the use of biocontrol services, and can ultimately lead to an increase in the sustainability of cropping systems.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2014-02-01

Issue

Section

Point View

How to Cite

Introducing the term ’Biocontrol Plants’ for integrated pest management . (2014). Scientia Agricola, 71(1), 77-80. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162014000100011