Glasnik Zaštite Bilja, Vol. 34 No. 4, 2011.
Professional paper
The role of ecological infrastructure in biological control of agricultural pests
Kristijan Franin
; Sveučilište u Zadru, Odjel za poljodjelstvo i akvakulturu Sredozemlja
Božena Barić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Agronomski fakultet, Zavod za poljoprivrednu zoologiju
Abstract
Unlike the natural ecosystem which is characterized by the richness of different plant and animal species, agroecosystem is usually poor and it has thus undermined stability. Namely, the stability of a particular ecosystem usually defines its biodiversity. Agricultural production, especially production in monoculture and cultivation of perennial crops (orchards and vineyards) results in the development of high populations of certain species of pests. In order to control its population, and therefore the potential damage, it’s essential to introduce the natural enemies of agricultural pests such as predators and parasitoids in the production process. The key element in increasing the stability of the agroecosystem is the development of its ecological infrastructure, which provides useful organisms with a shelter, space for reproduction, overwintering and primary or supplemental source of food. This paper presents the basic elements of environmental infrastructure, its advantages and disadvantages and its role in the biological control of harmful organisms in agriculture.
Keywords
ecological infrastructure; biodiversity; agroecosystem; natural enemies
Hrčak ID:
163229
URI
Publication date:
20.7.2011.
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