Fields studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of natural enemies on herbivore populations at varying distances from floral resources. Four flowering plant species were planted in field research plots to provide resources for natural enemies throughout the season. Varying plant / herbivore systems were placed at four distances (0, 2, 10. and 20 meters) from the flowering plant beds and from a control bed with no flowers. In general, herbivore densities were lower on plants placed within and 2 meters from the flower beds compared to plants at the same distance from the no flower beds. At further distances, floral resources had little or no effect on herbivore populations. Results from these studies will provide a greater understanding of the dispersal of natural enemies and the range at which they impact herbivores in ornamental systems.
Species 1: Heteroptera Tingidae Stephanitis pyrioides (azalea lace bug)
Species 2: Homoptera Aphididae Aphis nerii (oleander aphid)
Keywords: conservation biological control, ornamentals
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