Landscape ecology, the relationship between landscape pattern and ecological process, provides some of the theoretical context for insect trap cropping. Trap cropping must take into account the frequency and scale of insect dispersal as well as the host or habitat cues that start and stop the dispersal process in insect pests. Therefore, measures that characterize landscape patterns must be matched with scale of insect dispersal and include the spatial pattern of relevant cues. Trap crops can prevent pest dispersal, attract and retain dispersing insects, or alter patterns of dispersal to prevent pest damage and facilitate pest control. Statistics used to measure landscape pattern will be reviewed along with spatial scale issues in their use. Characteristics of landscape pattern will be discussed in terms of how they can influence the flows of walking and flying insects over the landscape. To link landscape pattern with trap cropping, the spatial pattern statistics, relevant landscape characteristics, and spatial scales of insect movement should be matched so that alternative landscape patterns of crops can be compared.
Species 1: Coleoptera Curculionidae Listronotus oregonensis (Carrot weevil)
Species 2: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle)
Species 3: Homoptera Cicadellidae Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Aster leafhopper)
Keywords: Landscape pattern statistics, insect dispersal
Back to Symposium: Trap Cropping--Using Insect Behavior, Plant Biology, and Landscape Management to Control Insect Pests
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Back to The 2003 ESA Annual Meeting and Exhibition