Enhancing beneficial insects using native plants

Arthropod-Mediated Ecosystem Services (AMES) such as biological control and pollination are critical in agricultural production systems. Maximizing survival and reproduction of beneficial arthropods frequently requires provision of pollen and nectar resources that are often scarce in modern agricultural landscapes. We identified 26 native perennial plant species that show particular promise for use in habitat management in the north central US. Recently, the entire process has been replicated in Central Asia where local scientists are collecting, screening, and field testing locally native plants for use in enhancing beneficial arthropods in their cropping systems. Reintegration of native plants into agricultural landscapes has the potential to support multiple conservation goals but requires the collaboration of researchers, conservation educators, and native plant experts.