Influence of Plant Species and Habitat
Influence of Plant Species and Habitat Fragmentation on the Dynamics of Inter-patch Movement of Insect Parasitoids
Many pest-management recommendations are based on assumptions about the movement and dispersal of invertebrate natural enemies. However, since very few studies have attempted to quantify natural enemies dispersal capabilities, these assumptions may be wrong. With the development of molecular an genetic techniques, studies on insect movement are becoming more feasible to perform and are providing additional information on population structure.
This study will focus on the movement of Diolcogaster facetosa ( Weed) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an important parasitoid of the agricultural pest green cloverworm ( Plathypena scabra (F.)) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In this study the influence of interpatch distance, habitat fragmentation (the presence of a physical barrier, i.e., a forested area), and patch plant species composition on D. facetosa movement will be assessed. Microsatellite markers will be used to quantify population sub-structure and to give an overall interpretation of the extent of movement of D. facetosa .
Participants: R. Medina and P. Barbosa
Many pest-management recommendations are based on assumptions about the movement and dispersal of invertebrate natural enemies. However, since very few studies have attempted to quantify natural enemies dispersal capabilities, these assumptions may be wrong. With the development of molecular an genetic techniques, studies on insect movement are becoming more feasible to perform and are providing additional information on population structure.
This study will focus on the movement of Diolcogaster facetosa ( Weed) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an important parasitoid of the agricultural pest green cloverworm ( Plathypena scabra (F.)) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In this study the influence of interpatch distance, habitat fragmentation (the presence of a physical barrier, i.e., a forested area), and patch plant species composition on D. facetosa movement will be assessed. Microsatellite markers will be used to quantify population sub-structure and to give an overall interpretation of the extent of movement of D. facetosa .
Participants: R. Medina and P. Barbosa
