Effect of woody field edges on Apiaceae crop colonization by the carrot root fly Psila rosae (Fabre) and common fly predators (Araneidae, Staphilinidae and Carabidae)

The influence of hedges or groves on Apiaceae crop colonization by the carrot fly Psila rosae and common fly predators such as spiders (Araneidae), staphilinids and carabids was studied in a three-year study carried out in France from 2009 to 2011. For that purpose, a network of Apiaceae fields was established.
Spider, staphilinid and carabid activity-density as well as fly egg density were measured in each field during the carrot fly oviposition period, and fly hole incidence was measured at harvest.
Correlations between all these variables were studied.
These variables were also compared between fields surrounded with hedges or groves and fields surrounded with low-density semi-natural structures such as bare soil or grass strips.
The results of this study indicate that spider, staphilinid and carabid activity-density is correlated in a significant way with fly egg density.
The effect of woody field edges is likely positive on activity-density of some these arthropods, but such field edges also stimulate, in a very significant way, the colonization of crops by P. rosae and appear to be deleterious for Apiaceae production.

International Symposium on Carrot and Other Apiaceae

S. Picault

carrot, celery, hedges, biological control, biocontrol, habitat conservation

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1153.29