Arthropod communities in warm and cool grass riparian buffers and their influence on natural enemies in adjacent crops

摘要: Abstract Riparian buffers of native warm season (WSG) or non-native cool (CSG) species are commonly planted along margins crop fields as part the USDA Conservation Reserve Program. The soil, water and wildlife enhancement values these well researched documented. However, their conservation value for biological control is largely unknown. In this study, we examined compared arthropod communities in WSG CSG focused specifically on influence natural enemy populations adjacent crops. Plant diversity measurements relative estimates epigeal canopy-dwelling arthropods using pitfall trapping sticky cards were recorded 29 each grass type adjoining during two years Maryland. We predicted that structurally more diverse less stressed suitable enhancing biodiversity provide greater enemies. Results demonstrated composition abundances most taxa both corresponded with those neighboring crops, suggesting population linkage movement between buffer habitats. grasses riparian inhabited by dissimilar terms richness, abundance composition, which turn influenced differently beneficial Contrary to our hypothesis, supported also enhanced fields, especially early growing season. Beneficial responses likely linked differences phenology types. Although green actively summer, break dormancy earlier spring higher quality food many serve prey hosts predators parasitoids. Given advantage, addition perennial flowering forbs mixes suggested enhance improving structural complexity providing floral resources support populations.