Assessing the impact of arthropod natural enemies on crop pests at the field scale

摘要: There are many reasons why it is important that we find ways to conserve, and better utilize natural enemies of invertebrate crop pests. Currently, measures enemy impact rarely incorporated into studies purport examine pest control. Most presence and/or abundance then qualitatively infer impact. While this provides useful data address a range ecological questions, measure critical for guiding management decision-making. Often some very simple techniques can be used obtain an estimate We present examples field-based have cages, barriers restrict or prey movement, direct observation attack, sentinel items mortality. The in each study needs tailored the farmers specific problems they face. For example, magnitude mortality attributed may less than timing consistency between seasons. Tailoring assessments will lead research outcomes do not simply provide general information about how conserve enemies, but use these as integral part