Creating Beneficial Insect Habitat on Farmland

Creating Beneficial Insect Habitat on Farmland
Jolie Goldenetz Dollar, Pollinator Habitat Restoration Specialist
Photo: Mace Vaughan (Xerces Society)
Creating Beneficial Insect Habitat on Farmland
Jolie Goldenetz Dollar, Pollinator Habitat Restoration Specialist
Photo: Mace Vaughan (Xerces Society)
What is the Xerces Society?
Since 1971, the Society has worked to protect wildlife
through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat.
Major Programs:
• Endangered species
• Aquatic invertebrates
• Pollinator conservation
* Xerces blue butterfly (Glaucopsyche xerces), the first U.S. butterfly
to go extinct due to human activities
Partnership with USDA-NRCS
Partnership with the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS)
Photo: Jolie Goldenetz-Dollar (Xerces Society)
Overview
1. What are beneficial
insects and why are
they important?
2. Habitat needs of
beneficial insects.
3. Case studies
4. For more
information…
5. Question Time ?
Photo: Bruce Newhouse
© Bruce Newhouse
What are Beneficial Insects?
Any of a number of insect
species that perform valued
services.
What are Pollinators?
Animals which facilitate
plant reproduction by
transferring pollen between
flower parts.
What are Natural Enemies?
Insects which predate or
parasitize pests.
Main Groups of Pollinators
Photos: James Cane; Jeff Adams; Dana Ross; Bruce Newhouse
Photos: Mace Vaughan, Bob Hammond, David Inouye, Bruce Newhouse
Examples of Natural Enemies
Soldier beetle
Syrphid fly drinking
raspberry nectar
Parasitoid wasp
Ladybird beetle
Photos: Mace Vaughan, Paul Jepson, Mario Ambrosino
Why are pollinators important?
Photo: Rollin Coville
Why are natural enemies important?
Expanding alternatives to pesticides is
growing in importance:
• 5 million tons of pesticides applied
to crops worldwide (Matson et al. 1997)
• Insects often evolve resistance to
insecticides within a decade (Tilman et
al. 2001)
• Wild natural enemies estimated to
protect more than $4.5 billion in
crop production (Losey and Vaughan 2006)
Photo: USDA-ARS/Peggy Greb
Native Bee Diversity
North America is home to approximately 4,000 species of native bees.
Photo: Edward S. Ross
Value of Native Bees
Native bees are very
efficient:
• Active earlier in
season and day
• Collect both pollen
and nectar when
foraging
• No rental fees
• Keep honey bees
moving
Native bees can
supplement honey
bees if they are hard
to acquire.
Native Bee Diversity in Agriculture
Photo: USDA-ARS
Research demonstrates contribution of native bees to crop pollination:
• More than 80 bee species recorded visiting berry crops in New England
• More than 100 species documented in WI cranberries
• More than 100 species visiting apples in NY and PA
• More than 60 species recorded visiting tomato, sunflower, or watermelon
in California
Bumble Bees: Excellent Crop Pollinators
• Pollinators of red clover,
tomato
• More efficient than honey
bees for blueberry,
cranberry, melons, etc.
• Active in cool and wet
weather
Photos: Eric Mader(Xerces Society), Steve Javorek (AgCanada)
Bees in decline
Yellow-banded
Franklin’s
Native bees also
in decline:
Four sister species of
bumble bees
© Jodi DeLong
© Peter Schroeder
Western
Rusty patched
Evans, E.,R. Thorp, S. Jepsen, and S.
Hoffman Black, 2009. Status Review of Three
Formerly Common Species of Bumble Bee in
the Subgenus Bombus. Xerces Society.
Cameron et al. 2011. Patterns of widespread
decline in North American bumble bees.
PNAS
© Johanna James-Heinz
© Derrick Ditchburn
Other Important Bees in Decline
Hawaiian yellow-faced bees
(Hylaeus spp.)
• Hylaeus are the only bees
native to Hawaii
• Critical pollinators of native
plants
• 31 of 60 species are
declining, endangered or
extinct
• Threatened by habitat loss
and invasive species
Photo of Hylaeus on Ohia by Karl Magnacca
Value of Beneficial Insects
Photo: Karen Ward, NPS
• Fruits and seeds are
a major part of the
diet of about 25% of
birds, and many
mammals
• Beneficial insects are
food for wildlife
© NRCS Jeff Vanuga
© Robert Parks
© Marie Read
What is Good Habitat?
Three Steps to Beneficial
Insect Conservation:
1. Protect and Provide
Pollen and Nectar
(Food)
2. Protect and Provide
Nest Sites (Shelter)
3. Protection from
Chemicals and
Disturbance
Photo: Elise Fog
The Value of Natural Areas
The amount of natural habitat on or
close to farms and gardens has a
direct influence on beneficial insect
diversity and abundance.
Photos: Matthew Shepherd, Mace Vaughan
Natural enemies habitat
Conservation biocontrol
• Many of the same flowering
plants that support pollinators
also support predatory and
parasitic insects.
Soldier beetle
Syrphid fly drinking
raspberry nectar
Parasitoid wasp
Ladybird beetle
Photos: Mace Vaughan, Paul Jepson, Mario Ambrosino
Natural enemies habitat
Research demonstrates connections
between habitat and natural enemies:
• Review of 24 studies showed
landscape complexity enhanced
natural enemy populations in 74% of
cases (Bianchi et al 2006)
• Evidence suggests that if more than
20% of non-crop area is diverse
habitat, pest control observed
throughout fields (Tscharntke e al. 2002)
Photo: Ed Ross
Pollen and Nectar
Beneficial insects need a succession of bloom: spring, summer, and fall
Photos: Elaine Haug NRCS, Matthew Shepherd; Mace Vaughan, Eric Mader, Jeff McMillan NRCS, Berry Botanic Garden
Importance of Native Plants
Native Plants: Locally native plants
support more abundant and
species-rich insect communities.
In disturbed landscapes, bees will
visit non-native plants but prefer
native flowers 1
1
Williams et al. 2011. Bees in disturbed habitats use, but do not prefer, alien plants .
Basic and Applied Ecology. doi:10.1016/j.baae.2010.11.008
Photo: Steve Hendrix
Importance of Host Plants
© Mace Vaughan (Xerces Society)
Host plants for butterflies:
Ex: Milkweed plants for monarchs
Butterfly Nectar & Host Plants
Natural enemy: food
Those that benefit from pollen and
nectar sources
Parasitoid tachinid
flies
parasitoid
wasps
hoverflies
Slide adapted from talks by Paul Jepson and Mario Ambrosino,
Oregon State University, Integrated Plant Protection Center
Natural enemy: food
Those that benefit from pollen and nectar
sources, continued
green
lacewings
soldier beetles
ladybird
beetles
Slide adapted from talks by Paul Jepson and Mario Ambrosino,
Oregon State University, Integrated Plant Protection Center
Plant Selection: Best Bets for NJ
Native wildflowers:
• Lupine
• Beebalm
• Baptisia
• Joe Pye Weed
• Spiderwort
• Mountain Mint
• Penstemon
• Boneset
• Milkweed
• Blazingstar
• Blue lobelia
• Sneezeweed
• Partridge Pea • Goldenrod
• Hyssop
• Asters
Photos: Eric Mader
Plant Selection: Best Bets for NJ
Non-natives and
garden annuals:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Basil
Borage
Catmint
Cosmos
Lavender
Annual sunflower
Oregano
Rosemary
Russian sage
Siberian squill
Photos: Mace Vaughan, Eric Mader
Plant Selection: Best Bets for NJ
Woody plants:
• Pussy willow
• Plum
• Apple
• Redbud
• Hawthorn
• Blueberry
• Basswood
• Raspberry
• Wild rose
• New Jersey Tea
Photo: Mace Vaughan
Nesting: Three Broad Groups
Ground-Nesting Bees (solitary)
Bumble Bees (social)
Wood-Nesting Bees (solitary)
Photos: Steve Javorek (Ag Candada), Eric Mader, Elaine Evans
Bumble Bee Nests
Bumble bees build nests in:
• Cavities such as old rodent holes
• Overgrown areas
• Under brush piles
• Under bunch grasses
• Artificial nests?
Conserve un-mowed areas
Photos: Mace Vaughan, Bonnie Carruthers
Wood Nesting Solitary Bees
Nest cells separated with mud or leaf partitions
Photos: Eric Mader
Wood Nesting Solitary Bees
Hollow stem example:
Cross-section of silk cocoons
Pollen mass
Egg
Mud wall
Larva
Silk cocoons with dormant bees inside
Pupa
Adult
Mud cap closure
Ground Nesting Solitary Bees
Ground-nesting bees need:
• Access to bare, sandy soil
• Areas without tillage, mulch,
or landscape fabric
Photos: Matthew Shepherd
Natural enemy: shelter
Those that benefit from shelter
big-eyed bug
rove beetles
damsel bugs
spiders
Slide adapted from talks by Paul Jepson and Mario Ambrosino,
Oregon State University, Integrated Plant Protection Center
assassin bugs
ground beetles
Protection from Pesticides
Insecticide use causes
significant damage to
pollinator insect populations
• Avoid using insecticides
If you do use insecticides:
• Minimize their use
• Follow labels carefully
• Read How to Reduce Bee
Poisoning from Pesticides
But be warned: even when bee
caution labels are followed there
is limited protection for many
native bees
Pesticides: Organic Approved
Organic-approved pesticides aren’t
always safe for bees.
• Pyrethrins = Dangerous for Bees!
• Spinosad = Dangerous for Bees!
• Beauveria bassiana = Dangerous!
• Rotenone = Dangerous for Bees!
Okay when not directly applied to
bees (i.e. non-blooming crops or at
night):
• Insecticidal soap
• Horticultural oil
• Neem
Photo: NRCS/Toby Alexander
Protection from Pesticides
Insecticides: Alternative Options
Safer pest management
options:
• Bt
• Insect repellents (e.g.
garlic or citrus oils),
BUT may inhibit
pollination!)
• Kaolin clay barriers
(Surround)
• Pheromone traps
• Mating disruptors
Photo: David Biddinger (Penn State University )
Insecticides: Alternative Options
Alternatives to pesticides:
• Floating row covers
• Fruit bagging
• Crop rotation and diversity
• Resistant varieties
• Sanitation
Photo: NRCS/Toby Alexander
Managing Insecticides: IPM
Integrated Pest Management
(Prevention, Avoidance,
Monitoring, and Suppression)
• Establish economic thresholds
• Scout crops before spraying
• Use the least toxic control
option
Photo: Matthew Shepherd
Protect Ground Nests
Protect ground nests:
• Reduce tillage
• Avoid soil fumigants
• Minimize plastic mulch
Photo: USDA-ARS
Protect Ground Nests
Example: No-till squash
No-till farms in Virginia
hosted three times more
native bees than did
conventional farms
Photos: Jim Cane
Shuler, et al. 2005. Farming Practices Influence
Wild Pollinator Populations on Squash and
Pumpkin. Journal of Economic Entomology.
98(3):790-795
Restoring Pollen and Nectar Corridors
Pollinator Gardens, Urban Meadows, and
Farm Bee Pastures
• Locally native plants are better for native bees
• Minimum of 3 blooming plants throughout the
year (spring, summer, fall)
• Native bees generally fly between 500 ft and
½ a mile between forage and nesting sites
Photos: Eric Mader, Jessa Guisse
Case Study: Native Plant Field Border
New Hampshire Blueberry Farm
Pre-Planting: 2009
Post-Planting: 2011
Photos: Don Keirstead
Where to Plant: Hedgerows
Hedgerows: Featuring a succession of flowering shrubs
Photo: Katharina Ullmann (Xerces Society)
Where to Plant: Bee Pastures
Pollinator meadows on farms and around gardens
Photo: Jim Gillis (PA NRCS)
Where to Plant: Orchard Understories
Orchard Ground Covers:
• White Dutch clover
• Weeds (dandelion)
Ditches, Field Edges, Leach Fields
Buffers with wildflowers support more insects.
Photo: Mace Vaughan, Xerces Society
Where to Plant: Farm Cover Crops
Clover, alfalfa, and purple vetch. Don’t cut the entire hay crop!
Photo: NRCS/Toby Alexander
Cape Cod Garden
Cape Cod Garden
Good Pollinator Habitat for Small Areas:
1. Small-scale plantings can make a big difference
2. Choose locally-adapted native plants with known
benefits to pollinators
3. Can be artfully designed
Other Examples of Habitat Areas
Photo: Maria Urice
Further Information: USDA-NRCS
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
• State and regional Technical Notes
• Farming for Pollinators brochure
• Agroforestry Notes
• PLANTS Database
• NRCS Plant Material Centers
More Information
• Xerces Society publications
• www.xerces.org
Xerces Society Publications
Published in February 2011
“Attracting Native Pollinators belongs
on the bookshelf of everyone who
values the future of the natural world.”
- Douglas W. Tallamy, researcher and author of
Bringing Nature Home
“Precise, elegant and thoughtful, the
recommendations offered by the
Xerces Society will become essential
to advancing a healthy and diverse
food production system.”
- Gary Nabhan, author of The Forgotten Pollinators
and Renewing America’s Food Traditions
Xerces Society Training
Xerces Pollinator Conservation
Planning Short Course
Full day intensive training to agencies
and organizations, conducted
nationwide
• Native pollinator ecology &
identification
• Land management and habitat
restoration practices
• Farm planning for pollinator
conservation
www.xerces.org/events/
Also, Citizen-Scientist Bee
Identification Training Course
Xerces Society Resources
Pollinator Conservation
Resource Center
Region-specific Information from
Xerces, Cooperative Extension,
USDA-NRCS, NGO, and other
sources, including:
• Regional plant Lists
• National plant lists
• Conservation Guides
• Nest construction guides
• Links to identification guides
• Pesticide Guidelines
• Native Plant Nursery Directory
www.xerces.org/pollinatorresource-center
Xerces Society Resources
Conservation Seed
Store
www.xerces.org/
pollinator-seed
Pacific-Northwest
Native Seed Mix
Coming Soon!
Key Points
Famers and
gardeners can
greatly help
pollinators by…
…providing
good food,
nesting sites,
and protection
from pesticides.
Photo: Mace Vaughan
Thank You!
…to NOFA-NJ and the many
excellent scientists,
conservationists, farmers, and
Xerces Society members
Financial support from
 Xerces Society Members
 NRCS: East National Tech Center
 USDA-SARE
 Turner Foundation
 CS Fund
 Dudley Foundation
 Bullitt Foundation
 Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund
 Richard and Rhoda Goldman Foundation
 Gaia Fund
 Bill Healy Foundation
 Bradshaw-Knight Foundation
 Wildwood Foundation
 Organic Farming Research Foundation
 Organic Valley
Photo: Eric Mader
Question Time?
Contact Info:
Jolie Goldenetz Dollar
Phone: 609.465.5901 ext. 101
Email: jolie.dollar@nj.usda.gov
Photo: Mace Vaughan