Refuge distributions and landscape connectivity affect host-parasitoid dynamics: Motivations for biological control in agroecosystems

Author(s)

Fernandes, Lucas D. ; Mata, Angelica S. ; Godoy, Wesley A. C. ; Reigada, Carolina

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 17, n. 4, p. 17-pg., 2022-01-01.

Abstract

Species distributions are affected by landscape structure at different spatial scales. Here we study how the interplay between dispersal at different spatial scales and landscape connectivity and composition affect local species dynamics. Using a host-parasitoid model, we assessed host density and host occupancy on the landscape, under different parasitoid dispersal ranges and three local distributions of non-crop habitats, areas where hosts are unable to grow but parasitoids are provided with alternative hosts and food resources. Our results show distinct responses of host density to increases in non-crop area, measured by differences in slopes for different distributions of non-crop habitats, and that the effect of local landscape composition on species dynamics depends on the landscape connectivity at the regional scale. Moreover, we show how host density and occupancy are affected by increasing parasitoid dispersal ranges depending on landscape structure. Our results demonstrate the role of local and regional scales on species distributions and the importance of the combined effects of species biological parameters and landscape structure on species dynamics. Finally, we highlight the relevance of these aspects for the development of better strategies of biological control. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/26989-4 - Spatial dynamics and landscape structure of Spodoptera frugiperda
• Grantee: Lucas Dias Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/11672-6 - Spatio-temporal dynamics of Lepidoptera communities and their parasitoids at landscape under restoration process
• Grantee: Carolina Reigada Montoya
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/16609-7 - A multi - and interdisciplinary approach to understand spatio-temporal patterns of insect pests and design landscapes for sustainable pest management in tropical agricultural systems
• Grantee: Wesley Augusto Conde Godoy
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants