Predator Activity and Predation in Corn Agroecosystems

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Abstract
Predation of lepidopterous larvae in corn agroecosystems was examined by observing tethered live larvae over several 24-h periods. There were significantly more attacks on larvae and more larvae were consumed in no-tillage systems compared with conventional tillage treatments. Predator activity (number of attacks) and predation were greatest at night and least in early afternoon over the entire season and generally increased as the season progressed. The soil insecticide phorate significantly decreased predators and number of pest larvae consumed for ca. 2 months after its application. Large carabids (≥ 15 mm) were the most important predatory arthropods in these agronomic systems; however, noncarabid species also provided significant predation. Significant correlations were found among carabid activity, absolute density estimates of carabids, and number of lepidopteran larvae consumed in these corn agroecosystems. These high correlations indicate that the technique demonstrated the potential of endemic predatory arthropods to reduce soil larvae pests significantly.