Response by Specialist and Generalist Natural Enemies to Agroecosystem Diversification: A Selective Review

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Abstract
Effects of agroecosystem diversification on searching behavior and success of arthropod natural enemies are poorly understood. Crop diversification may increase generalist enemy effectiveness by increasing alternate food or prey availability, as predicted by the enemies hypothesis. But diversification may also reduce enemy searching efficiency and destabilize predator/prey interactions. Additionally, specialist enemies, often important in biological control programs, may be particularly sensitive to vegetation texture. Pest control by specialist enemies may be more effective in less diverse agroecosystems if concentration of host plants increases attraction or retention of these enemies.

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