Promoting agri-environment schemes for conservation biocontrol.

Abstract

Three literature reviews were conducted to identify the level of key resources for natural enemies provided by agri-environment scheme habitats and subsequent impact within crops. Hedgerows, flower-rich habitats and uncultivated areas such as occur between fields or along hedgerows provided the most resources for natural enemies. On the whole the natural enemy fauna occurring in agri-environment scheme habitats had been studied and described at least to family, however, there was less evidence of an impact on natural enemy or pests levels within the crop. The SAFE acronym (Shelter, Alternative prey, Floral resources and appropriate Environment) is proposed as a way to raise awareness among farmers and their advisors of natural enemies and their resource requirements.