Predator populations and the influence of crop type and preliminary impact of integrated farming systems.

Abstract

The relative diversity and abundance of predatory Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Linyphiidae was compared in a range of commonly grown arable crops. Pitfall traps were used to sample epigeal predators from three sites in different areas of the U.K. The diversity and abundance of Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Linyphiidae varied to some extent with year; month and crop type, although the latter exerted the greatest influence. However, there was no obvious explanation for the differences in predator populations between crops. Differences between crops were not explained by comparing Carabidae with different phenologies. In the first treatment year no differences were detected between integrated and conventional farming systems.