Functional role of hedgerows and landscape composition in controlling a forest insect pest
Abstract
Context.
Mixed
forests
exhibit
greater
resistance
to
pests
compared
monospecific
forests.
However,
stand-level
diversification
is
challenging
for
managers.
An
alternative
approach
enhance
tree
diversity
at
the
landscape
scale.
Objectives.
Building
on
tradition
of
agricultural
bocage,
we
propose
that
in
a
pine
plantation
broadleaved
hedgerows
along
stands
locally
increase
diversity,
while
level
diversity.
According
associational
concept,
both
methods
should
reduce
pest
damage.
Methods.
We
tested
these
hypotheses,
by
counting
nests
processionary
moth
(Thaumetopoea
pityocampa ,
hereafter
“PPM”)
36
edges
adjacent
or
not
hedgerows,
landscapes
with
low
high
cover.
PPM
bird
and
bat
predators
activities
were
assessed
using
acoustic
devices.
Results.
At
local
level,
42%
less
abundant
taller
hedgerows.
This
reduction
was
attributed
ability
hedgerow
disrupt
host
location
predation
great
tit
(Parus
major ),
which
more
active
higher
cover
resulted
72%
infestation.
Although
did
significantly
affect
activity
edges,
nest
abundance
decreased
increasing
species
richness
consistently
natural
enemies
hypothesis.
Conclusions.
Planting
combined
conservation
remnants,
represents
effective
promising
management
strategy
mitigating
infestation
landscapes.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: March 28, 2025
Language: Английский