Insect herbivres enhance species diversity of residing and visiting arthopods on calamansi Citrofortunella microcarpa Bunge

Issue Date

10-2012

Abstract

Insect herbivory and species richness of residing and visiting predators on calamansi were assessed in 10 good standing productive calamansi trees grown in the backyard. Calamansi were maintained without additional growing inputs except from occasional pruning and hilling-up. Positive correlation in population density and species richness between phloem feeders (aphids and scale insects) predators’ (spiders, ants and beetles) was recorded. The triangular interaction among ants-scale insects and aphids maintains effective populations of the contending species. Higher population density of aphids and scale insects invites higher number of visiting arthropods (butterfly, bees, wasps) and a certain frog species. Plant defences-Insect herbivory-predation complex favour positive ecological functions without compensating crop’s yield potential.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

26

Issue

2

Page

193

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

INSECTA; CALAMONDINS; CITRUS FRUITS; HERBIVORES; HERBIVORY; BIODIVERSITY

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