Lesson 5 – In the Field and Edge Beneficial Insect Habitat
Presentation Recording
Presenters
Eric Brennan, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Dr. Eric Brennan is a research horticulturist focused on Organic & Climate-Smart Agriculture at the USDA-ARS in Salinas, California. His research in California's Central Coast focuses on cover crops, biological control of insect pests, weed management, soil health, and nutrient management in tillage-intensive vegetable & strawberry systems. This research occurs in a long-term organic system experiment & shorter-term studies at the organic USDA-ARS research farm in Salinas, & on collaborating local farms. Eric is passionate about science communication to a broad audience (farmers, scientists, teachers, public) using engaging DIY videos & helping scientists & teachers learn to make videos.
Tara Pisani Gareau, Boston College
Dr. Tara Pisani Gareau’s research projects include examining the effect of native plant hedgerows on biological control services in California, investigating the effects of tillage and cover crops on epigeal arthropod communities in Pennsylvania forage and feed systems, studying dragonflies and damselflies for their potential to regulate pest populations in the cranberry bog system, and assessing the impact of climate change on the sustainability of cranberry bogs in Massachusetts.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Describe how alyssum supports hover flies that attack aphids.
- Explain why both in-field and edge habitat is important
- Describe how native plant hedgerows support predators and parasitoids.
- Explain the factors that influence insect movement from hedgerows to the crop.
Articles & Resources
- Eric Brennan Publications and Research
- Can Hedgerows Attract Beneficial Insects and Improve Pest Control? A Study of Hedgerows on Central Coast Farms by Tara Pisani Gareau