Title: Weeds enhance insect diversity and abundance and may improve soil conditions in mango cultivation of South Florida

When weeds are left in mango farms, especially native wildflowers, there is a potential they may provide pollen and nectar to increase beneficial insect abundance and diversity. We examined how weed presence affects insects on mango trees as well as soil health. We found that weeds significantly increased pollinating and parasitoid (natural pest control agents) insect abundance and diversity. There was no difference in predatory insects between treatments, and slightly more herbivorous insects on weedy mango trees. Pollinators in mango flowers and spiders were also greater on weedy mango trees. Soil conditions were significantly improved in soil carbon and pH by the presence of weeds. These results show that a tolerable level of weed species may benefit insect, plant, and soil biodiversity in farms which oftentimes have very little life on them. [Kleiman B, Koptur S. (2023). Weeds Enhance Insect Diversity and Abundance and May Improve Soil Conditions in Mango Cultivation of South Florida. Insects, 14(1):65.]

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Article: WeedsNews5844 (permalink)
Categories: :WeedsNews:research alert, :WeedsNews:agricultural weed, :WeedsNews:beneficial weeds, :WeedsNews:orchard weeds, :WeedsNews:biological control
Date: 31 January 2023; 4:18:16 PM AEDT

Author Name: David Low
Author ID: adminDavid