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DIVERSITY, HABITAT USE AND POTENTIAL BIOCONTROL SERVICES OF ROVE BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: STAPHYLINIDAE) IN SOYBEAN AGROECOSYSTEMS AND ADJACENT HEDGEROWS

Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in Ontario soybean-hedgerow agroecosystems were surveyed in 2009-2010 to identify common, widespread species and assess their potential biological control of Soybean Aphid and Bean Leaf Beetle. The spatiotemporal distributions, habitat use, and co-occurrence of staphylinids with soybean pests were studied to provide a framework for future agroecological studies of biocontrol services in soybean. A taxonomic review of the Staphylinina (Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) (‘large rove beetles’) for the geographic area of study was conducted and identification keys were created to assist in future staphylinid research. Common soybean staphylinids were generally exotic, penetrated field interiors, utilized hedgerow habitat outside the growing season and co-occurred with pest populations during vulnerable life stages. Several species exhibited nocturnal activity in soybean foliage. Biocontrol of overwintering Soybean Aphid and Bean Leaf Beetle populations in hedgerows by staphylinids may occur in buckthorn canopies and leaf litter, respectively.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OGU.10214/2838
Date12 August 2011
CreatorsBrunke, Adam
ContributorsHallett, Rebecca, Marshall, Stephen
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Rightshttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/

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