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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Sunflower and Plant Biology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #127309
Title: I. KNOW YOUR NATURAL ENEMIES: PREDATORS IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Author
item OLSON, DENISE - NDSU, ENTOMOLOGY
item GLOGOZA, PHIL - NDSU, ENTOMOLOGY
item Charlet, Laurence

Submitted to: North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Biological control is using predators, parasitoids, and pathogens or diseases to control pests. In the urban environment there is a multitude of beneficial insects, mites, and pathogens which prey on pests, and when not disrupted will do a good job of managing the pests. This system is usually disrupted when we over use pesticides which kill the beneficials better than the pests. Being able to recognize the beneficial agents that are naturally occurring in urban landscapes is necessary for taking advantage of biological control and maintaining natural order. Pictures, descriptions, and hosts are given for the common parasites, predators, and diseases encountered in the urban landscape.

Technical Abstract: Biological control is using predators, parasitoids, and pathogens to control pests. In the urban environment there is a multitude of beneficial insects, mites, and pathogens which prey on pests, and when not disrupted will do a good job of managing the pests. This system is usually disrupted when we over use pesticides which kill the beneficials better than the pests. Being able to recognize the beneficial agents that are naturally occurring in urban landscapes is necessary for taking advantage of biological control and maintaining natural order.