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ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #414286
Research Project: Management Strategies for Invasive Aphid Pests of Cereals

Location: Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit

Title: Ecology of aphid parasitoids in winter wheat habitats of the Southern Plains: How latitude and crop diversity influence pest management

Author
item GILES, KRISTOPHER - Oklahoma State University
item Elliott, Norman - Norm
item ROYER, THOMAS - Oklahoma State University
item BUTLER, HALEY - Oklahoma State University
item RUDIN, NINA - Oklahoma State University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/29/2024
Publication Date: 8/27/2024
Citation: Giles, K.L., Elliott, N.C., Royer, T.A., Butler, H., Rudin, N. 2024. Ecology of aphid parasitoids in winter wheat habitats of the Southern Plains: How latitude and crop diversity influence pest management. In: Brewer, M.J. Hein, G.L., editors. Arthropod Management and Landscape Considerations in Large-scale Agroecosystems. Boston, MA:CAB International. p. 119-132.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800622777.0006

Interpretive Summary: Cropping systems of the US Southern Plains are designed to optimize productivity during climatic conditions that include relatively mild winters and hot dry summers. Mild winters allow producers in this region to grow winter wheat as the primary crop, but these winters also allow for season-long infestation of insect pests, primarily aphids. A long-standing and continuing body of research conducted in this region has focused on management of aphids in wheat, with particular focus on parasitic insects (parasitoids), which kill their hosts. Findings from these studies have revealed 1) how temperature variation can drive aphid-parasitoid dynamics among latitudes, and 2) how landscape diversity in time and space can influence aphid regulation in winter crops. This chapter focuses on explaining the practical consequences of temperature variation and landscape structure on biological control of aphids by parasitoids in this region.

Technical Abstract: Cropping systems of the US Southern Plains have been designed over time to optimize productivity during climatic conditions that include relatively mild winters and hot dry summers. Mild winters allow producers in this region to grow winter wheat as the primary crop, but these winters also allow for season-long infestation of insect pests, primarily aphids. A long-standing and continuing body of research conducted in this region has focused on management of aphids in wheat, with particular focus on ecological interactions between aphids and their parasitoids. Findings from these studies have revealed 1) how temperature variation can drive aphid-parasitoid dynamics among latitudes, and 2) how landscape diversity in time and space can influence aphid regulation in winter crops. In this chapter we define winter wheat cropping systems of the Southern Plains, aphid and parasitoid ecology within these cropping systems, and how findings have allowed for development of more holistic management programs for aphids.