Milton Public Library

Farming with native beneficial insects, ecological pest control solutions, Eric Lee-Mäder, Jennifer Hopwood, Lora Morandin, Mace Vaughan, Scott Hoffman Black

eng

no index present

non fiction

Farming with native beneficial insects

electronic resource

dictionaries

Eric Lee-Mäder, Jennifer Hopwood, Lora Morandin, Mace Vaughan, Scott Hoffman Black

ecological pest control solutions

Harness the power of beneficial insects to deter pests and reduce crop damage. This comprehensive guide to farming with insects will have you building beetle banks and native plant field borders as you reap a bountiful and pesticide-free harvest. With strategies for identifying the insects you're trying to attract paired with step-by-step instructions for a variety of habitat-building projects, you'll soon learn how to employ your own biocontrol conservation tactics. Lay out the brush piles and plant the hedgerows because the insects are going to love it here! The Xerces Society, one of the most prominent conservation organizations in the United States, presents a comprehensive guide to creating farm habitats that will attract beneficial insects to reduce crop damage from pests without using pesticides. The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. Established in 1971, the Society is at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs. They are the authors of 100 Plants to Feed the Bees, Farming with Native Beneficial Insects, and Attracting Native Pollinators. Eliminate Pesticides, Restore Biodiversity GROW BOUNTIFUL ORGANIC CROPS while improving the biodiversity of your farm by making your land a welcoming place for native beneficial insects. Mantids, stink bugs, beetles, flies, wasps, and many others prey upon crop pests, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. Your first step is learning to identify these important farm heroes: close-up photography and in-depth profiles familiarize you with more than 20 beneficial insects and their kin. After assessing your land, current practices, and goals, you'll find detailed instructions for a host of projects, from beetle banks to organic buffers, to improve habitat for your insect helpers. PLANTING PROJECTS FOR PROVIDING HEALTHY HABITATS INCLUDE: - Hedgerows - Insectary strips - Native plant field borders - Cover crops - Contour buffer strips - Grassed waterways Preface Part 1: Beneficial Insect Ecology 1. Pest Control with Beneficial Insects What are Beneficial Insects? ~ Pest Control and Farming ~ Enhancing Beneficial Insect Populations ~ Approaches to Biocontrol ~ Common Predators and Parasitoids: Their Habitat and Prey 2. Why Farm with Native Beneficial Insects? Pest Control ~ Benefits beyond Pest Control ~ Case Study: Pest Management in Washington State Vineyards ~ Case Study: Milkweed, Stink Bugs, and Georgia Cotton 3. Evaluating Beneficial Insect Habitat Habitat Essentials ~ Farm Practices Checklist ~ Case Study: Beneficial Insects Save Christmas Part 2: Improving Beneficial Insect Habitat 4. Designing New Beneficial Insect Habitat What Beneficial Insects Need ~ Habitat Size and Location ~ Wildflower Selection 5. Native Plant Field Borders Establishing Borders from Seed ~ Site Preparation ~ Seeding ~ Long-Term Maintenance ~ Sample Seed Mixes for Native Plant Field Borders 6. Insectary Strips Perennials or Annuals? ~ Plant Insectary Strips ~ Case Study: An Insectary Seed Mix for New Mexico Pumpkins ~ Sample Insectary Seed Mixes 7. Hedgerows Installing a New Hedgerow ~ Revitalizing Old Fencerows ~Sample Hedgerow Plant Mixes ~ Case Study: Hedgerows on California Central Valley Farms 8. Cover Crops Species Selection ~ Establishing a Cover Crop ~ Case Study: A Better Farm for Beneficials 9. Conservation Buffers Contour Buffer Strips ~ Grassed Waterways ~ Riparian Buffers and..

adult

Xerces Society guide