14. Milkweeds and Beneficial Bugs: Boosting Conservation and Pest Control in Agriculture

Brought to you by Grow Milkweed Plants

This open-access article from the journal Insects details a field study investigating the attraction of beneficial insects to two milkweed species (Asclepias speciosa and Asclepias fascicularis) in Washington State. The researchers used sticky traps to quantify the number and types of insects, including predators, parasitoids, and pollinators, attracted to the milkweeds over multiple seasons. Results showed substantial attraction of beneficial insects to both species, suggesting milkweeds' value in habitat restoration for improved pest management and pollinator conservation. The study highlights the potential of using milkweeds to enhance conservation biological control in agricultural settings while also benefiting monarch butterfly populations. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research on beneficial insect attraction to other native plants.

 

Beneficial Insect Attraction to Milkweeds in Washington State

Source: James, D.G.; Seymour, L.; Lauby, G.; Buckley, K. Beneficial Insect Attraction to Milkweeds (Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias fascicularis) in Washington State, USA. Insects 2016, 7, 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects7030030

I. Introduction

• This section establishes the importance of native plants for conservation biological control and highlights the lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of milkweeds to beneficial insects beyond monarch butterflies.

II. Materials & Methods - 2.1 Sites - This section details the six locations in central Washington where two endemic milkweed species, Asclepias speciosa and Asclepias fascicularis, were studied. - 2.2 Traps - Describes the use of transparent sticky traps attached to milkweed blooms to capture and study beneficial insects over multiple seasons. - 2.3 Trap Processing - Outlines the process of identifying and categorizing trapped insects into ten beneficial groups and recording pest insect numbers. - 2.4 Data Analysis - Explains the data transformation and statistical methods used to analyze and compare insect counts across milkweed species and years.

III. Results - Presents the findings of the study, highlighting the abundance of beneficial insects trapped on both milkweed species across multiple years. - Predatory and Parasitic Flies - This section reports the significant attraction of predatory and parasitic flies to A. speciosa, identifying Dolichopodidae and Empididae as the dominant families. - Parasitic Wasps - Details the dominance of parasitic wasps among beneficial insects attracted to A. fascicularis. - Bees - This section compares the attraction of honey bees and native bees to both milkweed species, noting a significant preference for native bees, particularly on A. speciosa. - Predatory Bugs - Reports the consistent attraction of predatory bugs, predominantly Orius spp., to both milkweed species. - Other Beneficial Insects - Briefly discusses the presence of other beneficial insects like ladybeetles, found in lower numbers compared to the dominant groups.

IV. Discussion - This section discusses the significance of the study's findings, emphasizing the potential of both A. speciosa and A. fascicularis for enhancing pest management in Washington agriculture. - Milkweeds as Beneficial Insect Attractants - Compares the beneficial insect attraction of milkweeds with other plant species studied in the region, positioning them as highly attractive options for habitat restoration. - Potential Role in Pest Management - Discusses the potential of milkweeds to support natural enemies of various crop pests, drawing parallels with similar studies and suggesting their integration into pest management strategies. - Benefits for Pollinators and Monarch Butterflies - Emphasizes the additional benefit of milkweeds as a resource for native bees and their crucial role in supporting monarch butterfly populations, advocating for their cultivation in various landscapes.

V. Conclusions - Summarizes the study's key findings, emphasizing the attraction of a diverse range of beneficial insects to A. speciosa and A. fascicularis. - Advocates for further research on the role of milkweeds in enhancing biological control and supporting pollinator populations.

VI. Acknowledgements

VII. Author Contributions

VIII. Conflicts of Interest

IX. References

X. Figures - Figure 1: Map of Washington State showing study locations. - Figure 2: Comparison of beneficial insect categories attracted to A. speciosa and A. fascicularis. - Figure 3: Predatory and parasitic fly families attracted to both milkweed species. - Figure 4: Comparison of native bee and honey bee attraction to both milkweed species. - Figure 5: Predatory bug genera attracted to both milkweed species.

XI. Tables - Table 1: List of beneficial insect categories and the specific species, genera, and families included in the study. - Table 2: Number of traps and trapping periods for both milkweed species over the study years.