Global change and insect biodiversity in agroecosystems
Gillespie, D.R., Cock, M.J.W., Decaëns, T., Gerard, P.J., Gillespie, S., Jiménez, J.J., Olfert, O.O. 2018. Global change and insect biodiversity in agroecosystems. In: Foottit, R.G., Adler, P.H. (eds.) Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society. Volume 2. Current Trends and Future Prospects. 1st Ed. Wiley Blackwell, Chichester, UK. Chapter 26. pp. 801-838.
In this chapter we consider the possible effects of global change on the biodiversity of insects in agroecosystems and the implications of these effects for human society. We focus mostly on plant‐based agricultural systems. In the context of human societies, negative effects on the biodiversity of insects in and around agricultural systems have direct consequences for food and fiber supplies, and food security for humans.
Insects are integral to the functioning of agroecosystems (Cock et al. 2012). Herbivorous insects cause crop losses (Oerke 2006), and insects that are predators and parasitoids are integral to ecosystem‐based regulation of pest populations (Costanza et al. 1997, Losey and Vaughan 2006). Insects pollinate agricultural crops. Although honeybees are the main
pollinators in many crops, other insect taxa can be important pollinators in agroecosystems (Nicholls and Altieri 2013). Insects are intimately involved in leaf‐litter degradation, manure recycling, and soil function (Cock et al. 2012), and they are important food sources for many vertebrates and invertebrates in and around agroecosystems (Hallmann et al. 2014).
Changes in the biodiversity of insects in agroecosystems have effects on both the human food supply and agroecosystem health.
In this chapter we consider the possible effects of global change on the biodiversity of insects in agroecosystems and the implications of these effects for human society. We focus mostly on plant‐based agricultural systems. In the context of human societies, negative effects on the biodiversity of insects in and around agricultural systems have direct consequences for food and fiber supplies, and food security for humans.
Insects are integral to the functioning of agroecosystems (Cock et al. 2012). Herbivorous insects cause crop losses (Oerke 2006), and insects that are predators and parasitoids are integral to ecosystem‐based regulation of pest populations (Costanza et al. 1997, Losey and Vaughan 2006). Insects pollinate agricultural crops. Although honeybees are the main
pollinators in many crops, other insect taxa can be important pollinators in agroecosystems (Nicholls and Altieri 2013). Insects are intimately involved in leaf‐litter degradation, manure recycling, and soil function (Cock et al. 2012), and they are important food sources for many vertebrates and invertebrates in and around agroecosystems (Hallmann et al. 2014).
Changes in the biodiversity of insects in agroecosystems have effects on both the human food supply and agroecosystem health.