Uncultivated vegetation: A source of insect predators?

Beneficial insects occur within cotton agroecosystems in Australia, but farming systems do not always encourage their survival. Recent changes in cotton production, like the cultivation of genetically modified cotton and the subsequent reduction in pesticide applications, have all contributed to the survival of beneficial insects on cotton properties. Generalist predators can be found on other common crops (e.g. winter wheat, sorghum and lucerne), but the planting of such crops varies, depending on water availability. Little attention has been given to the non-crop vegetation (native trees, grasses and shrubs and introduced weeds) surrounding cotton fields and the role it may play in supporting beneficial insects. In this study, various habitats were sampled and the spatial and temporal patterns of seven generalist predators investigated. Potential resources provided by the habitats and ways of improving habitats were also identified. Finally, the movement of generalist predators between habitats and cotton at small (field) and large (area-wide group) scales was investigated.