Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
In Western New York's agricultural regions, non-native, cultivated and native plants occur near each other. The distribution of these plants potentially affects the instance of parasitism by insects. This study surveys the interactions between parasitising insects and their host plants in forests that are adjacent to farms of cultivated fruits. We hypothesize that the forests surrounding farms act as reservoirs for parasites during the times when fruits are absent from the farm. Additionally, fruit density may impact rates of parasitism with higher density correlated with higher rates of parasitism. Since fall 2023, we have characterized host-parasite interactions by sampling late-season fruiting plants in forests adjacent to farm fields, at two separate farms. Preliminary results reveal that a majority of the larvae are found in a single species, Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnusMill). The effect of species on the instance of parasitism was found to be the most influential factor that was assessed in this study. We discuss how effective management of pest species on farms may also need to include reducing the abundance of alternate host plants in neighboring forests.
Recommended Citation
Back, Thomas, "210-A Survey of the Fruiting Plants and Their Insect Parasites in the Forests of Western New York" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 57.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/57
210-A Survey of the Fruiting Plants and Their Insect Parasites in the Forests of Western New York
In Western New York's agricultural regions, non-native, cultivated and native plants occur near each other. The distribution of these plants potentially affects the instance of parasitism by insects. This study surveys the interactions between parasitising insects and their host plants in forests that are adjacent to farms of cultivated fruits. We hypothesize that the forests surrounding farms act as reservoirs for parasites during the times when fruits are absent from the farm. Additionally, fruit density may impact rates of parasitism with higher density correlated with higher rates of parasitism. Since fall 2023, we have characterized host-parasite interactions by sampling late-season fruiting plants in forests adjacent to farm fields, at two separate farms. Preliminary results reveal that a majority of the larvae are found in a single species, Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnusMill). The effect of species on the instance of parasitism was found to be the most influential factor that was assessed in this study. We discuss how effective management of pest species on farms may also need to include reducing the abundance of alternate host plants in neighboring forests.