Changes in Parasitoid Communities of the Maize Pest Ostrinia nubilalis
Author Information
Author(s): Folcher Laurent, Bourguet Denis, Thiéry Denis, Pélozuelo Laurent, Phalip Michel, Weissenberger Alain, Eychenne Nathalie, Regnault-Roger Catherine, Delos Marc
Primary Institution: Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour
Hypothesis
How have human environmental modifications affected the parasitoid communities of the maize pest Ostrinia nubilalis over time?
Conclusion
The study found a significant decrease in parasitism rates of Ostrinia nubilalis over 80 years, while species richness remained stable.
Supporting Evidence
- The parasitism rate of Ostrinia nubilalis decreased from 11.2% to 4.0% over 80 years.
- Species richness remained stable despite changes in the composition of parasitoid communities.
- Regions colonized by Ostrinia nubilalis had lower parasitism rates compared to ancestral regions.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the bugs that help control a pest in corn changed over time, finding that while fewer of them were around, the variety of species stayed about the same.
Methodology
The study compared historical datasets from 1921-1928 and 2001-2005, analyzing parasitoid communities infesting ECB larvae collected from maize.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in historical data collection methods could affect the results.
Limitations
The study relied on historical datasets, which may not capture all variables affecting parasitoid communities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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