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Bibionids (Diptera: Bibionidae) in agricultural land: a review of damage, benefits, natural enemies and control
Author(s) -
D'ARCYBURT S.,
BLACKSHAW R. P.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1991.tb05359.x
Subject(s) - biology , natural enemies , biological pest control , crop , larva , agriculture , range (aeronautics) , pollination , ecology , toxicology , agronomy , pollen , materials science , composite material
SUMMARY Records of crop damage caused by Bibionidae are reviewed together with evidence for their beneficial activities, natural enemies and control methods. Bibionids are sporadic and infrequent pests. Although grass and cereals are most vulnerable, a wide range of crops is attacked. Damage is most severe after grass or when plants are under stress. The presence of organic matter during oviposition increases the likelihood of damaging populations. Many natural enemies exist but their impact on adult or larval populations has not been quantified. Given the pattern of attacks and lack of approved insecticides, cultural control methods are more appropriate than chemical. The role of adult bibionids in pollination and of larvae involved in soil processes could be of greater importance than any damage caused by the group.