Increasing crop diversification with flower strips to improve natural pest control and pollination (DiverIMPACTS Practice Abstract)

A well-selected mixture, utilising annuals, biennials and perennials guarantees a flowering relay throughout the season and in this way attract useful insects and other groups of invertebrates alongside the cash crop. This Practice Abstract provides specific practicam recommendations on how to incorporate flower strips. For example, flower strips are established mainly to support arable farming systems with natural pest control and pollination. The first service is principally delivered by natural enemies of pests, i.e. parasitoids, predatory insects and spiders. The second service is supported by insects that collect pollen or nectar. The key consideration when selecting plant species for flower strips is to maximize their effectiveness in attracting the invertebrates during the growing season. Further, selection of plant species should especially take into account the requirements of the desired insect species so that it can support natural plant protection and pollination. Find out more in the Practice Abstract