BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL CONTROL OF MITES ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEMS

Abstract

In conclusion, there are many examples in the literature where the amount and configuration of natural (organic) and semi-natural biodiversity in agricultural habitats help to enhance pest control and reduces probabilities of pest outbreaks. The added hypothesis of the current study; is to show that the relative importance of natural habitat (organic farming systems) is supporting natural enemies and the natural pest control, which could vary dramatically with the type of crop, pest species, habitat, management regime, and landscape type considered. The study suggested that smart design on local scales (pesticide avoidance, implementing habitat patches, replacing invasive with native bio-agents) and on landscape scales (increasing habitat availability and crop diversity as well as configurational diversity by smaller cropland patches) can help improve the chances that biological control will help us meet future food demand; while preserving the environment and ecosystems. These types of management actions, if carefully executed, could also have positive consequences for other ecosystem services, such as cultural services, pollination, soil conservation, nutrient retention, and climate regulation, which need to be acknowledged in a holistic management approach. Plant- herbivore relation takes many forms, in case of TSSM feeding is widely diverse, and the plant nutritional content would absolutely affect its life and behaviour. When adequate plant minerals (etc. N, P, K and Ca) digested through the TSSM’s gut, they reform as an ability to develop into adulthood in short time, short female longevity period, high amounts of offspring production. Oppositely, plants with highly active defence mechanisms, like trichomes, repellent essential oils, and plant minerals which have a defensive role; negatively affect the development, reproduction, and life history parameters of an herbivore. Crop protection in organic farming is more preventive than curative. Thus, husbandry practices such as crop rotation, fertilization, cultivation, use of resistant varieties, and preservation of natural enemies play an essential role in pest management. Plant protection products (PPPs) permitted in organic farming should only be used when cultural and biological controls fail to suppress pest populations below economic damage levels. Floral and faunal diversities represent the cornerstone in the strategy of managing pests and diseases under organic production system.