Monitoring of Natural Enemies (Hymenoptera) on Different Lands Use: Study from Agroforestry, Community Forest, and Pioneer Land

Abstract

Land use and management must be carried out to ensure the sustainability of land ecological function. The presence of natural enemies that suppress pest populations is an essential component of the ecological function. Monitoring the presence of natural enemies and avoiding silvicultural activities that threaten the presence of natural enemies are important aspects of land management. This study investigates the presence of natural enemies on three different land uses: agroforestry, community forests, and pioneer lands. Insect monitoring was carried out at an established plot (20 m × 20 m) for three months using passive sampling (pitfalls and sticky traps) placed using a grid and a diagonal method. The study surveyed phytophagous insects, such as leafhoppers, flies, thrips, and aphids. However, most specimens captured were represented by the natural enemies; Hymenoptera consists of predators (Formicidae) and parasitic wasps (Trichogrammatidae and Scelionidae). The results show that community forests and pioneer lands support the existence of Formicidae. This study indicates that in agroforestry, there are variations in the population of Formicidae based on the period of ongoing land management. Agroforestry provides a more suitable place for the existence of Trichogrammatidae and Scelionidae.