Carabid beetles and beneficial insects in farming: key insights and recommendations

Dr Kelly Jowett, from Rothamsted Research, delivered a presentation at The Green Farm Collective Conference in May 2023 that uncovered the hidden world of carabid beetles and other beneficial insects in farming. Here's a summary of the highlights:

Carabid beetles' vital tole:

Carabid beetles, dubbed the "hyenas of the beetle world," stand out for their impressive appetite and versatility. They are essential allies for farmers as they not only control crop pests but also consume weed seeds, aiding in effective weed management.

Unveiling beetle behavior:

Challenging existing assumptions, Dr Jowett's research showed that beetle abundance is higher in crop centers compared to the edges, defying traditional beliefs. Various species displayed preferences for different locations, adding depth to our understanding of their behavior.

The diversity factor:

Around 30 species of carabid beetles inhabit agricultural landscapes, each with distinct roles. Some prey on slugs, while others target weed seeds. Dr Jowett also emphasised the significance of carabid larva in pest management, as they exhibit heightened predatory behaviour during their growth stages.

Crop management impact:

Different tillage methods exerted varying effects on carabid populations. Certain species thrived under specific tillage systems, pointing to the importance of tailoring practices to suit beetle preferences. Crop types and adjacent habitats also influenced beetle presence.

Rethinking field margins:

Contrary to expectations, Dr Jowett's research revealed that field margins might not be the primary drivers of carabid presence. Instead, crop diversity within fields and the habitat structure emerged as key factors influencing their distribution.

Empowering farmers:

Dr Jowett recognised the enthusiasm among farmers to engage in monitoring beetle populations themselves. She introduced a user-friendly carabid identification guide and practical monitoring protocol. These tools empower farmers to actively contribute to the ecological balance of their farms.

Future innovations:

A phone app for automatic beetle identification is available – it's an accessible and interactive tool to complement the existing guide. This innovation aims to make beetle identification more convenient and engaging for all levels of expertise.

Watch the full presentation:

This summary offers just a glimpse into the presentation shared by Dr Kelly Jowett. To delve deeper watch the complete presentation video by signing up to Trinity Global Farm Pioneers and becoming a member of The Green Farm Collective.