Hedgerow plants to support crop pollination and pest management

Abstract

Hedgerows are grown predominantly to provide shelter to livestock and crops but can also provide habitat for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species. These species can interact with farm production in a beneficial or detrimental way. Using knowledge of interactions between plants, invertebrate and vertebrates, we aim to design on-farm plantings (predominantly hedgerows) that benefit crop production through increased populations and diversity of beneficial species (natural enemies of pests and pollinators) and suppression of pest species. We will trial these plantings on arable farms in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand and assess their effectiveness at providing services that support crop production. Once completed, these plantings will provide a framework for ongoing studies aimed at optimising the range of services that on-farm plantings can provide to farmers.