Restoring functional farmland biodiversity for biological pest control
Kris A. G. Wyckhuys, Kathryn E. Bushley, Claudio Gratton, Geoff M. Gurr, Gábor Pozsgai, Teja Tscharntke, Thomas Cherico Wanger, Yanhui Lu, Maged Elkahky
Abstract
Roughly 40% of global agri-food production is lost to pests during an era when productivity gains are essential to humanity. Restoring farmland biodiversity for conservation biological control offers potential to secure win-win outcomes for yield and the environment. However, achieving this is hindered by gaps in our understanding of agrobiodiversity, including a lack of data on the occurrence, identity, and interactions of farm-dwelling (plant, animal, microbial) biota. Limited interdisciplinary collaboration and weak policy frameworks exacerbate these issues. Comprehensive data capture using standardized metrics, universal protocols, farmer-scientist cooperation, and next-generation tools could consolidate the evidence base on which to reform farming practice. This will involve ecologists stepping outside their comfort zones to promote behavioral change and make ecological intensification a reality.