Two-in-one plant protection services provided by omnivorous predators: bodyguards and plant vaccinators

Problems with plant pests are expected to increase. New methods are needed.

Unlike other methods of controlling pests, omnivorous predators can provide a unique and innovative type of plant protection by having a two-in-one function: as predators and as plant defence inducers (´plant vaccinators´).In this project, I will identify the advantages and possible disadvantages of using omnivores in plant protection against pests in a perennial (willow) and an annual plant system (rapeseed).

I will quantify how the vaccination function affects the success of pests in both plant systems.

To understand the underlying mechanisms, I will compare defence-related plant chemicals in plants previously exposed to omnivores with pure plants.

I will also determine how the two-in-one function changes natural enemies’ behaviour and the consequences for pest control in both systems. In addition, I will highlight how the two-in-one function affects the insect community and the success of the plant.

To reveal how omnivores shape the insect community in the long run, I will analyze the population dynamics of omnivores, herbivores and natural enemies with completely unique 25-years of field data in the Salixsystem.

This project will bethe first to quantify the simultaneous two-in-one function of omnivores and the effects at the population level in both annual and perennial cultivation systems. Results from the project will provide a knowledge base for developing new plant protection strategies.