G. Burgio: The role of ecological compensation areas in conservation biological control

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3 Sep 2007 13:30
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, gebouw 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University

 Promotor: Prof.dr. J.C. van Lenteren (Entomologie)


Ecological compensation areas (ECAs), defined as all natural vegetation and non-crop plants within the rural landscape, are considered an important tool in multifunctional agriculture. In particular, ECAs are crucial in enhancing functional biodiversity for pest suppression and for the conservation of rare species. In my PhD thesis I focused on the role of ECAs on functional biodiversity, which is associated with the ecological services employed by the beneficial fauna. Within multifunctional agriculture, functional biodiversity is particularly aimed at establishing strategies for farmers to enhance ecosystem functioning for pest suppression and for conservation of insect diversity.
I performed several case-studies about insect conservation within the rural landscape of the Po Valley in northern Italy. In conclusion, my thesis project  demonstrates the importance of ECAs on insect conservation and biodiversity, and also provides information about management strategies for non-crop plants to improve conservation, biological control and conservation of rare insect species.

Title thesis: "The role of ecological compensation areas in conservation biological control"
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