Entomovector
An entomovector is a pollinating insect used as a vector to spread a substance used in the biocontrol of plant pests and diseases. The insect is typically a honey bee, bumblebee, or mason bee, but may be any variety of insect that spreads pollen among plants. The choice of vector species is decided by a combination of native species in the area to be pollinated, the plant species to be treated, and the ease of care of the vector species.[1]
The substance is typically a powdered substance containing a virus, bacterium, or fungus to be used to protect the host plant from a given disease or pest.[1] The insect, or vector, is typically exposed to this material by placing a tray containing the powder at a hive exit or by using fans to blow it into the hive.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Smagghe, G.; Mommaerts, V.; Hokkanen, H.; Menzler-Hokkanen, I. (2012). "Multitrophic Interactions: The Entomovector Technology". Arthropod-Plant Interactions. p. 127. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-3873-7_5. ISBN 978-94-007-3872-0.
- ^ Mommaerts, V.; Smagghe, G. (2011). "Entomovectoring in plant protection". Arthropod-Plant Interactions. 5 (2): 81. doi:10.1007/s11829-011-9123-x.
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