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Article

The Role of Flower Strips in Increasing Beneficial Insect Biodiversity and Pest Control in Vineyards

by
Roma Durak
1,*,
Martyna Materowska
1,
Renee Hadley
2,
Lynda Oosterhuis
3,
Tomasz Durak
1 and
Beata Borowiak-Sobkowiak
4
1
Faculty of Biology and Nature Protection, University of Rzeszów, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
2
Walla Walla County Conservation District, 325 N. 13th Ave., Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
3
Tetra Tech Inc., 14 E Main St, Suite 210, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
4
Department of Entomology and Environmental Protection, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Dąbrowskiego 159, 60-594 Poznań, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052018
Submission received: 30 December 2024 / Revised: 14 February 2025 / Accepted: 21 February 2025 / Published: 26 February 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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Versions Notes

Abstract

:
In ecosystems that have been disturbed by agricultural management, ecosystem services such as adequate pest control are also disturbed. Exploiting interactions between beneficial insects and plants can contribute to improving ecosystem service delivery and biological control. One of the effective methods of naturally increasing the biodiversity of beneficial insects on crop plantations is the use of plant strips. The aim of our work was to demonstrate the role of flower strips in the sustainable management of vineyards. In particular, the relationship between the composition and flowering time of plants in flower strips and beneficial insects such as predators, parasitoids, and wild pollinators from Central Europe and the Western USA was shown. Most plants used for flower strips belong to the Asteraceae family. The most attractive to beneficial insects were Eriogonum niveum, Ericameria nauseosa, and Purshia tridentata in the USA, while in the vineyard in Poland they were garden plant species but also native species, especially Erigeron annuus, Taraxacum ssp., and Polygonum persicaria. The planned replacement of flowering times of plant species was observed from March to October, which ensured continuity in the availability of food for beneficial insects. Appropriately selected plants can attract selected species of predators and parasitoids, which can regulate the number of a specific pest species. Diversifying agricultural ecosystems is a promising pest control strategy that reduces pesticide use and thus supports sustainable agriculture.

1. Introduction

In recent years, public awareness of the impact of agricultural chemicals on environmental pollution has been increasing. Laws regulating the possibility of using pesticides that reduce the number of pests and pathogens are changing. The number of registered and available chemical preparations and active substances is decreasing. Good agricultural practices promote the preservation of a high diversity of flora and maintain the biodiversity of selected groups of invertebrates. Thus, crop protection is promoted using alternative methods, such as biological, agrotechnical, or biotechnological methods, while keeping chemical treatments to a minimum [1].
Inappropriate agricultural management leads to a decrease in the diversity of organisms that are ecologically important and useful to humans. This leads to disturbances in the functioning of agrosystems, the degradation of the agricultural landscape, or the pollution of the natural environment [1]. The actions of society to maintain a diversified landscape structure are essential for conducting sustainable agricultural management. It has been shown that the diversity of agricultural ecosystems is a key strategy helpful in controlling the number of pests [2].
Beneficial insects, such as predators and parasitoids, are an effective method of biological crop protection against potential pests [3,4,5,6]. Correctly identifying pests, their lifecycle, what stage they do the most damage, and their habitats are key to their control. The presence of natural enemies, i.e., predators and parasitoids, ensures the control of harmful insects appearing in crops. There are reports of abandoning protective treatments in wheat and tomato cultivation in the Netherlands due to the protection of semi-natural habitats within fields and sowing annual and perennial plants on margins [7]. In blueberry cultivation in Michigan, sowing flowers on margins attracted the natural enemies of pests. This reduced the cost of insecticides by 80% [8]. In wheat fields separated by flower strips, a reduction in the population of Oulema melanopus L. was observed (40% larvae and 53% imago) and a 61% reduction in plant damage compared to control fields [4]. Also, the results of research conducted on triticale fields on organic farms in Germany indicate a five-fold reduction in the number of aphids compared to conventional crops [9].
Pollinating insects also play a key role in the functioning of crops. Research has shown that managed honeybees are healthier and more resistant to diseases when they have access to diverse and abundant floral resources [10]. Complex landscapes with higher proportions of seminatural areas often support higher levels of natural pest control [11,12,13,14]. The importance of parasitoids and vegetation-dwelling predators in biological control in various parts of Europe was confirmed by research on aphid populations inhabiting cereal fields, which clearly showed a significant reduction in the number of pests in areas with an increase in the biodiversity of beneficial insects [15]. Properly composed flower strips and the protection of plant communities are therefore crucial to increasing the presence and diversity of the natural enemies of pests. These places provide food, enable reproduction and overwintering, and provide shelter for beneficial organisms. Studies show a direct link between habitat and beneficial insect abundance and diversity [16,17]. The constant expansion of areas of agricultural cultivation causes the loss of plant habitats and, consequently, also the loss of ecosystem services from insects that were nutritionally and behaviorally related to these plants as natural pest control [3,7,14].
One of the effective methods of naturally increasing the biodiversity of beneficial insects on plantations is the use of plant strips such as native grass and wildflower meadows, or permanent hedgerow plantings [2,18]. Many studies confirm their effectiveness in the process of ensuring biodiversity and controlling various plantations, especially rapeseed, cereals, and also orchards [4,5,19,20,21]. For example, the use of flower strips on faba bean fields showed an increase in the number of Syrphidae, Coccinellidae, and mummy-forming parasitoids, which effectively controlled aphids Aphis fabae (Scop.) and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) [2]. Flower strips are also increasingly used as pest control in vineyards, but there are still few reports describing the benefits of their use [6,22].
The selection of plants in flower strips should take into account species that will attract pollinators and insects that reduce the number of pests, i.e., parasitic and predatory insects [1]. The most valuable plants that flower abundantly and provide pollen and nectar include Leucanthemum vulgare Lam., Daucus carota L., Achillea millefolium L., Centaurea jacea L., Trifolium pratense L., Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Hypericum perforatum L., Cichorium intibus L., and Echium vulgare L. [1]. Pollinators are attracted by plants with a large number of flowers, which include Coriandrum sativum L. and Calendula officinalis L. [1]. The color, shape, and scent of flowers are also important features that attract beneficial insects. On the other hand, predatory insects from the Syrphidae family prefer plants from the Apiaceae and Asteraceae families [23]. Pesticide use contributes to the reduction in biodiversity among insects [24], which is why the current emphasis is on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the use of biopesticides. Many plants release allelochemicals through leaf exudates, root exudates, the volatilization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the decomposition of plant tissues [25]. Allelochemicals affect herbivorous pests through antibiosis (the attraction of predators, mortality, fertility, and neurotoxicity) and antixenosis (antifidants, repellents, and deterrents) [26]. However, the most important chemical compounds limiting the development of pests are secondary metabolites, found in plant tissues. These include phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, glucosinolates, amino acids, quinones, and flavonoids [27,28]. Plants attacked by insects release allelopathic substances that are supposed to protect them from attack, but they also attract the natural enemies of these pests. For example, when the beet moth feeds on corn, the corn releases volatile terpene molecules into the air, triggering a chemical defense mechanism that attracts the moth’s natural enemies, parasitic wasps [29]. One of the defense mechanisms of plants against attacking herbivores is the release of volatile compounds, such as methacrolein and methyl jasmonate. Plants damaged by insects release a signal to neighboring plants to produce allelopathic substances. This can effectively prevent insects from feeding and constitutes a chemical defense [30].
Grapevine pests can damage all parts of the plant, whether they be the roots, shoots, leaves, flower buds, fruit buds, or ripe fruit. A serious threat to grape crops in the United States is Vitacea polistiformis (Harris). Grape root borer larvae tunnel into the root system of plants, causing reduced vine growth and fruit yield [31]. Roots are also damaged by the larvae of several beetle species, including Popillia japonica Newman, Cotinus nitida (L.), or Fidia viticida Walsh [31]. However, adult stages cause defoliation. Root damage by Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. larvae has also been observed. The most important damage by this species in vineyards is caused by adults feeding on primary buds and new shoots [32]. Aphids are one of the most serious pests of grapevines. Among the common aphid species feeding on Vicis vinifera are Aphis aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe), Aphis craccivora (Koch), Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii (Glover), Aphis illinoisensis (Shimer), Aphis spiraecola (Patch), Aploneura ampelina (de Horváth), Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach), Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach), Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), Myzus persicae Sulzer, and Prociphilus oleae (Leach ex Risso) [33]. A serious threat to vines grown in Europe is Viteus vitifoliae (FITCH), this species is native to the warm zone of western North America [34]. Two types of damage can be observed: gall formation on leaves and the formation of nodosities and tuberosities on roots [32]. Phylloxera is widely distributed in most grape-growing regions of the world. This species can completely destroy the root system of the plant. The rootstocks of the American grapevine can regenerate easily and can thus tolerate damage by these aphids, but European species and varieties have proved extremely vulnerable to this threat [34]. Also, other species of oligophagous aphids that suck sap from plants can cause serious damage to the leaves of vines. Common pests found on the above-ground parts of grapevines are mites. Serious problems are associated with Tetranychus urticae (Koch) and Panonychus ulmi (Koch) [31]. These mites pierce the cell walls of vine leaves and ingest their contents. Mite-induced damage affects foliar growth of the vine and fruit maturity. Eriophyes vitis (Pagenstecher) is also common in vineyards. The adults and the immature create patches of concave blisters or galls on the upper surface of leaves and are covered with white felt-like hairs on the lower surface of the leaf. Heavily infested leaves may drop earlier in the fall [32]. Other species that suck sap from the leaves and young shoots of grapevines are leafhoppers, e.g., Empoasca fabae Harris, a species in the genus Erythroneura spp.; mealybugs, e.g., Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn), Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret), and Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti). Feeding damage can result in defoliation and, after repeated annual infestations, can cause vine death [31,32]. Pests that feed on buds such as the grape flea beetle, Altica chalybea (Illiger), can cause complete shoot loss [31]. This species causes severe economic damage as a result of the destruction of primary buds and developing inflorescences [32]. One of the most common pests of grapevines in Europe is a butterfly of the Tortricidae family, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller). It is an invasive species in the Americas whose larvae feed on grapevine flowers and berries [32,35]. The grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana (Clemens), is responsible for serious economic losses in commercial vineyards. Flower buds and early-set berries are destroyed by the feeding of larvae. The infested berries of red cultivars will turn red to purple prematurely [32]. Fruits can also be damaged by wasps (Phot). The multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), is also a problem. Adults do not cause damage to berries but rather are attracted to fruit that is already damaged [32]. This species has attained pest status in North America as its presence in vineyards during harvest may compromise the quality of the resulting vine [36,37].
The aim of our work was to demonstrate the role of flower strips in the sustainable management of vineyards. In particular, the relationship between the composition and flowering time of plants in flower strips and beneficial insects such as predators, parasitoids, and wild pollinators from Central Europe and the Western USA was shown.

2. Materials and Methods

The study was conducted during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. Two study plots were selected, in two different places with different climatic conditions.
The first vineyard was located in Walla Walla (Washington State, USA) (Figure 1). Walla Walla Valley (46°05′ N, 118°15′ W) lies in the very south of Washington State on the Oregon border. The valley’s climate is cooled by the Blue Mountains and the vineyards are located on gravelly, clayey, and loamy soils. The area is characterized by average monthly temperatures from May to October above 20 °C and a low number of days with precipitation; the average amount of precipitation from May to October was about 14 mm [38]. In the Walla Walla Valley, vineyards, flower strips of native grass, and wildflower meadows as well as hedges are established. In particular, native species are used to create flower strips, as they are adapted to low annual rainfall (under 12″), can withstand wind and extreme temperatures, provide bloom throughout the season and an overwintering habitat, and are not known to harbor grape pests.
The second plot—Lubcza (49°54′20″ N, 21°15′56″ E)—is located in the southern part of Poland (Figure 1). This area is characterized by a temperate warm transitional climate in Europe. The southern region of Poland, belonging to the Carpathian Foothills, is characterized by slopes covered with vines thanks to appropriate conditions for their cultivation. The average monthly temperature in the growing season, in the months from May to October, is about 16 °C, whereas the average amount of precipitation from May to October is about 66 mm [38].
Both sites had vineyards where floral strips were applied with the aim of using ecosystem service delivery by beneficial insects as natural regulators of vineyard pests. The focus of the study was to determine the species composition of the plants used in the flower strips in different parts of the world and to try to relate them to the occurrence of beneficial insects on these plants. Both pollinators and predators and parasitoids were considered to be beneficial insects.
The plant species composition and blooming period of the different species forming flower strips on selected vineyards and plants forming natural hedges along the vineyards were analyzed. Plant monitoring took place from March, while insect monitoring was carried out in the vineyards from April to October. In order to observe the composition and changes in insect dynamics in the vineyards, four sticky traps were placed. The insects were monitored through bi-weekly inspections of sticky traps in the planting strips and vineyards at various distances from the planting strips. Insects were identified to the order or family, if regularly occurring in the vineyard. Insects were also classified as pests or beneficial species. Additionally, leaves were searched and leaf samples were taken in each vineyard twice during the growing season. This clarified which plant species were preferred by beneficial insects and/or pests at different times of the year.
The establishment of flower strips and the use of plants in different parts of the world were compared. The identification of the plants found in the plots was carried out by using available databases [39,40] and guides for plants [41,42]. The names of vascular plants from Europe and America were standardized according to the Euro+Med Plant Base [43] and Vascular plants of the Americas [44] taxonomic backbone, respectively.

3. Results

3.1. Walla Walla Vineyard

In the Walla Walla Valley vineyards, the flower strips were formed generally by native plant species. Table 1 shows the plant species used to create the flower strips. Within the flower strips in Walla Walla, 20 species of plants belonging to 9 families were found.
It has been shown that the flower strips around the vineyard contain the most plants from the Asteraceae and Rosaceae family, such as Chrysothamnus sp. or Eriogonum niveum (Figure 2A–D).
Plant species belonging to Polygonaceae, Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Linaceae, Hydrangeaceae, Poaceae, Fagaceae, and Malvaceae were also found (Table 1). These plants, especially plants belonging to the Asteraceae and Rosaceae families, are characterized by flowers that are particularly attractive to beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees (Table 1). The proper selection of plants forming flower strips ensures the attraction of beneficial insects that will feed on pests attacking vineyards. Multiple species of predators and parasitoids were identified in the vineyard, contributing to the biological control of pest populations, especially Aphids, Leafhoppers, Mealy Bugs, Scale Insects, Thrips, Nematodes, Cutworms, as adults, and their larvae and eggs (Table 1). The beneficial insects most frequently attracted by flower strip plants belonged mainly to Diptera (especially the family Syrphidae), Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants), and Hemiptera (bugs, especially the family Anthocoridae) (Table 1). The plants used to create flower strips are selected to provide a constant source of food and shelter for beneficial insects. Their blooming periods are consecutive, so they are able to maintain a food base for beneficial insects throughout the growing season (Figure 3). The first species start flowering already in March, while some bloom until October (Figure 2 and Figure 3A). Specific climatic conditions ensure an early start to the vegetation period and the flowering period from March. Most plants bloomed at the peak of the growing season, which was in April and May. In this way, ensuring constant control over pests that could potentially feed on the grape plantations. In addition to the flower strips along the vineyard, there was also a hedge consisting mainly of Crataegus douglasii, Rosa nutkana, Philadelphus lewisii, and Ribes aureum.
The relationships between plants and the beneficial insects and the prey that they attract are shown in Figure 4A. The plants that attract the most beneficial insects include Eriogonum niveum, Ericameria nauseosa, and Purshia tridentata. These are key plant species for maintaining a high diversity of beneficial insects, especially predators and parasitoids.

3.2. Lubcza Vineyard

Creating flower strips to support the functioning of vineyards is not yet popular in Poland, but every year more and more vineyard owners try to implement this knowledge in their plantations. Within the flower strips in Lubcza, 23 species of plants belonging to 11 families were found. The strips consist of both native plants and garden plants, dominated by plants from the Asteraceae family. You can also meet representatives of the Polygonaceae, Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Plumbaginaceae, Ranunculaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Caryophyllaceae, and Plantaginaceae families. In general, however, the number of species used to create strips was similar to the number of species used in flower strips in the USA. The list of species forming flower strips in the Lubcza Vineyard is presented in Table 2.
The plants used there have colorful flowers that are attractants, especially for pollinators (Figure 2E–H). Their blooming periods are related to the climatic conditions in Poland and started later than in Walla Walla. Flowering usually begins in April and lasts until October (Figure 3B). Even though the first species start flowering in April, most plants start flowering in May or even June. The planned replacement of the flowering times of plant species was observed, which ensures continuity in the availability of food for beneficial insects. In addition to pollinators, the plants used in the Lubcza Vineyard also attract predators and parasitoids, effectively reducing pest populations on the plantation (Table 2). The beneficial insects most frequently attracted by flower strip plants belonged mainly to Lepidoptera, Diptera (especially the family Syrphidae), Hymenoptera (bees, wasps), and Neuroptera (lacewings). The hedge running up the vineyard was composed of native plants of the Rosaceae family mainly Rosa canina, Crategus sp., Prunus avium, and Prunus spinosa. The relationships between plants and the beneficial insects and their prey in Lubcza are shown in Figure 4B. The plants that attracted the most beneficial insects included garden plant species such as Cosmos bipinnatus, Tagetes erecta, and Xerochrysum bracteatum, and also native species, especially Erigeron annuus, Taraxacum sp., and Polygonum persicaria. Their role is crucial for maintaining the diversity of beneficial insects.

4. Discussion

While, in the United States, flower strips have been used in vineyards for a long time and their value in pest control and biodiversity is recognized, in Europe this knowledge is still under-researched and relatively rarely used. This should change, due to the fact that the objective of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023–2027 is to contribute to the protection of biodiversity, the strengthening of ecosystem services, and the protection of habitats and landscapes, which include perennial flower strips. Previous studies in different parts of Europe clearly confirmed the crucial importance of parasitoids and vegetation-dwelling predators in the biological control of pests and insect biodiversity in cereal fields [4,15,45].
Both in the Walla Walla Vineyard and in the Lubcza Vineyard, plants from the Asteraceae family typical of the region dominate on the flower strips. In the Walla Walla Valley, the proportion of plant families between the vine rows varies. Generally, the family of Asteraceae predominates, but Roseaceae, represented by both shrubs (Purshia tridentata) and herbaceous plants, e.g., Sanguisorba minor, also have a significant share. On the flower strips in the Walla Walla Valley, there are also several species of the Polygonaceae family, especially Eriogonum sp. Families such as Linaceae, Hydrangeaceae, and Malvaceae are represented by single species.
The flower strips in the Lubcza Vineyard are also dominated by Asteraceae, which, in the inter-rows, make up half of the colonies. The number of Asteraceae species was higher in flower strips in the vineyard in Poland than in the USA. Other families, such as Fabaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Caryophyllaceae, are represented by single species. In Poland, only herbaceous plants have been found in the inter-rows, while in the USA, apart from ground plants, there are also shrubby forms of plants such as Crataegus douglasii (Rosaceae) or Philadelphus lewisii (Hydrangeaceae). The families Asteraceae and Rosacea are particularly attractive to insects such as bees, hoverflies, and predatory beetles. These families are characterized by a high production of pollen and nectar, which is the food base for these insects. In addition, hoverflies and ladybird larvae are predators of plant pests such as aphids and whiteflies [3,46]. Some plant species, such as Erigonum niveum or Purshia tridentat, are attractive to wasps that hunt plant pests (Table 1) [47]. The Asteraceae plants used in Poland to create flower strips are mainly native to temperate climates, but there are also plants of foreign origin, used as ornamental plants in gardens but also playing an insect-attracting role. An additional advantage was the use of hedges, which, when composed in the right way, attract pollinating and predatory insects as well as being a physical barrier against wind or pesticides from neighboring crops. Hedgerows are places for hiding, wintering, or nesting [48]. Pesticide protection was observed in the Lubcza vineyard where the hedge protected part of the vine crop from damage caused by spraying from a neighboring field.
The role of flower strips used in vineyards was highlighted in the study by James et al. [49], who demonstrated the importance of these plants in attracting beneficial insects, including predators and parasitoids, to vineyards. The research conducted by the authors showed the great importance of plants of the genus Asclepias sp., Urtica sp., and Eriogonum sp., which, as native plants, play an important role in the biological control of arthropod pests in agricultural crops [49,50,51]. The introduction of Asclepias sp. into the flower strips has had a positive effect on the recovery of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), which is the host plant for the larvae of this butterfly, and has not only been crucial in attracting beneficial insects especially the presence of pollinators but also pest control, for example, parasitic wasps had an impact on reducing leafhopper abundance [51]. In this research, the authors studied the pest dynamics of vineyards and investigated Eriogonum ssp. plants for attractiveness to beneficial insects and their practicality as ground cover and refugia in vineyards [49]. In vineyard sites with this flower, significantly higher numbers of beneficial insects were found than in nearby conventional vineyards and, as a consequence, fewer sprays were needed to manage pests. In order to provide a food base and shelter for beneficial fauna, it is very important not only to select the appropriate plant species, but also to ensure continuous and subsequent blooming periods of the plants. In both research plantations, the plants were selected so that they bloomed consecutively. Native plant species play an important role because they contribute to restoring native plants and habitats and maintaining biological control of pests [52]. In natural ecosystems that have been disturbed by agricultural management, ecosystem services such as adequate pest control are also disturbed. Exploiting interactions between beneficial insects and plants can contribute to improving ecosystem service delivery and biological control. Native plant species are attractive to native pollinators but also to predators and parasites.
Insectary plantings should be part of whole-farm planning. The occurrence of beneficial insects on a crop depends on many factors such as the landscape and the spectrum of host plants. Flowering plants are a source of food for pollinating insects, nectar and pollen are also fed on by adults of predators and parasitoids. Well-fed natural enemies live longer and have more offspring, so they have a greater impact on controlling pest populations [1]. This is the reason why grass and flower meadows, as well as permanent hedge plantings, are recommended around vineyards [47]. Such vegetation is an excellent place of shelter and for breeding for many beneficial insects. For example, in vineyards, ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), earwigs (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), predatory bugs (Heteroptera), and other predators were found. Insect presence is usually positively correlated with vegetation abundance and diversity. Therefore, creating adequate vegetation infrastructure in or around crops is a sustainable measure to increase predator abundance and diversity [53].
The key pests of grapes are aphids, butterfly larvae, mites, leafhoppers, and beetles. The potential natural enemies of pests present in vineyards (Table 3) can keep their level below the level of economic harmfulness [54]. The population dynamics of many species of aphids feeding on vines can be effectively controlled by their natural predators and parasitoids (Table 3). Cover crops have been shown to increase populations of natural enemies of vineyard pests, which in turn reduce populations of the spider mites and leafhoppers that attack grapes [54].
In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on the promotion of floral plantings to foster ecological agriculture through the provisioning of ecosystem services. A few scientific works conducted in Europe and the United States confirm that flower strips enhance pest control services in adjacent fields by 16% on average. They also indicate that perennial flower strips with a large variety of flowering plants effectively increase the pollination of crops [59]. So far, only a few studies have indicated the positive effects of using flower strips in vineyards, and not only in agricultural fields. In European countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic, or Greece, where vine plantations constitute a significant part of plantations, it has been indicated that the development of inter-row wildflower meadows in vineyards could restore and preserve biodiversity, and could also limit the feeding of pests. A strong correlation was observed between the number of insects and the degree of cover and the number of plant species introduced as flower strips in vineyards [14,60,61]. Grape is a major monoculture crop worldwide with high levels of habitat disturbance due to, among other things, considerable use of agrochemicals. The biological control of pests is an important ecosystem service and is considered a valuable alternative to chemical control, contributing to the achievement of sustainable viticulture [53]. In addition to aesthetic values, the use of flower strips provides vineyards with an increase in water quality and soil health, reduces erosion, manages weeds, and provides windbreaks. In particular, the study demonstrated greater benefits in soil moisture and soil health with the use of native species of plants [62].
Flower strips, which are part of green infrastructure aimed at providing a wide range of ecosystem services and protecting biodiversity, in addition to their advantages, also have some limitations. An inappropriate seed mix can cause weed proliferation while plants that are too tall can increase the risk of frost damage. Therefore, properly composed flower strips have great potential as a method of controlling plant pests and protecting biodiversity [1].

5. Conclusions

Flower strips can be an important element of the service delivery ecosystem. The flower strips in the Walla Walla Vineyard and in the Lubcza Vineyard were composed of about 20 plant species belonging to 7 to 11 families, which ensured biodiversity. Most plants used for flower strips belong to the Asteraceae family. The use of native species of plants in flower strips ensured appropriate adaptation to habitat and climate conditions and the replacement of flowering species throughout the growing season from early spring to late autumn. The most attractive to beneficial insects were Eriogonum niveum, Ericameria nauseosa, and Purshia tridentata in the USA, while in the vineyard in Poland they were garden plant species but also native species, especially Erigeron annuus, Taraxacum ssp., and Polygonum persicaria. These were key plant species for maintaining a high diversity of beneficial insects, especially predators and parasitoids. The composition of plants in the flower strip in the USA vineyard attracted more beneficial insects (predators, parasitoids) than in Poland, where pollinators dominated.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, R.D.; methodology, R.D., M.M., R.H., L.O., T.D. and B.B.-S.; validation, R.D., M.M., R.H., L.O., T.D. and B.B.-S.; formal analysis, R.D. and M.M.; investigation, R.D., M.M., R.H., L.O. and B.B.-S.; resources, R.D.; writing—original draft preparation, R.D., M.M. and B.B.-S.; writing—review and editing, R.D., M.M., R.H., L.O., T.D. and B.B.-S.; visualization, M.M.; supervision, R.D.; funding acquisition, R.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

Financial support for these studies was provided by the statutory fund of the University of Rzeszów.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

Author Lynda Oosterhuis was employed by the company Tetra Tech Inc. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. Location of research areas: Walla Walla (Washington State, USA) and Lubcza (Poland).
Figure 1. Location of research areas: Walla Walla (Washington State, USA) and Lubcza (Poland).
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Figure 2. Examples of plants found in flower strips in the USA (A–D) and Poland (E–H). (A) Ericameria nauseosa, (B) Eriogonum niveum, (C) Physocarpus capitatus, (D) Purshia tridentata, (E) Convolvulus arvensis, (F) Ranunculus arvensis and Silene flos-cuculi, (G) Echinacea purpurea, (H) Lavandula angustifolia.
Figure 2. Examples of plants found in flower strips in the USA (A–D) and Poland (E–H). (A) Ericameria nauseosa, (B) Eriogonum niveum, (C) Physocarpus capitatus, (D) Purshia tridentata, (E) Convolvulus arvensis, (F) Ranunculus arvensis and Silene flos-cuculi, (G) Echinacea purpurea, (H) Lavandula angustifolia.
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Figure 3. The blooming times of plants found in the vineyard: (A) the vineyard in Walla Walla, USA, (B) the vineyard in Lubcza, Poland.
Figure 3. The blooming times of plants found in the vineyard: (A) the vineyard in Walla Walla, USA, (B) the vineyard in Lubcza, Poland.
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Figure 4. Plant–insect networks in the flower strips of vineyards: (A) the vineyard in Walla Walla, USA, (B) the vineyard in Lubcza, Poland.
Figure 4. Plant–insect networks in the flower strips of vineyards: (A) the vineyard in Walla Walla, USA, (B) the vineyard in Lubcza, Poland.
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Table 1. Plants on flower strips in vineyards in Walla Walla Valley, USA.
Table 1. Plants on flower strips in vineyards in Walla Walla Valley, USA.
PlantAttractPrey
Asteraceae
Achillea millefolium L.Flies, Butterflies, Bugs, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvaeAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, Halyomorpha, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae, mites
Artemisia tridentata Nutt.Bees, Moths, Butterflies, Flies, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvaeAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, Halyomorpha, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae, mites
Chrysothamnus sp.Butterfly larvae
Helianthus annuus L.Butterflies, Bees
Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G.L. Nesom & G.I. BairdBees, Butterflies
Eriophyllum lanatum (Pursh) J. ForbesBees
Rosaceae
Crataegus douglasii Lindl.Native Bees, Butterflies, Wasps, AntsAleyrodidae, Aphids, Ciccoidae, Psyllidae, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, mites
Physocarpus capitatus (Pursh) KuntzeNative Bees, Butterflies
Sanguisorba minor Scop.Bees
Purshia tridentata (Pursh) DC.Bees, Butterflies, Wasps, Ants, Butterfly larvaeAleyrodidae, caterpillars, Coccoidea, mites, Thysanoptera
Polygonaceae
Eriogonum compositum Douglas ex Benth.Native Bees, Butterfly Larvae, Beetles, BugsAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, moth larvae, Psyllidae, Pseudococcidae, root worms, Thysanoptera, mites
Eriogonum elatum Douglas ex Benth.Bees, Butterflies
Eriogonum niveum Douglas ex Benth.Bees, Butterflies, Wasps, Ants, Butterfly larvaeAleyrodidae, caterpillars, Coccoidea, mites, Thysanoptera
Fabaceae
Medicago sativa L.
Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.		Bees, Honeybees, Bumblebees, Butterflies
Bees
Apocynaceae
Asclepias speciosa Torr.Butterflies, Butterfly larvae
Linaceae
Linum lewisii Pursh.Bees
Hydrangeaceae
Philadelphus lewisii Pursh.Bees, Butterflies
Poaceae
Pseudoroegeneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve
Malvaceae
Sphaeralcea munroana (Douglas ex Lindl.) SpachBees, Butterflies, Flies, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvaeAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, Halyomorpha, mites, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae
Table 2. Plants on flower strips in Lubcza vineyard, Poland.
Table 2. Plants on flower strips in Lubcza vineyard, Poland.
PlantAttractPrey
Compositae (Asteraceae)
Anthemis cotula L.Bees, Butterflies
Calendula officinalis L.Bees, Butterflies
Centaurea cyanus L.Bees, Butterflies
Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.Lacewings, Parasitic wasps, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvae, Flies, Bees, ButterfliesAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, mites, Halyomorpha, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae
Echinacea purpurea (L.) MoenchBees, Butterflies, Bumblebees
Matricaria chamomilla L.Bees, Butterflies, Bumblebees
Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf.Bees, Flies, Wasps, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvae, ButterfliesAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, mites, Halyomorpha, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae
Myosotis arvensis (L.) HillBees, Butterflies, Flies, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvaeAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, mites, Halyomorpha, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae
Tagetes erecta L.Bees, Butterflies, Ladybugs, Lacewings, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvae, Parasitic waspsAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, Halyomorpha, mites, Psyllidae, Pseudococcidae, Tetranychidae, Thysanoptera
Taraxacum sp.Bees, Native Bees, Buttreflies, Beetles, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvaeAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, Halyomorpha, mites, Psyllidae, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae
Xerochrysum bracteatum (Vent.) TzvelevButterflies, Butterfly larvae, Native bees, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvae, Beetles, GrasshoppersAleyrodidae, Aphids, Coccoidea, mites, Psyllidae, Pseudococcidae, Tetranychidae, Thysanoptera
Zinnia sp.Butterflies, Ladybugs, WaspsAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, mites, Thysanoptera
Polygonaceae
Polygonum persicaria L.Bees, Native bees, Butterflies, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvaeAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, Halyomorpha, mites, Psyllidae, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae
Fabaceae
Trifolium sp.Bees, Bumblebees, Butterflies, Moths
Brassicaceae
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.Flies, Bees, Hoverflies, Hoverfly larvaeAleyrodidae, Aphids, caterpillars, Coccoidea, mites, Halyomorpha, Pseudococcidae, Thysanoptera, Tetranychidae
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulus arvensis L.Bees, Honeybees, Butterflies, Moths
Lamiaceae
Lavandula angustifolia Mill.Bees, Bumblebees, Butterflies
Plumbaginaceae
Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill.Bees, Butterflies
Ranunculaceae
Nigella sativa L.Bees, Native bees, Butterflies
Ranunculus arvensis L.Butterflies
Caprifoliaceae
Scabiosa stellata L.Bees, Native bees, Butterflies
Caryophyllaceae
Silene flos-cuculi (L.) Clairv.Bees, Butterflies
Plantaginaceae
Antirrhinum majus L.Bees, Butterflies
Table 3. Potential pests inhabiting grapevines and the predators, parasites, and pathogens associated with them.
Table 3. Potential pests inhabiting grapevines and the predators, parasites, and pathogens associated with them.
PestsPredatorsParasitoidsPathogens and
Entomopathogenic Nematodes		References
Panonychus ulmiPhytoseiidae (Typhlodromus spp., Amblyseius sp.), Anystidae (Anystis sp.) Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Tetranychus urticaePhytoseiidae (Typhlodromus spp., Amblyseius sp.), Campylomma verbasci Lasnier et al. 2019 [33], Bostanian et al. 2012 [32]
Colomerus vitisPhytoseiidae Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
aphids: Aphis aurantii, Aphis craccivora, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Aphis illinoisensis, Aphis spiraecola, Aploneura ampelina, Aulacorthum solani, Brachycaudus helichrysi, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Prociphilus oleaeCoccinella (Coccinella) septempunctata, Scymnus (Scymnus) interruptus, Adonia variegata, Coccidula rufa, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, Hippodamia variegata, Syrphidae, Nabidae, Reduviidae, Chrysopidae, HemerobiidaeBraconidae, Ichneumonidae Sáenz Romo et al. 2019 [52], Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Viteus vitifoliaeCeratocapsus modestus, Scymnus cervicalis, Tyroglyphus phylloxerae, Chrysopa sp. Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces farinosusBenheim et al. 2012 [54], Wheeler and Henry 1978 [55], Wheeler and Jubb 1979 [56], Kirchmair et al. 2009 [57]
Popillia japonica Istocheta aldrichi, Tiphia vernalis Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
LeafhoppersAnystis sp., Syrphidae, Anagrus atomusAnagrus spp., Trichogramma carverae Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Parthenolecanium cornimites (Anystidae, Trombidiidae and Erythraeidae), predatory bugs, spiders and coccinellidsAphelinidae, Encyrtidae Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Pseudococcus maritimus(Anystidae, Trombidiidae, Erythraeidae), Hyaliodes vitripennis, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Nephus bineavatus, spiders Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Planococcus ficusCryptolaemus montrouzieriAnagyrus pseudococci, Leptomastidea abnormis, Coccidoxenoides perminutus, Anagyrus sp. near pseudococci Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Lobesia botranaForficulidae, Tettigoniidae, Formicidae, Carabidae, Chrysopidae, Araneae, CoccinelidaeTachinidae, Campoplex capitator Reif et al. 2021 [14], Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Paralobesia viteanaCarabidaeTrichogramma minutum Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
Otiorhynchus sulcatus Metarhizium anisopliae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis megidis, Steinernema krausseiBostanian et al. 2012 [32], Pope et al. 2022 [58]
slugsCarabidae Lasnier et al. 2019 [33]
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Durak, R.; Materowska, M.; Hadley, R.; Oosterhuis, L.; Durak, T.; Borowiak-Sobkowiak, B. The Role of Flower Strips in Increasing Beneficial Insect Biodiversity and Pest Control in Vineyards. Sustainability 2025, 17, 2018. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052018

AMA Style

Durak R, Materowska M, Hadley R, Oosterhuis L, Durak T, Borowiak-Sobkowiak B. The Role of Flower Strips in Increasing Beneficial Insect Biodiversity and Pest Control in Vineyards. Sustainability. 2025; 17(5):2018. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052018

Chicago/Turabian Style

Durak, Roma, Martyna Materowska, Renee Hadley, Lynda Oosterhuis, Tomasz Durak, and Beata Borowiak-Sobkowiak. 2025. "The Role of Flower Strips in Increasing Beneficial Insect Biodiversity and Pest Control in Vineyards" Sustainability 17, no. 5: 2018. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052018

APA Style

Durak, R., Materowska, M., Hadley, R., Oosterhuis, L., Durak, T., & Borowiak-Sobkowiak, B. (2025). The Role of Flower Strips in Increasing Beneficial Insect Biodiversity and Pest Control in Vineyards. Sustainability, 17(5), 2018. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052018

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