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Zhao L, Gao R, Liu J, Liu L, Li R, Men L, Zhang Z. Effects of Environmental Factors on the Spatial Distribution Pattern and Diversity of Insect Communities along Altitude Gradients in Guandi Mountain, China. INSECTS 2023; 14:224. [PMID: 36975909 PMCID: PMC10058187 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the distribution patterns and underlying maintenance mechanisms of insect species is a core issue in the field of insect ecology. However, research gaps remain regarding the environmental factors that determine the distribution of insect species along altitudinal gradients in Guandi Mountain, China. Here, we explored these determinants based on the distribution pattern and diversity of insect species from 1600 m to 2800 m in the Guandi Mountain, which covers all typical vegetation ecosystems in this area. Our results showed that the insect community showed certain differentiation characteristics with the altitude gradient. The results of RDA and correlation analysis also support the above speculation and indicate that soil physicochemical properties are closely related to the distribution and diversity of insect taxa orders along the altitude gradient. In addition, the soil temperature showed an obvious decreasing trend with increasing altitude, and temperature was also the most significant environmental factor affecting the insect community structure and diversity on the altitude gradient. These findings provide a reference for exploring the maintenance mechanisms affecting the structure, distribution pattern, and diversity of insect communities in mountain ecosystems, and the effects of global warming on insect communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhao
- Department of Forest Conservation, College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Shanxi Dangerous Forest Pest Inspection and Identification Center, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Ruihe Gao
- Department of Forest Conservation, College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Shanxi Dangerous Forest Pest Inspection and Identification Center, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Forest Conservation, College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Shanxi Dangerous Forest Pest Inspection and Identification Center, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Forest Conservation, College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Shanxi Dangerous Forest Pest Inspection and Identification Center, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Rongjiao Li
- Department of Forest Conservation, College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Shanxi Dangerous Forest Pest Inspection and Identification Center, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Lina Men
- Department of Forest Conservation, College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Shanxi Dangerous Forest Pest Inspection and Identification Center, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Forest Conservation, College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Shanxi Dangerous Forest Pest Inspection and Identification Center, Jinzhong 030801, China
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Liu Z, Gao Z, Geng X, Wen L, Kiprop E. Risk aversion, marketing outlets, and biological control practice adoption: insight from pear farmers in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:84798-84813. [PMID: 35790627 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biological control (BC) is an important component of green control techniques, and its adoption in the production of fresh produce holds economic and ecological importance as an alternative to chemical pesticides, yet its current adoption rate is not high. To clarify the issue, this study analyzes the factors that influence growers' adoption of BC practices in China's orchard systems. We focus on how marketing outlets and risk attitudes affect farmers' adoption of BC practices. A field survey of 327 pear growers was conducted in three main pear-producing areas of Hebei, Shandong, and Hubei provinces of China between October and December 2020. Results show that farmers' risk aversion has a significant and negative impact on their adoption of BC practices. The market environment is another dramatic factor affecting farmers' adoption. Both green certification and cooperative marketing have a significant role in promoting farmers' adoption of BC practices. Our findings highlight the importance of risk reduction and market environment to BC adoption. Furthermore, it can provide critical information for policymakers in formulating strategies to promote the application and extension of BC practices among farmers in developing countries, such as China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1, Weigang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifeng Gao
- Food and Resource Economics Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0240, USA
| | - Xianhui Geng
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1, Weigang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China.
| | - Longjiao Wen
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1, Weigang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
- School of Business, Jiangsu University of Technology, No. 1801, Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213001, People's Republic of China
| | - Emmanuel Kiprop
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1, Weigang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
- School of Business and Economics, Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya
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