Determinants of taxonomic and functional diversity in arthropod communities in perennial crop landscapes.
Dates : from 01/11/2024 to 31/10/2027
We are currently witnessing a collapse in the abundance and diversity of arthropods, particularly in agricultural environments. The two main causes proposed are the simplification of landscapes and the use of pesticides (particularly insecticides), but other practices may also impact arthropods and their effects are poorly documented, especially since some may depend on the landscape context. The impact of these changes on arthropods is most often assessed through the local diversity (alpha diversity) of a species assemblage without analyzing the effects on species composition or traits and their patterns of variation from one assemblage to another, whereas analysis of these components provides information on the rules of assemblage and their determinants.
Based on an existing multi-year dataset supplemented by a year of fieldwork, the objective will be to better understand the processes that govern the taxonomic and functional diversity of arthropods in a set of orchards that differ in their local practices and landscape environment (in terms of land use and agricultural practices). Beyond understanding ecological mechanisms, this work will identify avenues for recommendations in terms of conservation and agricultural landscape management.
Thesis co-funded by the IMPLANTEUS doctoral school and the AGROECOSYSTEM department of INRAE.
