Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094
December 2017 Special Anniversary Review, Vol. 6(12): pp. 409-417
Copyright © 2017 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Dynamics of vascular plant and insect diversity as indicators in Agroecosystems and Agricultural Landscapes

A. D. Solomou^1*, A. D. Reegan², G. Karetsos¹, K. Tsagari¹ and K. Mantzanas³

¹Hellenic Agricultural Organization "DEMETER", Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Terma Alkmanos, Ilisia, 11528, Athens, Greece.

²Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai-600034, Tamil Nadu, India.

³Laboratory of Rangeland Ecology, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.

*Corresponding Author's Email: alexansolomou@gmail.com

Accepted 06 December, 2017

Abstract

Biodiversity is a heritage of an ecosystem and especially refers to the diversity within and among living organisms, gatherings of living organisms, biotic communities and processes. It contributes a wide range of essential services to the sustainable function of all ecosystems. In this review, we summarize literature about the terrestrial biodiversity that dominated by plants and the herbivores (such as insects) that consume them, and they are one of the major conduits of energy flow up to higher trophic levels. The role that biodiversity plays in ecosystem functioning has attracted special attention during the last years due to the disturbance and change of biodiversity. Also, it is important to refer that the knowledge of the relation between plants and ecological factors can be used as an environmental indicator. Several plants are used as indicators of environment and determine the excellent use of land resources for forest, meadow and agricultural crops. Similarly, insects represent major role in influencing various activities of plants like physiological activity and population dynamics and also mediate a link between plants and ecosystem processes. In terrestrial ecosystems, insects involve in various role viz., herbivores, seed dispersers, pollinators, parasites, predators, food for other organisms, honey producer, detritivores or ecosystem engineers. These insects also serve as excellent environmental indicators for the total ecosystem maintenance. Conclusively, plants and insects constitute important parameters of the ecosystems which affect their ecological balance. Hence, it will have to estimate and monitor plant and insect dynamics, in order to effectively protect them.

Keywords: Biodiversity, sustainability, indicator, functions, agroecosystems.