Gut content analysis of extra- and intraguild prey in ground dwelling predators and field densities of prey and predators

The experiment took place in 10 organic and conventional spring barley fields in south-central Sweden located in pairs during the early barley tillering ('Early' period) and at barley stem extension/heading stage ('Late' period).<br><br><br>3680 generalist ground-dwelling predators (carabids and spiders) were collected for gut content analysis with primers targeting: <br>- extraguild prey: aphids, thrips, dipterans, springtails and earthworms<br>- intraguild prey: Carabids: <i>Harpalus, Pterostichus, Poecilus, Bembidion</i>; and Spiders: Lycosidae, Linyphiidae, <i>Pachygnatha</i> spp; other: <i>Coccinella septempunctata</i> and lacewings.<br><br>Extraguild prey density and intraguild prey activity density were recorded at Early and Late period.