Data from: Enhancing natural enemies in sugar beet fields: The impact of flower strip types and landscape elements

Flower strips (FS) enhance predators that can help regulate aphids. In
sugar beet crops, early-season aphid populations can spread viruses, so
timely FS resources are key to attract aphid predators to reduce virus
transmission. This study aims to identify the optimal FS type(s) for
supporting aphid antagonists in early spring, track their abundances in
the different FS types, and analyze the landscape factors influencing
antagonist presence. We selected three different seed mixtures, each sown
on 10 sugar beet fields managed without insecticides. FS types were
compared to sugar beet strips in fields without insecticides and
conventionally managed fields, both served as controls. We assessed the
strips by counting flowers and collecting insects with a sweep net in
mid-April, early May, and early June. Autumn-sown annual and second-year
perennial FS produced greater and earlier flower volumes than other
treatments. Over time, the flower compositions of these two FS types also
became increasingly distinct from each other. Aphid antagonists were more
abundant in these FS types compared to spring-sown annual FS and controls.
Hoverfly communities differed between autumn-sown and perennial FS.
Braconidae were positively linked to forest cover within 500 m,
while hoverflies showed a negative association with forest at the
2000 m scale. Overall, autumn-sown annual and perennial FS are
better suited for conservation biocontrol of aphids in sugar beet systems
than spring-sown annual FS. Hoverfly composition differences may lead to
variation in aphid suppression. From a landscape perspective, forested
areas near fields within otherwise open landscapes are important in
supporting beneficial insects.