Population dynamics and seed feeding tendencies of field crickets (Gryllidae) in wild blueberry fields

Abstract

Gryllus pennsylvanicus (Gryllidae), are post-dispersal seed consumers, common in wild blueberry fields. Laboratory and field studies were conducted during the summer-fall season of 2019 in wild blueberry fields. Field experiments revealed G. pennsylvanicus was active for 14 weeks, peaking in mid-August, coinciding with the seed rain of economically destructive weeds. The spatial population dynamics of G. pennsylvanicus did not change with increasing distance from field edge. Laboratory no-choice feeding studies revealed G. pennsylvanicus consumes a variety of seeds (0.057 – 1.9 mg). An average of 449 hair fescue seeds, per cricket, over 120 hours were consumed with an estimated final constant feeding rate of 65.5 seeds per day. These findings suggest that post-dispersal weed seed consumption by G. pennsylvanicus in wild blueberry fields, when used in conjunction with an integrated weed management plan, may influence weed emergence providing a valuable and sustainable ecological service.