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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 September 2011
This paper discusses the effects of some controllable aspects of annual cropping systems on several components of insect pest occurrence. The components of cropping systems include spatial and temporal diversity at the farm level. Some effects of these factors on pest colonisation, numerical increase, emigration, damage, and carryover to future crops are illustrated and discussed. Examples of how cropping systems affect specialist and generalist insect pests are also given. Finally, the effectiveness and practicality of controlling insect pests by manipulating cropping systems is considered. Intercropping appears most likely to reduce insect pest occurrence under general conditions, however the need to manage several different crops simultaneously can present some constraints.