Characterisation of the functional biodiversity of diversified cropping systems with no synthetic pesticides in a tropical environment: the case of the DEPHY EXPE ST0P project on Reunion Island.

The ST0P project aims to assess agroecological systems that no longer use synthetic pesticides in tropical areas. Three multi-species cropping systems have been set up and monitored during the project (2018-2024). In these experimental sites, plant diversification has been a key component in helping to regulate pests and diseases by activating ecosystem functions and services. As part of the project, two monitoring methods were used to characterize biodiversity, based mainly on the observation of bioindicators and the trapping of arthropods. The results show that many arthropods are observed in agroecological devices, such as flower strips and hedgerows. These populations can fuel flows towards cropping areas. The populations of bioindicators fluctuate from year to year. The increase in functional biodiversity in these systems has not been demonstrated.