The selection of native insectary plants for landscapingin greenhouse areas of SE Spain

Abstract: A multi-criteria analysis was carried out to select the most suitable native insectaryplants that could be used for planting around horticultural crops in Almeria (SE Spain). Specieswere chosen from autochthonous flora of Almeria, the most important criteria being the specificresources (food, shelter and mating sites) that plants offer to different groups of natural enemies.We selected 29 species belonging to 18 botanic families that satisfied all the requirements. Afterselecting these species, we designed and planted a xerophytic garden of 800m2 that simulates theway that this vegetation exists naturally. This experimental plot will serve for further surveys ofthe dynamics of beneficial arthropods living in and around these plants and to decide which onesare the best for landscape restoration.