Nature has a way of making life as easy as possible, but it will not happen fast, so planning is critical to success. One means is by putting some plants (trap crops) which attract beneficial and/or destructive insects.
Insects are one of the main challenges in growing a vegetable garden. Warm weather and high humidity in panhandle Florida both promote the growth and expansion of insect populations.
The effort to control insects often results in the use of insecticides as the initial approach to save time and labor. However, solely relying on insecticides may cause insecticide resistance long term in the insect population.
Also, if improperly used it might end up as a residue in the vegetables.
Trap cropping is another effective way to control insects by installing an attractive plant near the higher value primary crop. It is very economical, has potential health benefits for consumers of the vegetables and is safe for pets and beneficial insects.
Assassin bugs are attracted to any location that brings in their prey. This ambush predator has an unending appetite for destructive insects.
Trap cropping is based on the principle of host inclination, that is to say, insects will prefer a different plant than the one harvested as produce. Studies have been done by numerous researchers on trap crops and their use for various insect pests.
The University of Missouri conducted a study with USDA/ARS on cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Their results were very promising as the insects were attracted more towards Blue Hubard squash and Buttercup squash than their main crop Zucchini.
Leaf-footed bugs have been a menace in tomato production, both commercial and in home gardens. Regionally, the results from trials have shown sorghum and sunflower have the potential for very promising results for attracting insects if staggered plantings extend the blooming intervals.
Yet another purpose of trap crops is their use in drawing natural enemies or predator insects to the garden. These crops are often referred to as refuge crops. As the insects come for the pollen on these plants, they find other insects which they can feed on.
Adult wasp are omnivores, eating pollen and other insects. Trap crops which shed pollen and attract destructive insects are a smorgasbord for these flying predators.
Sweet alyssum and buckwheat are good examples of refuge trap crops. They attract wasps and Hoverflies. Hoverflies lay eggs on leaves, which hatch into maggots which feed on aphids and mealy bugs. Wasps lay eggs on caterpillars which hatch and feed on them. Bees are also attracted to these crops and aid in pollination.
The correct use of trap crops has shown the potential for a 10-30% increase in net production returns, mainly through lower use of insecticides and the associated cost reduction.
So, plant the trap crops and let the beneficial insects attack the pest species. Letting the bugs take care of themselves is the best of both worlds. Gardeners save money and the predators do the work.
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