Dual strategy: “Push-pull” technology and companion planting

Authors: Legaspi, Jesusa

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sweetpotato whitefly, thrips and aphids are major insect pests in vegetable crops in north Florida. The use of push-pull technology is a cultural control method which may mitigate damage by these major insect pests of organic vegetable crops in high tunnels or enclosed structures. In Fall 2019 in a “tropical screenhouse” at the Florida Research and Extension Center in Quincy, Florida, we studied the “push” component of the push-pull strategy which included the use of potted repellent plants of garlic society, and 3 varieties of mustard such as the giant red mustard, caliente and nemat. The volatiles from these repellent plants may “push” away the insect pests. The ‘pull’ component is the use of trap crops or products that would pull away the insect pest from the target crop and control measures such as use of beneficial insects can then reduce insect pest damage. In our study, we tested different concentrations of green leaf volatiles as attractants of the sweetpotato whitefly. The green leaf volatiles tested in the greenhouse and laboratory were leaf acetate and leaf alcohol. Preliminary results showed that the leaf acetate seemed to be attractive to sweetpotato whitefly in the laboratory test. However, variable results were obtained in the greenhouse. Thus, more studies are needed in enclosed structures with additional concentrations and other green leaf volatiles. As part of the dual strategy, we combined the “push-pull” technology with the use of companion plants or attractive refuge plants such as marigold and basil. Marigold and sweet alyssum were planted on the edges of the screenhouse with potted basil placed on the four corners of the screenhouse. In addition, a commercial predator attractant or lure known as “preda-lure” was placed on the potted basil plant. These plants and lures may enhance populations of beneficial insects that may then reduce the numbers of whiteflies, thrips and aphids. Population densities of insects throughout the season were monitored by taking weekly samples of sticky traps, and leaf counts. Data from leaf samples continue to be processed and recorded.