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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #391500
Research Project: Managing Invasive Weeds and Insect Pests Using Biologically-Based Methods

Location: Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research

Title: Leafy lettuce production with a companion planting for invasive insect pest management in high tunnel setting

Author
item BOLQUES, ALEJANDRO - Florida A & M University
item Legaspi, Jesusa

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/14/2022
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: High tunnels are plant growth structures enclosed in polyethylene, polycarbonate, plastic, or fabric used to improve plant health and vigor. Common insect pests such as aphids, thrips, whiteflies, flea beetle, and spider mites are often found on high tunnel crops. These pests and their natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids, can move in and out of high tunnels. Natural pest control strategies, such as companion planting, are often favored over chemical pesticides. Thus, high tunnel cropping often consists of polycultures utilizing companion crops to attract and sustain beneficial insects, while trapping or repelling insect pests. At the Florida A&M University Research and Extension Center in Quincy, FL, USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists and extension faculty have been demonstrating the concept of companion planting in a high tunnel growing leafy green crops. Beneficial predatory insects are attracted and sustained by using marigold and the flowering annual, sweet alyssum, as companion crops. Furthermore, red giant mustard plants are grown around the inside perimeter of the high tunnel and interplanted with the lettuce to repel (or “push” away) the pests. Trap crops may also be deployed to attract (or “pull”) the pests into non-cash trap crops where they may be controlled, preferably using biological methods. Used in conjunction, the synergistic strategies are referred to as “push-pull” pest management. Push-pull may be complemented by companion planting of natural enemy refuges to enhance effectiveness of biological control agents.