Trap cropping for control of striped cucumber beetle and squash bug.
Citation
Blatt, S, Hiltz, K and Rizzato, R. 2021. Trap cropping for control of striped cucumber beetle and squash bug. Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, virtual, January
Plain language summary
Striped cucumber beetle and squash bug are two important pests in squash production. Results are presented from preliminary trials where trap cropping and a repellent crop (nasturtiums) either singly or in combination were explored as a means to reduce damage to the main crop. Nasturtiums planted in the middle of the plots served to move the egg laying of squash bug away from plants in the middle of the plot and onto the trap crop. Plots with trap crop showed slightly less plant loss than those not having a trap crop. Butternut squash was found to be highly resistant to both cucumber beetle and squash bug. Buttercup squash was found to be very susceptible to both insect pests.
Abstract
Striped cucumber beetle and squash bug are two important pests in squash production. Results are presented from preliminary trials where trap cropping and a repellent crop (nasturtiums) either singly or in combination were explored as a means to reduce damage to the main crop. Nasturtiums planted in the middle of the plots served to move the egg laying of squash bug away from plants in the middle of the plot and onto the trap crop. Plots with trap crop showed slightly less plant loss than those not having a trap crop. Butternut squash was found to be highly resistant to both cucumber beetle and squash bug. Buttercup squash was found to be very susceptible to both insect pests.