Yes it is possible, we need to grow trap crops with main crops. There are identified different trap crops for main crops such as okra, maize for different situations. Few of the trap crops reported are:
Nasturtiums are very attractive to aphids (blackfly, greenfly, whitefly) which will often completely cover the stems. Expect to see ants 'farming' the aphids for the honeydew they release.
Nettles also attract aphids and because they do this early on in the season they are often followed by beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
Chervil is said to be very attractive to slugs.
French Marigold is variously reported to attract slugs, thrips and nematodes.
Radish is said to attract flea beetle and root fly away from cabbages although various other brassicas can be used as trap crops too so it is best to experiment with Chinese cabbage and collards as well.
Please see following publication:
http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/entomology/2011/February/feb_14_2011.pdf
Yes it is possible, we need to grow trap crops with main crops. There are identified different trap crops for main crops such as okra, maize for different situations. Few of the trap crops reported are:
Nasturtiums are very attractive to aphids (blackfly, greenfly, whitefly) which will often completely cover the stems. Expect to see ants 'farming' the aphids for the honeydew they release.
Nettles also attract aphids and because they do this early on in the season they are often followed by beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
Chervil is said to be very attractive to slugs.
French Marigold is variously reported to attract slugs, thrips and nematodes.
Radish is said to attract flea beetle and root fly away from cabbages although various other brassicas can be used as trap crops too so it is best to experiment with Chinese cabbage and collards as well.
Please see following publication:
http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/entomology/2011/February/feb_14_2011.pdf
Dear Suresh, thank you for your answer. Very interesting point. Never heard of that before. And now, how to tell which crops could be a trap crop in my area? that could provide with egg parasitoids?
As well as trap crops, which draw pests out of the crop, or cluster them for ease of management, you can also provide additional resources for natural enemies. Many natural enemies require or benefit from a greater diversity of resources than a crop provides. Hoverfly larvae, for example, are effective predators of aphids in many crops, but adult hoverflies require floral pollen and nectar. Additional resources improve the longevity and fecundity of natural enemies.
The introduction of natural enemies is common practice in protected crops, and often includes provision of additional resources as well.
The kind of floral resources needed by natural enemies tends to be those with simple flowers (e.g. coriander) as most natural enemies have simple mouth parts and wouldn't be able to access nectar deep inside a complex flower. Though many egg parasitoids are small enough to access deep flowers.
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