Role of Insect Trap Crops;Different methods of Trap Cropping; Limitations in trap Cropping
A trap crop may be a crop that is grown as a target crop next to the main crop or a cash crop that is more appealing to certain pests. Trap cropping is a form of cultural control within IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and an essential step towards sustainable agriculture practices. When used correctly trap cropping can be a sustainable and beneficial form of pest control. Sunflowers are attractive to stink bugs and other sucking pests with belong to Hemiptera species and reduce the noticeable damage to solanaceous crops. There are various types of trap cropping, that are specified by the type of plants, their time of planting, and the place of plants where they are grown within the field. Different methods of trap cropping: 1. Conventional Trap Cropping: An established and effective plan is planting the sunflowers around or within the tomato crop(Cash Crop). Sunflowers are more attractive to target pests as either a food source or for reproduction.