Demonstrating a Perimeter Trap Crop Approach to Pest Management on Summer Squash in New England

Authors

T Jude Boucher, University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension SystemFollow
Robert Durgy, University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension SystemFollow

Volume

42

Issue

5

Abstract

Perimeter trap cropping (PTC) involves using a trap crop, and possibly other border defenses, to encircle and protect the main cash crop like fortress walls. Six growers in Connecticut used PTC to protect commercial summer squash plantings from cucumber beetles and bacterial wilt damage. Grower surveys were used to compare PTC program results to the conventional "multiple-full-field-spray" system formerly used on the farms. Most growers using PTC stated that this system improved and simplified pest control, reduced pesticide use (93%) and crop loss, and saved them time and money compared to their conventional program.

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Recommended Citation

Boucher, T., & Durgy, R. (2004). Demonstrating a Perimeter Trap Crop Approach to Pest Management on Summer Squash in New England. The Journal of Extension, 42(5), Article 13. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol42/iss5/13