AI Article Synopsis
- The squash bug is a major pest for cucurbits, making control challenging with conventional insecticides.
- This study explored whether planting white yarrow or feverfew alongside summer squash could help in managing squash bug populations.
- Results showed inconsistency in the effectiveness of these companion plants, with feverfew showing some potential benefit but not statistically significant, leading to the conclusion that these strategies are not reliable for commercial use.
Article Abstract
Background: The squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), is a major insect pest of cucurbits. Control of squash bugs with insecticidal chemicals is difficult to achieve. We investigated the potential of companion planting with white yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) or feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch. Bip.] for squash bug management in field plantings of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.).
Results: Companion planting with white yarrow had few effects. Companion planting with feverfew tended to reduce squash bug populations, but results often were not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05). Early-season ventilated row covers (without herbs) neither reduced squash bug populations nor increased squash yields. Herbs reduced marketable squash yields compared with the control only once out of seven experiments.
Conclusion: The tested companion planting strategies inconsistently affected squash bug populations on summer squash. Therefore, these strategies are not recommended to commercial producers. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.4427 | DOI Listing |
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