Trap cropping for management of the yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma, in organic crucifer production

The yellowmargined leaf beetle,Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most damaging pests in organic crucifer production systems in the southern United States. Trap cropping, which is based on the principle of host plant preference, was evaluated an alternative management tactic against M. ochroloma i. In field experiments utilizing a perimeter trap crop design, turnip was evaluated as trap crop to protect the cabbage main crop. Trap crop was planted two weeks prior to the main crop by using standard production practice. The results suggest that perimeter planting of turnip as cropping trap crop can provide effective control of M. ochroloma in organic crucifer production.