Developing IPM strategies in the subtropics of Texas: Attraction-repellance of pests in organic brassica production

Pest pressures represent one of the most serious challenges for organic-transitioning growers in the subtropics of south Texas. The implementation of temperate-based IPM strategies is often complicated by the year round growing conditions of the Texas subtropics, thus requiring a nuanced, ecosystem specific approach to managing pests. We discuss the results of a participatory pilot study in south Texas designed to test the effects of repellant, attractant, and insectary companion plants on pest management in organic kale fields. Our findings shed light on the role of push-pull dynamics in subtropical organic agriculture, and we conclude our talk by highlighting the contributions of this research to sustainable pest management in south Texas.