Corn as trap crop to control Helicoverpa zea in tomato fields: importance of phenological synchronization and choice of cultivar

Abstract

Trap cropping is an environmentally friendly “alternative” pest management strategy. To maximize the efficiency of corn, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), as a trap crop for Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), we (i) tested the trap crop potential of corn varieties that are not a source of infestation, and (ii) determined the best corn planting time so as to concentrate H. zea in this trap crop and divert the pest from tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae). When corn silk emergence was synchronized with tomato flowering and fresh corn silk was present during the tomato flowering stage, H. zea infestation was lower in the tomato field with a corn border than in those without a corn border. Sugar Jean and Java corn varieties were good trap crops because few larvae persisted on the silks and their growth was low. These two varieties could reduce the risk of H. zea development and dispersion from corn borders.

Keywords:

• corn earworm
• cultural pest control
• tomato fruitworm
• trap cropping
• West Indies
• Zea mays

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the OMEGA3 project (Optimizing Ecological Mechanisms of Bio-Aggressor Management, for Sustainable Improvement of Agrosystem Productivity).