Trap cropping: An ecological tool for sustainable pest management: A review

Abstract:

Trap cropping is a sustainable and eco-friendly cultural strategy within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that reduces insect pest pressure by diverting pests from the main crop to more attractive host plants. Its success relies on insect host-selection behavior, crop diversity, spatial arrangement, and ecological interactions within agro-ecosystems. Trap crops regulate herbivore populations through bottom-up mechanisms, by influencing host availability, and top-down mechanisms, by enhancing natural enemies. Different trap cropping systemsincluding conventional, dead-end, genetically modified, perimeter, sequential, multiple and push–pull approaches have been successfully implemented across agricultural and horticultural crops. Field studies demonstrate that trap cropping significantly reduces pest incidence, minimizes insecticide use, conserves beneficial organisms and improves crop yield. For instance, crops such as yellow rocket, marigold, sunflower, and Napier millet have been effectively used against Diamondback moth, Fruit borers, tarnished bugs, and stem borers, while intercropping cabbage with cowpea and oats reduced aphid populations. Trap cropping also has potential applications beyond insect management, including nematode, weed and disease control. Despite limitations such as species specificity, management costs and competition with the main crop, trap cropping represents a practical and environmentally responsible approach to integrated pest management. Its adoption promotes ecological balance, sustainable crop production and organic farming practices. Future research should focus on region-specific crop-pest-trap crop models, climate-resilient varieties, cost-benefit analysis and farmer training to maximize its efficiency and adoption.