Potential of a flowering plant mix to encourage natural enemies of caterpillar pests on crucifers (cabbage family)
Description
This three-year project looked at optimal ways of establishing a mix of flowering plants developed in Switzerland, the impact of its use on caterpillar pests of crucifers (abundance, parasitism, and damage), and the profitability and feasibility of using this mix in cabbage crops.
Objective(s)
- Study the potential of a flowering plant mix developed in Switzerland to encourage natural enemies of caterpillar pests on crucifers in Québec
- Determine the best conditions for establishing the mix under our conditions
- Evaluate its impact on caterpillar abundance on crucifers, the damage they cause, and their parasitism rates
From 2015 to 2018
Project duration
Market gardening
Activity areas
Pest, weed, and disease control, Organic farming
Services
The use of natural crop pest enemies can lead to a decrease in pesticide applications.
Partner
Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec - Prime-vert Programme
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