Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
10
Abstract
Companion planting is a knowledge-based strategy which involves growing of
several crops (crop diversity) to achieve economizing on space, balanced nutri-
tion, habitat management to enhance natural enemies, and increase productivity,
besides the management of biotic stresses, such as insect pests, disease patho-
gens, nematodes, and weeds. These benefits could include providing cover for
shade-loving plants, repelling harmful insects, attracting beneficial insects, or
providing necessary soil requirements for other plants. Companion plants repel
pests, camouflage their odor, enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, disorient the adult
pests, attract beneficials, suppress weeds, deter and kill root nematodes, protect
soil moisture, and act as trap plants, and their root exudates prevent soil-borne
pathogens. Management of various pests infesting several crop plants using com-
panion planting technology is discussed in this chapter.
Keywords
Biodiverse planting • Companion plants • Pest repulsion • Natural enemy
attraction
10.1 Introduction
Fig. 10.1 Companion
planting
10.2 Benefits
Fig. 10.2 Companion
planting of maize or corn
(right) and sorghum to
attract natural enemies of
cotton pests (Photo: Rex
Dufour, NCAT)
• Has allelopathic effect, which influences the growth, survival, and reproduction
of pest organisms.
• Improves soil tilth, reduces soil erosion, enhances organic biomass and the
moisture-retaining ability of soil (Hartwig and Ammon 2002; Folorunso et al.
1992).
• Improves soil fertility (legume plants such as beans, peas, clover, alfalfa, and
vetch enhance biological N-fixation).
• Leads to increased yield.
• Has less reliance on pesticides.
• Provides habitats such as food (nectar and pollen) and oviposition sites for ben-
eficials (predators and parasitoids) (Fig. 10.2).
• Provides physical protection or support of one plant by another.
• Repels pests by releasing sex pheromones (marigold repels aphids).
• Suppresses insect and mite pests, disease pathogens, nematodes, and weeds.
Certain companion plants deter herbivores away from the main/cash crops, perform
the function as trap crops, and enhance natural enemies which reduce the population
of crop pests. The deterring of pests by the companion plants may be due to mask-
ing of plants (e.g., thyme, lavender, and scented geranium) and production of natu-
ral toxins or poisons (e.g., Matricaria chamomilla, Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula
angustifolia, and Pelargonium graveolens).
152 10 Companion Planting
Table 10.1 Effect of companion trap cropping for the management of pests in crop plants
Main crop Companion plant Pests managed
Spinacia oleracea, Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Brassica juncea Disonycha xanthomelas
Brassica oleracea subsp. capitata, Spinacia Raphanus Pegomya hyoscyami
oleracea, Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris sativus
Brassica oleracea subsp. capitata Brassica Plutella xylostella
oleracea
The native population of biological control agents has to be conserved and enhanced
to manage pest populations by means of habitat management (growing flowering
flora within the crop field or at margins) (Fig. 10.7) (Van den Bosch and Telford
1964).
10.4.1.1 Aphids
Aphids are a major problem often feeding on young cabbage heads or even on sweet
corn tassels. Predators such as Chrysoperla rufilabris and Coccinella septempunc-
tata feed on aphids. Companion flowering plants such as Coriandrum sativum, dill
(Anethum graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Daucus carota, and yarrow
(Achillea millefolium) enhance the population of green lacewings and ladybugs.
10.4.1.2 Caterpillars
Different types of caterpillars cause major damage to cruciferous and leafy vegeta-
ble crops. These pests can be managed by using predatory wasps. Companion plants
such as catnip, chamomile, lemon balm, and peppermint, and other plants which
also attract aphids can be employed to manage caterpillars.
156 10 Companion Planting
10.4.1.3 Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are a major problem causing significant damage on eggplant, toma-
toes, potatoes, and beans. Besides causing direct damage by feeding, they also act
as vectors of several virus/mycoplasma diseases. The predatory wasps can be used
to manage leafhoppers. Companion plants like English lavender, buckwheat, stat-
ice, and sweet alyssum, and other plants which also attract aphids and caterpillars
can be used to manage leafhoppers.
10.4.2 Weeds
Dense planting of target crops helps to suppress weeds by simply covering all avail-
able space and shading out competitors. Weeds can also be suppressed by using
crop rotation or mixed cropping with companion plants.
10.4.3 Diseases
Growing companion crops along with target crops ensures crop diversity and
reduces the risk of crop failure. Practicing of companion planting discourages dis-
ease pathogens. For example, Schoeny et al. (2008) found that Ascochyta blight
severity was significantly reduced in a pea when grain crop was used as a compan-
ion crop. The canopy microclimate is modified by the grain companion intercrop,
making it less humid. The grain intercrop also reduced the raindrop splash effect,
which reduced the spread of the disease by preventing spore dispersal.
Some selected target crops and preferable/nonpreferable companion plants are
presented in Table 10.2.
Pimpinella anisum: It attracts natural enemies and drives away aphids and other
pests from crucifers.
Barley: Dover (1986) found that intercropping of Hordeum vulgare with Brassica
oleracea reduced the population of Plutella xylostella.
Basil: It deters aphids from their host plants. Planting basil near tomatoes reduces
the pressure from hornworms.
Phaseolus vulgaris: Interplanting Phaseolus vulgaris and Solanum tuberosum in
alternate rows controls Leptinotarsa decemlineata on S. tuberosum. Similarly,
intercropping of Cucurbita spp. with Phaseolus vulgaris manages Melittia
cucurbitae on cucurbits.
Borage: It repels Manduca quinquemaculata and Trichoplusia ni on Lycopersicon
esculentum and crucifers, respectively. Borage also is responsible for managing
several pests on various crops.
10.5 Mechanism of Action 157
Table 10.2 Preferable and nonpreferable companion plants for different target crops
Nonpreferable
Crop Preferable companion plants companion plants
Amaranthus spp. Zea mays, Allium cepa, Solanum Cruciferous vegetables
tuberosum
Cynara cardunculus, Brassica oleracea, Cucumis sativus, Solanum tuberosum
Cynara cardunculus Cucurbita spp.
var. scolymus
Asparagus officinalis Lycopersicon esculentum, Petroselinum Allium cepa, A. sativum,
crispum, Ocimum spp. Solanum tuberosum
Ocimum spp. Lycopersicon esculentum, pepper, Ruta graveolens
marigold
Phaseolus vulgaris Daucus carota, Brassica oleracea var. Leek, onion, garlic,
capitata, Brassica oleracea, Zea mays, shallots, chives, Beta
Cucumis sativus, Rosmarinus officinalis, vulgaris, Brassica
Solanum tuberosum, Fragaria × oleracea, Dianthus annus
ananassa, Apium graveolens, Satureja
hortensis, Raphanus sativus
Beet Brassica oleracea capitata, onions, Phaseolus vulgaris, field
kohlrabi mustard
Rubus spp. Vitis vinifera, Tanacetum vulgare Rubus occidentalis
Vaccinium Trifolium spp., Fragaria × ananassa, Lycopersicon esculentum
corymbosum Achillea millefolium
Borago officinalis Cucurbita pepo, Fragaria × ananassa, –
Lycopersicon esculentum
Brassica oleracea Aromatic plants, celery, Beta vulgaris, Anethum graveolens,
Allium spp., Matricaria chamomilla, Fragaria × ananassa,
Spinacia oleracea,Beta vulgaris subsp. Phaseolus vulgaris,
vulgaris Lycopersicon esculentum
Daucus carota Pisum sativum, Lactuca sativa, Allium Anethum graveolens,
cepa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Pastinaca sativa,
Lycopersicon esculentum Raphanus sativus
Catnip Eggplant –
Apium graveolens Allium spp., Brassica spp., Lycopersicon Parsnip, potato
esculentum, Phaseolus vulgaris,
Tropaeolum spp.
Chamomile Cabbage, onion –
Chervil Radish –
Chives Carrot –
Zea mays Solanum tuberosum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Lycopersicon esculentum
Pisum sativum, Cucurbita pepo,
Cucumis sativus
Vigna unguiculata Phaseolus vulgaris, Daucus carota, Zea Allium cepa, A. sativum,
mays, Cucumis sativus, Raphanus Solanum tuberosum
sativus, Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Cucumis sativus Phaseolus vulgaris, Zea mays, Pisum Irish potato, aromatic
sativum, Raphanus sativus plants
(continued)
158 10 Companion Planting
Table 10.2 (continued)
Nonpreferable
Crop Preferable companion plants companion plants
Dead nettle Potato –
Dill Cabbage Caraway, carrots
Eggplant Beans, marigold –
Feverfew Roses –
Flax Carrots, potatoes –
Garlic Roses, raspberries –
Zingiber officinale Ocimum spp., Lycopersicon esculentum –
Cucurbita spp. Zea mays, Dianthus annus –
Vitis vinifera Ocimum spp., Phaseolus vulgaris, Allium Brassica oleracea subsp.
schoenoprasum, Trifolium sp., Brassica capitata
nigra, Origanum vulgare, Pisum sativum
Armoracia rusticana Potatoes –
Hyssop Grapes, cabbage –
Lavender Rosemary, southernwood, wormwood –
Lactuca sativa Daucus carota, Raphanus sativus, –
Fragaria × ananassa, cucumber
Cucurbitaceae Amaranthus spp., Phaseolus vulgaris, Brassica oleracea
Matricaria chamomilla, Zea mays
Mint Cabbage, tomatoes –
Nasturtium Radishes, cabbage, cucurbits, fruit trees –
Abelmoschus Capsicum annum, Cucurbita pepo, Phaseolus vulgaris,
esculentus Ipomoea batatas Pisum sativum
Allium spp. Beta vulgaris, Daucus carota, Lactuca Phaseolus vulgaris,
sativa, Brassica oleracea, Satureja Pisum sativum
hortensis
Petroselinum crispum Lycopersicon esculentum, Asparagus –
officinalis
Pisum sativum Daucus carota, Raphanus sativus, Allium spp., Gladiolus
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa, Cucumis spp., Solanum tuberosum
sativus, Zea mays, Phaseolus vulgaris
Arachis hypogea Solanum melongena, Cucumis melo var. Allium spp., Gladiolus
cantalupo, Cucurbita pepo, Helianthus spp., Solanum tuberosum
annuus
Pennyroyal Roses —
Capsicum annum Ocimum spp., Trifolium sp., Origanum Brassica spp.
majorana, Lycopersicon esculentum
Petunia Beans –
Solanum tuberosum Phaseolus vulgaris, corn, cabbage Cucurbita pepo, squash,
family, Tagetes spp., horseradish Lycopersicon esculentum,
Cucumis sativus,
Helianthus annuus
Cucurbita pepo Zea mays, Tagetes spp. Solanum tuberosum
(continued)
10.5 Mechanism of Action 159
Table 10.2 (continued)
Nonpreferable
Crop Preferable companion plants companion plants
Portulaca oleracea Ocimum spp., Beta vulgaris, Brassica Phaseolus vulgaris,
oleracea var. capitata, Daucus carota, Pisum sativum
Zea mays, Lactuca sativa, Brassica rapa
subsp. rapa, Raphanus sativus
Raphanus sativus Pisum sativum, nasturtium, Lactuca Hyssop
sativa, cucumber
Rosmarinus officinalis Brassica oleracea var. capitata, –
Phaseolus vulgaris, Daucus carota,
Salvia officinalis
Spinacia oleracea Fragaria × ananassa, Vicia faba –
Cucurbita pepo Tropaeolum spp., Zea mays, Tagetes spp. Irish potato
Fragaria × ananassa Borago officinalis, Phaseolus vulgaris, Solanum tuberosum
Lactuca sativa, Tanacetum spp., Carum
carvi
Saccharum officinarum Pisum sativum, Vigna unguiculata Sorghum vulgare,
Johnson grass
Helianthus annuus Phaseolus vulgaris, Zea mays, Cucumis Solanum tuberosum
sativus, Cucumis melo var. cantalupo,
Arachis hypogea
Ipomea batatas Okra, peppers, Helianthus annuus Sorghum vulgare,
Sorghum halepense
Ruta graveolens Rosa spp., Rubus spp. Ocimum basilicum
Salvia officinalis Rosemary, Brassica oleracea var. Cucumis sativus
capitata, Daucus carota
Southernwood Cabbages –
Sonchus spp. Lycopersicon esculentum, Zea mays, –
Allium cepa
Satureja hortensis Phaseolus vulgaris –
Tanacetum vulgare Fruit trees, Rosa spp., Rubus occidentalis –
Thyme Cabbage –
Lycopersicon Allium spp., Tropaeolum sp., Tagetes Solanum tuberosum,
esculentum spp., Asparagus officinalis, Daucus Foeniculum vulgare,
carota, Petroselinum crispum, Cucumis Brassica spp.
sativus
Brassica rapa subsp. Pisum sativum Solanum tuberosum
rapa
Watermelon Nasturtium, marigold Irish potato, mustard
Yarrow Aromatic herbs –
160 10 Companion Planting
Nasturtiums: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) acts as a barrier trap crop for insect
pests such as Macrosiphum spp., Bemisia spp., Anasa tristis, and Acalymma vit-
tatum, and protects crops like Lycopersicon esculentum, Raphanus sativus,
Brassica oleracea var. capitata, and Cucumis sativus. The insect pests concen-
trated on nasturtium can be managed by spraying insecticides.
Onion: Intercropping of onion with Daucus carota, Beta Vulgaris, Lactuca sativa,
Brassica oleracea, and Fragaria × ananassa drives away Myzus persicae due to
strong odors released by onion (Amarawardana et al. 2007). It also deters
Oryctolagus cuniculus from crops like Pisum sativum, Phaseolus vulgaris,
Lactuca sativa, and Brassica oleracea var. capitata.
Pennyroyal: It repels flea beetles.
Peppermint: Peppermint helps to keep cabbage butterflies away. It is receptive to
natural enemies of crop pests.
Capsicum annum: It controls soil-borne pathogens such as vascular wilts and
Rhizoctonia spp. on eggplant, Lycopersicon esculentum, Beta vulgaris subsp.
vulgaris, Cucurbita spp., and Cucumis sativus through rhizosphere secretions.
Potato: Interplanting of potatoes with Phaseolus vulgaris controls Epilachna
varivestis.
Pyrethrums: They repel insect pests.
Rosmarinus officinalis: It controls Mamestra brassicae, Trichoplusia ni,
Callosobruchus maculatus, and Chamaepsila rosae on Brassica oleracea var.
capitata, Phaseolus vulgaris, Daucus carota, and Salvia officinalis.
Rue: It repels Japanese beetles.
Sage: It reduces the population of Plutella xylostella on Brassica oleracea
(Gemmifera Group) (Dover 1986). It also repels carrot fly, flea beetles, and slugs.
Savory: It controls Cerotoma trifurcata on Phaseolus vulgaris.
Southernwood: It repels Mamestra brassicae on Phaseolus vulgaris.
Satureja hortensis: It repels Cerotoma trifurcata on Phaseolus vulgaris.
Tanacetum vulgare: It repels Popillia japonica, Acalymma vittatum, and Anasa
tristis from crop plants.
Thymus vulgaris: Thyme is thought to ward off cabbage worms. It also reduces the
population of Plutella xylostella on Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group)
(Dover 1986).
Wormwood: It is good at keeping away white cabbage moth around vegetable
crops through strong odors.
Yarrow: It attracts beneficials.
10.6 Conclusions
The use of several companion plants to reduce different pests has been demon-
strated in various crops. Mode of action of companion plants in managing crop pests
is not properly worked out (Bomford 2009). The chemical properties in the plant
may be responsible for repelling insect pests as suggested by many studies (Cook
References 163
et al. 2007), while Finch et al. (2003) consider that the chemicals may not be
involved in pest management.
Companion planting by diversifying the cropping schemes is an in-field approach
for the management of crop pests by the growers. Hence, additional information has
to be gathered to devise specific cropping systems against particular pests. This
strategy to enhance pest management can be achieved by plant species diversity
conservation and reduction in pesticide use. Even though companion planting may
help in reducing pest populations, there is still a need for balanced IPM program
using cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods for maintaining a
healthy crop.
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