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Develop Push-Pull Pest Management Using Companion Plants

Monocultures attract pests, yet push-pull systems using companion plants could repel pests while attracting them to trap crops. The challenge is developing push-pull systems for major crops and pests while maintaining agricultural productivity. Barriers include complex plant interactions, system management requirements, and limited research on plant combinations. Without push-pull alternatives, crops remain vulnerable to pest attack while missing opportunities for natural pest deterrence. Successful push-pull systems could reduce pest damage while eliminating pesticide need, potentially creating diverse agricultural systems that naturally repel pests while supporting beneficial organisms.

Applied Sciences, Sustainable Farming, Integrated Pest Management