Using Buckwheat to Attract Beneficial Insects for Crop Protection

Using Buckwheat to Attract Beneficial Insects for Crop Protection

Objectives/Performance Targets

The first objective was to establish of research plots on the farm and begin taking data on pests and beneficial in the buckwheat and cash crops. Outreach goals focused on describing the project during workshops and establishing demonstration plots at nearby farms.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Research plots were established at Parson Produce by planting buckwheat in a block at the end of the tomato and squash rows. Crops were established, and buckwheat was replanted regularly in strips to maintain consistent blooms. Data was taken on damage to crop and incidence of stink bug pressure on the crop. At harvest, yield data was taken on the tomatoes. Samples were taken at a certain distance from the buckwheat cover crop to determine effective distance from the buckwheat.
Outreach included discussing the project during any workshops that I taught. We hosted an on-farm workshop in partnership with Geoff Zehnder at Clemson about ecological pest management. The research project was highlighted during the on-farm and in-lab portions of the workshop. A follow-up article was written for and published by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association in their newsletter.

Two plots were established at area farms, Bio-Way and Greenbrier. A follow-up visit was conducted to check on the plots and collect insects in those plots.