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The effect of using crimson clover (CC) (Trifolium incarnatumL.) as a companion plant on crop growth, marketable yield and insect feeding injury was examined using Eggplant,Solanum melongenaL. as the neighbouring cash crop. There were two subplot treatments, which included applications of organic insecticides and no insecticides. Planting eggplant directly into CC did not improve most eggplant growth variables and resulted in a yield reduction during year 1. During year 2, when the CC was strip-tilled prior to transplanting the eggplant, several eggplant growth variables were more strongly enhanced in CC than bare-ground (BG) habitats. Eggplant in CC plots suffered less damage by insect folivores but yields were similar among treatments. There were no benefits of using organic insecticides with respect to increased marketable yields in CC treatment plots, but there was an increase in marketable yield in sprayed compared with unsprayed BG subplots. If properly managed, CC may help protect eggplant from insect feeding injury; however, this may not cause an increase in marketable yield. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In crop systems, different types of plant or secondary crop may be grown together with the primary crop for pest management purposes. These additional plants – henceforth called secondary plants – may increase the efficiency and sustainability of biological control of pests by natural enemies. Such plants fall into several categories: companion, repellent, barrier, indicator, trap, insectary, and banker. Despite their effectiveness and accepted function in biological control, to date the full potential of secondary plants in integrated pest management has not been put to good use. This may be partly attributed to a lack of detailed knowledge of the way the secondary plant–crop systems operate, including the effects of the secondary plants on tritrophic interactions. The biggest constraint upon progress, however, has been confusion over definitions and terminology. In this paper, we review the knowledge of the currently employed plant categories and provide clear definitions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As a part of a habitat management strategy aimed at controlling Chilo partellus Swinhoe, Napier millet (Pennisetum purpureum × P. glaucum) was evaluated as a trap crop surrounding maize during 2008 and 2009 at Ludhiana, North India. Napier millet borders surrounding maize were compared to chemically protected maize and control maize plots for their effects on C. partellus oviposition, plant infestation and grain yield. Further experiments were carried out to determine whether adult experience could affect subsequent oviposition on test plants. Maize plots surrounded by Napier millet had fewer plants with borer eggs than control maize plots, although the results were significant only for the 2009 season. Percentage plant infestation and percentage dead hearts were less in Napier millet surrounded maize plots than in control maize plots during both seasons. Different treatments did not vary in terms of grain yield during the 2008 season, whereas maize plots surrounded by Napier millet had higher grain yield than control maize plots during the 2009 season. The preference of C. partellus females for Napier millet did not alter following experience with maize. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]