> Dale's information about the rootworm's previous predilection for
> curcurbits is a revelation to me. If the "trap-crop" idea or the bait
> approaches have merit, I'd like to design innovation crop insurance
> policies that will help reluctant growers adopt the practices more
> confidently (and more quickly) once they're proven to be effective
> alternatives to current methods.....
The trap-crop stategy is a reality. Penn State has been doing research for a
few years on planting summer squash (which cucumber and rootworm beetles love)
in the vicinty of crops such as cantelopes and melons to draw the beetles away.
It has helped, but doesn't get total control. I don't know of anyone doing this
to keep rootworm beetles out of corn though. Any others have experiance with
this?
Steve Groff
-- "New Generation Cropping Systems": the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture http://www.cedarmeadowfarm.com Steve Groff Cedar Meadow Farm 679 Hilldale Rd Holtwood PA 17532 USA Ph. 717-284-5152
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