I don't know much about thrips or nematodes myself, but am working
with a project to see if we can reduce insect pest damage in
cabbage and squash - and related vegetables - by enhancing
habitat for their natural predators and parasites. Bob Bugg,
an entomologist at UC Davis, was one of the inspirations for this
project. Work at the Rodale Institute Research Center was
another.
NATURAL ENEMIES OF VEGETABLE INSECT PESTS, by Michael Hoffman
and Anne C. Frodsham, Resource Center, 7 Business/Technology
Park, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850 for copy of the book.
ORGANIC GARDENING May/June 1991 issue had a lot of good material,
also. The idea is that natural enemies of pest insects need
shelter, overwintering sites, water, and often pollen, nectar, and
alternate prey if they are going to reproduce and be present in
a garden, orchard or field.
Alfalfa, goldenrod, daisies, yarrow, corn, stinging nettles, clover
vetch, willows and other shrubs are listed in OG as being attractive
to Orius spp. It is exciting to observe what is happening in nature!
Janet Bachmann, Fayetteville, AR