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Summary: PEST MANAGEMENT
Comparison of Perimeter Trap Crop Varieties: Effects on Herbivory,
Pollination, and Yield in Butternut Squash
L. S. ADLER1
AND R. V. HAZZARD
Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA 01003
Environ. Entomol. 38(1): 207Ð215 (2009)
ABSTRACT Perimeter trap cropping (PTC) is a method of integrated pest management (IPM) in
which the main crop is surrounded with a perimeter trap crop that is more attractive to pests. Blue
Hubbard (Cucurbita maxima Duch.) is a highly effective trap crop for butternut squash (C. moschata
Duch. ex Poir) attacked by striped cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum Fabricius), but its limited
marketability may reduce adoption of PTC by growers. Research comparing border crop varieties is
necessary to provide options for growers. Furthermore, pollinators are critical for cucurbit yield, and
the effect of PTC on pollination to main crops is unknown. We examined the effect of Þve border
treatments on herbivory, pollination, and yield in butternut squash and manipulated herbivory and
pollination to compare their importance for main crop yield. Blue Hubbard, buttercup squash (C.
maxima Duch.), and zucchini (C. pepo L.) were equally attractive to cucumber beetles. Border
treatments did not affect butternut leaf damage, but butternut ßowers had the fewest beetles when
surrounded by Blue Hubbard or buttercup squash. Yield was highest in the Blue Hubbard and
buttercup treatments, but this effect was not statistically signiÞcant. Native bees accounted for 87%
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