Starting in Summer 2021, we will begin a new project, headed by our new Master’s student Annika, to design an effective trap cropping system for managed brassica species, particularly focused on cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Cabbage is an economically important crop in NYS. In 2019, the state produced 445 million pounds of cabbage valued at over $82 million. Nationwide, NYS is the #2 producer of cabbage. Of the 12,000 acres planted each year, 98% are sprayed with insecticides to control devastating insect pests, such as flea beetles. In New York, flea beetles can cause yield losses of up to 100% of affected fields, particularly if the infestation occurs during the seedling stage. While early infestation can completely wipe out crops, later infestation can also have severe consequences; beetles feeding on older plants cause cosmetic damage that can render plants unmarketable.
Highly effective management options for flea beetles are lacking as pesticides do not always provide acceptable control. Our research will produce an integrated pest management strategy for the two common flea beetle species in upstate New York, Phyllotreta striolata and P. cruciferae, by identifying trap plants and determining best practices for timing and placement of trap plantings.