Evaluating the role of cut flowers in shaping insect abundance and distribution in high tunnels

Floral interventions in agricultural systems are increasingly valued for their role in enhancing ecological pest management. The integration of cut flowers presents a unique opportunity to provide ecological benefits by attracting natural enemies of pests, and economic returns through flower sales. High tunnels combine features of open fields and greenhouses and serve as low-cost season extension tools for high-value crops. However, the potential of cut flower interventions in influencing the insect pest dynamics within high tunnel vegetable production remains underexplored. This study investigates the spatial distribution of small insect pests (thrips, aphids, and whiteflies) within tomato growing high tunnels over two consecutive growing seasons. The research was conducted in three high tunnels: two treatment tunnels with cut flowers and one control. Weekly visual assessments of pest populations were performed using a systematic sampling approach, evaluating one in every ten tomato plants across six rows per tunnel. Pest abundance was analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM) with a Poisson distribution to detect differences in pest pressure among tunnels. Additionally, the Spatial Analysis by Distance Indices (SADIE) method was employed to assess spatial patterns of pest distribution pertaining to the presence of cut flower plants in the high tunnels. The impact of cut flowers on pest dynamics will be discussed, with a focus on their potential integration into high tunnel vegetable systems as an adaptable strategy for ecological pest management.