Evaluating the impact of winter cover cropping on management of insect pests in organic squash

Cucurbit crops such as watermelon, melons, cucumbers, and squash are among the most economically important vegetable crops in the United States. Each year, the yield and market value of these crops are negatively impacted due to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs and vine borers, cucumber beetles, and virus-transmitted diseases. Pests are primarily controlled by using pesticides; however, these chemicals negatively impact the environment and beneficial insects, and some pests have developed resistance to them. Therefore, an alternative approach is needed to mitigate pest pressure and virus transmission. Cover crops are an integral component of organic farming and can be used for insect pest management as they enhance soil organic matter and suppress pests, weeds, and diseases. The ground cover mulch creates habitat complexity, leading to a higher abundance and activity of predators and parasitoids. However, development of some pests, such as the squash bug, is favored by organic mulch, and these potential drawbacks require careful evaluation.
No studies have investigated this strategy to improve biological control of insect pests and virus spread in organic cucurbits. To fill this gap, a field study is conducted at Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston, SC. It evaluates the effects of winter cover cropping with cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), intercropping squash with sweet alyssum, and releasing predatory mites on pest management. Sampling includes in situ counts, pitfall and yellow sticky traps, sweep net sampling, and leaf sampling for pests and diseases. The findings for the first year will be presented.