Trap crop

Pronunciation
/TRAP-krohp/
Category
Pest Management
Singular
Trap crop
Plural
Trap crops

Definition

A plant grown to attract pests away from a main crop, concentrating them in a smaller area for easier control.

Etymology

From the practice of using a secondary crop (trap) to lure pests away from the main crop.

Example

Planting a trap crop of corn before planting soybeans can attract corn rootworm beetles, protecting the main soybean crop.

Related Terms

  • Lure crops
  • Pest control
  • Integrated pest management

Usage Notes

The selection of an effective trap crop depends on the target pest and its behavior.