In three fields, watermelon was transplanted in rows oriented east to west, with the squash trap crop flanking the north and south ends of the field. Squash bugs, and striped and spotted cucumber beetles were counted on five leaves of five randomly selected plants within each plot. The squash trap crop proved to be effective in trapping squash bugs in each of the three fields over the two year sampling period, with distinguishing factors being the crop and its orientation within the field. Squash proves to be a successful tool in controlling cucurbit insect pests when used as a trap crop in a melon cropping situation where it is desirable to control squash bugs and cucumber beetles. |