Companion planting guide › Blue Hubbard squash as a perimeter trap crop for cucumber beetles

Blue Hubbard squash as a perimeter trap crop for cucumber beetles: does it work?

Proven Consistent benefit shown in replicated field research or long-running extension trials.

A ring of Blue Hubbard squash draws striped cucumber beetles away from summer squash and cucumbers, especially when the trap ring is treated.

1. UConn IPM. Perimeter Trap Cropping Works! / Perimeter Trap Cropping for Summer Squash. University of Connecticut Extension.
2. UConn IPM. Directions for Using a Perimeter Trap Crop Strategy to Protect Cucurbit Crops.

Mechanism

Trap crop: beetles prefer Blue Hubbard and concentrate on the border.

What the research found

• Over 94% of cucumber beetles were on the perimeter; beetles on the unsprayed main crop were reduced by up to 95% (UConn).
• Spraying the perimeter reduced squash vine borer infestation on unsprayed summer squash by 88% (UConn).
• Perimeter trap cropping gave better protection from beetles and wilt than full-field sprays on many CT and MA farms (UConn directions).

Caveats

UConn says it controls low–moderate beetle populations and usually needs the trap crop treated; untreated beetles disperse. Avoid Turk's Turban (wilt reservoir). Gaps in the ring break it.