Insect populations that were attracted to and colonized the cauliflower field, both pests and beneficials, were then measured. Lamb's-quarters borders reduced the occurrence of two pests dramatically, the cabbage looper and flea beetle. The opposite was true of the mustard and radish border which attracted the cabbage looper and flea beetle, but which also attracted the greatest number of beneficial parasitoids, increasing parasitization of aphids on the cauliflower crop. Because monocultures attract insect pests, these pests have few predators in sprayed fields, so that pests must be killed with insecticides. Controlling insect pests with weed borders reduces or eliminates the use of materials that have the potential to harm the environment the health of farmers, farm workers, or the consumer .
Biodiversity is increased in agroecosystems by attracting insects with weed border plants.