What Growers Can Do to Enhance Biological Control of Insects Sharad Phatak, a horticulturalist from Georgia, reviewed his research project investigating the effects of cover crops and conservation tillage on insect management. Another is to use cover crops effectively to improve soil quality. Herbicides and conventional fertilizers are used, but no insecticides, fungicides, or nematicides. Insect Habitat on a Diversified Farm Cass Peterson, an organic farmer from Pennsylvania, described what she does to provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Beneficial insects move from the alfalfa to vegetable fields at the first cutting.
She uses insect and mite natural enemies in her greenhouse for biological control. She rarely uses even the botanical pesticides allowed in organic production. Although she is generally pleased with the level of insect management, she identified tarnished plant bug and stink bugs as difficult to control. Pests and Peacework Elizabeth Henderson, an organic farmer from New York, also described what she has done in the past and what she plans to do at her new location, Peacework Organic Farm to provide beneficial insect habitat. She has a highly diversified farm, and practices crop rotation, cover cropping, and growing buckwheat as a green manure.