Summary

Trap crops, intercropping, and companion planting use plant diversity to reduce pest damage and improve productivity. This guide explains how trap crops lure pests away from a cash crop and how layout and timing depend on insect behavior, along with risks like creating pest nurseries if not managed. It also describes intercropping systems such as row, strip, mixed, and relay planting, with tips on spacing, maturity timing, and plant height to reduce competition. Companion planting examples show how nearby plants can deter pests, attract beneficial insects, or sometimes suppress growth.