Companion planting in gardening and agriculture is the planting of different crops in proximity for any of a number of different reasons, including weed suppression, pest control, pollination, providing habitat for beneficial insects, maximizing use of space, and to otherwise increase crop productivity. Companion planting is a form of polyculture.
Companion planting of carrots and onions. The onion smell puts off carrot root fly, while the smell of carrots puts off onion fly.
Root nodules of legumes fix nitrogen, assisting the growth of nearby plants.
Companion planting of cornflowers among cabbages helps the parasitoid wasp Microplitis mediator (shown) to control cabbage moth.
Spearmint attracts the mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis, an active predator that helps to suppress crop pests.
Pest control is the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest; such as any animal, plant or fungus that impacts adversely on human activities or environment. The human response depends on the importance of the damage done and will range from tolerance, through deterrence and management, to attempts to completely eradicate the pest. Pest control measures may be performed as part of an integrated pest management strategy.
An agricultural aircraft applies low-insecticide bait against western corn rootworm.
Bronze cat, Ancient Egypt. (664–525 BC)
Biological pest control: parasitoid wasp (Cotesia congregata) adult with pupal cocoons on its host, a tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta (green background)
Cultivation by ploughing exposes insect pests to predators such as black-headed gulls.
