A secondary crop planted specifically to attract insects, nematodes, or other pests away from the main harvest. Once the pests congregate on the trap crop, the farmer can destroy them by spraying or plowing under the sacrificial plants, reducing the need for chemical applications on the primary crop.
We planted a border of mustard as a trap crop to keep the flea beetles off the cabbage.
A successful trap crop must be more attractive to the target pest than the main crop and must be managed before the pests reproduce and spill over.
Related terms
Cash crop
An agricultural crop grown specifically to be sold for profit rather than for the farmer's own use.
Smother crop
A dense, fast-growing plant sown specifically to outcompete and suppress weeds.
Beneficial insect
An insect species that aids agricultural production by pollinating crops or eating pests.