Examining the Efficacy of Cover Crops as an Integrated Pest Management Tool in Organic Farms in the Lower Rio Grande Valley

Author

Lili M. Martinez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Rupesh R. Kariyat

Second Advisor

Dr. Alexis Racelis

Third Advisor

Dr. Pushpa Soti

Abstract

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) consists of a mix in subtropical and costal habitats, a combination that provides a favorable environment for the animals and plants that inhabit it. This is a problem for organic farmers as they refrain from using synthetic chemicals and therefore led them to seek other methods of dealing with insect herbivory. Of the many alternative methods available, we looked specifically at integrated pest management methods (IPM) to determine their efficacy in reducing insect herbivory among cash crops. Chapter II discusses an experiment performed in an organic farm in Edinburg, Texas consisting of a two-year cover crop study using various summer cover crops alternatively with fall cash crops. Insect population assessments and damage assessments determined these cover crops provide the proceeding cash crops with direct and indirect benefits.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Lili M. Martinez. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/examining-efficacy-cover-crops-as-integrated-pest/docview/2492316306/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Martinez, Lili M., "Examining the Efficacy of Cover Crops as an Integrated Pest Management Tool in Organic Farms in the Lower Rio Grande Valley" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 713.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/713