Diversifying high tunnel systems with companion plants and weeds

Monoculture crops like tomato often dominate high tunnel production systems but may experience higher pest pressure compared to a polyculture that supports a diverse invertebrate community. Companion planting is one tool to inject non-crop plant diversity into a monoculture to attract and retain beneficial invertebrates. Resident weeds may also provide these services, but which weeds are beneficial and how weeds should be managed is unknown. This talk will summarize data collected at 17 high tunnel farms in Indiana to describe linkages between crop diversity and pest presence, which will then be followed by results of a controlled study to directly test how companion plants and weeds impact invertebrate communities on high tunnel tomato. The goal of this research is to identify cost-effective and accessible tools to improve plant diversity in monocultures with the goal of reducing pest pressure.