Native plant trap crops for sustainable agriculture through companion planting
A research initiative using native plant trap crops and companion planting to reduce pesticide dependency in monoculture farming. Validates conservation biocontrol methods across Mississippi counties, targeting cotton, corn, and soybean systems while promoting biodiversity and soil health.
Overview
This research program investigates the use of native plant trap crops through companion planting as a sustainable alternative to conventional pesticide-based pest control in agriculture. Monoculture farming systems currently rely heavily on chemical pesticides to manage pest pressure, creating environmental and economic challenges. By integrating native wildflower species into buffer zones adjacent to focal crops, this project aims to harness conservation biocontrol — leveraging natural predators and beneficial insects to manage pest populations. The approach has the potential to transform both small-scale and large-scale agricultural operations by reducing chemical inputs, supporting pollinator populations, and improving soil health through increased floral and faunal diversity.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Native wildflower species indexes will be developed for three Mississippi counties to inform seed mix selection
- Trap crop zones will be established alongside focal crops including cotton, corn, and soybean
- Weekly standardized surveys during peak pest population periods will measure natural enemy and beneficial insect activity
- Pest mortality rates, retention rates, and defoliation damage percentages will be quantified
- Pollinator species population changes will be documented
- Yield changes will be measured and compared against pest threshold standards
- Soil health impacts from increased floral and faunal diversity in buffer zones will be assessed
Key features:
- Regionally tailored seed mixes based on local native species indexes
- Integration with existing agricultural systems without displacing focal crop production
- Multi-metric validation including ecological, agronomic, and economic outcomes
Technology readiness level
This project is at an early-stage research and validation phase. The team will conduct field-based trials across multiple Mississippi counties, generating empirical data on pest dynamics, yield impacts, and biodiversity outcomes. Future validation will establish whether conservation biocontrol through native trap crops can reliably replace or supplement conventional pesticide use in commercial-scale agriculture. Results will determine feasibility for broader adoption and potential scaling across diverse agricultural landscapes.
About Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university based in Starkville with a large residential campus and a statewide footprint. Industry connects through an adjacent research and technology park that co‑locates corporate tenants with university labs, prototyping spaces, and co‑op and internship pipelines. As the state’s land‑grant, MSU runs an extensive extension network and experiment stations that offer field‑scale testbeds and rapid access to partners across Mississippi. Research is supported by competitive funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, DoD, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation, with corporate engagement staff shaping sponsored research.
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