Can the introduction of companion plants increase biological control services of key pests in organic squash?

Florida (USA) is a major producer of squash, Cucurbita pepo L. (Cucurbitaceae), with approximated 16% the US production in 2019, valued at about 35 million USD. Major insect pests, including sweetpotato whitefly MEAM1, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover Aphididae), jeopardize plant development transmit viruses economic importance that can cause up to 50% yield loss squash crops. Pesticides are generally used for management but insecticide resistance their non-target effects concerns. A combination non-pesticidal approaches was evaluated, intercropping flowering plants, augmentation, conservation biological control manage key pests organic squash. Refugia increased natural enemies around squash; however, only few beneficial arthropods moved from companion plants towards plants. Whitefly densities silverleaf ratings were reduced, whereas more abundant when predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) released alone or together sweet alyssum, Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. (Brassicaceae). All this study enemies, African marigolds alyssum ultimately activities.