Evaluation of Trap Crop Procedures for Control of Mexican Bean Beetle in Soybeans and Lima Beans12

Border rows of snap beans planted prior to soybeans functioned to attract and hold emerging over wintering adult Epilachna varivestis Mulsant. Destruction of the trap crop generation of Mexican bean beetles resulted in protection of the adjacent soybean fields. Beetles were destroyed in the trap crop by disking, spray application of carbaryl, or release of Pediobius foveolatus (Crawford). Trap crops planted prior to lima beans failed to attract and hold the beetle. A 0.4-hectare trap crop will cost ca. $184.00 based on 1976 costs.