What is Push-Pull Technology?
Photo cred: ICIPE This is a technique, which entails planting two companion crops. One crop emits a chemical that pushes pests while the other crop attracts pests. Originally, the Push-Pull method was initiated to control stem-borers and Striga weed in cereal crops. Currently, vegetables such as kales and tomatoes are being incorporated in the Push-Pull method. In a Push-Pull technique, one plants Desmodium between the rows of either cereal crops or vegetables and drought-resistant grass such as brachiaria or Napier grass around these crops. Desmodium produces a chemical that scares stem borers in cereal crops. For this reason, it acts as a ‘Push’. On the other hand, brachiaria lures stem-borer moths to lay their eggs on it. However, it offers limited survival of the stem-borer larva. As a result, it acts as a ‘Pull”. Additionally, the roots of Desmodium release a chemical that suppresses Striga weed. This implies that the chemical depletes the seeds of Striga in the soil. Des