Mitigation of pest pressure in crops by the foliar application of vegetable extract and cultivation of marigold as a companion crop: A review

Tomato cultivation in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab region, faces challenges due to extreme weather conditions and pest attacks, impacting growth and production. This review explores strategies to mitigate pest pressure in tomato crops including allelopathy, botanical sprays, and companion planting with marigold. Companion planting with marigold effectively controls fruit borers and manages Meloidogyne incongnita, a root-knot nematode. The article also discusses challenges in the Capsicum genus due to pests like whiteflies, thrips, and jassid. Botanical extracts, such as ginger, have proven effective in managing jassid infestations. Additionally, companion cropping with marigold has shown to bolster tomato production by diminishing pest attacks on the roots and exhibiting positive effects on - crops such as cabbage and chili. However, when chili was cultivated alongside maize and sweet potato, it causes reduction in the production of chili. These insights underscore the significance of innovative approaches, such as companion planting, for sustainable pest management, while aiming to augment crop yields. The article provides an extensive overview of various botanical extracts and synthetic insecticides tested in pest management. These include Eucalyptus, Bakayan (Melia azedarach), Chilli (Capsicum annum), Thyme (Thymus volgaris), Onion (Allium cepa), and Steward 150 EC (Indoxicarb). The efficacy of these botanical extracts in controlling pests in crops like tomato, marigold, basil, and celery is evaluated, emphasizing the potential of certain botanical extracts, such as marigold, owing to their allelopathic properties. Additionally, the practice of companion cropping with mint, okra, and leek is highlighted as an effective strategy in curbing whitefly infestations in tomatoes. The current manuscript also examines the use of botanical fungicides like cinnamon and clove extracts to combat plant diseases. Conclusively, the botanical extracts including onion, bakayan, and chilli, hold promise as substitutes for synthetic insecticides due to their accessibility, safety, and their minimal adverse effects on natural enemies and non-target species. © 2023 The Author(s)