A trap crop is defined as which of the following?

A trap crop is defined as which of the following?

• A. A crop that repels pests
• B. A crop planted to attract pests away from the main crop
• C. A crop grown to attract pollinators
• D. A crop that increases pest reproduction

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how trap crops work in pest management. A trap crop is planted to lure pests away from the main crop, providing a more attractive target for the pests so they concentrate on the trap crop instead of the valuable crop. This makes it easier to manage those pests—through targeted treatment, removal, or monitoring—without as much damage to the primary crop. The tactic relies on the pest’s host preferences and is designed to reduce pressure on the main crop by drawing pests to a location where control is easier or more economical. This differs from a crop that simply repels pests, which would keep pests from attacking a crop rather than drawing them elsewhere. It also isn’t about attracting pollinators, which serves a different agricultural purpose, nor about increasing pest reproduction, which would worsen crop damage.

The idea being tested is how trap crops work in pest management. A trap crop is planted to lure pests away from the main crop, providing a more attractive target for the pests so they concentrate on the trap crop instead of the valuable crop. This makes it easier to manage those pests—through targeted treatment, removal, or monitoring—without as much damage to the primary crop. The tactic relies on the pest’s host preferences and is designed to reduce pressure on the main crop by drawing pests to a location where control is easier or more economical.

This differs from a crop that simply repels pests, which would keep pests from attacking a crop rather than drawing them elsewhere. It also isn’t about attracting pollinators, which serves a different agricultural purpose, nor about increasing pest reproduction, which would worsen crop damage.