{Tool} Intercropping broccoli and vetch to increase species biodiversity - IntercropVALUES Practice Abstract. Creator(s): Arozarena Gonzalez, Iñigo; Telletxea Senosiain, Noelia; Aldaz del Burgo, Sandra and Lapuerta Sánchez, Elisa. Issuing Organisation(s): IFOAM Organics Europe. (2026)
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Summary
Natural enemies, such as ladybugs (Coccinella sptempunctata), hoverflies (Sphaerophoria rueppellii), and lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea), can establish only at the intercrop. They feed on aphids.
Practical recommendations
-Adjust the technique according to the irrigation system, pest pressure, and the machinery available (see PA16).
-Prevent adventitious herbs by using selective herbicides. Weeds attract pests that can damage the main crop.
-Highest insect biodiversity is reached when the vetch is sown before the main crop is planted, and by using a mechanical seed drill at a higher density. To avoid competition, do not exceed a seeding density of 20 kg/ha.
| EPrint Type: | Practice tool |
|---|---|
| What problem does the tool address?: | In the Ebro Valley, cabbage fly (Delia radicum), cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), and cabbage moth (Plutella xylostella) in broccoli fields challenge Integrated Pest Management. |
| What solution does the tool offer?: | Intercropping broccoli and vetch can increase field biodiversity. Legume crops attract natural enemies to cope with pests. |
| Country: | Spain |
| Type of Practice Tool: | Practice abstracts |
| Keywords: | integrated pest management, plant protection, pest control, intercropping, vegetables |
| Agrovoc keywords: | Language Value URI English integrated pest management http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_34030 English plant protection http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5978 English pest control http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5726 English intercropping http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_3910 English vegetables http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_8174 |
| Subjects: | Crop husbandry > Crop combinations and interactions Environmental aspects > Biodiversity and ecosystem services Crop husbandry > Crop health, quality, protection |
| Research affiliation: | European Union > Horizon Europe > IntercropVALUES Spain International Organizations > International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM > IFOAM Organics Europe |
| Horizon Europe or H2020 Grant Agreement Number: | 101081973 |
| Related Links: | https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/57828, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/38986, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/44761 |
| Project ID: | ofk |
| Deposited By: | Bozsogi, B |
| ID Code: | 57828 |
| Deposited On: | 06 Jul 2026 07:21 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jul 2026 07:21 |
| Document Language: | English |
| Status: | Published |
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