Lucerne as trap crop in wheat for development of predators population against wheat aphids (Aphididae: Homoptera)

Studies on utilization of lucern (medicago sativa l.) as a predator source in strips parallel to wheat cultivar,inqlab-91 were compared with wheat not having lucern as trap crop during 2004-05. the experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. populations of aphids,ladybird beetles and syrphid flies were counted from each plant of one square feet of wheat. the maximum population of aphids was observed on plots not trap cropped with lucern. the establishment of beneficial insects on lucern harbouring aphids helped to delimit the aphid population in intercropped wheat plots and maintained them below economic injury level. this reveals the role of trap cropping of fodder crops in wheat to decrease the insecticide application chances on this cereal crop of great importance. copyright 2013 zoological society of pakistan.