The Science Behind Push–Pull Cropping System

The push-pull cropping system is one of the most successful examples of ecological pest management, yet it remains underrated in many parts of the world. It is an agro-ecological pest management strategy that combines a repellent intercrop named “Push crop” with an attractant trap crop “Pull crop”, planted around and within a main cereal field. This system effectively exploits the nature of plants and insects to find hosts and mates. It diverts stem-borer moths, fall armyworms and any other lepidopteran pests away from the main economic crop while suppressing parasitic weeds such as Striga. Along with pest management, the push-pull cropping system also contributes to improving soil fertility and generating livestock fodder while reducing chemical inputs in crop management. After being developed in East Africa, it is now being adapted for different crops, such as maize, sorghum, and rice, across several countries. Thus, the push-pull cropping systems offer the marginal farmers a low-cost, low-toxicity yet effective alternative to synthetic pesticides. It also contributes to climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. Further, this cropping system can be intercropped with modern breeding, precision agriculture and biological control management for enhancing environmental conservation. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing the dependency of chemical inputs.