Managing pests by increasing predators through late termination of cover crops

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Adding cover crops to crop rotations can improve the sustainability and ecosystem functioning of agroecosystems. Establishing cash crops into a living cover crop, or planting green, in agronomic systems can provide another set of functional benefits, including improved control of weeds and invertebrate pests, potentially reducing the need for preventative pest management strategies. Here, we studied the role of delayed cover-crop termination in managing invertebrate pests through an increase in natural enemies in corn and soybeans. Our work is among the first studies focused on timing of termination of a cover crop and the role that timing has in managing invertebrate pests. RESULTS. In both crops, we found that delaying termination reduces pest incidence and damage without affecting yield. Although crop type influenced predator and pest responses, neither crop experienced an increase in pest pressure or damage with later timing of termination. Regardless of treatment, soybean harbored greater numbers of natural enemies than corn, a result likely influenced by abiotic conditions associated with crop morphology. CONCLUSION. Our study shows that by delaying cover-crop termination, growers can effectively increase natural-enemy populations and reduce the need for chemical controls. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.