Integrating flowers for attracting beneficial insects in protected cropping

Problem

Due to the need to maximise on space for high value crops, protected cropping systems (glasshouses and polytunnels) tend to be limited in crop diversity and therefore tend to lack flowering plants throughout the season. However, low levels of diversity and a lack of flowers may limit the activity of pollinators and natural enemies in providing beneficial services for crop health.  

Solution

Design protected cropping systems to ensure the occurrence of flowering plants throughout the growing season – including wildflower strips, edible and commercial flowers, perennial herbs, and leaving non-pernicious weeds to go to flower. A group of UK growers have been developing this and have compared experiences of applying the technique.