You read that right, bug damage from perceived pests might not be as bad as we think. Texas A&M AgriLife Research science folks have figured out that when bugs munch on the leaves of fruit and vegetable plants, it’s not all bad news. Turns out, this leaf-wounding stress gets the plants all worked up, and they start producing more antioxidant compounds, which are great for us when we eat them. It can also concentrate natural sugars and increase deliciousness in organic crops. It’s not all in your head, sometimes organic fruits and vegetables do taste better!
The research team used strawberries for their experiment. They mimicked bug bites on the leaves and then watched what happened to the strawberries. What they found was that these “attacked” plants started overexpressing certain genes related to sugar movement and antioxidant production, making the fruits healthier and tastier. So, maybe those bugs nibbling on your garden leaves aren’t entirely unwelcome guests after all!
Obviously, some bugs like japanese beetles and squash vine borers can cause considerable damage to crops and flowers. Many of these pests can be deterred without the use of poison. Squash Vine Borers can be deterred by planting resistant varieties of zucchini or squash, wrapping vine bases in tinfoil as a physical barrier, companion planting mint, basil, onion, and parsley, or simply planning on succession planting for squash. Japanese beetles can be controlled by a quick hunt and peck around the garden and dropping them into soapy water in the mornings and evenings, traps, or with milky spore. I discourage using broad spectrum pesticides like bifenthrin or pyrethrins, as they kill lots of other truly beneficial bugs, pollinators, and can cause colony collapse for bees.
Bugs are a natural part of the environment and should be eating your plants, but there are plants that many bugs like better than our favorites; natives like Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Maypops (Passiflora incarnata) can attract unwanted bugs away from the garden. These sacrificial plants are a host to many native species of butterfly and moth. Beneficial predators can also help remove certain invasive and harmful species of insect. But most negatively-labeled critters aren’t truly negative except in our uniquely human narrative. A reminder to find and arbitrate balance, it’s hard to remember that when we are growing for our food or our pleasure, but still a good lesson.
If you want to discuss bugs in the field, The Gathering Garden in Mount Gilead is at the corner of W Allenton St and School St and you can find out more about or workdays on our facebook page.
This article was originally published in the Montgomery Herald and is reused here with permission by Mary Poplin.