Banker Plant

What Does Banker Plant Mean?

A banker plant is a pest control technique that plants natural predators in a farming area to combat plant pest infestation. It is a preventative effort and it does not affect the ecosystem. A banker plant acts as an alternate host that reproduces by attracting pests that affect plant yield. These plants are commonly used in greenhouses.

Maximum Yield Explains Banker Plant

Banker plants are popular choices to combat aphids, thrip and whitefly infestations. For example, to combat aphids, blanker plants like oat and wheat grass are common. Though they work well with the pest control of dicotyledonous plants, they are not a good choice for monocotyledonous plants. Researches have created a prescribed list of suitable banker plants for all plants they help.

By using a banker plant, an ecosystem friendly pest control option, pests are controlled and reduced through natural enemies. Also, a banker plant ensures these natural enemies continually produce to ensure yield is not affected.

As a rule of thumb, two banker plants are sufficient to cover an acre of a greenhouse for starters. In case this is not sufficient, it is recommended to gradually increase the number after monitoring each week.