Push & Pull Strategies
An innovative approach for sustainable plant protection in hydroponic systems
Preface: Nature as a Model
In natural ecosystems, a fascinating balance exists between plants and pests. Push & Pull utilizes these very natural mechanisms to protect crops in an elegant way. Instead of working against nature, we harness its principles.
This approach revolutionizes plant protection in hydroponic systems, where conventional methods often reach their limits. Through the combined effect of repellent and attractive strategies, we create an intelligent system that strategically directs pests rather than simply fighting them.
The Basic Principle of the Push & Pull Approach
Push & Pull is an innovative concept in integrated pest management that keeps pests away from the main crop through a combined repellent and attractive effect.
PUSH Principle
Repellent Effect: Special plants or substances repel pests from the main crop.
- Essential oils as natural repellents
- Botanical insecticides
- Scent compounds that confuse pests
PULL Principle
Attractive Effect: Attractive plants or traps divert pests away from the main crop.
- Trap plants as "sacrificial crops"
- Pheromone traps
- Color traps (yellow and blue sticky boards)
The Synergy Effect of the Combination
The combination of both strategies creates a dual effect: pests are simultaneously pushed away (Push) from the main crop and pulled towards (Pull) the trap plants. This method is environmentally friendly, sustainable and significantly reduces the use of chemical pesticides.
