This project involved two years of trials to assess whether trap crops could reduce flea beetle damage on organically grown Cole crops. High flea beetle populations in 1997 provided an excellent opportunity to evaluate how attractive cruciferous trap crops were to the beetles. In 1998, using the varieties identified the previous year, trials were conducted to determine if trap crops could lure flea beetles away from broccoli.

The results were inconsistent; the trap crop offered slight protection to broccoli seedlings in one trial with high flea beetle populations, but it increased flea beetle damage in two other trials where flea beetle populations were low. An efficacy trial to evaluate organically acceptable chemicals for flea beetle control showed that Trilogy 90 provided good control.