The intensification of Solanum farming systems, particularly tomato cultivation, has led to increased dependency on synthetic pesticides, resulting in ecological imbalance, pest resistance, and environmental contamination. This study explores the strategic deployment of flowering decoy plants—especially Tagetes spp. (marigold)—as an ecologically sustainable approach for managing arthropod pests and root pathogens. The research integrates agronomic practices, plant physiological responses, and molecular defense mechanisms to evaluate the performance of decoy plants within intercropping systems.

The study synthesizes findings from agronomic intercropping trials, plant defense signaling pathways, and pest behavior modulation. Evidence suggests that flowering decoy plants function through multiple mechanisms: chemical attraction and repulsion of pests, enhancement of beneficial insect populations, suppression of nematodes, and activation of plant immune responses. The release of volatile organic compounds and thiophenes from marigold roots and flowers plays a critical role in disrupting pest life cycles and inhibiting nematode development (Arnason et al., 1989; Krueger et al., 2007). Additionally, intercropping systems improve soil health and biodiversity, contributing to long-term pest suppression (Brooker et al., 2015).

At the physiological level, decoy plants influence hormonal signaling networks involving salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene pathways, which are essential for induced systemic resistance in host crops (Saleem et al., 2021; Binder, 2020). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stomatal regulation further enhance defense responses against pathogens (Qi et al., 2018; Melotto et al., 2008). The integration of these biological processes demonstrates a multi-layered defense system that extends beyond traditional pest management approaches.

The findings indicate that the strategic deployment of flowering decoy plants significantly reduces pest incidence, improves crop yield, and enhances economic returns for farmers. However, the effectiveness of this approach depends on species selection, spatial arrangement, and environmental conditions. The study concludes that decoy plant-based systems offer a viable, scalable solution for sustainable agriculture, aligning with global objectives for reduced chemical inputs and enhanced agroecological resilience.

Decoy plants, Tagetes erecta, intercropping, biological pest control, plant immunity, Solanum systems

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