tomato rust: mixed planting

[ilex]

We get lots of problems with vasates (rust mite). Dealing with them organically is difficult. This year I planted rows of corn and rows of sunflower between rows of tomatoes. I noticed that those between sunflowers grew better and were much less attacked. Probably, increased shade means more humidity.

Are there any studies about this? System needs tweaking as sunflowers grew 12 feet and casted too much shade at the end. I'm glad I didn't manure them.

[Gerardo]

I'm sorry I don't have a study, but I can add anecdotal evidence. I grew very tall sunflowers this summer and a couple of tomato plants (NAR, Gary O'Sena, Peacevine) that were under their shade/pollen-sprinkling domain grew better and appeared to be protected from various insect attacks.

[b54red]

Originally Posted by ilex

We get lots of problems with vasates (rust mite). Dealing with them organically is difficult. This year I planted rows of corn and rows of sunflower between rows of tomatoes. I noticed that those between sunflowers grew better and were much less attacked. Probably, increased shade means more humidity.

Are there any studies about this? System needs tweaking as sunflowers grew 12 feet and casted too much shade at the end. I'm glad I didn't manure them.

I don't know if this will work with rust mite but it was helpful in controlling a terrible infestation of spider mites this year for me. I mix up a gallon of water with 1/2 cup of food grade diatomaceous earth and a teaspoon of dish washing liquid like Dawn. I then pour it through a fine screen strainer into my sprayer and spray it on the leaves top and bottom and the stems. When it dries it leaves a fine layer of DE on the plant and it seems to really impede the life cycle of the mites. It also seems to slow foliage disease spread but that could just be from slowing down the mite population. It would be considered organic.

Bill