Feasibility of the Trap Cropping System for the Management of Hemipteran Bugs on Mungbean, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek in Nepal

Abstract

This study was conducted on hemipteran bugs on mungbean in Nepal. A trap crop of a variety preferred by the bugs was planted along with the main crop. The tests were performed using a selection of six of the most preferred mungbean varieties [VC6173A, VC6153B-20G, VC3960A-88, Kalyan, Pratikchha, and Saptari local (as the control)] relative to the Saptari local variety. Significant differences were recorded in the number of bugs among the six varieties, with a maximum number of bugs in VC6173A (3.25 bugs/plant) showing the lowest yield. Three different trap crop designs were employed in the field. There was a significant difference between variety Pratikchha as the main crop and variety VC6173A used as the trap crop in two of the designs. The data suggested that VC6173A is a probable trap crop and that those two designs can be employed in the field in Nepal.