Influence of spatial arrangements in maize/solanum potato intercrops on incidence of potato aphids and leaf hoppers in Uganda

Abstract

A study to investigate the effect of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) on the incidence of potato aphids and leafhoppers was conducted at Namulonge in Uganda during the two growing seasons of 1995. Three potato varieties and one maize variety were intercropped in six spatial arrangements; sole crops, 2:1, 2:2, 1:1, 1:2 potato: maize row arrangements and one additive mixture. Aphids and leafhopper infestations in the different spatial arrangements were similar at early stages but differed significantly later probably because increase in maize height with time and the associated effects had negative effects on pest establishment. Least aphid and leafhopper infestation were observed in the additive mixture. There was no significant influence of spatial arrangement on tuber damage although that tendency was for more damage in plots with high potato concentration. High relative humidity negatively affected aphids but not leafhoppers. Key Words: Additive mixtures, Myzus persicae, relative humidity, Solanum tuberosum, Zea mays (African Crop Science Journal 2001 9(1): 175-184)