Intercropping of some Aromatic Plants with Sugar Beet, its Effects on the Tortoise Beetle Cassida vittata Vill. Infestation, Appearance Predators and Sugar Beet Yield

Abstract

These studies were carried out at the Experimental Farm at the Sakha Agriculture Research Station, Kafr El-Sheikh Region and Egypt during the two successive growing seasons; 2017/18 and 2018/19 to investigate the role of intercropping of Sugar Beet with four aromatic plants on the infestation with Cassida. vittata (vill.), the appearance predators and sugar beet yield. The four aromatic plants were Fennel, Dill, Coriander and Marjoram. Results showed that intercropping pattern reduced the infestation percentage with C. vittata (all stages),especially in case of Coriander with Sugar beet. Results showed that intercropping pattern with sugar beet increased the appearance numbers of predators especially in case of Fennel+ sugar beet. Results exhibited that dill intercropping with Sugar beet was highest attractive for Coccinella sp.. Intercropping between Fennel and Sugar beet was highest attractive to Chrysoperla carnea Stephens, as so coriander plants intercropping with sugar beet plants was more attractive to Paederus alfierii Koch. Results indicated that Marjoram intercropping with sugar beet was highest attractive for Scymnus spp.. The highest abundance of true spiders was found on sugar beet plants intercropped with Fennel, followed by sugar beet with Marjoram. The highest sugar beet yield was obtained when sugar beet was intercropped with Fennel, followed by coriander.