Abstract
The effect of intercropping cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) with maize ( Zea mays L.) on the population of cowpea pod-sucking bugs (PSB) was investigated by varying the time of planting cowpea in cowpea/maize intercropping systems. The different planting times were simultaneous planting of maize and cowpea (0) and subsequent interplanting of cowpea at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP) maize. The ratios of cowpea : maize population was also varied. The population of Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stal., Riptortus dentipes Fab., Anoplocnemis curvipes Fab., Mirperus jaculus W. and Nezara viridula L. was significantly less on cowpea in the 4 and 6 WAP treatments., but yield in these treatments was also reduced compared to all other treatments. There was a significantly lower population of bugs ( P<0.05) on the cowpea crop when grown at 25 : 75 and 50 : 50 cowpea : maize ratios but the yield was greatest at the 50 : 50 ratio.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
