Companion Crop Research Articles

Effects of wheat undersowing and sweet alyssum intercropping on aphid and flea beetle infestation in white cabbage in Germany and Japan

An undersowing system with additional intercropping of flowering plants was assessed in field trials in Germany and Japan to estimate regulating effects on pests and possible negative effects on white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). In particular, we tested cabbage undersown with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cabbage undersown with wheat plus additional sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L. Desv.) intercropping. Counts of the aphid species Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer), as well as related predators on cabbage plants, were determined. Abundance of Phyllotreta spp. flea beetles and their feeding damage on cabbage plants were recorded and cabbage yield was compared. In both countries, trials showed that wheat undersowing reduced the abundance of M. persicae but not B. brassicae. The occurrence of natural enemies on cabbage plants was not significantly affected by any of the companion plants. Additional sweet alyssum intercropping increased the abundance of adult hoverflies at the German but not at the Japanese location. However, it also significantly increased flea beetle infestation on cabbage plants at both locations. Neither wheat undersowing nor additional sweet alyssum intercropping significantly reduced cabbage harvest weight.In conclusion, adding companion plants can be a promising method to improve pest control in vegetable crops. However, intercropping crucifer crops with sweet alyssum may not be recommended in regions where flea beetles are a relevant pest because of the observed enhancing effect on them. In contrast, to prove the positive effect of wheat undersowing on white cabbage, results from further years of investigation are needed.

Effects of integrated grassland renewal strategies on annual and perennial weeds in the sowing year and subsequent production years

Appropriate weed control measures during the renewal phase of temporary grasslands are critical to ensure high yields during the whole grassland lifecycle. The aim of this study was to determine which integrated grassland renewal strategy can most effectively control annual weeds in the sowing year and delay perennial weed re-establishment. Four split-plot trials were established at three sites dominated by Rumex spp. along a south-north gradient in Norway. The annual and perennial weed abundance was recorded during the sowing year and two or three production years. Main plots tested seven renewal strategies: 1. Spring plowing, 2. Spring plowing+companion crop (CC), 3. Summer cut+plowing, 4. Summer glyphosate+plowing, 5. Summer glyphosate+harrowing, 6. Late spring glyphosate+plowing, 7. Fall glyphosate+spring plowing+CC. Strategies 1–4 were tested in all four trials, strategy 5 in three trials, strategy 6 in two trials and strategy 7 in one trial. Plowing was performed at 20–25 cm depth, rotary harrowing at 15 cm depth, and glyphosate was applied at 2160 g a.i. ha-1. CC was spring barley (Hordeum vulgare). Subplots tested selective herbicide spraying (yes/no) in the sowing year. Results showed that effects of renewal strategies were often site-specific and differed between the sowing year and production years. Spring renewal resulted in higher perennial weed abundance than summer renewal in two out of four trials (by 3 and 12 percentage points, over all production years), and glyphosate followed by harrowing drastically increased Rumex spp. in one out of three trials (by 18 percentage points over all production years). CCs only significantly reduced perennial weed abundance in one trial (by 8 percentage points over all production years). In comparison, the selective herbicides had a strong effect on annual and perennial weeds in the sowing year in all trials. Selective herbicides reduced the weed cover from 32% to 7% cover, and averaged over the production years and sites, the perennial weed biomass fraction was 6 percentage points lower where herbicides had been applied. We conclude that while the tested renewal strategies provided variable and site-specific perennial weed control, selective herbicides were effective at controlling Rumex spp. and other perennial dicot weeds in the first two production years.

Identification of chemical cues of Camellia sinensis (Ericales: Theaceae) and alternate host plants for preference by tea mosquito bug Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae)

The tea mosquito bug (TMB), Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a polyphagous pest causing serious economic loss in tea plantations of north east India. The push-pull companion cropping system can be used as a component of integrated pest management system to control the pest. We examined the host plant choice of H. theivora for Duranta erecta (Lamiales: Verbenaceae), Senna tora (Fabale: Fabaceae), Lawsonia inermis (Myrtales: Lythraceae), Psidium guajava (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) and Melastoma malabathricum (Myrtales: Melastomataceae) including the primary host, Camellia sinensis (Ericales: Theaceae) using two-choice olfactometric bioassay. The growth index and relative growth index of H. theivora were calculated for different host plants. H. theivora preferred the odor released from the mechanically damaged leaves of C. sinensis and P. guajava. The further study on biochemical constituents of all the host plants reflected the role of soluble sugar, total flavonoids and terpenoids as cues for host preference by H. theivora which indicate a scope for electroantennographic assessment in future. The information generated for P. guajava preference can be utilized in trap cropping or trap formulating approaches for management of H. theivora.

Leaf Functional Traits of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘Dintanensis’ Plantations with Different Planting Combinations and Their Responses to Soil

Leaf structural and physiological traits, nutrients, and other functional properties reflect the ability of plants to self-regulate and adapt to the environment. Species diversity can positively affect plant growth by improving the habitat, and offers mutual interspecies benefits. Therefore, optimizing the types of plants grown in a specific area is conducive to achieving sustainable development goals for plant growth. In this study, companion planting of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ (hereafter Z. planispinum) with Prunus salicina Lindl., Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep., Arachis hypogaea L. and Lonicera japonica Thunb. was investigated, along with a monoculture Z. planispinum plantation. The effect of different planting combinations on the adaptive mechanisms of Z. planispinum and its response to the soil was explored. These results revealed that Z. planispinum preferred the slow growth strategy of small specific leaf area, high leaf water content, and high chlorophyll content after combination with P. salicina. Conversely, after combination with S. tonkinensis, Z. planispinum exhibited a fast growth strategy. Combination with A. hypogaea enabled Z. planispinum to adopt a transition from slow to fast growth. Z. planispinum regulated its economy of growth through multiple functional trait combinations, indicating that planting combinations impacted its adaptive strategies. The adaptability of Z. planispinum in combination with P. salicina, L. japonica, A. hypogaea and S. tonkinensis decreased in turn, with only the adaptability of Z. planispinum + S. tonkinensis lower than that of the pure forest. Leaf functional traits were jointly influenced by soil water content, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), MB nitrogen (N), MB phosphorus (P), available N, total P and available calcium (C:N:P). The main contributors were soil water content, the different component levels and stoichiometry of elements and the MB. The results demonstrated that companion planting can promote or inhibit the growth of Z. planispinum by adjusting its functional traits.

Convergent shifts in soil fungal communities associated with Fagaceae reforestation in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Forests of the Southern Appalachian Mountains were historically dominated by hardwood species within the family Fagaceae, e.g., American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and white oak (Quercus alba) among others. Due to numerous biotic and abiotic stressors, including pathogen pressure, populations of many Fagaceae have been greatly reduced, or functionally eliminated as is the case with American chestnut. This has led to reforestation efforts designed to increase American chestnut and white oak populations in this region, but success has been minimal. Since soil fungal communities are crucial to plant health, understanding how reforestation efforts alter soil fungal communities will inform reforestation efforts. Here, using nursery-reared bareroot seedlings of American chestnut, Chinese chestnut, 3rd generation backcross chestnut hybrids (BC3F3), and white oaks outplanted at a locally xeric site in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, we investigated if and how these species and backcross families within species differentially impact soil fungal communities. We demonstrate that after three years of growth, plant-associated soil fungal communities change similarly among different Fagaceae and are distinct from pre-planting soil communities. Interestingly, we observed differential shifts in fungal functional guilds among the Fagaceae species, although these were rather minimal. Taken together, the largely convergent shifts in soil communities across Fagaceae species suggest that these tree species may have similar impacts on soils and/or share similar communities that become enriched in closely related fungal species. The similarity in shared mutualist fungal communities suggests that companion planting or reforestation of genetically disease resistant American chestnut adjacent to establishing white oak trees might enhance survival and growth of both species at xeric sites.

Ecology of village ecosystems of Odisha, India

Abstract. Upadhyay VP, Nayak BK, Mishra MK. 2022. Ecology of village ecosystems of Odisha, India. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 138-155. The present study was conducted in eight villages in the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha, India. The human population varies from 83 to 312 in uphill villages and 76 to 150 in foothill villages. The cultivated area constitutes 3.37% to 18.85% of the village’s total area. Per capita cultivated area varies from 0.117 to 0.329 ha. The families generally devote more time to agriculture, followed by Minor Forest Products (MFP) collection. The women and children collect leafy vegetables, tubers, fruits, seeds, leaves, and flowers. Collecting and marketing firewood in head loads is commonly practiced in the rainy season. The area of forest cover is not affected much, but the quality of the forest has changed. This suggests appropriate steps to restore the forest and enhance its productivity. All villages depend on rain-fed agriculture. The natural stream water is available to the paddy fields by gravity flow in valleys. The agriculture practices include shifting (podu) cultivation in high hill areas, mid-hill orchards below the podu area, home gardens adjoining habitation, and valley cultivation near Nala beds (streams). Podu is a mixed cultivation practice where cereals, pulses, and oil seeds are grown together. The village productivity is much lower than in other areas of settled agriculture. Improvements in seed quality, Soil and Moisture Conservation (SMC) measures, and the health condition of the tribal community will help support the sustainability of the traditional cultivation and livelihood system. To help protect the indigenous biodiversity, we suggest in this paper other alternatives of livelihood to the local population and options for shifting cultivation areas.

POTENSI PENGENDALIAN HAYATI HAMA SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA UNTUK KEBERLANJUTAN PRODUKSI JAGUNG

The armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda, which damages corn plants, is one of the invasive pests. The armyworm S. frugiperda damages corn plants by eating leaf tissue from one side so that the remaining epidermal tissue then makes holes in the leaves and eats from the edge of the leaf to the inside, which causes perforation in the leaves. Control efforts using insecticides have not been practical due to the feeding behaviour of the second and third instar larvae that settle on the inside of the leaves under protected conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out other control techniques that can suppress the development of environmentally friendly S. frugiperda by considering economic and ecological aspects, namely biological control.
 Biological control optimizes the role of natural enemies as biological control agents in efforts to manage pest populations which are part of the chain in agroecosystems. Utilization of natural enemies, parasitoids, predators, and pathogen, can suppress the development of the S. frugiperda pest in corn, reducing the use of synthetic pesticides. Natural enemies of S. frugiperda include the egg parasitoid Telenomus sp. and Trichogramma sp.; larva parasitoid Glyptapanteles creatonoti (Viereck), solitary larval parasitoid Campoletis chlorideae Uchida, and parasitoid larvae of the order Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae and G. creatonoti. as well as an entomopathogenic species, Nomuraea rileyi (Farl.) Samson. Natural enemies can control S. frugiperda pests to save sustainable maize yields based on the basic principles of sustainable agriculture models. Agroecological steps are taken to reduce the population of S. frugiperda in corn plants by:/ (1) sustainable management of soil fertility, primarily actions that maintain or store soil organic carbon; (2) intercropping with properly selected companion plants; and (3) diversification of the agricultural environment through the management of (semi) natural habitats at various spatial scales.

Oat companion seeding rate, herbicide, and irrigation effects on alfalfa stand establishment

AbstractAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is often grown in water‐limited climates where available soil moisture is a key factor in determining the success or failure of new stand establishment. This study was conducted to determine optimal oat (Avena sativa L.) companion seeding rates for alfalfa establishment across a range of soil moisture levels. The effects of five oat seeding rates (0 [with and without herbicide], 11, 22, 45, and 89 kg ha−1) under five water levels on alfalfa stand establishment, forage yield, and nutritive value were evaluated at North Logan, UT, on a Millville silt loam soil (coarse‐silty, carbonatic, mesic Typic Haploxeroll) in 2019 and 2020. When soil moisture was adequate, first cut alfalfa stem density increased twofold as oat seeding rates decreased from 89 to 11 kg ha−1, but at low soil moisture levels stem density increased fivefold to sevenfold. At second cut, the only stem density differences that remained were at low irrigation. First cut forage yields were lowest in 0 kg ha−1 treatments and increased with increasing oat seeding rates. The opposite was true at second cutting, where yields were greatest where no oat had been planted. Yield differences were more extreme as soil moisture was reduced. The highest oat seeding rate had comparable weed control effects to the herbicide. Generally, the presence of either oat or weeds reduced forage nutritive value when compared to alfalfa alone. Reducing oat seeding rates or eliminating the companion crop altogether appears to improve alfalfa stand establishment when soil moisture is limited.

Meet Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae): a commonly used predatory mite in vegetable crops

Abstract The predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), is a generalist predator feeding on multiple soft-bodied insects and mite pest species. It is a biological control agent commercially available since 2005 that has become one of the top 3 most released biocontrol predators worldwide. It is commonly used to suppress whitefly populations (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), thrips (Thysanoptera), and spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) to a lesser degree. This predatory mite has been used as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for vegetable (e.g., peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, squash) and ornamental (e.g., roses, chrysanthemums) crops in open fields and greenhouses, and some field crops such as cotton, but it has been demonstrated to be more successful at establishing reproductive populations and suppressing pests under protected structures. Amblyseius swirskii can feed on various food resources besides prey, including pollen or honeydew. It is successful at suppressing pests when used together with low-risk pesticides, when multiple prey are available, when prey and pollen are available naturally (neighboring flowering or companion plants present), or when pollen is supplemented in the field. This predator is a good option to control pests early in the season if shelter and food resources are available for its establishment.

Understanding College Student’s Experiences, Knowledge, and Preferences in Horticultural Activity

Background and objective: In order to develop basic data for horticultural education and activities for college students struggling to overcome various stress and practical problems, this study is designed to understand the actual conditions of college students' horticultural experience, knowledge, and preferences.Methods: First, the experiences of horticultural activities were classified and analyzed using Google Forms. At this time, the horticultural experience was investigated by dividing it into whether there was a plant cultivation experience, a personal plant experience, and plant purchase experiences. Second, gardening activities and knowledge and preference were analzed. Third, the correlation between plant experience and plant knowledge was analyzed, and a factor analysis was conducted to determine preferred horticultural activities and class programs.Results: In the case of experiencing plant cultivation, there was a high interest in companion plants, understanding plant management methods, preventing pests, packaging or storage methods of flowers, and social media related to plants. In the case of no experience in plant cultivation, plant indifference, difficulty in cultivation, and mental and time leisure were cited as conditions for plant cultivation. While personal plant purchasing experience is about two to three times a year, gift purchasing experience was very high, and the reason why flowers were not purchased except for gifts was because they were discarded or did not know how to store them. Plant knowledge, such as plant types, names, and breeding methods, was very low, but plant terriers showed high interest, and preferences for flower plants, foliage plants, succulent plants, and fine dust removal plants and gardens, gardens, and plantation activities were high. "Plant experience" was highly connected with the latest knowledge such as "understanding fine dust plants" (<i>p</i> < .001), especially "plant interest" was highly connected with all the horticultural knowledge presented (<i>p</i> < .001). As a result of the arithmetic factor analysis, the rotational factor analysis of the six factors showed the highest number of "plant activity" types, and the factor load was important in the order of flower complex tour, plant shop tour, water cultivation, terrarium, and indoor gardening activities. The second factor was "horticulture and horticultural activities," and the factor load was high in the order of correctional care, garden care, gardening, herb raising, and vegetable raising activities.

Feed productivity of the biomass of spring triticale and common vetch companion sowings depending on the elements of cultivation technology

Purpose. To determine the productivity indicators of spring triticale and common vetch in singlespecies and companion sowings depending on the ratio of components and fertilizers. Methods. Field, laboratory, mathematical and statistical. Results. The results on the study of productivity, recoupment of fertilizers and specific features of the feed biomass growth in cultivation of spring triticale and common vetch in single-species and companion crops depending on the ratio of components on the Forest Steppe black soils, conducted annually during 2020-2022, are shown. Conclusions. In the companion cultivation of spring triticale and common vetch on different fertilization backgrounds, the productivity of the fodder agrocenosis increases from 5.15-6.44 to 5.29-6.87 t/ha of dry mass, which is 1-6% more compared to single-species sowings of spring triticale and by 9-26% compared to single-species common vetch sowings. The use of Humigran organic fertilizer increases the feed productivity of single-species crops of spring triticale and common vetch by 13 and 7% respectively, of binary grass mixtures with different ratios of these crops – by 3-11%, and when applying N45P45K45 mineral fertilizers – by 21, 11 and 23-24% respectively. The profitability of 1 kg of Humigran was 1.4-3.3 kg, and 1 kg of N45P45K45 showed the lowest indicators on single-species sowing of vetch – 4.1-9.4 kg of dry mass. The most influential factor in terms of yield from 1 ha of dry matter is the herbage factor with a 54% share. On the background without fertilizers, for 50 days, starting from May 10, during spring triticale yield formation, the output of dry feed biomass from 1 ha increased from 0.87 to 5.20 t (in the milk ripeness phase it decreased to 5.06 t), in common vetch and triticale-vetch mixture with a 25:75 ratio of components – from 0.64 to 4.86 and from 0.89 to 5.57 t/ha, respectively.

THE EFFECTS OF SOWING DESIGNS ON FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF SWEET SORGHUM AND MUNG BEAN MIXTURES UNDER MEDITERRANEAN CONDITIONS

This study was conducted to determine the effects of sowing designs on forage yield and quality in sweet sorghum and mung bean grown as binary mixture with different cultivation systems in Mediterranean conditions under second crop season during 2019-2020. As sowing design, twin-row (20×55 cm row spacing), narrow-row (55 cm row spacing) and conventional-row (75 cm row spacing) were used as sowing design. The mixtures were formed based on the plant density and alternative row numbers of sweet sorghum and mung bean. Sowing was done on alternating rows of 1 row of sweet sorghum and 1 row of mung bean and 2 rows of sweet sorghum and 1 row of mung bean. The plant density of sweet sorghum was 14 plants m-2 and plant densities of mung bean were 14 plants m-2, 21 plants m-2 and 28 plants m-2. This experiment was planned as two-factor (sowing designs and mixtures) and conducted in randomized complete block design arranged in split plot with 3 replications. To evaluate the forage yield and quality, fresh forage yield, dry matter yield, NDF, ADF, ADL, crude ash crude protein and ether extract characteristics were examined. In addition, the intercropping potential of mung bean and sweet sorghum mixtures was evaluated by the land equivalent ratio. As a result of the present study, mixed cultivation of 14 plants m-2 with one row of sweet sorghum and 14 plants m-2 with one row of mung bean gave the best results in narrow row sowing design. It was concluded that an efficient and high quality intercropping system can be realized in the second crop conditions in regions where Mediterranean climatic conditions prevail, especially for mung beans and sweet sorghum.

Aphid Pest Management in Sweet Pepper Field with Rapeseed as a Companion Crop

Sweet pepper, Capsicum annum L. is commercially grown vegetable grown for its nutritional and economical value. Sucking pests like aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites, etc. are the major insect pest in sweet pepper fields. Farmers deliberately have been using chemical pesticides in their crop to manage various insect pest and such practices of using hazardous chemicals are harmful to human health and the biodiversity. Similarly, farmers don't have an idea of planting trap and/or companion plants and its role in natural control of pest. Hence, a study was conducted to know the population dynamics, especially to assess the aphid (Myzus persicae, Sulzer) population and its potential natural enemies by planting rapeseed as companion crop. This field experiment was conducted in six different locations of Bharatpur-23, Chitwan from Nov 2019 to Jan 2020 where three plots of sweet pepper were planted with rapeseed as companion crop and other three plots solely having no floral source around. Aphid population was recorded at weekly interval and its major natural enemies; ladybird beetle and syrphid fly. Abnormal data were squared root transformed and analyzed by using paired sample t-test. The result showed that the aphid population in sweet pepper field with companion crop was significantly lower than in sweet pepper grown without floral source (control). Highly significant number of ladybird beetles and syrphid flies were recorded in sweet pepper with companion crop compared to control. The finding is helpful to develop an integrated management protocol of sweet pepper pests with the practice of following conservation biological control strategy.

Modelling land suitability to evaluate the potential for irrigated agriculture in the Nile region in Sudan

The Nile River serves as a central source of water for around 487 million people. Agriculture in the riparian states largely depends on the Nile's water supply due to irrigation. In this study, the potential for irrigated agriculture in Sudan is evaluated to estimate the future increase in water pressure in the region. In geographic information system (GIS) software a model for land suitability analysis (LSA) is developed. Datasets of parameters such as precipitation, temperature, slope, landcover, and selected soil properties represent the prevailing conditions. The resulting maps of the LSA show suitable and not suitable areas for irrigated agriculture. To determine the yearly water demand for irrigated agriculture the suitable areas are offset by the irrigation water demand for mixed cultivation of Faba beans, sorghum, and sugarcane calculated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO) software AquaCrop. It shows that there is great potential for irrigated agriculture, especially in the southeast, where large irrigation schemes already exist. In northern Sudan, not suitable areas accumulate. The calculated irrigation water demand is 33.5 BCM/year, which is 19.5 BCM/year additionally compared to 2017. The estimated irrigation amount shows the importance of collaboration between the countries in the Nile basin to increase the water resources available for irrigation to avoid conflict over resources. The uncontrolled extension of irrigated agriculture in Sudan will increase the pressure on the already scarce water resources in Egypt.

THE SIGNIF ICANCE OF HARVEST RESIDUES IN THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF ARABLE LAND. II. HARVEST RESIDUES MANAGEMENT

<p>Harvest residues (HR) are one of the important aspects of sustainable management in agriculture, representing a significant portion of organic matter (OM) that can be retained or removed from agroecosystems. There are several ways to manage plant residues: (i) burning, (ii) incorporation in soil, (iii) leaving plant residues after harvest on the soil surface in form of mulch, (iv) undersowing crops in HR and (v) baling and removing HR from the plot. Burning is the most unreasonable action in agricultural production, which is prohibited by legal regulations in force. The burning means a complete loss of OM – N and S are irretrievably lost in the air, mineral substances remain in ash, and microorganisms in the soil surface layer are destroyed. Incorporation of HR may be complete or partial, depending on the soil cultivation method applied. This HR management method has a number of soil benefits: increases content of nutrients, OM and humus; increases microbiological activity; improves soil water, air and physical properties; improves soil structure, ultimately contributing to the increase in soil fertility and plant growth. Two practical approaches that were once common, have been neglected. Namely, undersowing and mixed cultivation where various species are simultaneously grown with or between plantings of a main crop. Removal of HR indirectly leads to a decrease of the organic matter in the soil. In essence, there is a need to determine the size of acceptors and the return rates of organic residues of different quality, and to increase the efficiency of nutrient cycling from residues through various land acceptors and crops, with minimal losses from the system.</p>

Field experiments assessing companion plants for crop health in horticulture provide actionable knowledge

Field experiments assessing companion plants for crop health in horticulture provide actionable knowledge

Acacia seyal var.: Acacia fistula (Schweinf.) Oliv. Based Parkland Practice, Farmers Perception, and Management Techniques in Case of Jarsa Kebele, Guba Lafto District of Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia

Acaciaseyal is seen as a common on-farm tree species in the Rift valley of Ethiopia, predominantly in the Guba Lafto district of northeastern Ethiopia. Maintenance and improving existing practices and incorporation of multipurpose trees in farms got a due focus to increase agricultural productivity, but the information is limited about farmers’ perceptions, traditional knowledge, and practice about the species and its parkland system in the study site. The information was gathered via household interviews, focused group discussions, and key informant interview tools. Systematic random sampling technique was employed for household selection. 47 sample households were selected, and information was generated via descriptive and logistic analysis techniques. The result explored that Acacia seyal was considered by respondents as an invasive species and the majority of household respondents (87%) showed a negative perception of intercropping the species with annual crops due to its impact on companion crops and soil values. However, most of them (61.7%) were willing to sustain it along the boundary (83%), at an on-farm soil bund (36.2%) and at an open grazing area (19.1%) for its off-farm economic role. They retained it primarily for fuel wood purposes (95%), for cash (34%), and for livestock feed (25%). Pruning is the main management practice adopted for the species for the sake of minimizing the shade effect and to get its byproducts. Generally, farmers reflect a negative attitude to the species’ productivity role in the integrated system but understand its positive socioeconomic contribution outside their crop farms. Therefore, the investigation directs, as it will be advantageous to manage the species under the off-farm growing niche for its better synchronization to the farmers, but further work needs to be conducted in large scale survey and on its economic advantage at off-farm growing conditions for a radical shift in the farming system.

Companion plants and alternative prey improve biological control by Orius laevigatus on strawberry

Companion plants and alternative prey improve biological control by Orius laevigatus on strawberry

Closing yield gap of maize in Southeast Asia by intercropping systems: A review

Maize (Zea may L.) is a cereal crop grown extensively throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. However, maize yield in this region varies yearly due to several factors such as soil infertility, poor management practices, unpredictable weather conditions, and geography. This review aims (i) to demonstrate constraints and mitigation strategies for closing yield gaps and optimizing land use efficiency through the integration of companion crops into maize cropping, based on existing research in Southeast Asia between 1980 and 2021, and (ii) to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of growing maize alongside with other companion crops in Southeast Asia. Based on existing 50 articles of maize-based intercropping conducted in Southeast Asia founded from Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of science, cassava, legumes, potato, rice, grasses, and perennial crops such as rubber and coconut are the most frequently grown as companion crops in this region. Much emphasis of maize-based intercropping is paid to erosion control. Intercropping maize with other crops can successfully minimize soil erosion, runoff, and maintain the topsoil fertility. Therefore, less fertilizer input is required in intercropping system, which can also have a positive influence on the off-site environment. In addition, we discovered that maize-based intercropping improves the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) (LER > 1) when planting time, crop spacing, and management practices are appropriately implemented. On the other hand, there are just a few studies that indicate the restrictions associated with maize-based intercropping (LER < 1). While it is theoretically beneficial to grow maize alongside with legumes due to biological nitrogen fixation, research undertaken in this region has not confirmed this statement when maize is intercropped with rice bean. Although, maize-based intercropping in Southeast Asia had been more thoroughly investigated in a variety of ways, further research is still needed to determine how maize-based intercropping mitigates the impact of climate change

Camelina sativa. Status quo and future perspectives

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is an oilseed relict crop. This article recognizes camelina's current and potential future uses based on a comprehensive scientific and patent document analysis. The annual number of literature on camelina increased significantly; in the case of patent documents, this increase is most evident after 2009 and in the case of scientific publications – after 2010. We identified six main thematic groups among 1039 scientific papers analyzed: cultivation, genetics, biological characteristics, livestock feeding, energetic use, and oil extraction technology. We also showed the links between these groups. There are seven vital patent applications among 2307, which meet two conditions: they are highly cited in other patent documents and submitted for protection in many global patent jurisdictions. The current scientific research on the use of camelina focuses on: animal feed, human foodstuff, industrial chemical raw materials (glycerin, polymers, ethanol, lignin), fuels (diesel, jet fuel, biogas, energy pellet, pyrolysis oil), and compost to improve soil. The results of the analysis of scientific and patent documents point to potential future applications of camelina: as a pioneer crop in reclaimed areas, as a cover or companion crop in agriculture, and as a source for new chemical additives (to pesticides, coatings, glue, and filaments in 3D printing technology), as meat analogs, as a feedstock in construction and packaging materials production, as a source of biochar and as straw water filters.