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    Reduce pests, enhance production: benefits of intercropping at high densities for okra farmers in Cameroon

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    S17ArtSinghReduceInthomNodev.pdf (381.3Kb)
    Date
    2017-10
    Author
    Singh, A.
    Weisser, W.W.
    Hanna, R.
    Houmgny, R.
    Zytynska, S.E.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    BACKGROUND Intercropping can help reduce insect pest populations. However, the results of intercropping can be pest- and crop-species specific, with varying effects on crop yield, and pest suppression success. In Cameroon, okra vegetable is often grown in intercropped fields and sown with large distances between planting rows (∼ 2 m). Dominant okra pests include cotton aphids, leaf beetles and whiteflies. In a field experiment, we intercropped okra with maize and bean in different combinations (okra monoculture, okra–bean, okra–maize and okra–bean–maize) and altered plant densities (high and low) to test for the effects of diversity, crop identity and planting distances on okra pests, their predators and yield. RESULTS We found crop identity and plant density, but not crop diversity to influence okra pests, their predators and okra yield. Only leaf beetles decreased okra yield and their abundance reduced at high plant density. Overall, okra grown with bean at high density was the most economically profitable combination. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that when okra is grown at higher densities, legumes (e.g. beans) should be included as an additional crop. Intercropping with a leguminous crop can enhance nitrogen in the soil, benefiting other crops, while also being harvested and sold at market for additional profit. Manipulating planting distances and selecting plants based on their beneficial traits may thus help to eliminate yield gaps in sustainable agriculture.
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.4636
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/2043
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.4636
    IITA Subjects
    Crop Systems; Grain Legumes; Pests Of Plants
    Agrovoc Terms
    Intercropping; Plant Desnsity; Pests; Predators; Yield; Production; Legume Crop; Okro
    Regions
    Africa; Central Africa
    Countries
    Cameroon
    Journals
    Pest Management Science
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles5283
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