| dc.contributor.author | Singh, A. |
| dc.contributor.author | Weisser, W.W. |
| dc.contributor.author | Hanna, R. |
| dc.contributor.author | Houmgny, R. |
| dc.contributor.author | Zytynska, S.E. |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2019-12-04T11:10:15Z |
| dc.date.available | 2019-12-04T11:10:15Z |
| dc.date.issued | 2017-10 |
| dc.identifier.citation | Singh, A., Weisser, W.W., Hanna, R., Houmgny, R. & Zytynska, S.E. (2017). Reduce pests, enhance production: benefits of intercropping at high densities for okra farmers in Cameroon. Pest Management Science, 73(10), 2017-2027. |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1526-498X |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/2043 |
| dc.description | Published online: 10 August 2017 |
| dc.description.abstract | 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. |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany |
| dc.format.extent | 2017–2027 |
| dc.language.iso | en |
| dc.subject | Intercropping |
| dc.subject | Plant Desnsity |
| dc.subject | Pests |
| dc.subject | Predators |
| dc.subject | Yield |
| dc.subject | Production |
| dc.subject | Legume Crop |
| dc.subject | Okro |
| dc.title | Reduce pests, enhance production: benefits of intercropping at high densities for okra farmers in Cameroon |
| dc.type | Journal Article |
| dc.description.version | Peer Review |
| cg.contributor.crp | Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security |
| cg.contributor.crp | Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics |
| cg.contributor.crp | Roots, Tubers and Bananas |
| cg.contributor.affiliation | Technische Universität München |
| cg.contributor.affiliation | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture |
| cg.coverage.region | Africa |
| cg.coverage.region | Central Africa |
| cg.coverage.country | Cameroon |
| cg.isijournal | ISI Journal |
| cg.authorship.types | CGIAR and advanced research institute |
| cg.iitasubject | Crop Systems |
| cg.iitasubject | Grain Legumes |
| cg.iitasubject | Pests Of Plants |
| cg.journal | Pest Management Science |
| cg.howpublished | Formally Published |
| cg.accessibilitystatus | Limited Access |
| local.dspaceid | 85999 |
| cg.targetaudience | Scientists |
| cg.identifier.doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.4636 |
