Effect of Brassica strips on the population of aphids and arthropod predators in wheat ecosystem
2012
Sherawat, S.M. (Department of Agriculture, Sheikhupura (Pakistan)) | Butt, A. (Punjab Univ., Lahore (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology) | Tahir, H.M. (University of the Sargodha (Pakistan). Dept. of Biological Sciences)
Present study was designed to investigate the effects of Brassica strip cropping (intercropping) in wheat crop on the population of aphids and its predators in the wheat field. Study was conducted in district Sheikhupura, Pakistan during cropping session 2006-07 and 2007-08 at three different sites. Four treatments viz., T1 = a Brassica strip of 0.6x67m (40.2 m-2), T2 = a Brassica strip of 1.21 x67m (81.7 m-2 ) area, T3 = a Brassica strip of 1.82x67m (121.94 m-2 ) area, T4 = a Brassica strip of 3.65x67m (244.55 m-2 ) area and control (sole wheat crop was sown) were used in the study. During the study significant difference in number of aphids per tillers was observed among treatments. Highest number of aphids per tiller was recorded in control wheat plot, while lowest in the plot (T4). Highest number of Coccinellids, Chrysoperla carnea and araneae (spiders) was recorded in T4 while lowest in control. The maximum 1000-grain weight was recorded in T4 treatment (42.80g) while minimum in control treatment (36.57g). However, T3 treatment showed highest yield (5468kg/ha) followed by T2. The treatment T3 showed highest cost benefit ratio value (1:1.95) while lowest cost benefit ratio (1:1.77) was observed in T4. It is concluded that strip cropping of Brassica napus in wheat fields increases predator's population which suppress the aphids population, and enhances the yield.
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