Innovative corn-legume intercropping scheme: a strategy to suppress insect pest occurrence
2015
Corpuz, M.R.
This study was undertaken to determine the significant effects of intercropping corn with legumes in terms of population density of insect pests, yield and profitability of the intercrops. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments replicated three times was set up in the field. Corn intercopped with peanut had the highest number of kernels and heaviest weight of 1000 seeds. At 20, 30 and 40 days after planting, there was a lower number of insect pests, least damage of insect pest and higher population of predators/beneficial insects observed on intercrops of corn and peanut (T2). In like manner, the damage rating on corn at 35 and 45 days after planting revealed significant differences among corn and peanut (T2). The grain yield per hectare was greater in the sole corn, however, when the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) is considered, there is higher productivity advantage of intercropping system over sole corn. Adoption of the intercropping system corn and peanut should be considered because lesser damage of borer on corn was observed. Further studies on intercropping should be conducted considering the other crops that are compatible in order to reduce occurrence of insect pests and diseases.
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