Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Effects of Planting Dates and Intra-Row Spacing on Field Infestation and Damage by Hemipteran Sucking Bugs on Soybean in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria
A.A. Omoloye, A.O. Joda, F.O. Tobih

Abstract
Field experiments were conducted for two years in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria to determine whether changing planting dates and intra-row spacing in sole soybean crop will reduce field infestation and seed damage by hemiptera sucking bugs. The layout was a split plot arranged in a randomized complete block. The main effects were three planting dates (mid-June, early July and late July), each consisting of four intra-row spacings (15, 20, 25, and 30cm). Results indicated lower (p<0.05) field infestation and seed damage in the early planted crop than in the late planted crop. A significantly higher (p<0.05) yield advantage (935.6 to 974.4 kg/a-1) at the same spacing. However, adoption of these results should be balanced with local pest situation, agronomic and environmental considerations.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v4n1a17