Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Effect of Intercropping Maize with Legumes, Oilseed Crops and Cucurbits, and Perimeter Cropping on Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infestation in Zambia
Mweshi Mukanga, Owen Machuku, Kabosha Lwinya, Marian Lupapula, Matthews Matimelo, Lorraine Chilipa

Abstract
With increased pesticide use due to high fall armyworm (FAW) infestation levels, cultural control methods like maize intercropping offer an alternative management option. Between 2020 and 2022, a study was carried out in Zambia to evaluate the effect of intercropping maize with legumes, oilseeds, and pumpkins, surrounded by a non-host perimeter crop, cowpea, on FAW infestation and damage. The results showed a significant reduction in FAW infestation, ranging from 15.9 to 34.6%, in intercropped plots compared to monocultured maize without a perimeter crop. Intercropping maize with cowpea, beans, sunflower, groundnut, and soybean had the lowest infestation rates, minimal leaf damage, fewer larvae, reduced cob damage, and low ear rot incidence. Eight predatory insect species and an equal number of larval parasitoids, with parasitism rates between 0.85 and 5.95%, were also identified. Henceforth, intercropped maize with a non-host perimeter crop presents an economical and environmentally friendly management strategy for FAW.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v13a2