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Intercropping increases parasitism of pests

Author

Listed:
  • Z. R. Khan

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • K. Ampong-Nyarko

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • P. Chiliswa

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • A. Hassanali

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • S. Kimani

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • W. Lwande

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • W. A. Overholt

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • W. A. Overholt

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)

  • J. A. Picketta

    (IACR-Rothamsted)

  • L. E. Smart

    (IACR-Rothamsted)

  • C. M. Woodcock

    (IACR-Rothamsted)

Abstract

As part of a programme for controlling lepidopteran stem-borers in cereal crops in Africa, we have investigated the effectiveness of combined cropping regimes of cultivatedand wild plants for reducing stem-borer damage. Intercropping with the non-host molasses grass, Melinis minutiflora, significantly decreased levels of infestation by stem-borers in the main crop and also increased larval parasitism of stem-borers by Cotesia sesamiae. Volatile agents produced by M. minutiflora repelled female stem-borers and attracted foraging female C. sesamiae. One of the volatile components released by intact M. minutiflora which attract parasitoids is also produced by herbivore-damaged plants and is implicated more widely as a cue for stimulating predation and parasitism.

Suggested Citation

  • Z. R. Khan & K. Ampong-Nyarko & P. Chiliswa & A. Hassanali & S. Kimani & W. Lwande & W. A. Overholt & W. A. Overholt & J. A. Picketta & L. E. Smart & C. M. Woodcock, 1997. "Intercropping increases parasitism of pests," Nature, Nature, vol. 388(6643), pages 631-632, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:388:y:1997:i:6643:d:10.1038_41681
    DOI: 10.1038/41681
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    Cited by:

    1. Lauren C. Ponisio & Paul R. Ehrlich, 2016. "Diversification, Yield and a New Agricultural Revolution: Problems and Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Anamarija Jagodič & Stanislav Trdan & Žiga Laznik, 2019. "Entomopathogenic nematodes: can we use the current knowledge on belowground multitrophic interactions in future plant protection programmes? - Review," Plant Protection Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 55(4), pages 243-254.
    3. Jacques Fils Pierre & Luis Latournerie-Moreno & René Garruña & Krista L. Jacobsen & Carrie A. M. Laboski & Roberth Us-Santamaría & Esaú Ruiz-Sánchez, 2022. "Effect of Maize–Legume Intercropping on Maize Physio-Agronomic Parameters and Beneficial Insect Abundance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-15, September.

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