Maize–Legume Intercropping and Push–Pull for Management of Fall Armyworm, Stemborers, and Striga in Uganda

• DOI: 10.2134/agronj2018.02.0110
• Publication Date: 2018-09-27T19:20:00Z
• Authors: Girma Hailu; Saliou Niassy; Khan R. Zeyaur; Nathan Ochatum; Sevgan Subramanian
• Keywords: Intercropping; Fall armyworm; Striga hermonthica

Core Ideas Recommending complex maize pest management options for small‐scale African farmers. Determining effective and environmentally friendly fall armyworm smallholder Evaluating effects of edible legume intercropping on armyworm. Maize ( Zea mays L.) production in Africa is constrained by several biotic abiotic factors. The recent occurrence (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) a new invasive Africa, has escalated the problem. Push–pull technology (PPT), proven to be stemborers Chilo partellus Swinhoe Busseola fusca Fuller) parasitic weed striga Striga hermontica Delile) been shown provide good control FAW. This study investigated if with legumes can also reduce abundance Six treatments including (i) climate‐smart PPT, (ii) conventional (iii) intercropped bean Phaseolus vulgaris L.), (iv) soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.], (v) groundnut Vigna unguiculata Walp.] and, (vi) mono‐cropped were evaluated farm six districts Uganda 2017 short rains season. Data collected included FAW, stemborer, infestation symptoms, severity infestation. Climate‐smart PPT performed best reducing followed over all phenological stages maize. Intercropping leguminous crops provided significant reduction stemborer FAW compared maize, especially early growth phases up tasseling. However, was not very as PPT. Hence addition could an alternative option when integrated other sustainable measures.