TITLE:
Effect of Intercropping Pattern on Stem Borer Infestation in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Grown in the Nigerian Sudan Savannah
AUTHORS:
M. M. Degri, D. M. Mailafiya, J. S. Mshelia
KEYWORDS:
Pearl Millet, Stem Borer, Intercropping, Sudan Savannah
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Entomology,
Vol.2 No.2,
April
28,
2014
ABSTRACT: Fields experiments were conducted at the Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri Teaching and Research Farm, Maiduguri during 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons to investigate the effects of intercropping pattern on stem borer pest infestation in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) intercropped with ground nut (Arachis hypogea L.). A split-plot design was used to test the intercrop pattern of 1:0 ratio (sole millet), 1:1 ratio (1 millet row to 1 ground nut row), 2:1 ratio (2 millet rows to 1 ground nut row) and 1:2 ratio (1 millet row to 2 ground nut rows). The results obtained showed that the intercrop pattern of 1:2 ratio and 1:1 ratio yielded less stem borer infestation and abundance in pearl millet, and as well supported high panicle weight and grain yield. In addition to recommending either of these two intercropping patterns to pearl millet farmers for more effective stem borer pest management, results further show the need for identification of effective intercropping patterns in other cropping systems.