Relative safety of sprays of two neem insecticides to Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren), a parasitoid of the diamondback moth: Effects on adult longevity and foraging behaviour

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Integrating New Technologies for Striga Control: Towards Ending the Witch-Hunt

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Abstract

During investigations into the control of insect damage to maize crops in Kenya, which involved intercropping with repellent plants, the fodder legumes silverleaf (Desmodium uncinatum) and greenleaf (D. intortum) reduced S. hermonthica infestations of maize. This effect was significantly better than other food legumes. Although soil shading and additional nitrogen contributed to reduced levels of S. hermonthica infestation, an allelopathic mechanism associated with D. uncinatum was a major factor, as seen in pot elution experiments. Root exudates of D. uncinatum contain isoflavanones that stimulate germination of S. hermonthica and related constituents that inhibit its lateral root growth. Other Desmodium spp., have similar effects, indicating comparable phytochemical and physiological attributes. Desmodiumbased intercrops have been developed for both sorghum and maize. Economic analyses indicate that this strategy is more profitable than both maize Mono- and Maize-Bean Inter-Crops.

ISBN

[9789812771506, 9812707085, 9789812707086]

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