Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Crop Protection

Publication Date

1-1-1988

Abstract

The effect of mixed cropping of cowpeas with maize on light intensity in the cowpea canopy and on population density of Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) was investigated in the field and in cages. Significantly less (P< 0 · 05) light was intercepted by the cowpea canopy in the cowpea/maize mixed crop than in the cowpea crop alone. The population density and activity of M. sjostedti were significantly less in the mixed crop than in the single crop. There were significant correlations between light interception and differences in the population density of nymphs (r=0 · 79), adults (r=0 · 84) and the overall activity (r=0 · 93) of M. sjostedti. In a screenhouse choice test, M. sjostedti preferred unshaded cowpea plants to shaded ones. The results suggested that reduced light intensity in the cowpea/maize mixture contributes to the relative scarcity of M. sjostedti in the mixture. © 1988.

Keywords

Cowpea, Kenya, light intensity, maize, mixed cropping, population density, thrips

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