Impact of straw mulch on weed and natural enemy populations in onion field

Issue Date

10-2013

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in Brgy. Guimba, Nueva Ecija during the 2010 and 2012 dry season to determine the effect of rice straw mulch on the population of weed and natural enemies of insect pests attacking onion. Placement of straw mulch resulted in the reduction in population of weeds especially purple nutsedge, hence reducing the frequency of handweeding. Catches of predators and parasitoids in pitfall traps were higher in plots with straw mulch compared to those in plots without straw mulch starting at early onion bulb formation stage. Population of collembolans (decomposers) was higher in plots with straw mulch. This organism was reported to be an important prey of generalist predators like spiders. Onion yield was 32% higher in plots with straw mulch compared to that of plots the mulch. Application of straw mulch resulted in lower production cost by reducing the frequency of hand weeding and providing refuge to natural enemies like predators that help manage populations of insect pests attacking onion.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

27

Issue

2

Page

200

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

WEEDS; ONIONS; PESTS OF PLANTS; INSECT PESTS; HAND WEEDING; PEST CONTROL; NATURAL ENEMIES; STRAW MULCHES; FIELD EXPERIMENTATION

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS