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
Recommended Citation
Ramos, J M.; Santiago, S. E.; Arida, G. S.; Rapusas, H.; Ammig, M. H.; and Shepard, B. M., "Impact of straw mulch on weed and natural enemy populations in onion field" (2013). Journal Article. 4789.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/4789
En – AGROVOC descriptors
WEEDS; ONIONS; PESTS OF PLANTS; INSECT PESTS; HAND WEEDING; PEST CONTROL; NATURAL ENEMIES; STRAW MULCHES; FIELD EXPERIMENTATION