Does intercropping encourage increase in population of natural enemies in corn field?
Issue Date
10-2008
Abstract
The study was conducted to determine whether change in microclimatic variables through intercropping, can influence natural enemies' presence and abundance in the agroecosystem. The results showed that a significant level of light intensity prevailed from 0700h to 1500h outside the plant canopy. With intercropping, this climatic variable is significantly increased, creating a favorable environment for survival of crops and beneficial insects within the area. The natural enemies found in the intercrop plots were significantly more abundant than those in the monocrop. Intercropping and refugia have similar subtle effects on the microclimate, favoring the increase in number of some beneficial species, particularly the parasitic flies and predatory beetles. The low number of beneficial species under a monocrop can probably be increased with refugia around the field boundaries. However; this will require further evaluation.
Source or Periodical Title
Philippine Entomologist
ISSN
0048-3753
Volume
22
Issue
2
Page
202
Document Type
Article
Frequency
semi-annually
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Ceballo, F. A.; Bayot, R. G.; and Vargas, D., "Does intercropping encourage increase in population of natural enemies in corn field?" (2008). Journal Article. 5460.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5460
En – AGROVOC descriptors
ZEA MAYS; INTERCROPPING; NATURAL ENEMIES; MICROCLIMATE; POPULATION