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VOL. 10, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Effects of maize-cowpea crop association on the caterpillars of certain noctuids in the southern part of the Senegalese agricultural basin
Authors
Gorgui Diouf, Fama Cisse, Mamecor Faye, Toffene Diome, Mbacke Sembene
Abstract
Maize cultivation currently faces numerous
challenges, particularly pest infestations. To combat this issue, farmers tend
to resort to various control methods. In this context, our study aimed to
assess the effect of intercropping maize with cowpea on maize pest caterpillars
for sustainable maize production. An experimental split-plot design was set up.
Six rows of maize per plot were sown, running parallel to the width of the
block. Ten days later, cowpea was intercropped with maize only along the first
three rows of each plot in the block. Fifteen days after the maize was sown,
the entire block was weeded, and the plots were fertilized with 10-10-20
mineral fertilizer. A second weeding was carried out twenty days after the
first. Sampling was conducted once a week. In the laboratory, the caterpillars
were identified, and their abundance and frequency of occurrence were
determined. Finally, the number of maize plants without ears, with one ear, and
with two ears was recorded per plot. The results obtained from the experiment
showed that the species Spodoptera frugiperda, Helicoverpa armigera,
and Chrysodeixis chalcites were not as abundant in both intercropped and
pure maize plots, unlike Spodoptera littoralis. Eight surveys were
carried out on the experimental site, with one survey conducted per week. From
September 2nd, S. littoralis populations in pure maize plots reached a
significant peak with approximately 78 individuals, then gradually declined
until September 9th. In contrast, in the maize–cowpea intercrop, the peak
occurred later with around 57 individuals, and the population of S.
littoralis then sharply declined, becoming nonexistent by September 30th.
Intercropping reduced the S. littoralis population and delayed the peak
of its population growth. The number of maize plants without ears was higher in
pure maize plots than in maize–cowpea intercropped plots. The same trend was
observed for plants bearing one or two ears.
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Pages:10-18
How to cite this article:
Gorgui Diouf, Fama Cisse, Mamecor Faye, Toffene Diome, Mbacke Sembene "Effects of maize-cowpea crop association on the caterpillars of certain noctuids in the southern part of the Senegalese agricultural basin". International Journal of Zoology Studies, Vol 10, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 10-18
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