Study

Integration of edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) into the push-pull technology developed for stemborer and Striga control in maize-based cropping systems

  • Published source details Khan Z.R., Midega C.A.O., Wanyama J.M., Amudavi D.M., Hassanali A., Pittchar J. & Pickett J.A. (2009) Integration of edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) into the push-pull technology developed for stemborer and Striga control in maize-based cropping systems. Crop Protection, 28, 997-1006.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Combine trap and repellent crops in a push-pull system

Action Link
Natural Pest Control
  1. Combine trap and repellent crops in a push-pull system

    A randomised, replicated, controlled study in three seasons between 2007 and 2008 in western Kenya (Khan et al. 2009) found fewer purple witchweeds Striga hermonthica in push-pull cropping systems (1-27 plants/plot) than in control plots of intercropped maize Zea mays and beans Phaseolus vulgaris (139-269 plants) or maize monoculture (259-460 plants), 12 weeks after planting. Damage to maize plants by cereal stem borers (Lepidoptera) was lower in push-pull cropping systems (0.4-6.7% plants damaged/plot) than in maize-bean intercrop (11-18% plants) and maize monoculture (10-28%) controls at 12 weeks after planting. Maize yields were higher in push-pull systems (4.6-5.6 t/ha) than intercropped (2.6-3.1 t/ha) and monoculture (2.8-3.5 t/ha) controls. Economic benefits were also greater in the push-pull system (US$639-1,532/ha) than in intercropped (US$45-129/ha) and monoculture controls (US$-176/ha loss to a US$91/ha gain). Push-pull systems of maize and beans provided similar weed and stem borer control, as well as similar yields and benefits, to push-pull systems of maize only. The push-pull systems comprised silverleaf desmodium Desmodium uncinatum grown between rows of maize or rows of mixed maize and beans. Three rows of Napier grass Pennisetum purpureum were planted around the plots. Treatments were replicated four times at two sites in 6 x 6 m plots.

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