Effect of intercropping system and sowing dates of Maize on population of some insect pests and Coccinella spp. predators

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

The present work was carried out during 2011 and 2012 seasons, at Menia El-Kamh district, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt to study the effect of the intercropping system and sowing date on the population density of some insect pests and predators associated with Maize and Soybean plants.
The insect pests surveyed on Maize plants were aphids, Sesamia cretica, Ostrinia nubilalisand Chilo agamemnon. The results indicated that the intercropping system culture showed considerable decrease in numbers of insect pests and also, coccinellid predators. While, the highest population density of the pest insects and coccinellid predators were recorded on solid culture during 2011 and 2012 seasons, respectively.
The insect pests and coccinellid predators recorded on Soybean plants were Aphis gossypii, Spodoptera littoralis & Thrips tabaci and Coccinella spp < /strong>. Also, intercropping Maize with Soybean caused lower population density, relatively, of insect pests and coccinellid predators on Soybean plants than on Soybean growing in solid system during the two seasons 2011 and 2012, respectively.
The planting date had effective role on the level of the population density of both insect pests and predators on Maize and Soybean plants. Whereas the third sowing date caused highest population density, relatively of both insect pests and coccinellid predators on Maize and Soybean plants except for Sesamia cretica which recorded highest number at first planting date. Also, the highest numbers of insect predators Coccinella spp. on soybean plants were recorded in the 1st week of July during 2011 and 2012 seasons, respectively.

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