2024 Volume 47 Pages 1-9
A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different intercrops on the management of pests and yield contributing characteristics of chilli. Among the various intercrops tested, chilli intercropped with garlic and carrot performed well, recording the lowest population of sucking pests, leaf curl index, larval population of Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura, as well as reduced fruit damage. In contrast, the highest pest population of aphids, thrips, mite, and leaf curl index, larval population of H. armigera and S. litura, and fruit damage were observed in the sole chilli crop. Mean yield data revealed that chilli intercropped with garlic yielded the highest red ripe chilli with 11.70 t/ha. Maximum chlorophyll concentration index, fruit length, fruit diameter and single fruit weight were also found in chilli intercropped with garlic. Among the different intercrops, the highest marginal benefit-cost ratio (22.73) was recorded for chilli + garlic, followed by chilli + coriander (21.89), chilli + carrot (21.15) and chilli + tomato (20.71). In contrast, the chilli +groundnut intercrop had the lowest marginal benefit-cost ratio (9.47). Predators such as coccinellids were found to be well distributed in the crop with various intercrops. Chilli intercropped with garlic and coriander supported the presence of these predators. It appeared that growing intercrops alongside the main crop was found advantageous in managing the complex of chilli pests, in addition to providing yield benefits.
