Effects of intercropping and weeding frequency in the control of some field insect pests in an Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Maize (Zea mays) intercrop

Abstract

Insect pests have caused considerable losses in okra and maize production leading to the widespread use of chemicals to achieve increased yield. Unfortunately, these chemicals have contributed to human, animal and environmental pollution, necessitating the search for alternative means of insect pest control. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of intercropping and weeding on the control of field insect pests damaging okra/maize intercrop. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone in Nigeria during the 2023 cropping season. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The experimental field size was 10 m × 3.5 m, consisting of 3 blocks. Each block consisted three plots each measured 1.1 m × 0.5 m, resulting in a total of 18 plots. Alleyways of 0.5 m separated the plots and replicates. The findings of the study showed that intercropping and weeding of okra/maize yielded positive result. The cropping pattern and weeding had varying success in reducing pest populations in a maize/okra combination. Weeded plots exhibited the highest insects’ pest population. However, despite this observed trend, weeded plots gave the highest yield compared to un-weeded plots. The crops performed well as intercrops, with an LER value of 2.175, with maize being the dominant crop.