Study

Life tables, key factor analysis and density relations of natural populations of the spotted maize stemborer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), under different cropping systems at the Kenyan coast

  • Published source details Midega C.A.O., Ogol C.K.P.O. & Overholt W.A. (2005) Life tables, key factor analysis and density relations of natural populations of the spotted maize stemborer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), under different cropping systems at the Kenyan coast. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 25, 86-95.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use alley cropping

Action Link
Natural Pest Control
  1. Use alley cropping

    A replicated, randomised, controlled trial in 1999-2000 in Mtwapa, Kenya (Midega et al. 2005) (same study as Midega et al. 2004) found the average mortality of spotted maize stem borer Chilo partellus was similar between alley cropped maize Zea mays plots (with hedgerows of leucaena Leucaena leucocephala and/or gliricidia Gliricidia sepium trees) and control plots without hedgerows (91-97% vs. 94% mortality of larvae). When maize was intercropped with cowpea Vigna unguiculata, alley cropped and control plots had similar stem borer mortality (93.9% vs. 95.7%). Parasitism was not the major cause of stem borer mortality. Hedges were planted in 1999 in plots of 16 x 13 m with 3.2 m alleys between hedges. Treatments included two plots with leucaena hedges, one plot with gliricidia hedges, two plots with alternating hedges of leucaena and gliricidia and four controls without hedges. Trees were cut and the foliage was applied as mulch. Four maize rows were planted between hedges (0.8 m between each row). Maize and cowpea were planted in alternating rows in intercropped plots. Treatments were replicated 4-8 times. Ten maize plants/plot were collected on each sampling date and stem borer eggs, larvae and pupae were examined in the laboratory for parasitoids.

     

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