Exploiting phytochemicals for developing a 'push-pull' crop protection strategy for cereal farmers in Africa

Published source details Khan Z.R., Midega C.A.O., Bruce T.J.A., Hooper A.M. & Pickett J.A. (2010) Exploiting phytochemicals for developing a 'push-pull' crop protection strategy for cereal farmers in Africa. Journal of Experimental Botany, 61, 4185-4196.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Combine trap and repellent crops in a push-pull system Action Link

Combine trap and repellent crops in a push-pull system

A review in 2010 (Khan et al. 2010) described two studies that found significant control of stem borers (Lepidoptera) and purple witchweed Striga hermonthica when maize Zea mays was grown in a pull-pull system (Khan et al. 2000, the same study as Khan et al. 2001, and Khan et al. 2008a, summarised above). Napier grass Pennisetum purpureum margins acted as a trap crop for stem borers and greenleaf desmodium Desmodium intortum or silverleaf desmodium Desmodium uncinatum intercrops acted as weed- and pest-repellent plants. One study (Khan et al. 2008a) found that the push-pull system improved maize yields by approximately 2 t/ha/season compared to maize monocultures. The push-pull system also provided higher monetary benefits than maize monocultures (Khan et al. 2008b, summarised above, and De Groote et al. 2008).
Additional reference:
De Groote H., Vanlauwe B., Rutto E., Odhiambo G.D., Kanampiu F. & Khan Z.R. (2010) Economic analysis of different options in integrated pest and soil fertility management in maize systems of Western Kenya. Agricultural Economics, 41, 471-482