Intercropping increases parasitism of pests

Z. R. Khan, K. Ampong-Nyarko, P. Chiliswa, A. Hassanali, S. Kimani, W. Lwande, W. A. Overholt, W. A. Overholt, J. A. Picketta (), L. E. Smart and C. M. Woodcock
Additional contact information
Z. R. Khan: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
K. Ampong-Nyarko: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
P. Chiliswa: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
A. Hassanali: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
S. Kimani: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
W. Lwande: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
W. A. Overholt: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
W. A. Overholt: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
J. A. Picketta: IACR-Rothamsted
L. E. Smart: IACR-Rothamsted
C. M. Woodcock: IACR-Rothamsted

Nature, 1997, vol. 388, issue 6643, 631-632

Abstract: Abstract As part of a programme for controlling lepidopteran stem-borers in cereal crops in Africa, we have investigated the effectiveness of combined cropping regimes of cultivatedand wild plants for reducing stem-borer damage. Intercropping with the non-host molasses grass, Melinis minutiflora, significantly decreased levels of infestation by stem-borers in the main crop and also increased larval parasitism of stem-borers by Cotesia sesamiae. Volatile agents produced by M. minutiflora repelled female stem-borers and attracted foraging female C. sesamiae. One of the volatile components released by intact M. minutiflora which attract parasitoids is also produced by herbivore-damaged plants and is implicated more widely as a cue for stimulating predation and parasitism.

Date: 1997
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DOI: 10.1038/41681

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