Influence of intercropping on the incidence of gram pod borer H. armigera (Hub.) and its natural enemies in chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment on influence of intercropping on the incidence of gram pod borer H. armigera (Hub.) and its natural enemies in chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) was conducted at Entomology Research Farm, PGI, MPKV, Rahuri during Rabi 2019-20. Eight treatments intercrop with gram viz. mustard, coriander, linseed, oat, lentil, pea, wheat, sorghum and one sole crop of gram were evaluated. The result revealed that the treatment T3 (Chickpea+ Coriander) had the lowest (2.38 larvae/mrl) population. The maximum population (6.43 larvae/mrl) was observed in treatment T1 Chickpea sole crop. The mean percent parasitization of C. chlorideae was best influenced by intercrops. The treatment T3 (Chickpea+ Coriander) had highest (26.7%) parasitization by C. chlorideae. Significant lowest pod damage (15.50%) was recorded in the treatment T2 (Chickpea + Mustard). Regarding the economics of the intercropping system, the treatment T3 (Chickpea + Coriander) was found superior. It recorded the highest net return of Rs.68344/hectare.