An Effective Intercropping Pattern Reducing the Incidence of Pepper Phyllosticta Leaf Blight in Capsicum Fields

Abstract

Abstract. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the most effective intercropping pattern of capsicum and maize/soybean to reduce the incidence of pepper phyllosticta leaf blight disease. The treatment combinations were P-mono, P2M1, P4M2, P6M2, P2S1, P4S2, P6M2, P4S1M1 And P6S1M1, (P, Pepper; M, Maize; S, Soybean; 1-6, number of rows of capsicum, maize or soybean per plot). The results showed that combination of C2M1, C4M2 and C6M2 reduced incidence of phyllosticta leaf blight, with the incidence rate from 25.0% to 29.1%, which were significantly over their counterpart mono capsicum treatment (incidence rate, 41.6%). The combination of C2M had the most drastic effect in reducing the disease on pepper. The incidence of the disease increased with increasing number of rows of capsicum in the intercrop combination. The combination of capsicum-soybean had no effect on the incidence of the disease. The disease index ranged from 3.9 % ~ 4.5% in pepper-maize, significantly lower than the other 6 treatments. The efficacy was ranged from 2.4% to 53% at the end of assessment, and the intercropping system of P2M1 achieved the highest efficacy (53%). The results signified that particular agro-ecological systems are effective approach in diseases control on pepper, and the proper intercropping pattern might decrease the input quantity of pesticides in capsicum planting systems.