The infestation of Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae) by Aphis fabae (Scop.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) under the influence of Lamiaceae (Ocimum basilicum L. and Satureja hortensis L.)

Abstract

AbtractThe system Vicia faba-Aphis fabae fabae was studied under the influence of Ocimum basilicum (basil) and Satureja hortensis, in a wind tunnel, in the greenhouse and in field experiments. In the wind tunnel at 20°C both Lamiaceae were deterrent for A. fabae, and S. hortensis proved to be more deterrent than O. basilicum. In experiments in the greenhouse at low temperatures (average minimum 14.6°C, average maximum 24.1°C), A. fabae colonised first and significantly more intense Vicia fabae (field beans) not surrounded by O. basilicum or S. hortensis. At high temperatures (average minimum 18.0°C, average maximum 38.5°C) this relation was inverted: Vicia faba surrounded by the two Lamiaceae were preferred for colonisation (Ocimum basilicum significantly). It showed that pots with Lamiaceae were no obstacle for the aphids to reach Vicia faba. In strip cropping in the field, the repellent effect of Ocimum basilicum proved to be stronger than of Satureja hortensis. In 2002 there was observed only a tendency of lower aphid attack of field beans intercropped with Lamiaceae, while in 2004 and 2005 the infestation of Vicia faba by Aphis fabae was significantly lower in plots intercropped with basil. In plots with Satureja hortensis as intercrop, Vicia faba were significantly lower infested, after 3 weeks. The differences between the results of the wind tunnel/greenhouse at low temperatures, and the field experiments concerning the deterrence by Satureja hortensis cannot be explained. But basing on our results with Ocimum basilicum and those published by other authors, it is recommended to follow up intercropping, after a sincere analysis in every case, in favour of agronomists.

Intercropping With Aromatic Plants Decreases Herbivore Abundance, Species Richness, and Shifts Arthropod Community Trophic Structure

“…This hypothesis has been supported by studies conducted by Khan et al (2000) and Schader et al (2005). In addition, Basedow et al (2006) found that intercropping Vicia faba L. with Ocimum basilicum L. or Saturela hortensis L. signiÞcantly reduced the adult population of the sugar beet aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli. A study by Lai et al (2011) showed that intercropping tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) with garlic (Allium sativum L.) signiÞcantly reduced the abundance of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and the appearance of the aphids was delayed for Ϸ7 d. Regarding the natural enemies hypothesisÑthe decline of herbivores resulting from an increase in predator abundances and species richness may be explained by their attraction to the intercropped aromatic plants.…”

“…The observed decline in herbivore abundance may be in part driven by the chemical repellent effect as a result of intercropping with aromatic plants, as has been demonstrated previously in a range of systems (Khan et al 2000, Schader et al 2005, Basedow et al 2006, Jankowska et al 2009). In addition, we propose that the decline of herbivore abundance and species richness was also importantly regulated by an increase in predator abundance and richness, given the strong negative correlations between herbivore-predator abundances.…”

Effects of intercropping with aromatic plants on the diversity and structure of an arthropod community in a pear orchard

“…In our study, Psylla chinensis, Pseudococcus comstocki Kuwana, and aphids were found to be the main pests that were present in the largest numbers and caused severe damage to local pear trees. Intercropping Vicia faba L. with Ocimum basilicum or Saturela hortensis significantly reduced the adult population of the sugar beet aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli (Basedow et al 2006). The changes of the arthropod community may be explained on the basis of several effects.…”

Combining Repellent and Attractive Aromatic Plants to Enhance Biological Control of Three Tortricid Species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in an Apple Orchard

“…Moreover, aromatic plants may interfere with the ability of herbivores to locate a host for oviposition (Xu et al 2005). Intercropping Vicia faba L. with Ocimum basilicum or Saturela hortensis, for example, significantly reduced the adult population of the sugar beet aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli (Basedow et al 2006). In addition, Khan (2006) showed that Desmodium uncinatum intercropped in a maize field significantly reduced stem borer infestations by releasing specific volatiles.…”