Seed yield,head characteristics and oil content in sunflower varieties as influenced by seeds from single and multiple headed plants under humid tropical conditions

Field trials were conducted during 2004 and 2005 to determine the effect of sowing seeds from plants with multiple heads and seeds from single headed plants of sunflower on seed yield, head characteristics and oil content of three widely grown open pollinated varieties (Funtua, Record and Isaanka) in the humid forest—savanna transition zone which is outside the current growing areas with a view to improving stability and sunflower productivity in this region. Seeds from multiple headed plants produced plants that flowered and matured 2–3 days later than plants from single headed plants. Apart from days to flowering in 2004, number of days to maturity and plant height were affected independently by variety and seed source factors. However, the seeds from single headed plants produced plants that recorded significantly (P < 0.01) higher head weight, head diameter, achene weight and number per head than plants from seeds of plants with multiple heads. Seed source had little effect on sunflower seed yield and oil content. However, Funtua produced significantly (P < 0.05) high seed yield (1956.0 kg ha^?1 ± 76.06) when seeds from plants with multiple heads were sown, while Isaanka recorded comparatively high seed yield from seeds of plants from either multiple (1221.0 kg ha^?1 ± 165.90) or single heads (1388.0 kg ha^?1 ± 135.84) and Record (1201.0 kg ha^?1 ± 96.97) when seeds from single headed plants were sown. Therefore, it is recommended that prospective sunflower growers who wish to cultivate Isaanka, can sow seeds from either the multiple or single head and preferably the multiple head for Funtua, and single head for Record.     

Incidence and severity of foliar diseases of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) intercropped with maize (Zea mays L.)

This study evaluates the effects of different row arrangements on incidence and severity of Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) and Alternaria leaf blight (ALB) diseases and seed health of sesame intercropped with maize. Row arrangements were: sesame intercropped with maize in alternate pair of rows (2:2), two rows of sesame intercropped with one row of maize (2:1), sesame intercropped with maize in single alternate rows (1:1) with sole sesame as control. Intercropping maize with sesame reduced the incidence and severity of diseases. Sesame intercropped with maize in a (1:1) ration recorded a significantly lower number of infected leaves by CLS and ALB incidence than other row arrangements. ALB lesion number was between 17 and 20 in the (1:1) arrangement relative to 65–104 and 28–43 in the sole crop and other row arrangements, respectively. ALB lesion size was also reduced in the (1:1) than other row arrangements. Fungal infection of harvested sesame seeds was significantly reduced in the intercrop relative to the sole crop. CLS incidence was significant and negatively correlated with seed weight while defoliation was significant and positively correlated with ALB or CLS incidence. Rainfall was significant and positively correlated with CLS or ALB incidence while intercropping induced microclimatic effects that influenced disease incidence. Grain yield, weight of 1000-seed, number of capsules/plant and weight of seed/plant were significantly higher in the (1:1) row arrangement than the sole crop or other row arrangements. The study demonstrates that intercropping sesame with maize in a single alternate row (1:1) arrangement can be used to reduce foliar diseases of sesame.     

黄土塬区玉米大豆不同间作方式对产量和经济收益的影响及其机制

利用不同玉米品种(郑单958和豫玉22)和大豆品种(中黄24和中黄13)在单作和两种(2∶2和2∶4)间作方式下,研究品种、间作方式对间作系统产量和经济效益的影响,探讨其潜在的作用过程和机制,以期为旱区农业高产高效服务。实验结果表明:(1)两种间作方式的土地当量比(LER),相对拥挤系数(K)都高于单作,表明玉米、大豆在两种间作方式下较单作具有显著的间作优势,玉米间作相比单作增产显著。K、实际产量损失(AYL)、侵占力(A)和竞争比率(CR)的变化规律均表明在间作栽培条件下,玉米相对于大豆为竞争优势物种;郑单958相对于豫玉22,中黄24相对于中黄13均占有一定竞争优势。郑单958与中黄24以2∶4比例间作的间作优势(IA)及货币优势指数(MAI)值最高。(2)相比单作,间作种植模式下玉米的水分利用效率明显增加,而且玉米∶大豆以2∶4间作的水分利用效率显著高于2∶2。郑单958与中黄24在2∶4间作方式下的产量和经济效益都最高,适合在当地应用和推广。     

玉米与籽粒苋不同种植模式下植物生长及Cd累积特征

为实现Cd污染农田边生产边修复的目标,采用田间原位修复的方式,将玉米与籽粒苋在Cd污染农田中以5种不同的间作模式种植: 交替宽窄行玉米宽行间作单行籽粒苋(T₁)、交替宽窄行玉米宽行间作双行籽粒苋(T₂)、等行距双行玉米间作单行籽粒苋(T₃)、等行距双行玉米间作双行籽粒苋(T₄)、玉米/籽粒苋等4行距间作(T₅),并以玉米(CK₁)和籽粒苋(CK₂)单作种植作为对照,探究不同间作结构配置对作物与超富集植物生长及Cd累积特征的影响.结果表明: 1)与CK₁相比,各间作模式单株玉米的籽粒产量呈增加趋势;T₁间作模式玉米的籽粒产量较CK₁增加10.5%,T₄和T₅间作模式玉米的籽粒产量较CK₁分别减少6.3%和5.4%,T₂和T₃间作模式基本稳产;间作籽粒苋地上部单株生物量及单位面积产量较CK₂分别显著减少69.5%～95.7%和83.9%～96.9%. 2)各间作模式玉米籽粒Cd含量较CK₁呈减少趋势,而间作籽粒苋Cd含量较CK₂呈增加趋势. 3)与CK₂相比,各间作模式籽粒苋的富集系数、转运系数、有效转运系数均呈增加趋势;间作籽粒苋地上部Cd的单株及单位面积提取量较CK₂分别显著减少40.4%～86.7%和70.4%～88.9%;各间作模式玉米与籽粒苋地上部Cd的单位面积提取总量高于单作玉米,但低于单作籽粒苋. 4)各间作模式玉米根际土有效态Cd含量及籽粒苋根际土总Cd、有效态Cd含量分别较单作玉米及单作籽粒苋呈增加趋势,但对非根际土没有显著影响.本研究中,T₁间作模式有利于玉米籽粒产量的提高,T₅间作模式有利于籽粒苋Cd提取量的最大化.     

芝麻与花生间作对芝麻功能叶光合荧光特性的影响

为了明确芝麻与花生间作提高芝麻产量的光合机理,于2017—2018年设芝麻与花生3∶6间作(IC 3∶6)、2∶4间作(IC 2∶4)、芝麻单作(SS)、花生单作(SP) 4个处理,研究了间作对芝麻功能叶气体交换参数、光合-光强和光合-CO₂响应曲线、快速叶绿素荧光诱导动力学曲线的影响.结果表明:间作芝麻产量的偏土地当量比大于1/3;与单作芝麻相比,芝麻与花生间作提高了芝麻功能叶的光饱和点(I_sat)、光饱和时的净光合速率(P_{n max})、最大电子传递速率(J_max)、磷酸丙糖利用率(TPU)、Rubisco最大羧化速率(V_{c max});提高了单位面积吸收(ABS/CS_o)、捕获(TR_o/CS_o)和电子传递(ET_o/CS_o)的能量、反应中心的数目(RC/CS_m)和传递到PSⅠ末端的量子产额(RE_o/CS_o);降低了可变荧光F_k占F_j-F_o振幅的比例(W_k)和可变荧光F_j占F_p-F_o振幅的比例(V_j),提高了PSⅡ反应中心捕获光能转化为电能的效率(Ψ_o)、PSⅡ将电子传递到PSⅠ受体侧末端的效率(Ψ_Ro)、电子传递链的电子传递效率(δ_R)、PSⅠ光化学活性(ΔI/I_o)和光系统间协调性(Φ_PSⅠ/PSⅡ).IC 3∶6下芝麻功能叶的净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(g_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、P_{n max}、J_max、V_{c max}、TPU、Ψ_o、Ψ_Ro和δ_R均高于IC 2∶4,其中P_n、g_s和T_r差异显著.这说明间作芝麻具有明显产量间作优势关键在于间作能促进其功能叶对光能的吸收、传递与转化,提高电子传递链性能,增强PSⅠ、PSⅡ性能和两者间协调性及CO₂羧化固定能力,从而提高净光合速率,其中IC 3∶6优于IC 2∶4.     

不同基因型玉米间作对叶片衰老、籽粒产量和品质的影响

 采用大田试验, 研究了不同基因型玉米(Zea mays)间作对叶片衰老、籽粒产量和品质的影响。结果表明, ‘豫玉19’(YY19)与‘周单 041’(ZD041)、‘郑单958’(ZD958)与‘鲁单981’(LD981)间作, 可提高叶片超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活 性, 降低丙二醛(MDA)含量, 延缓叶片衰老。具体表现为, 在吐丝后10 d, 4个玉米品种叶片中的SOD和POD活性均有所提高或显著提高, ZD041和 ZD958叶片中的CAT活性提高或显著提高, YY19和LD981变化不显著; 4个玉米品种叶片中的MDA含量降低。在吐丝后40 d, SOD和POD活性及MDA含 量的变化与吐丝后10 d基本一致, CAT活性均有所提高, 其中以YY19较为显著。研究还表明, 间作增加了复合群体产量, 土地当量比(Land equivalent ratio, LER)均大于1, 籽粒品质也有所改善。     

Nitrogen Fixation of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Interacting with a Non-legume in Two Contrasting Intercropping Systems

A field experiment was carried out to quantify biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) using the ¹⁵N isotope natural abundance method in maize (Zea mays L.)/faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/faba bean intercropping systems. Faba bean was yielding more in the maize/faba bean intercropping, but not in the wheat/faba bean intercropping. Biomass, grain yield and N acquisition of faba bean were significantly increased when intercropped with maize, and decreased significantly with wheat, irrespective of N-fertilizer application, indicating that the legume could gain or lose productivity in an intercropping situation. There was yield advantage of maize/faba bean intercropping, but no in wheat/faba bean intercropping. The grain yield of the faba bean intercropped with maize was greater than that of faba bean monoculture due to increases of the stems per plant and the pods per stem of faba bean. N fertilization inhibited N fixation of faba bean in maize/faba bean and wheat/faba bean intercropping and faba bean monoculture. The responses of different cropping systems to N-fertilizer application, however, were not identical, with competitive intercropping (wheat/faba bean) being more sensitive than facilitative intercropping (maize/faba bean). Intercropping increased the percentage of N derived from air (%Ndfa) of the wheat/faba bean system, but not that of the maize/faba bean system when no N fertilizer was applied. When receiving 120 kg N/ha, however, intercropping did not significantly increase %Ndfa either in the wheat/faba bean system or in the maize/faba bean system in comparison with faba bean in monoculture. The amount of shoot N derived from air (Ndfa), however, increased significantly when intercropped with maize, irrespective of N-fertilizer application. Ndfa decreased when intercropped with wheat, albeit not significantly at 120 kg N/ha. Ndfa was correlated more closely with dry matter yield, grain yield and competitive ratio, than with %Ndfa. This indicates that that total dry matter yield (sink strength), not %Ndfa, was more critical for the legume to increase Ndfa. The results suggested that N fixation could be improved by yield maximization in an intercropping system.     

留茬方式对小麦间作玉米产量和水分利用效率的影响

小麦/玉米间作是河西绿洲灌区主要间作模式,但传统间作和套种需水量大,使该地区水资源紧张.2010年在甘肃河西走廊石羊河绿洲灌区进行大田试验,研究传统小麦秸秆焚烧、秸秆翻还和秸秆立茬3种留茬方式对小麦/玉米间作作物籽粒产量、水分利用效率(WUE)和经济效益的影响.结果表明： 与焚烧和翻还的籽粒产量相比,立茬小麦单作分别增加7.2%和5.1%,立茬小麦间作分别增加6.2%和5.1%,立茬玉米单作分别增加4.7%和2.5%,立茬玉米间作分别增加7.2%和3.3%;与焚烧和翻还的WUE相比,立茬小麦单作分别增加20.4%和16.2%,立茬小麦间作分别增加17.9%和14.6%,立茬玉米单作分别增加16.7%和10.9%,立茬玉米间作分别增加11.8%和17.0%.就单作小麦、单作玉米和小麦/玉米平均值而言,焚烧、翻还、立茬处理的纯收益分别为10946、11471和13454元·hm^-2.从籽粒产量、水分利用效率和纯收益等方面考虑,立茬种植方式为甘肃省河西绿洲灌区小麦/玉米最佳种植模式.     

向日葵籽实产量预测数学模型的研究

根据2年10个点次的田间试验结果建立了由数粒法、盘重法和盘径法预测向日葵籽实产量的回归数学模型,并根据1994年4个点次的产量实测结果对各模型的可靠性进行了验证．结果表明,三种方法建立的模型均有效、可靠．但在我国向日葵科研和生产实践中,以盘径法最为实用,建议推广应用．     

Interspecific complementary and competitive interactions between intercropped maize and faba bean

Interspecific complementary and competitive interactions between maize (Zea mays L. cv. Zhongdan No. 2) and faba bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Linxia Dacaidou) in maize/faba bean intercropping systems were assessed in two field experiments in Gansu province, northwestern China, plus a microplot experiment in one treatment of one of the field experiments in which root system partitions were used to determine interspecific root interactions. Intercropping effects were detected, with land equivalent ratio values of 1.21–1.23 based on total (grain+straw) yield and 1.13–1.34 based on grain yield. When two rows of maize were intercropped with two rows of faba bean, both total yield and grain yield of both crop species were significantly higher than those of sole maize and faba bean on an equivalent area basis. When two rows of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Beijing No. 5) were intercropped with two rows of faba bean, neither total yield nor grain yield of faba bean was higher than of sole faba bean on an equivalent area basis. Interspecific competition between maize and faba bean was relatively weak, with mean relative crowding coefficients of 0.99–1.02 for maize and 1.55–1.59 for faba bean. The microplot experiment in which partitions were placed between root systems showed a significant positive yield effect on maize when the root systems intermingled freely (no partition) or partly (400 mesh nylon net partition) compared with no interspecific root interaction (plastic sheet partition). This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Maize grain concentrations and above-ground shoot acquisition of micronutrients as affected by intercropping with turnip, faba bean, chickpea, and soybean

Most research on micronutrients in maize has focused on maize grown as a monocrop. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intercropping on the concentrations of micronutrients in maize grain and their acquisition via the shoot. We conducted field experiments to investigate the effects of intercropping with turnip (Brassica campestris L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and soybean (Glycine max L.) on the iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the grain and their acquisition via the above-ground shoots of maize (Zea mays L.). Compared with monocropped maize grain, the grain of maize intercropped with legumes showed lower concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn and lower values of their corresponding harvest indexes. The micronutrient concentrations and harvest indexes in grain of maize intercropped with turnip were the same as those in monocropped maize grain. Intercropping stimulated the above-ground maize shoot acquisition of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn, when averaged over different phosphorus (P) application rates. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of intercropping on micronutrient concentrations in maize grain and on micronutrients acquisition via maize shoots (straw+grain). The maize grain Fe and Cu concentrations, but not Mn and Zn concentrations, were negatively correlated with maize grain yields. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in maize grain were positively correlated with their corresponding harvest indexes. The decreased Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations in grain of maize intercropped with legumes were attributed to reduced translocation of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn from vegetative tissues to grains. This may also be related to the delayed senescence of maize plants intercropped with legumes. We conclude that turnip/maize intercropping is beneficial to obtain high maize grain yield without decreased concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the grain. Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms underlying the changes in micronutrient concentrations in grain of intercropped maize.     

供肥对小麦间作蚕豆群体产量及根系的调控

利用田间,池栽,盆栽等方法,对不同N,P水平下小麦间作蚕豆群体根系的时空分布及产量效应进行了研究。结果表明,供P对小麦-蚕豆间作系统有明显的增产作用,与不供P相比,田间试验中供P处理间作小麦和蚕豆分别提高了48.39%和16.69%,池栽试验中群体产量增产幅度为20.07%-43.14%。间作蚕豆经济产量增幅为58.46%-78.78%,小麦间作蚕豆多作系统2种作物根密度生长高峰期交错出现,小麦的峰值出现早于蚕豆,其中,小麦和蚕豆根干重最大值分别出现在抽穗期和成熟期,而根长的最大值分别出现在拔节期和成熟期,这在一定程度上减轻了共生期2种作物对水肥的竞争,也是此群体增产增效的原因之一,施P处理间作小麦的根重,根长和根表面积分别比不施P处理提高54.33%,48.88%和47.00%;施N处理间作小麦的根重,根长和根表面积分别比不施N的增加15.25%,11.61%和11.46%。间作小麦根重的57.61%和蚕豆的69.20%分布在0-30cm土层,随施P水平的提高,总根干重及根密度都趋于增加,且深层土壤中根系增加明显。     

玉米/花生间作行比和施磷对玉米光合特性的影响

试验于2014—2015年设玉米/花生间作2∶2(R₁)、2∶4(R₂)和2∶8(R₃)三种间作模式,研究了间作行比和施磷对玉米冠层光照日变化、功能叶的SPAD值、光合-光强响应曲线和光合-CO₂响应曲线的影响,以探究间作玉米适应强光的光合机理.结果表明: 间作玉米冠层日均光照表现为R₃>R₂>R₁;大口期至灌浆期,间作玉米穗位叶的SPAD值、表观量子效率(AQY)、光补偿点(LCP)、光饱和点(LSP)、光饱和时的最大净光合速率(LSP_n)、羧化效率(CE)、最大电子传递速率(J_max)、磷酸丙糖利用率(TPU)、气孔导度(g_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)和净光合速率(P_n)均表现为R₃>R₂>R₁,胞间CO₂浓度(C_i) 则为R₁>R₂>R₃;蜡熟期R₃间作玉米的AQY、LSP_n、g_s、CE、J_max和TPU均低于R₂间作玉米;施磷能提高AQY、LSP_n、CE、V_{c max}、J_max和TPU等光合参数.这说明间作玉米g_s、AQY、CE、V_{c max}、J_max和TPU随着光强增加逐渐提高是其增强利用强光能力的关键,但超过一定光强易早衰,施磷肥有助于增强玉米对强光的利用和延缓叶片衰老.     

多子房性状应用于杂种小麦的研究——Ⅱ．多子房小麦的杂种优势与利用

利用3个多子房小麦与8个普通小麦品种杂交后获得的24个杂种及其相应的亲本材料,对多子房小麦的杂种优势与利用进行了研究。结果表明,F1各性状的杂种优势依次为株高＞穗粒数＞单株产量＞千粒重。单株产量有较强的杂种优势,18个组合超双亲均值,平均均产32．71％,12个组合有超标正优势,幅度为3．41－42．84％。多子房小麦杂种优势的主要表现是穗粒数增多,其生产应用还应注意加强对子房小麦其它农艺性状的改良。     

甘蔗—大豆间作对大豆鲜荚产量和农艺性状的影响

为探讨甘蔗-大豆间作模式对大豆鲜荚产量和农艺性状的影响,于2009—2011年连续3年在广州市华南农业大学农场进行大田试验,试验设置2种施氮水平(常规施氮(525kg·hm-2)和减量施氮(300kg·hm-2))和3种种植模式(甘蔗-大豆(1∶1)、甘蔗-大豆(1∶2)、单作大豆)。结果表明:甘蔗-大豆间作(1∶2)模式下,2009年减量施氮水平的大豆鲜荚产量较常规施氮水平提高了33%,2010和2011年不同施氮水平间均无显著差异;甘蔗-大豆间作模式对大豆的单株鲜荚重、多粒荚数和百粒鲜重无显著影响;大豆单株鲜荚重与多粒荚数在不同种植模式下均呈显著相关(P<0.05),在常规施氮间作模式下与大豆单株荚数呈显著相关(P<0.05)。甘蔗-大豆间作没有降低大豆的单株鲜荚产量,也没有对大豆的农艺性状产生负面影响,从增产增收、提高土地生产力来考虑,减量施氮模式下甘蔗-大豆间作具有一定的可行性。     

Grain Yield in Two Contrasting Varieties of Spring Wheat

To investigate factors determining grain yield in spring wheattwo contrasting varieties of high (Jufy I) and low (Peko) yieldingcapacity were grown in field and glasshouse experiments. In a field trial Jufy I yielded approximately 14 per cent moregrain than Peko on both control and nitrogen-treated plots.In another field trial employing small plots, although for bothvarieties doubling the seed-rate did not affect grain yield,the two varieties differed in their response to the increasein density. In Peko the yield level remained unaffected becausedoubling the seed-rate halved the number of fertile tillersper plant, whereas for Jufy I in addition to a shift in tillernumber per plant there were changes in the number of grainsper ear. In both varieties the weight per seed remained constant. When the two varieties were grown alone or as a 1: 1 mixtureat the same seed-rate the grain yields were similar. In themixture, Peko, compared with Jufy I, produced a greater numberof fertile tillers and consequently a greater contribution tothe total grain yield. In glasshouse experiments the grain yield per tiller and theorder of leaf area duration per tiller for the period from earemergence to grain ripening were both higher for Jufy I. Onthe other hand, there was no varietal difference for the netassimilation rate estimated during the vegetative phase, butexcluding the roots. Additional nitrogen primarily stimulated tiller production inboth varieties. Shading either the upper or lower parts of the plant demonstratedthat the ear and flag leaf and its sheath are important sourcesof assimilates for grain formation, whereas the lower partsare relatively unimportant in this respect. There were indicationsthat the response between varieties differed.     

Effects of intercropping sugarcane and soybean on growth, rhizosphere soil microbes, nitrogen and phosphorus availability

The effects of sugarcane plantation intercropped with soybean on plant growth, yield, enzyme activity, nitrogen and phosphorus contents, the microbe quantity of rhizosphere soil were investigated. Results showed that dry weight of biomass and yield under sugarcane/soybean intercropping were increased by 35.44 and 30.57 % for sugarcane, and decreased by 16.12 and 9.53 % (100-grain weight) for soybean, respectively. The nitrogenase activity of intercropping soybean nodule was significantly increased by 57.4 % as compared with that in monoculture models. The urease activities of intercrops sugarcane and soybean were promoted by 89 and 81 % as compared to that of the monoculture models, respectively. The effective nitrogen and phosphorus contents of rhizospheric soil of intercrops sugarcane and soybean were increased by 66 and 311.7 %, respectively, as compared to those in the monoculture system. Microbe number of rhizosphere soil in the intercropping pattern increased significantly as compared to those in the monoculture models. The quantities of bacteria, fungi, and actinomyces increased by 42.62, 14.5 and 78.5 % in the intercropping sugarcane, while the intercropping soybean increased by 188, 183 and 73 %, respectively. Therefore, growing sugarcanes in combination with soybean can be considered a good agriculture management practice, helping to promote plant growth, yield and increase soil nutrients.     

Reduction of insect pest attack on sorghum and cowpea by intercropping

Two experiments to establish the relationship between insect suppression by intercropping and grain yield in sorghum and cowpea were conducted under field conditions. Treatments consisted of monocrops and intercrops of sorghum and cowpea and an additional pair of monocultures and mixtures protected by insecticides. Intercropping reduced the numbers of stem borer,Chilo partellus in sorghum and thrips,Megalurothrips sjostedti in cowpea. In the monocropped, unprotected sorghum, yield was reduced by 28% compared to the protected monocrop, while reduction in the unprotected intercropped sorghum was 15% compared to the protected intercrop. Similarly, in the unprotected cowpea, monocrop yield was reduced by 94% and intercrop yield was reduced by 51%. Thus, there are yield advantages under conditions where intercropping reduces insect pest density. Intercropping can form a component of an integrated pest management programme.     

Yields and accumulations of N and P in farmer-managed intercrops of maize–pigeonpea in semi-arid Africa

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple food in Sub-Saharan Africa but low soil fertility, limited resources and droughts keep yields low. Cultivation of maize intercropped with pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) is common in some areas of eastern and southern Africa. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate dry matter, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) accumulation in different plant components of maize–pigeonpea intercropping systems and (2) to report the effects of the intercrops on soil fertility. Maize–pigeonpea intercrops were compared to sole maize grown using farmersȁ9 practices. Intercropping maize and pigeonpea increased (P < 0.05) total system yield compared to sole maize in terms of biomass, N and P accumulation. Pigeonpea planted in maize did not reduce (P < 0.05) the accumulation of dry matter, N nor P in the maize grain. The harvest indices of maize, calculated on basis dry matter, N or P did not differ either (P < 0.05). Total soil C and N contents and inorganic N content, nitrate and ammonium, were not affected by two seasons of maize–pigeonpea intercropping compared to sole maize (P > 0.11). Nitrate and ammonium levels in soil were still not affected by the treatments after the soils were incubated in anaerobic conditions for 8 days at 37°C (P > 0.11). However, pigeonpea added up to 60 kg of N ha⁻¹ to the system and accumulated up to 6 kg of P ha⁻¹ and only 25% of this N and P were exported in the grain. In conclusion, beside the added grain yield of pigeonpea in the intercropped systems, pigeonpea increased the recirculation of dry matter, N and P, which may have a long-term effect on soil fertility. Furthermore, the stems from pigeonpea contributed to household fuel wood consumption. The intercropped system thus had multiple benefits that gave significant increase in combined yield per unit area without additional labour requirements. The main requirement in order to up-scale the maize–pigeonpea intercropping approach is sufficient supply of high-quality pigeonpea seeds.     

Combining intercropping with semiochemical releases: optimization of alternative control of Sitobion avenae in wheat crops in China

Overreliance on pesticides has large environmental and human health costs that compel researchers and farmers to seek alternative management tactics for crop pests. For insect pests, increasing crop species diversity via intercropping and using semiochemicals to alter local arthropod populations have separately proven effective at reducing pest densities. Here, we combine these two tactics in an effort to gain better control of Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the English grain aphid, a major pest of cereal production worldwide. We conducted field experiments over 2 years testing the effectiveness of combining intercropping of wheat and oilseed rape with release of methyl salicylate (MeSA). We found that maximum and mean aphid densities were highest in wheat monocultures, significantly lower in intercropped plots and MeSA plots, and lowest when intercropping and MeSA release were combined by obtaining highest densities of predatory lady beetles and parasitoids rates. Importantly, grain yield and quality showed a similar pattern: they were highest for combined intercropped/MeSA plots, intermediate in plots with intercropping or MeSA alone, and lowest in control monoculture plots. Our results suggest that combining these two tactics holds significant promise for improved management of aphid populations and emphasize the need to integrate alternative pest control approaches to optimize sustainable insect pest management.