Journal of Entomology1812-56701812-5689Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/je.2008.262.269NderituJ. KasinaM. MalengeF. 4200854A field experiment was carried out in 2003 and 2004
to evaluate border-cropping system as a strategy for management of aphids
infesting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). Four crops
used as border crops; maize (Zea mays L.), Sorghum (Sorghum
bicolour (L.) Moench) pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan (L.) Milisp.)
and millet (Pennissetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) were planted 14 days
prior to okra sowing, providing a protection perimeter around the whole
plot. The number of live and parasitized aphids was monitored in situ
on randomly selected leaves of okra in each plot for ten weeks. This was
also done weekly on pods of randomly selected okra plants per plot for
seven weeks after their formation. The number of aphids in okra leaves
was significantly (p<0.05) different among the treatments during the
two seasons. The plots bordered by pigeon peas and maize had lowest and
highest mean aphid population among the border crops respectively. However,
maize bordered plots recorded the highest number of parasitized aphids
in both seasons. In all the treatments, there was no significant difference
(p>0.05) in the yield of okra. This study concludes that some border
crops have potential use in aphid management in okra crop and can be used
in combination with border spraying in an integrated pest management strategy
to maintain the pest below economic damage. In addition, such a system
would lower insecticide sprays in a season, reduce cost of production
and improve farm profits. The strategy is also friendly to the environment.]]>Aluja, M., A. Jimenez, M. Camino, J. Pinero, L. Aldana, V. Caserjon and M.E. Valdes,19979015671576Anonymous,20072007Boucher, T.J. and R.A. Ashley,20012001Boucher, T.J.,20032003Boucher, T.J. and R. Durgy,20032003Boucher, T.J., R. Ashley, R. Durgy, M. Sciabarrasi and W. Calderwood,200396420432Boucher, T.J. and R. Durgy,20042004Brewer, G.J. and G. Schmidt,199510184187Hokkanen, H.M.T.,199136119136Hooks, C.R.R. and A. Fereres,2006120116Idris, A.B., M.N.M. Roff, S.G. Fatimah, L.W. Hong and S.S. Sastroutomo et al.,1999Aphis gossypii Glover predators.]]>1999Kibaru,2004Solanum tuberosum in Tigoni, Central Kenya.]]>2004Michanec, J.,20032003Mitchell, E.R., G. Hu and D. Johanowicz,200035875879Pest Control and Products Board,20042004Seif, A.,20022002Shelton, A.M. and -F.R. Badenes-Perez,200651285308Wang, A.U., Y. Zheng, Y.Y. Hai, Y.Z. Wang and Y.W. Yue,1998241315Yu, S.J.,199386680683