Compatibility of Intercropping with Mechanized Agriculture: Effects of Strip Intercropping of Pinto Beans and Sweet Corn on Insect Abundance in Colorado

Authors

J. L. Capinera, Colorado State University - Fort Collins
Thomas J. Weissling, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
E. E. Schweizer, Colorado State University - Fort Collins

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1985

Comments

Published in J. Econ. Entomol. 78: 354-357 (1985)

Abstract

The potential for management of insect pest densities by regulation of crop diversity through intercropping was examined in sweet corn and pinto beans. Insect abundance was monitored in corn and beans in alternating multiple-row patterns of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 rows. Insect responses to intercropping treatments were variable, with positive, negative, and neutral responses observed, depending on species of insect and crop. In some cases, insect abundance was affected by strip-intercropping widths of up to eight rows, suggesting that strip intercropping may be compatible with some types of mechanized agriculture.