Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Piper guineensis Extract in Maize-soybean, Maize-okra Intercropping Systems: Its Role in Mitigating Maize (Zea mays) Pests and Boosting Soil Fertility

Received: 22 February 2024     Accepted: 12 March 2024     Published: 12 November 2024
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple grown worldwide including Cameroon, for its carbohydrate rich grains in addition to minerals and vitamins, therefore providing food for human consumption, and fodder for livestock. Production in Cameroon especially Buea which is the main hub is constraint by several factors among them, pests including the Fall Army Worm (FAW), Snail (Limicolaria sp.) and soil infertility are of high importance. The use of botanicals has been successful in mitigating pests on crops while intercropping economic crops with legumes increases soil fertility. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the efficacy of extract of Piper guineense on maize-okra, and maize-soybean intercropped on the incidence and severity of these pests and soil primary macronutrients. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with six treatments replicated three times at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea. FAW, snail incidence and severity, maize grain weight, and soil primary macronutrients were recorded. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis (P< 0.05). FAW and snail incidence and severity differed significantly (P<0.05). FAW incidence was highest in the control (69.2%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (21.8%) while snail was highest in control (62.8%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (15.4%). The severity of fall armyworm was highest in control (41.3%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (12.7%), while that of snail was highest in control (18%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (4.3%). The maize grain yield differed significantly (P<0.05), with the highest in Maize + soybean + Piper (5.2 t/ha) and lowest in Maize + okra (2.8 t/ha). Total nitrogen differed significantly with the highest in Maize + soybean + Piper (0.19%) and lowest in Maize + okra (0.13%). Maize yield was positively correlated with total nitrogen (r = 0.77) and negatively correlated with maize pests (r = -0.73 for FAW, r = -0.76 for snail). Thus maize-soybean intercropping using Piper as insecticide is of high importance and a good sustainable alternative to synthetic inputs for maize pest control, optimizing primary macronutrient and maize yield.

Published in Journal of Plant Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 6)
DOI 10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14
Page(s) 199-211
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Fall Armyworm, Snail, Nitrogen Fixation, Secondary Metabolites, Total Nitrogen

References
[1] Epule, E. T., and Bryant, R. C. (2015). Maize Production Responsiveness to Land Use Change and Climate Trends in Cameroon. Sustainability, 7, 384-397.
[2] Gunes, A., Inal, A., Alpaslan, M., Eraslan, F., BagcI, G. E., and Cicek, N. (2007). “Salicylic acid induced changes on some physiological parameters symptomatic for oxidative stress and mineral nutrition in maize (Zea mays L.) grown under salinity,” Journal of Plant Physiology, 164(6), 728–736.
[3] Tavares, S. W., Costa, A. M., Cruz, I., Silveira, D. R., Serrão, E. J., and Zanuncio, J. C. (2010). “Selective effects of natural and synthetic insecticides on mortality of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its predator Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),” Journal of Environmental Science and Health, 45(6), 557–561.
[4] Stokstad, E. (2017) “New crop pest takes Africa at lightning speed,” Science, 356(6337), 473-474.
[5] Dhaliwal, G. S., Jindal, V., Dhawan, A. K. (2010). Insect pest problems and crop losses: Changing trends. Indian Journal of Ecology, 37, 1–7.
[6] Yengoh, G. and Ardo, J. (2014) Crop Yield Gaps in Cameroon. AMBIO A Journal of the Human Environment, 43, 175-190.
[7] Day, R., Abrahams, P., Batemanet al. (2017). “Fall armyworm: impacts and implications for Africa.” Outlooks on Pest Management, 28(5), 196–201.
[8] Tindo, M., Tagne, A., Tigui, A., Kengni, F., Atanga, J., Bila, S., Doumtsop, A., & Abega, R. 2017. First report of the fall army worm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in Cameroon. Journal of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, 25, 30–32.
[9] Kumela, T., Simiyu, J., Sisay, B., Likhayo, P., Mendesil, E., Gohole, L., Tefera, T. (2019). Farmers’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Management Practices of the New Invasive Pest, Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Ethiopia and Kenya. International Journal of Pest Management, 65, 1–9.
[10] Midega, O. A. C., Pittchar, O. J., Pickett, A. J., Hailu, W. G., and Z. R. Khan, R. Z. (2018). “A climate-adapted push-pull system effectively controls fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), in maize in East Africa,” Crop Protection, 105, 10–15.
[11] Tanyi C. B., Nkongho R. N., Okolle J. N., Tening A. S., Ngosong C. (2020). Effect of Intercropping Beans with Maize and Botanical Extract on Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infestation. International Journal of Agronomy; 4618190.
[12] Cynthia, N-L, Ph.D. (2017). Managing slugs, snails, and flatworms in home gardens reduces the risk of rat lungworm infection.
[13] Pretty, J., Bharucha, P. Z. (2015). Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in Asia and Africa. Insects, 6, 152–182.
[14] Aman, S., Bhuvnesh, Y., Shipra, R., Baljeet, Y. (2018). Cypermethrin Toxicity: A Review. Journal of Forensic Science and Criminological Investigation, 9, 555–767.
[15] Agbor, D. T., Acha, D. A, Eboh, K. S.., Morara, C. N., Dohnji, J. D.., Teche, L. M., Nkongho, R. N. (2022a). Impact of Natural and Hand-Assisted Pollination on Cucumber Fruit and Seed Yield. International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research, 9(2), 76-86.
[16] Agbor, D. T., OBEN, T. T., Afoh, L. T., Eboh, K. S, Kum, Y. F., Fon, C. T., Dohnji, J. D. (2022b). Comparative study of botanicals and synthetic insecticide on the control of insect pests and diseases of cowpea. International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, 8(2), 368-387.
[17] Afrin, S., Latif, A., Banu, A. M. N., Kabir, M. M. M., Haque, S. S., Ahmed, E., Tonnu, N. N., Ali, P. M. (2017). Intercropping empowder reduces insect pest and increases biodiversity in agro-Ecosystem. Agricultural Science, 8, 1120–1134.
[18] Belel, D. M., Halim, A. R., Rafi, Y. M., Saud, M. H. (2014). Intercropping of Corn with Some Selected Legumes for Improved Forage Production: A Review. Journal of Agricultural Science, 6(3), 48-56.
[19] Tanyi, B. C., Ngosong, C., and Ntonifor, N. N. (2017). Comparative Effects of Piper guineenseEmulsion and Cabbage-Tomato Intercropping for Controlling Cabbage Pests and Improving Performance. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 13(4), 1-12.
[20] Singh, A., Wolfgang, W. W., Rachid, H., Raissa, H., Sharon, E. Z. (2017). Reduce pests, enhance production: Benefits of intercropping at high densities for okra farmers in Cameroon. Pest Management Science, 73, 2017–2027.
[21] Chen, P., Du, Q., Liu, X., Zhou, L., Hussain, S., Lei, L., Yang, F. (2017). Effects of reduced nitrogen inputs on crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency in a long-term maize-soybean relay strip intercropping system. PloS ONE, 12, e0184503.
[22] Iqbal, N., Hussain, S., Ahmed, Z., FYang, F., Wang, X., Liu, W., Yong, T., Du, J., Shu, K., Yang, W.,& Liu, J. (2019). Comparative analysis of maize–soybean strip intercropping systems: a review, Plant Production Science, 22, 2, 131-142,
[23] Abiyot, A., Getachew, A., Tesfaye, F. (2021). "Nodulation, Growth, and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) as Affected by Bio-, Organic, and Inorganic NPSB Fertilizers, and Lime in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia", International Journal of Agronomy, ArticleID 1285809.
[24] Ananthi T, Mohamed AM, Abdel RM, and Said AT. (2017). A Review On Maize- Legume Intercropping for Enhancing the Productivity and Soil Fertility for Sustainable Agriculture in India. Advances in Environmental Biology, 9(7), 160-170.
[25] Martins, da C. E., Almeida, R. P. R., Soares, de C. T., Vicentin, R. P., Balsanelli, E., Maltempi, de S. E., Lebbe, L., Willems, A., de Souza, M. F. M. (2020). Efficient Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Isolated from Soybean Nodules in the Semi-arid Region of Northeast Brazil are Classified asBradyrhizobium brasilense (Symbiovar Sojae). Current Microbiology 77, 1746–1755.
[26] Njume, A. C., Ngosong, C., Sumbele, A. S., Aslan, A., Tening, S. A., Krah, Y. C., Blair Moses Kamanga, M. B., Denih, A., and Okolle, J. N. (2021). Different controlling methods of fall armyworm (Spodopterafrugiperda) in maize farms of small-scale producers in Cameroon. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. Conference Sereries: Earth Environ. Sciences, 911 012053.
[27] Degri, M. M., Mailafiya, D. M., and Mshelia, J. S. (2014). Effect of Intercropping Pattern on Stem Borer Infestation in Pearl Millet (PennisetumglaucumL.) Grown in the Nigerian Sudan Savannah. Advances in Entomology, 2: 81-86.
[28] Ndakidemi, B., Mtei, K., and Ndakidemi, A. P. (2016) “Impacts of synthetic and botanical pesticides on beneficial insects,” Agricultural Sciences, 7(6): 364–372.
[29] Pouokam, B. G., Album, L. W., Ndikontar, S. A., and Mohamed El Hady Sidatt, El H. M. (2017). A Pilot Study in Cameroon to Understand Safe Uses of Pesticides in Agriculture, Risk Factors for Farmers’ Exposure and Management of Accidental Cases. Toxic, 112-121.
[30] Anyanwu, C. U., and Nwosu, G. C. (2014). Assessment of antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Piper guineense leaves. Journal of Medicinal Research, 8(10), 337–439.
[31] Dimetry, Z. N. (2012). Prospects of botanical pesticides for the future in integrated pest management programmes (IPM) with special reference to neem uses in Egypt. Phytosanitary and Plant Protection, 45: 1138-1161.
[32] Stankovic, S., Kostic, M., Kostic, I., Krnjajic, S. (2020). Practical Approaches to Pest Control: The Use of Natural Compounds. In Pests, Weeds and Diseases in Agricultural Crop and Animal Husbandry Production; IntechOpen: London, UK.
[33] Barry, B. R., Ngakou, A., Nukenine, E. N. (2017). Pesticidal Activity of Plant Extracts and a Mycoinsecticide (Metarhrizium anisopliae) on Cowpea flower Thrips and Leaves Damages in the Field. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 18(2), 1-15.
[34] Manga, V. E., Agyingi, C. M., Suh, C. E. (2014). Trace element soil quality status of Mt. Cameroon soils. Advances in Geology, 8(8), 94-103.
[35] Fomenky, N. N., Tening., A. S., Mbene, K. (2017). Physiochemical properties of soils and some water sources on the Western Flank of Mount Cameroon. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 11(5), pp. 219-236.
[36] Anjorin, S. T., Jolaoso, M. A., Golu., M. T. (2013). A Survey of incidence and severity of pests and diseases of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Abuja, Nigeria. American Journal of Research Communication, 1(11): 333-349.
[37] Kalra, Y. P., Maynard, D. G. (1991). Methods manual for forest soil and plant analysis, Northwest Region. Information Report NOR-X3 19.
[38] Benton, J., Jones, J. (2001). Laboratory guide for conducting soil tests and plant analysis. CRC Press, Boca Raton, London, UK, New York, Washington, D. C, USA.
[39] Bremner, J. M., and C. S. Mulvaney. (1982). Nitrogen total. p595 – 624. In A. L. Page (ed.), Methods of soil analysis. Agron. No. 9, Part 2: Chemical and microbiological properties, 2nd ed., Am. Soc. Agron., Madison, WI, USA.
[40] Buresh, R. J., Austin, R. E., and Craswell, T. E. (1982). Analytical methods in N-15 research. Fertilizer Research, 3: 37–62.
[41] Van Reeuwijk, L. P. 1992. Procedures for Soil Analysis, 3rd Edition. International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC), Wageningen, Netherlands.
[42] Deghani, M; Ahmadi, K and Zohdi, H (2012) “Evaluation of some plant extracts and conventional insecticides against trialeuroclesvaporariorium (West wood) (homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in greenhouse condition; MunisEntomolology and Zoology 7(2): 828 – 836.
[43] Scott, I. M., Puniani, E., Jensen, H., Livesey, J. F., Poveda, L., Sanchez-Vindas, P., Durst, T., Arnason, J. T. (2005). Analysis of Piperaceaegermplasm by HPLC and LCMS: A method for isolating and identifying unsaturated amides from Piper spp extracts. Journal Agricultural Food Chemistry, 53: 1907–1913.
[44] Tavares, S. W., Cruz, I., Petacci, F., Freitas, S. S., Serrão, E. J., and Zanuncio, C. J. (2011). Insecticide activity of piperine: Toxicity to eggs of Spodopterafrugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Diatraeasaccharalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and phytotoxicity on several vegetables. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 5(21); 5301-5306.
[45] d. Paula, F. V., Barbosa, A. d. C. L., A. J. Demuner, J. A., Pilo-Veloso, D., and M. C. Picanço, C. M. (2000). “Synthesis and insecticidal activity of new amide derivatives of piperine,” Pest Management Science, 56(2): 168–174.
[46] Dyer, A. L., Dodson, D. C., Beihoffer, J., and Letourneau, K. D. (2001). “Trade-offs in anti-herbivore defenses in Piper cenocladum: ant mutualists versus plant secondary metabolites,” Journal of Chemical Ecology, 27(3): 581–592.
[47] Lucena, C. D., Bertholdo-vargas, R. L., W. C. Silva. et al. (2017). “Biological activity of piper aduncum extracts on anticarsia gemmatalis (hubner) (Lepidoptera: erebidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae),” Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciˆencias, 89(3), 1869–1879.
[48] Trivedi, N. M., Khemani, A., Vachhani, D. U., Shah, P. C., and Santani, D. D. (2011). Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of two PiperSpecies. International Journal of Comprehensive Pharmacy, 2(7).
[49] Besong, E. E., Balogun, E. M., Djobissie, A. F. S., Mbamalu, S. O., Obimma, N. J. (2016), A Review of Piper guineense (African Black Pepper). International Journal on Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, 6(1), 368-384.
[50] Scott, I. M., Helson, B. V., Strunz, G. M., Finlay, H., Sanchez-Vindas, P. E., Poveda, L., Lyons, B. L., Philogene, B. J. R., Arnason, J. T. (2007). Efficacy of Piper Extracts (Piperaceae) for control of insect defoliators of forest and ornamental trees. Can Entomology.
[51] Scott, I. M., Jensen, H., Nicol, R., Lesage, L., Bradbury, R., Sanchez-Vindas, P., Poveda, L., Arnason, J. T., Philogene, B. J. R. (2004). Efficacy of Piper (Piperaceae) extracts for control of common home and garden insect pests. Journalof Economic Entomology, 97: 1390–1403.
[52] Khan, Z. R., Pittchar, J. O., and Midega, C. A. (2018). Push-Pull farming systems controls fall armyworm. April, 0–4.
[53] Songa, M. J., Jiang, N., Schulthess, F., and Omwega, C. (2007). The role of intercropping different cereal species in controlling lepidopteranstemborers on maize in Kenya. Journal of Applied Entomology, 131(1): 40–49.
[54] Rios-Velasco, C., Gallegos-Morales, G., Cambero-Campos, J. (2017). Natural Enemies of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) In Coahuila, México.
[55] YONG, T., CHEN, P., DONG, Q., DU, Q., YANG, F., WANG, X., LIU, W., YANG, W. (2018). Optimized nitrogen application methods to improve nitrogen use efficiency and nodule nitrogen fixation in a maize-soybean relay intercropping system. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 17(3), 60345-7.
[56] Shahrajabian, H. M., Sun, W., and Qi Cheng, Q. (2019). Sustainable Agriculture and Soybean, a Legume in Traditional Chinese Medicine with Great Biological Nitrogen Fixation. Journal of Biology and Environmental Science, 13(38), 71-78.
[57] Tamagno, S., Sadras, V. O., Haegele, J. W., Armstrong, P. R., Ciampitti, I. A. (2018). Interplay between nitrogen fertilizer and biological nitrogen fixation in soybean: Implications on seed yield and biomass allocation. Scientific Reports, 1, 17502.
[58] Souza, E. A., Ferreira-Eloy, N. R., Grassmann, C. S., Rosolem, C. A., White, P. (2019). Ammonium Improves Corn Phosphorus Acquisition Through Changes in the Rhizosphere Processes and Root Morphology. Pedosphere, 29, 534–539.
[59] Ntonifor, N. N., Divine N., Nsobinenyui, S., Fokam, B. E., and Fontem, A. L. (2013). Developing an Integrated Management Approach for the Fruit Fly DacuspunctatifronsonTomatoes. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 3(3): 470-481.
[60] Kumawat, N., Shekhawat, S. P., Kumar, R., and Sanwa, C. R. (2014). Formulation of Biopesticides for Insect Pests and Diseases Management in Organic Farming. Popular Kheti, 2: 237-242.
[61] Kermah, M., Franke, A. C., Adjei-Nsiah, S., Ahiabor, B. D. K., Abaidoo, R. C., Giller, K. E., 2017. Maize-grain legume intercropping for enhanced resource use efficiency and crop productivity in the Guinea savannah of northern Ghana. Field Crop Research, 213, 38–50.
[62] Kermah, M., A. C. Franke, C. A., S. Adjei-Nsiah, S., B. D. K. Ahiabor, K. D. B., R. C. Abaidoo, C. R., K. E. Giller, E. K. (2018). N2- fixation and N contribution by grain legumes under different soil fertility status and cropping systems in the Guinea savanna of northern Ghana. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 261, 201–210.
[63] Konlan, S., Sarkodie-Addo, J., Kombiok, M. J., Asare, E., Bawah, I., 2015. Effect of intercropping on nitrogen fixation of three ground-nut (Arachis hypogaea L) genotypes in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana. International Journal of Plant Soil Science, 5, 1–9.
[64] Nunes, R. S.; Sousa, D. M. G.; Goedert, W.; Oliveira, L. E. Z.; Pavinato, P. S. Pinheiro, T. D. (2020). Distribution of soil phosphorus fractions as a function of long-term soil tillage and phosphate fertilization management. Frontiers of Earth Sciences, 8, 1–12.
[65] Rosolem, C. A.; Batista, T. B.; Dias, P. P.; Motta Neto, L. V. d.; Calonego, J. C. (2022). The Joint Application of Phosphorus and Ammonium Enhances Soybean Root Growth and P Uptake. Agriculture, 12, 880.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Tabi, O. T., Ekole, P. N., Achiri, T. D., Andoh, M. A., Bechem, E. E. T. (2024). Piper guineensis Extract in Maize-soybean, Maize-okra Intercropping Systems: Its Role in Mitigating Maize (Zea mays) Pests and Boosting Soil Fertility. Journal of Plant Sciences, 12(6), 199-211. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Tabi, O. T.; Ekole, P. N.; Achiri, T. D.; Andoh, M. A.; Bechem, E. E. T. Piper guineensis Extract in Maize-soybean, Maize-okra Intercropping Systems: Its Role in Mitigating Maize (Zea mays) Pests and Boosting Soil Fertility. J. Plant Sci. 2024, 12(6), 199-211. doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Tabi OT, Ekole PN, Achiri TD, Andoh MA, Bechem EET. Piper guineensis Extract in Maize-soybean, Maize-okra Intercropping Systems: Its Role in Mitigating Maize (Zea mays) Pests and Boosting Soil Fertility. J Plant Sci. 2024;12(6):199-211. doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14,
      author = {Oben Tom Tabi and Paul Njanje Ekole and Tange Denis Achiri and Mbah Alma Andoh and Eneke Esoeyang Tambe Bechem},
      title = {Piper guineensis Extract in Maize-soybean, Maize-okra Intercropping Systems: Its Role in Mitigating Maize (Zea mays) Pests and Boosting Soil Fertility
    },
      journal = {Journal of Plant Sciences},
      volume = {12},
      number = {6},
      pages = {199-211},
      doi = {10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jps.20241206.14},
      abstract = {Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple grown worldwide including Cameroon, for its carbohydrate rich grains in addition to minerals and vitamins, therefore providing food for human consumption, and fodder for livestock. Production in Cameroon especially Buea which is the main hub is constraint by several factors among them, pests including the Fall Army Worm (FAW), Snail (Limicolaria sp.) and soil infertility are of high importance. The use of botanicals has been successful in mitigating pests on crops while intercropping economic crops with legumes increases soil fertility. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the efficacy of extract of Piper guineense on maize-okra, and maize-soybean intercropped on the incidence and severity of these pests and soil primary macronutrients. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with six treatments replicated three times at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea. FAW, snail incidence and severity, maize grain weight, and soil primary macronutrients were recorded. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis (PPPiper (21.8%) while snail was highest in control (62.8%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (15.4%). The severity of fall armyworm was highest in control (41.3%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (12.7%), while that of snail was highest in control (18%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (4.3%). The maize grain yield differed significantly (PPiper (5.2 t/ha) and lowest in Maize + okra (2.8 t/ha). Total nitrogen differed significantly with the highest in Maize + soybean + Piper (0.19%) and lowest in Maize + okra (0.13%). Maize yield was positively correlated with total nitrogen (r = 0.77) and negatively correlated with maize pests (r = -0.73 for FAW, r = -0.76 for snail). Thus maize-soybean intercropping using Piper as insecticide is of high importance and a good sustainable alternative to synthetic inputs for maize pest control, optimizing primary macronutrient and maize yield.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Piper guineensis Extract in Maize-soybean, Maize-okra Intercropping Systems: Its Role in Mitigating Maize (Zea mays) Pests and Boosting Soil Fertility
    
    AU  - Oben Tom Tabi
    AU  - Paul Njanje Ekole
    AU  - Tange Denis Achiri
    AU  - Mbah Alma Andoh
    AU  - Eneke Esoeyang Tambe Bechem
    Y1  - 2024/11/12
    PY  - 2024
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14
    T2  - Journal of Plant Sciences
    JF  - Journal of Plant Sciences
    JO  - Journal of Plant Sciences
    SP  - 199
    EP  - 211
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2331-0731
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20241206.14
    AB  - Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple grown worldwide including Cameroon, for its carbohydrate rich grains in addition to minerals and vitamins, therefore providing food for human consumption, and fodder for livestock. Production in Cameroon especially Buea which is the main hub is constraint by several factors among them, pests including the Fall Army Worm (FAW), Snail (Limicolaria sp.) and soil infertility are of high importance. The use of botanicals has been successful in mitigating pests on crops while intercropping economic crops with legumes increases soil fertility. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the efficacy of extract of Piper guineense on maize-okra, and maize-soybean intercropped on the incidence and severity of these pests and soil primary macronutrients. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with six treatments replicated three times at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea. FAW, snail incidence and severity, maize grain weight, and soil primary macronutrients were recorded. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis (PPPiper (21.8%) while snail was highest in control (62.8%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (15.4%). The severity of fall armyworm was highest in control (41.3%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (12.7%), while that of snail was highest in control (18%) and lowest in Maize + soybean + Piper (4.3%). The maize grain yield differed significantly (PPiper (5.2 t/ha) and lowest in Maize + okra (2.8 t/ha). Total nitrogen differed significantly with the highest in Maize + soybean + Piper (0.19%) and lowest in Maize + okra (0.13%). Maize yield was positively correlated with total nitrogen (r = 0.77) and negatively correlated with maize pests (r = -0.73 for FAW, r = -0.76 for snail). Thus maize-soybean intercropping using Piper as insecticide is of high importance and a good sustainable alternative to synthetic inputs for maize pest control, optimizing primary macronutrient and maize yield.
    
    VL  - 12
    IS  - 6
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Sections