Impact of Intercropping Systems on the Management of Defoliators in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a crucial oilseed and protein crop, encounters substantial yield and quality losses due to insect pests. This study explores the efficacy of various intercrop systems in managing major insect pests, particularly defoliator populations conducted during the kharif 2022-23 at the Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad. The research employed a randomized block design (RBD) to evaluate different intercrop combinations. Results indicated that, the combination of groundnut + pearl millet was found to be effective in suppressing the Spodoptera litura (F) by recording the lowest average larval population (0.76 larvae/meter row length), followed by groundnut + sorghum (1.17 larvae/meter row length) and the same combination was also proved to be effective in minimizing the leaf miner incidence too (1.49 larvae/plant) and had least percent of leaf damage than other intercrops. The combination of these millets in groundnut can provide sustainable groundnut cultivation.