Effects of Millet/Groundnut Arrangements on the Occurrence of Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera:Aphididae) and Ootheca species at Samaru, Nigeria
DOI:36108/NJE/3002/02.0150
UMARU, A.B., DIKE, M.C., ONU, I. and OGUNLANA, M.O.
ABSTRACT: Field experiments were undertaken at Samaru in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria in 1995 and 1996 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of millet/groundnut (Pennisetum typhoides Burm. F. and Arachis hypogaea L.) mixtures on the population of Aphis craccivora and Ootheca species. The intercrop patterns were inter-row ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and intra-row ratios of 2:2 and 1:3. The population of aphids was highest in the two intra-row ratios of 2:2 and 1:3, while the highest numbers of Ootheca species were recorded on mono crop groundnut. However for both aphids and Ootheca, the lowest pest populations were recorded in the 1:1 inter-row pattern. Yield and yield components of groundnut were not affected by the insect pests due to low population levels.