Intercropping Systems for Sucking Pest Management in Groundnut

Field experiments were carried out for two consecutive years during 2007 and 2008 to find out the most productive and remunerative intercropping combination in groundnut based cropping system for Saurashtra region. Results on the effect of intercrops on the incidence of sucking insect pests showed that groundnut when intercropped with cluster bean and sunflower harboured significantly less population of leafhoppers at 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) while castor and hybrid cotton reduced the thrips population at 30 DAS compared to other intercrops. Groundnut + pigeonpea and groundnut + castor intercropping systems were found significantly superior in respect of total production and monetary returns than sole cropping of groundnut. Groundnut + pigeonpea system recorded the highest groundnut equivalent yield (2055 kg/ha) followed by groundnut + castor (1914 kg/ha) and were significantly superior over the rest of the intercropping systems. Pooled data showed that groundnut intercropping with pigeonpea gave higher cost benefit ratio (1:3.4) followed by castor (1:3.23).