Cassava intercropping and pest incidence: A review illustrated with a case study from Colombia

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Abstract
Cassava is a tropical staple crop which is often intercropped. Its low market value and long growing season relegate it to marginal lands where it is grown by small farmers. Integrated pest management strategies for cassava are directed towards low input conditions and emphasize host plant resistance, biological control, and crop diversification. This paper summarizes recent research on the population dynamics of insect pests and pathogens in cassava intercropping systems, illustrated with a case study in Colombia. Since cassava is most often intercropped for only part of its cycle, it is important to consider the pest dynamics which occur in the period following removal of shorter cycle associated crops. In one case, cassava whitefly abundance remained lower in previously intercropped systems than in monocultures for up to 6 months after intercrop harvest.