Maize-Cowpea Mixed Crop System Response to Insect Control and Maize Population Variation1

Abstract
Alterations of function produced by variations of insect control and maize planting density were studied in a cropping system of maize, Zea mays L., associated simultaneously with cowpea, Vigna unguiculata Walp. Maize. Yields were reduced significantly and cowpea yields were increased significantly in treatments without insect control. Insect damage to maize allowed more sunlight penetration to the lower strata, thus increasing cowpea yields. Maize planting density and insect control, levels interacted to condition yields of both crops. This was considered potentially signnificant for agroecosystem management with reduced agrochemical use.

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