Effects of intra-row spacing and weeding frequency on leaf caterpillar (Hymenia recurvalis F.) infestation on amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Degri M.M. and Samaila D.A.

Net Journal of Agricultural Science
Published: September 26 2023
Volume 11, Issue 3
Pages 35-42

ABSTRACT

Plant spacing and weeding are among the key factors determining leafy vegetable growth and yield through maximum utilization of space, nutrients, water and sunlight. Amaranthus species is a popular and very important leafy vegetable crop that is infested and damaged by the arthropod pests in Nigeria. Therefore, this study identified the optimum spacing and proper weeding regime required for the control of leafy caterpillars (Hymenia recurvalis F.) and ensuring the potential yield of amaranths. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and weeding frequency in the control of leafy caterpillar infestation and damage on amaranths (Amaranthus sp.). Four intra-row plant spacing (10 x 10 cm; 20 x 20 cm, 30 x 30 cm and 40 x 40 cm) and four weeding frequencies (0, 1, 2 and 3) were assessed using split-plot laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Results showed that 40 x 40 cm intra-row plant spacing and three weeding were found to be effective in reducing the infestation of H. recurvalis on Amaranthus sp. Results further showed that these combined management practices improved the growth and yield of the crop by 35% during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons in the study area. The study showed that combining appropriate plant spacing with three weedings is recommended for the control of amaranths leaf caterpillar (H. recurvalis) to poor resource farmers in the study area.

Keywords: Intra-row, frequency, amaranth, Hymenia recurvalis, weeding, plant spacing.

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