Effect of inter cropping on population dynamics of major pests of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under irrigated conditions

Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2000 and summer 2001. The chilli and intercrops, viz., onion, garlic, brinjal, bhendi, marigold, maize and beans were planted in alternate rows and all the recommended agronomic practices were followed to raise the crop. The pheromone and sticky traps were installed in the experimental plots to catch the adult insects. Chilli intercropped with garlic/onion consistently recorded lower pest infestation levels with higher green chilli yield (6.06 and 6.33 t/ha) and (5.93 and 4.53 t/ha) compared to chilli sole crop (3.26 and 2.53 t/ha) in the two seasons respectively. All the chilli-intercropped treatments were significantly superior with lesser infestation of whitefly, thrips, aphids, jassids and pod borers with higher yield compared to sole crop of chilli.