Influence of groundnut based intercropping system on Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

Field experiments were undertaken to find out the influence of groundnut based intercropping system on Spodoptera litura (Fab.) at Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad. Results revealed the highest number of egg mass (0.93 mrl⁻¹) 45 days after sowing (DAS), whereas larval population was highest at 60 DAS (3.77 larvae mrl⁻¹). The damage was more (27.0–31.27%) during 60 to 90 DAS. Among the seven intercropping systems tested, lowest egg mass, larval population and leaf damage by S. litura was in groundnut+foxtail millet intercropping system, which was followed by groundnut+pearl millet, groundnut+sorghum and groundnut+sunflower intercropping. Groundnut+lucerne, groundnut+chilli and groundnut+cowpea intercropping system recorded moderate egg mass, larval population and leaf damage. The egg mass, larval population and leaf damage were highest in sole groundnut crop.