Abstract:
A field experiment was carried out at the Farm of Sher-e-l3angla Agricultural
University, Shere Bangla Nagar, Dhaka during November 2006 to May 2007 to
evaluate the effect of polyculture on brinjal pest management and arthropod
diversity. Polyculture combinations were brinjal + coriander, brinjal + fenugreek,
brinjal + chili, brinjal + radhuni. Monoculture of each component crop was also
grown to compare the effectiveness of polyculture system. The experiment was
laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.
The results revealed that polyculture had a lower pest population with more
abundance of natural enemies as compared to monoculture. The maximum percent
reduction of fruit infestation of brinjal by brinjal shoot and fruit borer in weight
over sole brinjal was found in brinjal + coriander (40.23%) Ibllowed by brinjal +
radhuni (37.06%) combination. Polyculture also showed comparatively greater
diversity and higher equitability of arthropod community with the highest diversity
index (7.20) and highest equitability (0.70) in brinjal + coriander system. All the
polyculture combinations showed higher biological efficiency than monoculture
where brinjal + fenugreek provided the highest economic return (TK-3 16320 ha5.
1N1'RODUCTION 3 EO
Vegetables are the main source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for
maintaining sound health of people. Thoug)i Bangladesh is an agro based country it has a
serious shortage in vegetables. Nutrition council of Bangladesh recommended vegetable
in take at least 235 g./day/person for Bangladeshi adult but the availab
Description:
A TIIESIS
Submitted to
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Uhaka
In partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS)
IN
ENTOMOLOGY
SEMESTER: JULY - DECEMBER, 2007
