EFFECT OF POLYCULTURE ON TILE MANAGEMENT OF BRLNJAL PESTS AND ARTHROPOD DIVERSITY

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