Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Eggplant-garlic intercrops reduce the density of Tetranychus urticae on eggplant and improve crop yield

  • Research
  • Published:
Experimental and Applied Acarology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Diversification of cultivation systems plays a critical role in ecosystem functions such as pest control, diversity of beneficial arthropods, and soil fertility. Repellent plants (releasing volatile organic compounds as arthropod repellents and providing alternative prey for natural enemies) may be used in an intercropping system for pest control; however, little is known concerning their relative priority. In this study, the impact of intercropping eggplant (E) (Solanum melongena L.) and garlic (G) (Allium sativum L.) in three designs – with row ratios of 4E:4G, 4E:8G, or 4E:12G – was assessed on the density of the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) (Tetranychus urticae Koch), the abundance and diversity of predators, and crop yields, compared with the sole crops over two growing seasons of 2019 and 2020. In three intercrops, a significant decrease in the density of TSSM egg and mobile stages was observed compared with the sole eggplant at each growth stage of eggplant. The damage index by TSSM on eggplants was lower in intercrops (8.1–11.5%) compared with sole crop (37.0–40.3%) in the two seasons. The abundance of Stethorus gilvifrons was lower in the three intercrops than in the sole crop on the blooming-initial fruit set and the fruit development stages of eggplant. The density of Orius niger was higher in the three intercrops compared with the sole crop on vegetative growth and flowering to initial fruit set stages of eggplants. The abundance of Chrysoperla carnea was not significant among treatments. Greater values of the Shannon diversity index and the Pielou’s evenness index for the construction of TSSM predators were recorded in the three intercrops compared with the sole eggplant over both growing seasons. In addition, a significant improvement in the yield per unit area of eggplant and garlic was obtained in intercrops compared with sole crops. These results indicate intercropping eggplant and garlic was a practical solution for reducing TSSM on eggplant, promoting the abundance of predators, and improving the crop yields of eggplant and garlic compared with the sole crops.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

The data presented in this study are available on request from the author.

References

  • Abad MKR, Fathi SAA, Nouri-Ganbalani G, Amiri-Besheli B (2019) Effects of strip intercropping of eggplant with soybean on densities of two-spotted spider mite tetranychus urticae, species diversity of its natural enemies, and crop yield. Iran J Plant Prot Sci 50:27–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Abad MKR, Fathi SAA, Nouri-Ganbalani G, Amiri-Besheli B (2020) Influence of tomato/clover intercropping on the control of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Int J Trop Insect Sci 40:39–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alioghli N, Fathi SAA, Razmjou J, Hassanpour M (2022) Does intercropping patterns of potato and safflower affect the density of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (say), predators, and the yield of crops? Biol Control 175:105051

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Archer TL, Bynum EDJ (1993) Yield loss to corn from feeding by the banks grass mite and two-spotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae). Exp Appl Acarol 17:895–903

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bei-Bienko GY, Blagoveshchenskii DI, Chernova OA, Dantsing EM, Emilianov AF, Kerzhner IM, Loginova MM, Martinova EF, Shaposhnikov GK, Sharov AG, Spuris ZD, Yaczewski TL, Yakhontov VV, Zhiltsoo LA (1967) Keys to the insects of the Europian USSR. Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Zoological Institute

  • Biddinger DJ, Weber DC, Hull LA (2009) Coccinellidae as predators of mites: Stethorini in biological control. Biol Control 51:268–283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks SJ, Barnard PC (1990) The green lacewings of the world: a generic review (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Bull Br Mus Nat Hist Entomol 59:117–286

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabedo–López M, Cruz–Miralles J, Vacas S, Navarro–Llopis V, Pérez–Hedo M, Flors V, Jaques JA (2021) Correction to: the olfactive responses of Tetranychus urticae natural enemies in citrus depend on plant genotype, prey presence, and their diet specialization. J Pest Sci 94:1049–1052

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cañarte E, Sarmento RA, Erasmo EAL, Pallini A, Venzon M, Pinto IO, Pedro-Neto M (2020) Contributions of intercropping systems for diversity and abundance of mite community on Jatropha curcas. Biocontrol 65:305–312

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chant DA, McMurtry JA (2007) Illustrated Keys and Diagnoses for the Genera and Subgenera of the Phytoseiidae of the World (Acari: Mesostigmata). Indira Publishing House West Bloomfield Michigan, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Duarte MVA, Venzon M, Bittencourt MCS, Rodríguez-Cruz FA, Pallini A, Janssen A (2015) Alternative food promotes broad mite control on chilli pepper plants. Biocontrol 60:817–825

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fathi SAA (2014) Efficiency of Orius minutus for control of Tetranychus urticae on selected potato cultivars. Biocontrol Sci Tech 24:936–949

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fathi SAA (2016) Evaluation of strip-intercropping systems of corn and clover in biocontrol of the european corn worm, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). Biol Control Pests Plant dis 5:211–222

    Google Scholar 

  • Fathi SAA (2017) Effect of intercropping systems of green bean and clover on biodiversity of natural enemies of Thrips tabaci Lindeman. Plant Prot (Sci J Agric) 40:13–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Fathi SAA (2018) Influence of intercropping systems of corn and sunflower in control of the european corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). Plant Prot 41:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Fathi SAA (2019) Intercropping effect of strawberry and coriander for controlling the two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Plant Pest Res 9:15–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Fathi SAA (2022) The role of intercrops of eggplant and cowpea on the control of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Biocontrol 67:307–317

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fotoukkiaii SM, Mermans C, Wybouw N, Leeuwen TV (2020) Resistance risk assessment of the novel complex II inhibitor pyflubumide in the polyphagous pest Tetranychus urticae. J Pest Sci 93:1085–1096

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Mari F, González-Zamora JE (1999) Biological control of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) with naturally occurring predators in strawberry plantings in Valencia, Spain. Exp Appl Acarol 23:487–495

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon R (1985) The Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) of America north of Mexico. JNY Entomol Soc 93:1–912

    Google Scholar 

  • Gore J, Cook DR, Catchot AL, Musser FR, Stewart SD, Leonard BR, Lorenz G, Studebaker G, Akin DS, Tindall KV, Jackson RE (2013) Impact of two-spotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation timing on cotton yields. J Cotton Sci 17:34–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorman K, Hewitt F, Denholm I, Devine GJ (2002) New developments in insecticide resistance in the glasshouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) in the UK. Pest Manag Sci 58:123–130

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hata F, Ventura M, Chrvalho M, Miguel A, Souza M, Paula M, Zawadneak M (2016) Intercropping garlic plants reduces Tetranychus urticae in strawberry crop. Exp Appl Acarol 69:311–321

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hata FT, Ventura MU, de Paula MT, Shimizu GD, de Paula JCB, Kussaba DAO, de Souza NV (2019) Intercropping garlic in strawberry fields improves land equivalent ratio and gross income. Cienc Rural 49:20190338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hata FT, Béga VL, Ventura MU, Grosso FdS, Silva JEPd, Machado RR, Sousa V (2020) Plant acceptance for oviposition of Tetranychus urticae on strawberry leaves is influenced by aromatic plants in laboratory and greenhouse intercropping experiments. Agronomy 10:193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Isman MB (2006) Botanical insecticides, deterrents, and repellents in modern agriculture and an increasingly regulated world. Annu Rev Entomol 51:45–66

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Khan ZR, James DJ, Midega CAO, Pickett JH (2008) Chemical ecology and conservation biological control. Biol Control 45:210–224

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khan ZR, Midega CAO, Wanyama JM, Amudavi DM, Hassanali A, Pittchar J, Pickett JA (2009) Integration of edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) into the push–pull technology developed for stemborer and Striga control in maize-based cropping systems. Crop Prot 28:997–1006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamy FC, Poinsot D, Cortesero AM, Dugravot S (2017) Artificially applied plant volatile organic compounds modify the behavior of a pest with no adverse effect on its natural enemies in the field. J Pest Sci 90:611–621

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Letourneau DK, Armbrecht I, Rivera BS, Lerma JM, Carmona EJ, Daza MC, Escobar S, Galindo VC, Rrez CG, Pez SN, Pez JL, Pangel AMA, Rangel JH, Rivera L, Saavedra CA, Torres AM, Trujillo AR (2011) Does plant diversity benefit agroecosystems? A synthetic review. Ecol Appl 21:9–21

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Madeira F, di Lascio A, Costantini ML, Rossi L, Rösch V, Pons X (2019) Intercrop movement of heteropteran predators between alfalfa and maize examined by stable isotope analysis. J Pest Sci 92:757–767

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magurran AE (2004) Measuring biological diversity. Blackwell Publishing, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Meck ED, Walgenbach JF, Kennedy GG (2012) Association of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) feeding and gold fleck damage on tomato fruit. Crop Prot 42:24–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Men XY, Ge F, Yardim EN, Parajulee MN (2004) Evaluation of winter wheat as a potential relay crop for enhancing biological control of cotton aphids in seedling cotton. Biocontrol 49:701–714

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miall JH, Abram PK, Cappuccino N, Bennett AMR, Fernández-Triana JL, Gibson GAP, Mason PG (2021) Addition of nectar sources affects a parasitoid community without improving pest suppression. J Pest Sci 94:335–347

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Midega CAO, Pittchar JO, Pickett JA, Hailu GW, Khan ZR (2018) A climate-adapted push-pull system effectively controls fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith), in maize in East Africa. Crop Prot 105:10–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammadi K, Fathi SAA, Razmjou J, Naseri B (2021) Evaluation of the effect of strip intercropping green bean/garlic on the control of Tetranychus urticae in the field. Exp Appl Acarol 83:183–195

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mollaei M, Fathi SAA, Nouri-Ganbalani G, Hassanpour M, Golizadeh A (2020) Effects of strip intercropping of canola with faba bean, field pea, garlic, or wheat on control of cabbage aphid and crop yield. Plant Prot Sci 57:59–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mound LA, Kibby G (1998) Thysanoptera: An identification guide, 2nd edition. CAB International, Wallingford

  • Nihoul PP, Hance T, Van Impe G, Marechal B (1992) Physiological aspects of damage caused by spider mites on tomato leaflets. J Appl Entomol 113:487–492

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porcel M, Cotes B, Castro J, Campos M (2017) The effect of resident vegetation cover on abundance and diversity of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on olive trees. J Pest Sci 90:195–206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prittinen K, Pusenius J, Koivunoro K, Roininen H (2003) Genotypic variation in growth and resistance to insect herbivory in silver birch (Betula pendula) seedlings. Oecologia 137:572–577

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman GKMM, Motoyama N (2000) Repellent effect of garlic against stored product pests. J Pesticide Sci 25:247–252

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro AL, Gontijo LM (2017) Alyssum flowers promote biological control of collard pests. Biocontrol 62:185–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rueda A, Badenes-Perez FR, Shelton AM (2007) Developing economic thresholds for onion thrips in Honduras. Crop Prot 26:1099–1107

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seko T, Abe J, Miura K, Hikawa M (2017) The contribution of a beneficial insectary plant Scaevola aemula to survival and long-term establishment of flightless Harmonia axyridis in greenhouses. Biocontrol 62:221–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shameer KS, Nasser M, Mohan C, Hardy ICW (2018) Direct and indirect influences of intercrops on the coconut defoliator Opisina arenosella. J Pest Sci 91:259–275

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Song BZ, Wu HY, Kong Y, Zhang J, Du YL, Hu JH, Yao YC (2010) Effects of intercropping with aromatic plants on the diversity and structure of an arthropod community in a pear orchard. Biocontrol 55:741–751

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stratton CA, Hodgdon E, Rodriguez-Saona C, Shelton AM, Chen YH (2019) Odors from phylogenetically-distant plants to Brassicaceae repel an herbivorous Brassica specialist. Sci Rep 9:10621

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Suekane R, Degrande PE, Melo EPD, Bertoncello TF, Junior IDSL, Kodama C (2012) Damage level of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in soybeans. Revista Ceres 59:77–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tajmiri P, Fathi SAA, Golizadeh A, Nouri-Ganbalani G (2017) Strip-intercropping canola with annual alfalfa improves biological control of Plutella xylostella (L.) and crop yield. Int J Trop Insect Sci 37:208–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vandermeer H (1989) The ecology of intercropping. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Zarei E, Fathi SAA, Hassanpour M, Golizadeh A (2019) Assessment of intercropping tomato and sainfoin for the control of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). Crop Prot 120:125–133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Zhou C, Xu Y, Huang X, Zhang L, Mu W (2017) Effects of intercropping tea with aromatic plants on population dynamics of arthropods in chinese tea plantations. J Pest Sci 90:227–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou H, Chen J, Liu Y, Francis F, Haubruge E, Bragard C, Sun J, Cheng D (2014) Influence of garlic intercropping or active emitted volatiles in releasers on aphid and related beneficial wheat fields in China. J Integr Agric 12:667–473

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

I express my gratitude to the Research Council at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran, for financial support to conduct this study.

Funding

The research leading to these results received funding from the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili under Grant Agreement No 9-29597.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Protection, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

    Seyed Ali Asghar Fathi

Authors
  1. Seyed Ali Asghar Fathi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

SAA Fathi conceived the ideas and methodology, collected and analyzed the data, and led the writing of the manuscript for publication.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seyed Ali Asghar Fathi.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval

All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by the author.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The author has no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fathi, S.A.A. Eggplant-garlic intercrops reduce the density of Tetranychus urticae on eggplant and improve crop yield. Exp Appl Acarol 91, 43–55 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-023-00821-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-023-00821-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation