Assessing arthropod pests and disease occurrence in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) intercropping system in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Abstract

On-station trials were conducted at CSIR-Crops Research Institute’s research farms at Kwadaso and Ejura, Ashanti Region, Ghana, during 2010/2011 cropping season, to assess the pests and disease occurrence in cassava-cowpea intercrop farming systems and their effect on yield of produce. Three improved cassava varieties and a local variety were intercropped with an improved cowpea variety, and cowpea only constituted the treatments. Abundance of Bemisia tabaci was comparable between sole cassava and cassava-cowpea intercrop, but was significantly less on the sole cowpea. The incidence and severity of cassava mosaic disease was higher on the local variety than on the improved varieties. Root yield of cassava did not differ between sole and intercropped cassava with cowpea. However, Kwadaso had higher root yield than Ejura. Dry grain yield of cowpea was similar at Kwadaso and Ejura for both sole and intercrop scenarios. This baseline information will be useful on disease and pests incidence in sole crop and cassava-cowpea intercropping system.