R. A. Dunn

The agroecology of a cucurbit-based intercropping system in the Yeguare Valley of Honduras

Abstract The success of mixed cropping systems in nematode management is determined not only by the associated plants ability to decrease numbers of phytoparasitic nematodes, but also on the ability of the target crop to compete successfully for nutrients and light. Field studies were conducted to investigate the effects of a legume/cucurbit intercrop and a marigold/cucurbit intercrop on the ecology of the system in terms of nematode root galling, soil nutrient concentrations, energy allocation, yield, and economic profitability. The intercrop systems were less productive and less profitable than monocultures, although no differences in energy allocation, soil nutrients, or root galling were observed. As it is likely that competition between the cucurbits and associated plants decreased the productivity of the mixed cropping systems, plants used in nematode suppressive intercrops should be chosen for their compatibility with the host crop.