Effect of Maize-Fluted Pumpkin Intercropping System on Fall Armyworm Infestation, Growth, and Yield of Maize under Field Conditions in Nigeria

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) remains a major constraint to maize production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Intercropping has been suggested as a potential control strategy. This study was carried out under field conditions to evaluate the effect of maize-fluted pumpkin intercrop on FAW infestation. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments: Sole maize (T1), sole pumpkin (T2), maize-pumpkin intercrop (maize: 1 m × 0.25 m; pumpkin: 1 m × 0.50 m) (T3) and maize-pumpkin intercrop (maize: 1 m × 0.50 m; pumpkin: 1 m × 1 m) (T4). Results showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in FAW infestation across treatments and weeks after sowing (WAS). FAW infestation was highest at 7-8 WAS, particularly in T3 (with 4.33-5.00 infested plants/five plants). No infestation was recorded in T2. Sole maize (T1) recorded the highest damage score (4.42 at 5 WAS). T4 recorded the highest predator counts (19.00 at 7WAS), followed by T1 and T3. The highest plant weights of 1.53 kg and 1.60 kg and ear lengths of 25.73 cm and 25.93 cm were recorded in T3 and T4, respectively. There was no significant difference in the grain yield per hectare among the treatments. These findings revealed that maize-pumpkin intercropping did not significantly suppress FAW infestation; however, it enhanced predator abundance, and maize yield was not compromised.