Performance of the kale-coriander intercropping in organic cultivation and its influence on the populations of ladybeetles

Abstract

Intercropping is commonly practiced in the production of vegetable crops due to diverse economic benefits. In some cases, it may decrease the infestations of pests by favoring the conservation of the natural enemies in the agroecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomical viability of the kale and coriander intercropping, under organic management, based on phytotechnical parameters, and its influence on the populations of ladybeetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in comparison to respective sole crops. Coriander, representing the secondary crop, was used aiming to provide resources to ladybeetles. The study was carried out in area of the Sistema Integrado de Produção Agroecológica, Seropédica county, State of Rio de Janeiro. The experiment consisted of two types of intercropping: 1) kale intercropped with coriander, whose four lines of plants were harvested at the vegetative phase (intercropping I), and 2) kale intercropped with coriander, whose plants of the two internal lines (near to the line of kale) were harvested at the vegetable phase, and the two external lines were cut after blossom (intercropping II). In both intercropping the phytotechnical parameters of the kale and the coriander at the vegetative phase (commercial standard) were evaluated, while in the intercropping II, the populations of ladybeetles were also evaluated by weekly samples of adults, in comparison to kale sole crop. The experimental design was of randomized blocks with four replicates. Coriander did not interfere in the productivity of the kale intercropped and its introduction contributed positively to the abundance and the species diversity of ladybeetles. The land equivalent ratio for the intercropping I, taking into account the yield of fresh aerial biomass, was superior in 92% in relation to kale sole crop. This result demonstrates the viability of the intercropping I, in the organic management adopted, for cultivation of autumn in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Baixada Fluminense region.