The Effect Of Intercropping Of Pepper With Maize And Sweet Potato On Infection Of Pepper Capsicum Annuum L. By Potyviruse And Yield Of Pepper In Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Potyvirus is a very large viral group and contains many economically important viruses affecting various crops including pepper. This study was conducted with the main objective of identifying the effects of intercropping pepper with maize and sweet potato on potyvirus incidence aphid population yield and yield components of pepper. Field experiments were conducted in two localities Mareko and Meskan of southern Ethiopia from April to October 2011. The experiments were conducted with RCBD design. Each treatment was replicated four times at both locations. The incidences of potyvirus infected plants were monitored once a week and data on yield and yield components were taken at harvest and then yield data was calculated by using land equivalent ratio method LER. Results of the experiment revealed that intercropping of pepper with maize significantly p0.001 reduced the onset of potyvirus incidence. The use of maize and sweet potato with pepper also significantly p0.001 reduced the occurrence of potyvirus incidence. High incidences of potyvirus 34.25 and 35.25 were on control plots at Meskan and Mareko respectively. The study showed that intercropping pepper with maize can serve as disease management strategy against potyvirus infection and aphid infestation. It also improves pepper yield.