ASSESSMENT OF HOT PEPPER (Capsicum annuum L.) INTERCROPPING FOR ENHANCING THE GROWTH, YIELD AND INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max L.)

Abstract

Intercropping hot pepper with soybean offers several benefits including increased land use efficiency, enhanced pest and disease control through plant-plant interactions, and potential yield improvements for both crops when managed optimally. This study investigated the effects of intercropping soybean and hot pepper on growth parameters, insect pest population, and grain yield of soybeans in southwestern Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2022 cropping season at YABATECH Teaching and Research Farm. A trial of 12 experimental plots with 60 ridges was arranged as alternate, strip, border, and sole cropping. The results showed that alternate intercropping significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved soybean growth, yield (12.52±5.01), and reduction in insect infestation (3.56±0.11) compared to other intercropping patterns and sole cropping (0.09±0.01; 6.34±0.11). This adaptable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective technology is highly recommended for small-scale farmers in Nigeria, who produce the majority of soybean and hot pepper crops. The findings also provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of intercropping soybean and hot pepper to include sustainable insect pest management and improved crop productivity among others.