Effect of intercropping cowpea with maize on the performance of Metarhizium anisopliae against Megalurothrips sjostedti (Thysanoptera : Thripidae) and predators

Field experiments were conducted to assess the combined effects of intercro pping maize and the application of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) So rok or synthetic insecticide on the density of Megalurothrips sjostedti (Tr ybom) and the yield of cowpea Thrips density and damage were significantly lower in the intercrop treated with fungus than in the control plots. Morta lity caused by mycosis was significantly higher in cowpea intercrop than in the monocrop. Flower and pod production were significantly higher within t he intercrop treated with M. anisopliae than in the monocrop also treated w ith fungus. In both seasons, grain yields in the cowpea intercrop treated w ith M. anisopliae did not differ from yields within cowpea intercrop treate d with Karate (Lambda-cyhalothrin). M. anisopliae had no adverse effect on populations of nontarget organisms. Our results suggest that hi. anisopliae is a promising candidate for the management of M. sjostedti, especially wi thin a cowpea/maize intercropping systems.