Potential effect of intercropping in the control of weeds, diseases, and pests in a wheat-faba bean system

Abstract

Intercropping has proved to be a promising alternative in the biological control of biotic factors by reducing the excessive use of plant protection products that are harmful to the environment and human health. In this study, aimed to examinate the effect of intercropping systems on diseases, weeds and pests control in organic field experiments in Western Morocco. Two field experiments were conducted during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Three cropping regimes (monocropped wheat, monocropped faba bean, and intercropped wheat-faba bean) and three nitrogen levels N0 (0 kg N ha-1), N1 (50 kg N ha-1), and N2 (100 kg N ha-1) were evaluated. Compared with monocropping, intercropping (N0 level) reduced the incidence of stripe rust by 71–120 % and severity by 244–337 % in 1st and 2nd experiments respectively. In addition, the incidence of septoria was reduced by 236 % and severity by 276 %. Obviously, the intercrops significantly decreased the total weed biomass by more than 40 % in both experiments. Black aphid populations in faba bean were reduced by 80 %. In contrast, the nitrogen fertilizer increased the attack of diseases and black aphids. It is concluded that wheat-faba bean intercrops can be used as a method of reduction of inputs, reduction of environmental impacts of crops, and stability in the face of biotic factors.