The Efficacy of Companion Crops Planting for Controlling Virus Transmission in Sweet Potato Cultivation

Background: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is well known nutritious and healthy source of food that reported vulnerable to viral diseases worldwide including Malaysia. Management of pest vector that responsible for the transfer of virus disease is really important in sweet potato planting. Aphid transmits Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) meanwhile whitefly transmits Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV). SPFMV when singly or mix with other viruses had caused reduction in the quantity and quality of the sweet potato tubers. Objectives: Aims of this study is to control the pest vector using plants compounds with pesticidal effect to repel pests. Materials: Chives (Allium tuberosum) were planted in companion to sweet potato as a prophylactic measure to manage the pest vectors responsible for the transfer of virus disease at farmer plot in Semenyih, Selangor. A total number of 192 bags of chives were planted companion to sweet potato in a ratio 1:2 as repellent crop. Partial budgeting on the effect of sweet potato planting with chives was evaluated. Results: Sweet potato planted with chives showed lower mean number of aphid and whitefly when compared to mean number for aphid and whitefly in the control plants (sweet potato without chives). A lower virus incidence percentage was also significantly observed in sweet potato planted with chives (27.5%) compared to the control plants (41.2%). Moreover, sweet potato grown with chives attracted more beneficial arthropod/ insects. Conclusion: In conclusion, planting sweet potato with chives has a positive impact on the production with 13% increment of sweet potato yield compared to planting sweet potato alone. Farmer earned extra income from the sale of chives in addition to the existing sweet potato produce. Furthermore, results of the analysis showed that more positive benefits were obtained with the value of in net income RM 344.57 when sweet potato was planted companion with chives.