COMPATIBILITY OF INTERCROPPING WITH MECHANIZED AGRICULTURE - EFFECTS OF STRIP INTERCROPPING OF PINTO BEANS AND SWEET CORN ON INSECT ABUNDANCE IN COLORADO

The potential for management of insect pest densities by regulation of crop diversity through intercropping was examined in sweet corn and pinto beans. Insect abundance was monitored in corn and beans in alternating multiple-row patterns of 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 rows. Insect responses to intercropping treatments were variable, with positive, negative, and neutral responses observed, depending on species of insect and crop. In some cases, insect abundance was affected by strip-intercropping, widths of up to 8 rows, suggesting that strip intercropping may be compatible with some types of mechanized agriculture.