Name : Lintang Guritno Cucu Wijaya

NIM : 200342616842

Onions (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) as pest control for intercropping in a cabbage-
based intercropping system in Zimbabwe.

In agriculture and plantations, there are many problems caused by the indiscriminate use
of insecticides. Of course this is not a serious problem that must be overcome. Moreover,
cabbage (Brassicae oleracea) is an important leafy vegetable in the small and large scale sectors
in most African countries where a very important nutritional value is found in cabbage. Where it
plays an important role in the cabbage plantation sector is also a dominant occupation. The high
nutritional value of cabbage is in the form of protein, vitamins, calcium, iron and carotene which
are susceptible to pests. Pests that attack cabbage include aphids (Aphis brassicae), diamondback
moth (Plutella xylostella), cabbage web worms (Hellula undalis), cabbage looper, (Trichoplusia).
Plant pests cause considerable damage and losses in vegetable production.From here the use of
pesticides is one way that can be used to overcome this. Apart from the efficiency and ease of
use of pesticides, synthetic pesticides result in environmental contamination and water pollution
(when toxic substances enter water bodies in quantities that affect resources in providing
valuable services for household, navigation, irrigation, recreation and living (ecological)
functions.

Plant species that grow together in intercropping systems interact and influence each
other in this case the relationship can be beneficial or detrimental. Intercropping takes advantage
of the benefits of growing crops together. Combining the right vegetable and herbaceous crops
can reduce the need for chemical pesticides in the garden by repelling insects and limiting the
spread of disease. The benefits of intercropping include better use of the growing area, increased
insect pest and disease resistance.

Herbs such as onions (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) have been used in
intercropping systems for their ability to repel insects. Cole plants grown alongside garlic and
shallots are less susceptible to insect pests. Onion and garlic plants produce excretion from the
roots and aroma from the leaves. This excretion and aroma has a beneficial effect on the
surrounding plants. They will keep insects away, and are therefore considered to be insect
repellent plants. Natural pesticides are safer and more environmentally friendly. They reduce
artificial interference and reduce use of synthetic pesticides. In addition, they reduce health
management costs in agriculture because they reduce the inhalation of toxic fumes from
synthetic chemicals. Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) are widely grown and
easily cultivated in gardens. Garlic, in particular, is reported to be effective against various
disease-causing pathogens and insect pests at various stages in their life cycle. Allicin is a
compound obtained from garlic. The compound is a colorless liquid which has a distinctive
pungent odor which exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The allicin in garlic
provides a defense mechanism against insect pests.

The steps taken in this way were to prepare a research study area that was carried out in
Ward Eighteen Hurungwe District in Mashonaland Barat province. The study area is included in
natural ecological zone 2b. Annual rainfall ranges from 700mm - 1050mm with 16-18 pentads
per season. The temperature ranges from 20-30ºC during summer and 5-19ºC during winter. Soil
types range from light sand to sandy loam. The topography of the study area is generally gentle.

There were five treatments and three replications, resulting in a total of fifteen
experimental plots. The Complete Randomized Block Design was used as it allowed for
replication and randomization of the treatments. Cow-drawn plows are used for major tillage
operations. Sharp toothed rakes were used on the same date to break up clods of soil and make
fine seed beds. The primary and second tillage operations in the field are intended to destroy
existing plants and weeds, increase soil aeration so as to promote microbial activity and increase
water infiltration. Fifteen equal plots with 10m2 of area each three times replicated were marked
and constructed. Rows and planting stations are marked according to specification on the fifteen
plots.

Fifteen experimental plots were watered twice a week using watering cans with rosebuds
the first two weeks after planting (WAP). Soil moisture content is maintained at a level that
supports plant growth. A basal dressing of compound D (N 8, P. 14, K 7) fertilizer is applied at a
rate of 30g m- 2. The basic fertilizer is spread during the preparation of the nursery, two weeks
before transplanting the seedlings. Fertilizers (Ammonium Nitrate for cabbage and Double Super
Phosphate for garlic and shallots) are applied at a four-week stage of plant growth from the date
of transplanting. The hill placement method is used for Ammonium Nitrate application. The
following parameters were measured: Prevalence of pests at maturity, total number of surviving
cabbage plants at 3WAP, percentage of number of cabbage leaves damaged by insect pests at 6
(WAP), cabbage.

The method has shown that garlic and onions when planted in intercrops can repel insect pests in
cabbage. It was noted that shallots overlaid with cabbage between rows had a higher repellent
effect than intercropping where garlic and shallots were planted in rows of cabbage. Cropping
patterns are also important for controlling insect pests. It is clear that garlic and onions are able
to repel insect pests on leaf crops. Because of this, they are great companion plants in vegetable
gardens. From the results of this study it is suggested that small farmers can intercrop with plant
components that can reduce pest attacks such as onions and garlic.