POTENCY OF MAIZE CUCUMBER INTERCROPS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INSECTS PEST OF MAIZE IN CALABAR CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

This study examined the potency of maize-cucumber intercropping in the management of insect pests of maize in Calabar, Cross River State. It aimed to determine whether intercropping could serve as an effective pest control strategy while also enhancing maize growth and yield performance. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 333 respondents, including farmers, extension agents, and agricultural practitioners. The data collected were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarise responses, while one-sample t-tests were applied to test the hypotheses formulated based on the study objectives. The findings showed that maize-cucumber intercropping significantly reduced insect pest infestation compared to sole maize cropping. Respondents strongly agreed that pest intensity was lower, and maize plants showed improved growth and yield under intercropping conditions. Moreover, the population dynamics of specific insect pests were perceived to be more stable and less destructive in intercropped plots. The t-test results confirmed these observations, with all three null hypotheses rejected at the 0.05 significance level. The study concluded that maize-cucumber intercropping is an effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly approach to pest control and yield improvement. It recommended that the practice be promoted through agricultural extension services and incorporated into sustainable farming programmes.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops cultivated globally. In Nigeria, it plays a central role in ensuring food security, serving as a staple food, animal feed, and a raw material in various agro-industrial processes. The adaptability of maize to different ecological zones across the country, coupled with its relatively short growing period, has made it a preferred crop among smallholder and commercial farmers alike. According to Oluwatunsin, Ajewole, and Kanmodi (2024), maize production in Nigeria reached over 12 million metric tonnes in 2023, reflecting significant growth driven by increased demand and favourable climatic conditions. Despite its strategic importance, the productivity of maize in many regions, particularly in Calabar, Cross River State, is threatened by the persistent and destructive activities of insect pests.

Among the major insect pests of maize in Nigeria are stem borers (Busseola fusca, Chilo partellus), Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), and maize weevils. These pests attack the maize crop at various stages of growth, causing damage that significantly reduces both yield and quality. The Fall Armyworm, in particular, has gained notoriety since its first detection in Nigeria in 2016. Its rapid spread and devastating impact on maize fields have drawn serious concern from farmers, researchers, and policymakers. Oladeji, Sunday, and Lovett (2023) report that Spodoptera frugiperda can destroy entire maize fields within a matter of days, especially during the early vegetative stage. Yield losses attributed to FAW have been estimated to reach up to 60% in severe infestations. Similarly, stem borers such as Busseola fusca are known to cause significant damage by tunneling into the stem, disrupting nutrient flow and often leading to “deadheart” symptoms in young maize plants (Falade, Iyanda, & Lagoke, 2024).

To combat these pests, many farmers rely heavily on chemical insecticides. Insecticides such as lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, and emamectin benzoate are commonly used for pest control in maize farms. While these chemicals are effective in reducing pest populations and mitigating crop loss, their continued use raises serious environmental and health concerns. Prolonged exposure to synthetic insecticides has been linked to the decline of beneficial insect populations, soil degradation, water pollution, and the development of resistance in target pest species. Akinfasoye, Akinpelu, and Ogunleti (2022) observed that resistance to commonly used insecticides among maize stem borers has increased significantly in southwestern Nigeria, reducing the effectiveness of these chemicals and increasing production costs. Furthermore, the cost of acquiring chemical pesticides remains prohibitively high for many smallholder farmers, limiting their access to effective pest management tools.

In light of these challenges, there is growing interest in alternative and sustainable pest management strategies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has emerged as a comprehensive approach that incorporates biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to manage pest populations in an environmentally friendly manner. One of the core cultural practices under IPM is intercropping—the cultivation of two or more crops in proximity on the same field. Intercropping has long been practiced by indigenous farmers in Nigeria as a means of maximizing land use and reducing pest pressure. According to Ezueh and Taylor (2019), intercropping helps to suppress pest populations by disrupting pest colonization and breeding, masking host plant cues, and attracting natural enemies of pests.

Numerous studies conducted in Nigeria and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa have demonstrated the effectiveness of intercropping in pest suppression. For instance, intercropping maize with legumes such as cowpea has been shown to reduce the incidence of pod borers and improve overall crop yield (Jalloh et al., 2023). In another study, cereal-legume mixtures were found to reduce Fall Armyworm larval feeding and promote the presence of predatory insects such as lady beetles and parasitoid wasps. These ecological interactions are critical in maintaining a balance between pest populations and their natural enemies, thus reducing the need for chemical inputs (Akinkunmi, AdeOluwa, & Adekunle, 2022).

While legumes have been widely studied in intercropping systems, the role of cucurbits, particularly cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), remains underexplored. Cucumber is a common horticultural crop in Nigeria, valued for its high market demand and nutritional content. It is characterized by its vine-like growth, aromatic leaves, and production of flowers that attract pollinators and natural enemies of insect pests. These characteristics make cucumber a potential candidate for intercropping with maize in pest management systems. However, the empirical evidence on its effectiveness in suppressing maize insect pests is limited. Falade et al. (2024) conducted a study on maize–cucumber intercropping in the forest–savanna transition zone of southwestern Nigeria and found improved system productivity and land use efficiency. Nevertheless, the study did not assess pest dynamics or quantify the suppression of specific insect pest populations.

The choice of cucumber as an intercrop with maize in Calabar, Cross River State, is particularly promising due to the region’s unique agroecological characteristics. Calabar lies within the humid rainforest belt of Nigeria, receiving over 3,000 mm of annual rainfall with consistently warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. These climatic conditions are highly conducive to pest proliferation, making pest management a critical component of successful maize production in the area. Moreover, the high humidity often limits the timing and effectiveness of pesticide applications, reinforcing the need for ecological alternatives. In such an environment, intercropping maize with a companion crop like cucumber may alter the microclimate, reduce pest colonization, and create favourable conditions for beneficial arthropods.

Despite its potential, scientific studies examining maize–cucumber intercropping systems in the context of pest management in Calabar are scarce. Most available research focuses on yield improvement, soil fertility, or weed suppression, with little attention paid to the dynamics of insect pests and their control. For instance, Mbah, Aniekwe, and Atu (2011) explored weed suppression in maize–cucumber intercropping systems but did not consider pest suppression or natural enemy enhancement. Chinatu, Onwuchekwa, and Okoronkwo (2017) assessed cucumber yield under different planting densities but did not investigate its interaction with maize or its ecological impact. This gap in the literature underscores the need for context-specific research that evaluates the potential of maize–cucumber intercropping in reducing insect pest incidence under field conditions in Calabar.

The current study, therefore, seeks to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the potency of maize–cucumber intercrops in the management of insect pests in Calabar, Cross River State. By evaluating pest incidence, crop performance, and yield outcomes under intercropping and monocropping conditions, the study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for sustainable pest control practices. It is expected that findings from this research will contribute to the development of low-cost, environmentally friendly pest management strategies tailored to the needs of smallholder maize farmers in southeastern Nigeria. Ultimately, such innovations could enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and promote ecologically resilient farming systems in the region.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Maize production in Nigeria continues to face significant challenges due to insect pest infestations, especially from stem borers (Busseola fusca, Chilo partellus) and Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). These pests inflict substantial damage at both vegetative and reproductive stages, often resulting in yield losses ranging from 20% to 60% in smallholder maize farms (Oladeji, Sunday, & Lovett, 2023). The overreliance on chemical insecticides by farmers to manage these pests raises serious concerns regarding environmental degradation, pest resistance, and health risks to humans and non-target organisms (Akinfasoye, Akinpelu, & Ogunleti, 2022).

Although intercropping has been widely adopted as an indigenous pest control practice in Nigeria, the scientific validation of specific intercrop combinations that suppress insect pests remains inadequate. Several studies, such as those by Jalloh et al. (2023) and Ezueh and Taylor (2019), have examined maize-legume intercrops for their role in reducing pest damage. However, there is limited empirical research on the use of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)—a horticultural crop with pest-repelling characteristics—in maize-based intercropping systems. Cucumber’s vine-like growth, dense foliage, and floral volatiles could potentially disrupt pest colonization and enhance the presence of natural enemies, yet its role in insect pest suppression within maize systems remains understudied in Nigeria (Falade, Iyanda, & Lagoke, 2024).

Moreover, most intercropping research has been conducted in the savannah and forest–savanna transitional zones of Nigeria (Oluwatunsin, Ajewole, & Kanmodi, 2024), with little attention given to the humid rainforest zone, such as Calabar, Cross River State. This region experiences high rainfall and humidity, factors that intensify pest outbreaks and complicate chemical control measures. The scarcity of location-specific studies that examine the effect of maize–cucumber intercropping on insect pest incidence, especially under Calabar’s agroecological conditions, presents a critical research gap.

Therefore, there is a pressing need to explore the ecological interactions between maize and cucumber in suppressing insect pests and promoting sustainable production. This study seeks to fill the existing gap by providing scientific evidence on the efficacy of maize–cucumber intercropping as a low-cost, environmentally friendly pest management strategy suitable for smallholder farmers in the humid tropics of Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to examine the potency of maize-cucumber intercropping in the management of insect pests of maize in Calabar, Cross River State. The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the level of insect pest infestation in sole maize plots compared to maize-cucumber intercrop plots.

2. Determine the effect of maize-cucumber intercropping on maize yield and growth performance.

3. Identify the specific insect pests influenced by intercropping and evaluate their population dynamics across cropping systems.

1.4 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What is the level of insect pest infestation in maize-cucumber intercrop plots compared to sole maize plots?

2. How does maize-cucumber intercropping affect the growth and yield performance of maize in Calabar?

3. What insect pests are most affected by maize-cucumber intercropping, and how do their populations vary between the cropping systems?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The study is guided by the following null hypotheses:

1. There is no significant difference in insect pest infestation levels between maize-cucumber intercrop plots and sole maize plots.

2. Maize-cucumber intercropping has no significant effect on the growth and yield performance of maize in Calabar.

3. There is no significant variation in the population of specific insect pests between the intercropped and sole maize plots.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study contributes to the advancement of sustainable agriculture by investigating a natural, cost-effective method of managing insect pests through intercropping. In an era where the negative impacts of synthetic pesticides on the environment, human health, and biodiversity are increasingly evident, the need for alternative pest control strategies has become urgent. The findings of this research are expected to offer meaningful solutions for smallholder farmers in Calabar and other regions with similar climatic and agro-ecological characteristics. By assessing the impact of maize–cucumber intercropping on insect pest suppression, the study may provide farmers with a viable option to minimize crop damage while reducing dependency on chemical pesticides. This could lead to improved yields, lower production costs, and enhanced environmental safety, which are crucial for small-scale agricultural sustainability.

The practical relevance of this study extends beyond the farming community. Agricultural extension officers and development agencies may apply the research findings to develop training programs and field demonstrations that promote scientifically validated intercropping systems. By translating academic knowledge into practical techniques, these stakeholders can empower farmers to adopt sustainable practices that improve both productivity and ecological balance. The study also adds to the growing body of knowledge in agroecology and entomology, offering baseline data that can inform future experiments and comparative analyses on crop diversification strategies. Scholars and students in these disciplines may use the results as a reference point for understanding the complex interactions between crops and insect pests in tropical farming systems.

At the policy level, this research aligns with broader developmental and environmental goals. It supports Nigeria’s agricultural policy objectives that emphasize climate-smart agriculture and the reduction of synthetic agrochemical use. On the international stage, the study contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2, which targets the end of hunger and the promotion of food security, and Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. By promoting environmentally friendly farming systems that are both productive and resilient, this study helps advance efforts toward more sustainable food systems that can benefit present and future generations.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to evaluating the effects of maize-cucumber intercropping on the management of insect pests in maize farms within Calabar, Cross River State. It focuses on two cropping systems: maize monoculture (sole cropping) and maize-cucumber intercrop. The investigation includes pest identification, population count, maize growth and yield analysis, and assessment of pest-induced crop damage. The study period is confined to a single cropping season under rain-fed conditions. Other variables such as soil fertility, economic returns, and post-harvest losses are beyond the scope of this study.

1.8 Operational Definition of Key Terms

Intercropping: The agricultural practice of growing two or more crop species simultaneously on the same field, often to optimize resource use and reduce pest infestation.

Monoculture: A cropping system in which a single crop is cultivated in a given area, making it more susceptible to pest attacks and nutrient depletion.

Insect Pests: Invertebrate organisms, primarily insects such as stem borers and armyworms, that feed on crop plants and cause physical damage, reducing yield and quality.

Maize (Zea mays): A cereal crop cultivated globally, valued for its grains used in food, feed, and industrial products, and one of the most important staple crops in Nigeria.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): A vine-like, herbaceous crop in the gourd family cultivated for its edible fruit, used as food and as a companion plant in pest management.

Pest Management: A set of practices aimed at reducing pest populations to tolerable levels using various strategies, including cultural, biological, and chemical control.

Yield Performance: The quantitative measurement of crop output, typically expressed in terms of weight per unit area (e.g., tons per hectare), used as an indicator of agricultural productivity.

Population Dynamics: The study of how and why the number of individuals in a pest population changes over time and space, influenced by factors such as cropping system and environmental conditions.