A method for interplanting pepper with composite associated species

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for the intercropping of chili peppers with other plants, belonging to the field of agricultural planting technology. The method constructs an intercropping area consisting of a main chili pepper planting zone, an outer intercropping zone, and an ecological regulation zone. The main chili pepper planting zone is planted with chili peppers, basil, and mint. The outer intercropping zone surrounds the main chili pepper planting zone and is planted with marigolds, garlic, and coriander. The ecological regulation zone works in conjunction with the main chili pepper planting zone and is planted with fennel, chamomile, and catnip. This invention, through a three-layered spatial layout of "outer intercropping zone – main chili pepper planting zone – ecological regulation zone," coordinates the functions of eight intercropping plants to construct a three-dimensional ecological regulation network. This method not only effectively avoids and controls major pests and diseases of chili peppers, significantly reducing the use of chemical pesticides, but also brings additional economic benefits through intercropping plants such as basil and mint, while simultaneously improving the soil environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural planting technology, and in particular to a method for the intercropping of chili peppers with other plants. Specifically, it relates to an intercropping method that uses a multi-layered ecological structure to configure multiple companion plants in order to achieve ecological regulation of pests in chili pepper fields. Background Technology

[0002] Chili peppers are an important economic crop and are widely cultivated in my country. However, during the cultivation of chili peppers, pests such as spider mites, thrips, and aphids occur frequently, which seriously affects the yield and quality of chili peppers. At present, chemical pesticides are commonly used to control pests in production. However, long-term reliance on chemical pesticides can easily lead to increased pesticide resistance in pests, and can also cause pesticide residues, environmental pollution, and agricultural product quality and safety issues.

[0003] In recent years, associated planting technology has gradually attracted attention. By planting plants with repellent, odor interference or natural enemy attraction effects in crop planting areas, the occurrence of pests can be reduced to a certain extent. For example, marigolds and garlic have the effect of repelling pests, aromatic plants such as basil and mint can interfere with the feeding behavior of pests, while plants such as fennel and chamomile can attract the natural enemies of pests.

[0004] However, existing companion planting techniques are mostly simple mixed planting of two or a few kinds of plants, with a single ecological structure and limited effect on pest control. At the same time, they lack systematic spatial structure design and pest monitoring and control mechanisms, making it difficult to play a stable role in actual production.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a chili pepper intercropping method with a reasonable structure and stable ecological regulation effect to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and improve the ecological safety and economic benefits of chili pepper cultivation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for the intercropping of chili peppers with other plants. By constructing a multi-layered composite ecological structure, repellent plants, odor-disrupting plants, and natural enemy-attracting plants are rationally configured to achieve ecological regulation of pests in chili pepper fields, thereby reducing the incidence of pests, reducing pesticide use, and improving the yield and quality of chili peppers.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a method for intercropping chili peppers, comprising constructing an intercropping area, wherein the intercropping area includes:

[0008] Chili pepper main planting area;

[0009] A surrounding composite belt is set up around the main chili pepper planting area;

[0010] An ecological regulation zone is set up within the main chili pepper planting area;

[0011] in:

[0012] Chili peppers, basil, and mint are grown in the main chili pepper growing area;

[0013] The outer composite strip is planted with marigolds, garlic, and coriander;

[0014] The ecological regulation zone is planted with fennel, chamomile, and catnip;

[0015] The outer composite zone, the main chili pepper planting area, and the ecological regulation zone form a multi-layered composite ecological structure from the outside in. Through the repellent plants in the outer composite zone, the odor-disrupting plants in the main chili pepper planting area, and the natural enemy-attracting plants in the ecological regulation zone, ecological regulation of pests in chili pepper fields is achieved.

[0016] Furthermore, the bandwidth of the peripheral composite band is 0.5-0.8m.

[0017] Furthermore, the planting area ratio of marigolds, garlic and coriander in the outer composite belt is 5:3:2, and the coriander is planted in clumps with a planting spacing of 30cm.

[0018] Furthermore, the planting area ratio of chili peppers, basil, and mint is 2:1:0.5, and the chili peppers and basil are intercropped with a row spacing of no more than 25cm.

[0019] Furthermore, the mint is planted using a root control container with a diameter of not less than 20cm. The bottom of the root control container is covered with perlite, and the volume of the perlite accounts for more than 30% of the volume of the root control container.

[0020] Furthermore, the area of ​​the ecological regulation zone accounts for 2-3% of the area of ​​the associated planting zone.

[0021] Furthermore, the planting area ratio of fennel, chamomile, and catnip is 5:3:2.

[0022] Furthermore, the associated planting area includes pest monitoring and control measures, including:

[0023] Pest monitoring should be conducted 3-4 times per week;

[0024] When the spider mite density exceeds 5 spider mites / leaf, the planting area ratio of marigold, garlic, and coriander in the outer composite zone is adjusted to 4:2:4, that is, the planting area of ​​coriander in the outer composite zone is increased to 40%; when the thrips density is >3 thrips / flower, a diluted basil essential oil solution is sprayed in the main pepper planting area, and the volume dilution ratio of the basil essential oil solution is 1:200.

[0025] Furthermore, when the pest density exceeds a preset threshold, corresponding ecological control measures will be implemented within 48 hours.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] 1. The method of this invention constructs a three-layer structure consisting of an outer composite zone, a chili-growing main crop zone, and an ecological regulation zone, and coordinates with eight companion plants to form a multi-layered ecological barrier, thereby improving the ecological regulation effect of pests. It utilizes the synergistic effect of repellent plants, odor-disrupting plants, and natural enemy-attracting plants to achieve multi-mechanism pest control.

[0028] 2. The method of this invention introduces a dynamic pest control mechanism, which constructs a stable ecological control system without the use of chemical pesticides. By reducing pest density through ecological regulation, the risk of pest outbreaks is effectively reduced.

[0029] 3. The method of this invention, through scientific functional ecological layout, not only achieves effective ecological control of major diseases and pests of chili peppers, ensuring high quality and high yield of chili peppers, but also greatly improves the comprehensive benefits of chili pepper planting through diversified utilization of associated plants.

[0030] 4. The marigolds in the outer composite zone of the present invention release thiophene compounds that have a strong repellent effect on nematodes and some pests, the odor of allicin can effectively interfere with the orientation of pests, and the planting structure of coriander provides shelter for natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings, forming the first line of defense.

[0031] 5. The fennel, chamomile, and catnip in the ecological regulation zone of the present invention have a long flowering period, providing a continuous source of nectar and pollen for natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and hoverflies, significantly improving the colonization rate and reproductive capacity of natural enemies, and enhancing the biological pest control ability in the main pepper-growing area. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-layer layout of the associated planting area of ​​the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a comparison chart of the occurrence of pests and diseases in Example 4 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a comparison chart of chili pepper yield in Example 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Experimental methods not specifically described in the following embodiments are generally performed under conventional conditions or as recommended by the manufacturer. All plant seeds, reagents and equipment used in the embodiments are commercially available.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] This embodiment provides a method for the intercropping of chili peppers with other crops, which is used to experimentally verify the effect of multi-layered ecological barriers on the control of diseases and pests of chili peppers. The experimental site is a chili pepper field in Gaotai County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, with medium and uniform soil fertility. The experimental field is divided into multiple independent intercropping areas, each with an area of ​​100 square meters.

[0038] Constructing a companion planting area according to the method of this invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the specific layout is as follows:

[0039] 1. Planting area layout and specifications:

[0040] First, a main chili pepper planting area is planned in the central area. A 0.6m wide outer composite belt is set up around the main chili pepper planting area. Inside the main chili pepper planting area, an ecological regulation zone is defined, which accounts for 3% of the total area of ​​the associated planting area.

[0041] 2. Chili pepper cultivation in major planting areas:

[0042] Chili peppers, basil, and mint were planted in an area ratio of 2:1:0.5. Chili peppers and basil were intercropped with a row spacing of 20cm to enhance root contact and odor interference. Mint was planted in isolated root control containers with a diameter of 25cm. The bottom of the containers was covered with perlite, which occupied 35% of the container volume. The containers were buried in the soil with the edges slightly above the ground to prevent excessive spread of mint roots.

[0043] 3. Planting in the outer composite zone:

[0044] Marigolds, garlic, and coriander were planted in an area ratio of 5:3:2. Coriander was planted in clumps, with one clump (3-5 plants per clump) planted every 30cm to enhance its patch effect in attracting natural enemies and repelling pests.

[0045] 4. Planting in ecological regulation zones:

[0046] Fennel, chamomile, and catnip were planted in a 5:3:2 ratio and sown together to form a continuous belt of flowers and herbs, providing nectar sources and shelter for natural enemy insects. After planting, conventional water and fertilizer management was carried out. Throughout the growing season, a dynamic pest control mechanism was implemented, with three pest system surveys conducted every week. The diagonal five-point sampling method was used in each plot to record the population density of red spider mites and thrips on the peppers.

[0047] Example 2:

[0048] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that a dynamic control mechanism is introduced to verify the effect of adjusting the planting ratio of coriander on the prevention and control of spider mite outbreaks.

[0049] During the mid-growth stage of chili peppers, monitoring revealed that the spider mite density in a certain associated planting area had reached 6 spider mites per leaf, exceeding the threshold of 5 spider mites per leaf. Based on the method of this invention, a local adjustment was made to the outer composite zone of the planting area within 48 hours. Some marigolds and garlic were removed, and the planting area ratio of marigolds, garlic, and coriander in the outer composite zone was adjusted to 4:2:4, that is, the planting ratio of coriander was increased to 40%. One week after the adjustment, a pest survey was conducted again, and it was found that the spider mite density had significantly decreased to 2 spider mites per leaf, effectively controlling the pest outbreak.

[0050] Example 3:

[0051] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that a dynamic control mechanism is introduced to verify the control effect of basil essential oil on thrips outbreaks.

[0052] During the flowering period of chili peppers, monitoring revealed that the density of thrips in a certain associated planting area had reached 4 thrips / flower, exceeding the threshold of 3 thrips / flower. According to the method of this invention, basil essential oil was diluted with water at a volume ratio of 1:200 to prepare a basil essential oil dilution, which was then sprayed evenly on the flowers and tender parts of the chili pepper plants. After 48 hours of spraying, a follow-up inspection showed that the thrips density had decreased to less than 1 thrips / flower, and it did not have any adverse effects on the flowering and pollination of chili peppers.

[0053] Example 4 (Comparative Experiment):

[0054] To verify the beneficial effects of the present invention, a control group was set up.

[0055] Control group 1: Fields where chili peppers were planted alone, without any other plants.

[0056] Control group 2: Only a chili-based main crop planting area was set up (planting chili, basil, and mint), but without an outer composite zone and ecological regulation zone.

[0057] Experimental group: Planted using the method of the present invention as described in Example 1.

[0058] Record the occurrence of diseases and pests in each group throughout the growing season (see) Figure 2 ) and chili pepper production (see Figure 3 ).

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] The experimental results show that, due to the synergistic effect of the multi-layered ecological barriers, the population density of spider mites and thrips in the experimental group using the method of this invention is much lower than that in the control group, and the incidence of viral diseases is also significantly reduced. Ultimately, the yield of peppers in the experimental group is 35.7% higher than that of the control group 1 planted alone, and 18.4% higher than that of the control group 2 planted with only some companion plants. The compound companion planting method of this invention, while ensuring the main pepper crop area, achieves efficient ecological control of pests and diseases by constructing a stable multi-layered compound ecosystem, and significantly increases the yield of peppers.

[0062] Example 5 (Comparative Experiment on Ecological Regulation Effects):

[0063] To further verify the comprehensive effects of the method of the present invention in pest control, pesticide reduction, and natural enemy population recovery, a comparative experiment was conducted in a continuously cropped chili pepper field in Gaotai County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province. The experimental period was the entire chili pepper growing season (May to September 2025). The experiment included three treatment groups, each with three replicates, and the planting area was [missing information - likely a specific area or region]. The soil fertility, irrigation, and field management conditions are consistent.

[0064] Processing group settings:

[0065] Treatment Group A (Control Group): Traditional monoculture of chili peppers without any companion plants, and conventional chemical pesticides were used to control pests such as spider mites and thrips.

[0066] Treatment Group B (without complete associated planting): Only a chili pepper main crop planting area was set up, with chili peppers, basil and mint planted, but no peripheral composite belt and ecological regulation area were set up.

[0067] Treatment Group C (method of the present invention): The outer composite belt, the main chili planting area and the ecological regulation area are configured in accordance with the method of the present invention, and a dynamic pest control mechanism is introduced.

[0068] Monitoring indicators and methods:

[0069] Pest incidence: A systematic survey was conducted every 7 days, using a five-point sampling method. Ten pepper plants were randomly selected at each point to record the population density of spider mites, thrips, aphids, and the incidence of viral diseases.

[0070] Pesticide usage: Record the number of times chemical pesticides were used and the amount of active ingredient used (in grams per acre) for each treatment group throughout the growing season.

[0071] Changes in the number of natural enemies: Every 15 days, the number of natural enemy insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps was investigated using yellow sticky traps and visual inspection.

[0072] Experimental results:

[0073] Comparison of pest incidence rates

[0074] Throughout the growing season, treatment group C had average population densities of spider mites, thrips, and aphids of 2.1 mites / leaf, 1.3 mites / flower, and 4.5 mites / plant, respectively. These were significantly lower than those in treatment group A (6.8 mites / leaf, 4.2 mites / flower, and 15.6 mites / plant) and also significantly lower than those in treatment group B (4.5 mites / leaf, 3.1 mites / flower, and 9.8 mites / plant). The viral disease incidence rate was 3.2% in treatment group C, 8.7% in treatment group B, and as high as 16.5% in treatment group A.

[0075] Comparison of pesticide reduction

[0076] Treatment group C underwent only two localized sprayings with diluted basil essential oil throughout the growing season, without using any chemical pesticides; the pesticide application rate was 0 g / mu. Treatment group B, due to higher pest pressure, used chemical pesticides three times, with an effective pesticide application rate of 42 g / mu. Treatment group A used chemical pesticides seven times, with an effective pesticide application rate of 118 g / mu. Compared to the control group, the method of this invention achieves a 100% reduction in chemical pesticide application.

[0077] Comparison of changes in the number of natural enemies

[0078] In the later stages of growth, the number of natural enemies in treatment group C increased significantly, averaging 48 per 100 pepper plants, including 15 ladybugs, 12 lacewings, 10 hoverflies, and 11 parasitic wasps. Treatment group B had an average of 21 natural enemies, while treatment group A had only 6. The number of natural enemies in treatment group C increased by 700% compared to treatment group A and by 128% compared to treatment group B.

[0079] The results of this embodiment show that the three-layer ecological structure of "outer composite zone - main chili planting area - ecological regulation zone" constructed by the method of the present invention, combined with the dynamic regulation mechanism, can significantly reduce the occurrence density of major chili pests, completely replace the use of chemical pesticides, and effectively restore and increase the population of natural enemies, forming a stable ecological self-regulation system with good ecological benefits and application and promotion value.

[0080] Example 6 (Analysis of Economic Benefits and Soil Improvement Effects):

[0081] This embodiment is based on the planting method described in Embodiment 1. At the harvest period, the soil improvement effect, additional income from associated plants and comprehensive economic benefits of the experimental group are calculated and compared with control group 1 (chili monoculture) in Embodiment 4.

[0082] 1. Effect of increasing soil organic matter

[0083] Soil samples were taken from the experimental group before planting and after the peak fruiting period of the peppers. The results showed that after one growth cycle of co-planting, due to the return of plant residues such as basil and mint to the field and root activity, the organic matter content in the 0-20cm topsoil layer increased by 0.21 percentage points compared with before planting. This is consistent with the data in existing studies that the return of aromatic plant residues to the field can increase soil organic matter by 0.2 percentage points. The increase in organic matter effectively improved the soil aggregate structure, enhanced the soil's water and fertilizer retention capacity, and laid a good foundation for the growth of the next crop.

[0084] 2. Additional income from companion plants

[0085] In Gaotai County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, the long hours of sunshine and abundant sunlight in summer make it ideal for the growth of basil and mint, which are both heat-tolerant plants. Since they are both light-loving plants, artificial irrigation is used to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

[0086] Basil for increased income: Basil intercropped in areas where chili peppers are the main crop is harvested 1-2 times during the chili pepper growing season. Its fresh stems and leaves are sold directly as spices or used to extract essential oils. According to calculations, under the intercropping model, the average yield of fresh stems and leaves of basil reaches 120 jin per mu. Based on the average market purchase price of 8 yuan / jin, the additional income is 960 yuan / mu.

[0087] Increased income from mint: Mint grown using root-control containers promotes the accumulation of essential oils in the above-ground parts due to the restricted root growth, and prevents it from spreading and encroaching on the growth space of chili peppers. During the harvest season, the above-ground parts of mint are harvested, and mint essential oil can be extracted. According to data from similar herb cultivation, the oil yield of mint can reach about 1.5% with optimized management. Based on a yield of 1600 catties of fresh mint per mu, 24 catties of essential oil can be extracted. Currently, the average market price of food-grade mint essential oil is about 200 yuan / catties. After deducting the extraction cost, the net increase in income is about 1200 yuan / mu.

[0088] 3. Increased chili pepper yield and overall benefits

[0089] Increased chili pepper yield: Thanks to the effective control of pests and diseases and the improvement of the micro-ecology through the three-layer spatial layout, the average yield of chili peppers in the experimental group reached 2,510 kg per mu, compared with 1,850 kg per mu in control group 1, a net increase of 660 kg per mu, with a yield increase rate as high as 35.7%. Calculated at the place of origin purchase price of 6 yuan per jin, the output value of chili peppers alone increased by 1,980 yuan per mu. Taking into account all income and costs, the overall economic benefits of the experimental group have been significantly improved.

[0090] Experimental results show that the method of the present invention, by constructing a three-layer structure of an outer composite zone, a chili-growing main crop zone, and an ecological regulation zone, and in conjunction with eight companion plants, forms a multi-layered ecological barrier. This not only achieves ecological control of pests and diseases but also significantly increases the soil organic matter content. At the same time, basil and mint, as functional companion plants, can generate high economic value themselves, bringing direct income to farmers in addition to chili peppers.

[0091] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. The present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for intercropping chili peppers, characterized in that, This includes constructing a companion planting area, which includes: Chili pepper main planting area; A surrounding composite belt is set up around the main chili pepper planting area; An ecological regulation zone is set up within the main chili pepper planting area; in: Chili peppers, basil, and mint are grown in the main chili pepper growing area; The outer composite strip is planted with marigolds, garlic, and coriander; The ecological regulation zone is planted with fennel, chamomile, and catnip; The outer composite zone, the main chili pepper planting area, and the ecological regulation zone form a multi-layered composite ecological structure from the outside in. Through the repellent plants in the outer composite zone, the odor-disrupting plants in the main chili pepper planting area, and the natural enemy-attracting plants in the ecological regulation zone, ecological regulation of pests in chili pepper fields is achieved.

2. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer composite band has a bandwidth of 0.5-0.8m.

3. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 2, characterized in that: The planting area ratio of marigolds, garlic and coriander in the outer composite belt is 5:3:

2. The coriander is planted in clumps with a planting spacing of 30cm.

4. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planting area ratio of chili peppers, basil, and mint is 2:1:0.5, and the chili peppers and basil are intercropped with a row spacing of no more than 25cm.

5. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mint is planted in a root control container with a diameter of not less than 20cm. The bottom of the root control container is covered with perlite, and the volume of the perlite accounts for more than 30% of the volume of the root control container.

6. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area of ​​the ecological regulation zone accounts for 2-3% of the area of ​​the associated planting zone.

7. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 6, characterized in that: The planting area ratio of fennel, chamomile and catnip is 5:3:

2.

8. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The associated planting area is equipped with pest monitoring and control measures, including: Pest monitoring should be conducted 3-4 times per week; When the spider mite density exceeds 5 spider mites / leaf, the planting area ratio of marigold, garlic, and coriander in the outer composite zone is adjusted to 4:2:4, that is, the planting area of ​​coriander in the outer composite zone is increased to 40%; when the thrips density is >3 thrips / flower, a diluted basil essential oil solution is sprayed in the main pepper planting area, and the volume dilution ratio of the basil essential oil solution is 1:

200.

9. The method for intercropping chili peppers according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the pest density exceeds the preset threshold, corresponding ecological control measures will be implemented within 48 hours.

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