Growth Promotion and Development and Dynamics of Phytopthora capsicum Control under Fennel and Pepper Intercropping

PurposeTo study the effects of pepper intercropping with fennel on Phytophthora capsici.

MethodsPepper monoculture and pepper intercropping with fennel were set in Xundian County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, comparing the differences of biomass, root morphology and enzyme activity between the two cropping patterns. The incidence and disease index of the two cropping patterns were evaluated by Logistic model.

Results Pepper intercropping with fennel was beneficial to the growth of fennel and pepper root. The root length and root surface area of pepper in intercropping pattern were extremely significantly higher than monoculture pattern (P<0.01), and there were significant differences in root diameter and root volume between two patterns (P<0.05). In intercropping pattern, the asymptotic maximum incidence and disease index and the maximum growth rate of pepper were significantly lower than pepper monoculture pattern (P<0.05), but without significant difference in initial growth rate (P>0.05). Intercropping pattern significantly delayed the time of reaching the maximum instantaneous rate. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in pepper roots under intercropping pattern were significantly higher than monoculture pattern (P<0.05), but without significant difference in peroxidase (P>0.05).

ConclusionPepper intercropping with fennel can reduce the incidence and disease index of P. capsici, delaying the outbreak time of P. capsici, promoting the growth of root system and enzyme activity of root and increasing the resistance of pepper.