Nature's Network in Potato Fields: Pest Suppression through Diversified Cropping System

Abstract

In the intricate web of agricultural ecosystems, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) stands as a vital crop for food security in Bangladesh, second only to rice in production. Yet, this essential crop faces mounting threats from insect pests and declining arthropod biodiversity. This study, conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University during the 2019–2020 Rabi season, explores how nature’s own networks use; through diversified cropping systems—can help restore ecological balance and reduce pest pressure in potato fields. Employing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments and three replications intercropping and border cropping combinations involving radish, groundnut, coriander, fenugreek, spinach and sweet potato were tested. Among them, border cropping with radish emerged as the most ecologically effective, reducing infestations of aphids by 67.71%, whiteflies by 75.41%, jassids by 29.68%, and epilachna beetles by over 75% compared to sole potato cropping. Border cropping with radish also fostered the richest arthropod community (Simpson’s D = 4.63; Evenness E = 0.93) and highest pollinator presence (124.33 honey bees/plant) at the mid-vegetative stage. Agronomically, it delivered the highest marketable yield (12.30 t/ha) and gross return (Tk 373,680/ha). Intercropping with groundnut and coriander also showed strong ecological and economic benefits. These results illustrate how aligning farming practices with ecological principles—by weaving nature’s network into crop planning—can strengthen pest regulation, enhance biodiversity, and boost farmer livelihoods. This study advocates for the adoption of such agro ecological strategies in Bangladesh and similar agro-climatic regions to build more resilient and sustainable farming systems.