INTERFIELD AND INTERPLANT SPACING IN TROPICAL INSECT CONTROL

Abstract

We may assume that the degree of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of tropical crop plants will influence their harvest by insects and by man. 'The question then becomes one of recognizing those types of heterogeneity that will yield desired agricultural results given the unique environment · and insect fauna of a particular area. There is further difficulty in recognizing those agricultural results which cannot be achieved even with optimal heterogeneity; such recognition is important if we are to consciously arrive at steady-state tropical agroecosystems rather than have them forced upon us through country-wide exploitationist experimentation. This brief essay is intended to draw attention to some· general ecological guidelines in dealing with tropical crop heterogeneity and crop pests.