The effect of cultivating maize and sunflower around cotton plants was investigated during 1992 cotton season. 13 predaceous and 6 parasitoid species were cosidered, and their numbers were estimated weekly by means of 10 double net strokes in three treatments; i.e. cotton-maize plants. cotton-sunflower plants. and cotton only. Rates of damage caused by cotton leafworm and bollworms were also estimated.
Cotton-maize plants harboured significant highest numbers of Orius .spp., Chrysopa cornea, Paederus alfierii and coccineIIid beetles (total 485.3 adults). followed by cotton-sunflower plots (325.5 adults). and lastly cotton only (289.9 adults). However cotton surrounded by sunflower attracted significant higher numbers of syrphids (total 21.8 adults) and parasitoids (139.5 adults), compared to the other two treatments.
The least damage with cotton leaf worm and bollworms occurred to cotton surrounded by maize plants. followed by cotton-sunflower treatment. while the highest rate of damage occurred in the area cultivated with cotton only. The reduction in damage could be attributed to the active role of predators in the first treatment and that of parasitoids in the second case. According to the obtained data; intercroping maize and sunflower plants recommended to encourage the two biological control agent.