0023-6152

AA00697606

2558881

Bangladeshi soils are generally low in fertility and enhanced crop yield is only possible through using of a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Continuous use of agrochemicals in crop production and processing not only affecting the food quality, environment and humans but also increasing cost of production. A field study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of companion plant (basil, nira and coriander) as an alternative pest management strategy along with application of organic matter (gliricidia tree leaf and cow dung) for safe tomato production, insect abundance and soil properties changes. Tomato yields were 59 and 61% higher when grown in gliricidia+basil plot compared to no-companion plant and noorganic matter treatment, respectively. Insect infestation was significantly lower in companion plant treatments. Soil pH and organic carbon were higher in cow dung than gliricidia leaf applied treatment. Results revealed that tomato in association with companion plants had potential effect on reducing insect pests as well as attracting pollinators and predators. However, the degree of potentiality of companion plants can be ranked as basil>coriander>nira. Therefore, tomato can be grown successfully in association with Basil as companion plant and by incorporating gliricidia tree leaf into soil as green manure.