Effect of time of planting cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) relative to maize (Zea mays L.) on growth and yield cowpea
2002
Adipala, E. | Occaya, C.P. | Osiru, D.S.O. (Makere Univ., Kampala (Uganda). Dept. of crop Science)
Field investigations were carried out for three seasons in two locations of Uganda to examine yield benefits when cowpea and maize are planted under intensive farming conditions. Additive mixtures of cowpea were planted into maize thrice at 2 weekly intervals together with sole crops. Time of introducing cowpea into maize significantly affected both the growth and yield of cowpea. Simultaneous planting generally showed a yield advantage (LER 1) of the cowpea/maize intercropping systems irrespective of the cowpea varieties used, but LER declined when time of introducing cowpea into maize was delayed being as low as 0.76 when cowpea was planted four weeks after planting maize. The reduction in the growth and yield of cowpea was due to increased shading from the maize plants especially when cowpea was introduced at the fourth week. Therefore, to achieve yield benefit simultaneous planting of maize and cowpea recommended.
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