ISHS Acta Horticulturae 380: Symposium on Tropical Root Crops in a Developping Economy
PRODUCTIVITY OF NIGERIA'S ELITE CASSAVA CULTIVARS GROWN IN MIXTURE WITH CONTRASTING MAIZE GENOTYPES |
| Authors: | J.E.G. Ikeorgu, S.O. Odurukwe |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1994.380.32 |
| Abstract:
Cassava/maize intercropping trials were conducted between 1986 and 1989 in a humid Ultisol at Igbariam (6° 53' E and 6° 20' N), in, Nigeria to investigate the compatibility and farmer acceptability attributes of some improved maize varieties when intercropped with cassava. TMS 30572 and TMS 4(2)1425 cassava cultivars were intercropped with 11 contrasting maize genotypes in 3 experiments. Productivity of the system was based on total economic and calorie yields as well as on net monetary returns. TZESR, a low-leaf area index (LAI), 90-day maize variety, consistently resulted in intercrop cassava yield (17 t ha-1) that was as high as sole cassava (19 t ha-1) and a low grain yield (2.4 t ha-1). Intercropping significantly depressed cassava yield by 6–30%. The greater depression was caused by full season (120-day) maize genotypes which also outyielded the short season (90–110 days) genotypes by 20–30%. High yielding maize genotypes tended to result in low intercrop cassava yields. The overall effect was that yield depression in cassava was compensated for by a correspondingly higher intercrop maize yield. Total calories produced and net income were higher where cassava was intercropped with high yielding maize varieties. Seven maize varieties suitable for intercropping with cassava were selected for recommendation to farmers. | |
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