MORPHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS OF MAIZE INTERCROPPED WITH COWPEA ACCESSIONS

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to comparatively evaluate the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays) intercropped with various cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) accessions. The experimental site underwent thorough clearing of debris and weeds prior to the commencement of the study. Subsequently, the land was prepared through plowing and harrowing to achieve a smooth and uniform surface. Following this preparation, the land was cleared once more, and ridges were constructed with an inter-ridge spacing of 350 cm, measured from the center of each ridge. Ridges were formed using manual tools, and distinct accessions of cowpeas and maize were planted on each ridge, facilitating the assessment of the growth and performance of both crops under intercropping conditions. The results indicated that the leaf length of maize plants in proximity to cowpea accessions varied from 60.83±8.59 mm to 109.77±2.99 mm. The maize associated with the cowpea accession IFE BPC exhibited the greatest leaf length, while the lowest leaf length was recorded in maize located near the cowpea accession ART 98-12. In contrast, the control group displayed a leaf length of 93.33±2.19 mm. Additionally, the leaf area of maize plants associated with cowpea accessions ranged from 230.26±20.31 cm² to 474.79±64.40 cm², with the highest leaf area attributed to maize planted alongside the cowpea accession BBT BPC and the lowest recorded for maize next to ART 98-12. The control plant demonstrated a leaf area of 443.65±33.68 cm². The duration to floral emergence for maize plants varied between 60.0±4.16 days and 67.0±5.57 days. The longest duration was observed for maize in association with the cowpea accession BBT brown, whereas the shortest duration was noted for maize adjacent to the cowpea accession ART 98-12. The control group reflected a duration of 60.0±4.04 days. Furthermore, the dry weight of the fruit from maize plants ranged from 104.5±3.31 g to 120.17±9.25 g, with the highest dry weight identified in maize paired with the cowpea accession BBT white, while the lowest occurred in maize adjacent to BBT brown. The control yielded a dry weight of fruit measuring 106.8±7.55 g. Overall, this study provides significant insights into the growth dynamics of maize plants intercropped with cowpea accessions and emphasizes the potential advantages of integrating diverse crop species within agroecosystems. By exploiting the synergies between maize and cowpea, farmers have the opportunity to enhance soil fertility, improve pest resistance, and increase overall crop productivity, thereby contributing to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.