Effect of Intercropping Different Varieties of Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) with Maize (Zea mays L.) on Growth, Yield, and Productivity (LER) in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Ghana.

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted during the minor rainy season, from August to December 2021 and the major rainy season, from March to July 2022 to determine the effect of intercropping different varieties of groundnut with maize on growth, yield, and productivity. A 3 x 3 factorial experiment trial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) plus four sole crops with four replications was used. Factors studied were; (A) three varietal combinations [(i) Opeaburo + Yenyawoso, (ii) Opeaburo + Dehye, and (iii) Opeaburo + Oboshie)] and (B) three spatial arrangements; [(i) SP1 = 1-row maize alternating with 1-row groundnut, (ii) SP2 = 1-row maize alternating with 2 rows groundnut, and (iii) SP3 = 1-row maize alternating with 3 rows groundnut)] plus four sole crops. The results showed that Yenyawoso intercropped with Opeaburo at SP2 and SP3 emerged and flowered earlier and had a higher percentage plant establishment. Dehye intercropped with Opeaburo at SP2 and SP3 resulted in higher plant height and increased branching. Oboshie intercropped with SP2 and SP3 had higher leaf chlorophyll content and dry shoot weight. Oboshie intercropped with Opeaburo at SP2 and SP3 and Yenyawoso intercropped with Opeaburo at SP2 and SP3 enhanced 100-seed weight, pod yield, seed yield, harvest index (HI), shelling percentage (%), and LER of the groundnuts. For maize, Opeaburo intercropped with Dehye at SP1 and intercropped with Yenyawoso at SP2 had higher plant establishment for both seasons. Opeaburo intercropped with Yenyawoso, Oboshie, and Dehye at SP2 and SP3 had higher plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, and dry shoot weight. Opeaburo intercroped with Oboshie at SP2 and SP3 and intercropped with Yenyawoso at SP2 and SP3 enhanced stover weight, cob diameter and length, 100-seed weight, grain yield, harvest index (HI), shelling percentage (%), and LER of the maize crop.