Studies on Cajanus cajan in Intercropped Systems with Zea mays

Pigeonpea is an important tropical and sub-tropical grain legume grown either as sole crop or intermixed with some cereals or other legumes. The crop is characterized by low yields in the traditional production systems and is prone to damage by insect pests both in the field and in storage. Differences exist in phenology among genotypes such that their productivity need to be assessed under different production systems. Five improved genotypes of pigeonpea developed by ICRISAT and one local genotype were assessed in the field under sole and intercrop mixtures with two maize genotypes. Insect pests damage to pigeonpea in the field and in storage were assessed. Grain yield in pigeonpea were significantly (p0.05) reduced by maize intercropping, but greater total crop yield and economic benefits accrued from the pigeonpea/maize mixtures compared to the sole crops of either pigeonpea or maize. The improved pigeonpea genotypes yielded significantly higher than the local genotype under both sole and intercrop systems with the two maize genotypes. The pigeonpea genotypes grains differed significantly in susceptibility to C. maculatus while their resistance of the pest was rated high.

Autorentext

Madang A.D. Dasbak holds a PhD degree in Crop Sci.(Cropping Systems)from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a Researcher and Ag. Provost, Plateau State College of Agric., Garkawa and has several published articles in reputable international journals.He is a member of Horticultural Society of Nigeria and Farm Management Association of Nigeria.