Agronomic Performance and Compatibility of Common Bean Genotypes Intercropped with Maize

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important nutritious food and cash crops grown in Ethiopia. This study evaluated the  compatibility of common bean genotypes to intercropping with maize and assessed land use efficiency of mixed cropping for sustainable intensification  of maize-legume based farming systems. Twenty-five common bean genotypes were evaluated under sole and intercropping with a maize hybrid, BH540,  in 2011 and 2012 at Bako. Significant variations were observed among the common bean genotypes for most studied traits under sole and  intercropping conditions. On average, about 88% yield reduction was recorded for the common bean genotypes intercropped with maize as compared to sole cropping. Genotypes  MEXICO235 X PAN-182 and UBR(92)25-13-1 had higher seed yield under both cropping systems and also showed relatively  lower yield reduction due to intercropping, indicating the compatibility of these genotypes for mixed cropping. Seed yield had positive and significant  correlation only with seeds per pod and harvest index under sole cropping, but it had strong positive association with days to maturity, plant height, pods  per plant, harvest index and number of primary braches under intercropping. Maize-common bean ntercropping slightly increased land use  efficiency and land productivity. Genotypes ICTAJU-95-28, UBR (92)25-13-1 and MEXICO235XPAN-182 exhibited relatively higher total land equivalent ratio  (LER) and relative crowding coefficient (RCC) under intercropping. In general, common bean genotypes used in this study were highly affected by the  competition imposed by maize, indicating the need for further research to develop more compatible varieties of component crops and adjust the time of  common bean intercropping with maize.