An experiment was carried out during 1993 - 1995 at Bako Agricultural Research Center to determine the optimum proportion of maize/haricot bean intercropping for which competition for growth resources could be minimized, and to identify the most favourable maize variety in associate cropping. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) arranged in a complete factorial with three replicates. Three maize varieties "Gutto" an early maturing composite, "Beletech" an intermediate maturing composite, and "BH140" an intermediate maturing hybrid were each planted at 100% and 75% of the recommended planting density. Bush haricot bean was planted at 100%, 75% and 50% of its recommended plant density. The combined analysis over years showed that the different haricot bean plant densities intercropped with different maize varieties and plant densities had no significant effect on the grain yield of maize. On the other hand, different maize varieties and plant densities had a significant effect on the grain yield of haricot bean (p<0.001). Beletech was more suitable for intercropping than either BH140 or Gutto, because of its lodging tolerance, narrow leaves and long internodes which allow more sunshine to reach the understorey haricot bean. Plant density also had significant effects (p < 0.001) on seed yield of both maize and haricot bean. Maintaining maize plant density at 100%, gave a high yield of maize and a low yield of haricot bean. The highest yield of haricot bean was obtained when 100% haricot bean plant density was intercropped with 75% maize plant density. It is concluded that 75% haricot bean plant density can be successfully intercropped with 100% maize in the Bako area.

English

9712|AGRIS 9702

Jose Juan Caballero

CIMMYT Publications Collection