Evaluation of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes of Diverse Growth Habit under Sole and Intercropping with Maize (Zea mays L.) in Southern Ethiopia

Performance variation among improved common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes under sole and intercropping with maize (Zea mays L.)

“…Significant cropping system by genotype interactions have been reported from maize-bean intercropping (Hauggaard-Nielsen and Jensen, 2001;AtuaheneAmankwa et al, 2004;Gebeyehu et al, 2006) whereas Worku (2008) has not observed a significant interaction. Differences in growth habit and morphology of the component bean genotypes involved may have contributed to reported differences in the response of genotypes to cropping systems (Worku, 2008). Thus, this investigation was conducted to assess the response of released common bean genotypes to component performance and intercropping efficiency and identify suitable genotypes, under intercropping with maize.…”

“…Plant genotypes are rarely developed for mixed cropping systems despite the potential of these systems to provide multiple ecosystem services (Isaacs et al, 2016). Significant cropping system by genotype interactions have been reported from maize-bean intercropping (Hauggaard-Nielsen and Jensen, 2001;AtuaheneAmankwa et al, 2004;Gebeyehu et al, 2006) whereas Worku (2008) has not observed a significant interaction. Differences in growth habit and morphology of the component bean genotypes involved may have contributed to reported differences in the response of genotypes to cropping systems (Worku, 2008).…”

“…Accordingly, the bush and semi bush types dominated the top and medium performance ranks while the poor performers cluster was made from semi climbing types under intercropping. Similarly, Worku (2008) has observed that bush types were better than semi climbing types and suggested that their improved performance could be attributed to better light distribution throughout their canopy as a result of their upright growth. Moreover, semi climbing types tend to twine on maize when intercropped and this makes them grow beneath the maize leaves where shading is at its severest.…”

“…Many studies have shown yield reduction when beans are grown with maize under intercropping (Gebeyehu et al, 2006;Tana et al, 2007;Worku, 2008). On the other hand, the magnitude of intercropping efficiency depends largely on the performance of the associated beans.…”

“…The choice of compatible cultivars would be very important in a crop like common bean where there is great variation in the growth habit and morphology of cultivars (Worku, 2008). According to Davis et al (1986), bush bean is less competitive, easy to harvest and suitable for both sole and intercropping while climbers are more aggressive and reduce maize yield.…”