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Intercropping Cocoa with Rice and Plantain Influencing Cocoa Morphological Parameters and Weed Biomass



Author(s)

A. O. Famaye, G. O. Iremiren, O. Olubamiwa, A. E. Aigbekaen and O. A. Fademi

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DOI:10.17265/2161-6264/2011.09B.015

Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria

A field study was conducted at CRIN Uhonmora Substation, Edo State in Derived Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria between 2007 and 2008. The experiment determined influence of intercropping cocoa with rice and plantain at early stage of field establishment. Four treatments considered were cocoa (sole), cocoa/rice, cocoa/plantain and cocoa/rice/plantain. Spacing of 3.1 m apart was used for cocoa and plantain while rice was 30 cm. Plot laid out was randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data on cocoa morphological parameters comprising plant height, girth and leaf area as well as weed biomass were measured monthly. Cocoa survival count was also determined. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA, and LSD was used to separate the means. Survival count showed over 95% survival in all treatments without any significance differences. On plant height and leaf area vegetative growth were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the intercrops than the sole cocoa but not significantly different in all the months. Plant vigour was significantly higher in cocoa/plantain intercrop. Cocoa/rice/plantain produced the least weed biomass while cocoa sole gave the highest. Therefore, cocoa/rice and cocoa/plantain intercrops could be recommended to cocoa farmers in Nigeria instead of sole planting at early age of field establishment.

Cocoa, intercropping, morphological parameters, weed.