Evaluation of Maksoy varieties for adaptation to maize-soybean intercrop

Abstract

MAKSOY varieties are the most widely grown soybean varieties in Uganda. Several studies have been carried out to determine their performance in pure stands. However, little is known about their response to maize-soybean intercrop. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of maize-soybean intercrop on the growth and yield traits of MAKSOY varieties. Six MAKSOY varieties (MAKSOY 1N, MAKSOY 2N, MAKSOY 3N, MAKSOY 4N, MAKSOY 5N and MAKSOY 6N) and Longe 10H were planted on 15th April 2021, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The crops were manually harvested and sun-dried to about 12 % moisture content. Data was analysed using GenStat analytical software version 14th edition to assess the significant difference among the six genotype’s traits and the least significant difference (LSD) test at 5 % was used for mean comparison. Intercropping had no significant impact on the following soybean parameters; number of nodules per plant, days to 50 % flowering and number of seeds per pod. Additionally, intercropping had no significant impact on two maize parameters of number of rows per cob and days to physiological maturity. However, intercropping significantly increased plant height, lodging percentage and days to physiological maturity for soybean. On the other hand, it reduced the following soybean parameters; number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and yield. Similarly, intercropping reduced the maize parameters of number of cobs per plant and yield. MAKSOY 1N, MAKSOY 2N, MAKSOY 3N and MAKSOY 6N had land equivalent ratios greater than one. The intercrop for MAKSOY 6N produced the highest yield, highest land equivalent ratio (LER), highest number of pods per plant, highest lodging score and tallest plant heights. Additionally, intercrops of MAKSOY 3N had the highest 100 seed weight and MAKSOY 1N took the least number of days to physiological maturity. It can be concluded that MAKSOY 6N had the best performance and therefore, recommended to farmers as the best MAKSOY variety for intercropping with maize.