Morphological Assessment of Zea Mays L. Intercropped With Vigna Unguiculata (l.) Walp. Accessions

This study examined the effects of intercropping maize with five cowpea accessions (BBT Brown, IFE Brown, IFE BPC, BBT White, and ART 98-12) on maize growth, reproductive development, and yield. The study was conducted on ferruginous soil at the University of Benin Botanical Garden, the research aimed to identify compatible cowpea accessions for optimized intercropping. Using a randomized complete block design, maize was grown in alternate row and intra-row arrangements was compared with monoculture controls. Results showed significant morphological variations among intercropping systems. IFE BPC enhanced maize leaf length (109.77 cm), due to nitrogen fixation, while BBT White and ART 98-12 reduced leaf length (70.8 cm and 60.83 cm, respectively), indicating competition. Similar patterns were observed in leaf breadth and area, influenced by environmental factors and cowpea characteristics. Reproductive traits also varied, with some accessions delaying flowering and fruiting. Silk weight was highest with IFE BPC (1.09 g), while the longest peduncle length was recorded in the control (13.97 cm). Days to maturity differed, with IFE Brown (56.33 days) and IFE BPC (57.83 days) maturing earlier than the control (82.87 days). Yield components were significantly impacted. BBT Brown (533.47) and BBT White (496.67) produced the highest seed counts per cob. Fresh and dry fruit weights followed similar trends, with seed yields highest in BBT Brown (91.27) and BBT White (79.8). Shelling percentage was also highest in BBT White (95.07%) and BBT Brown (94.47%). These findings highlight the importance of cowpea accessions selection for improving maize yield. BBT Brown and BBT White were particularly beneficial, suggesting the need for further research to refine intercropping strategies.