ABSTRACT

Three field experiments, each in two cropping seasons, were conducted at the National Cereals Research Institute, Owot Uta, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, between 2004 and 2006, the first experiment determined the effects of component crop densities on the growth and yield of egusi melon and maize in intercrop in 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. It consisted of three maize populations: 17,780; 26,670 and 53,330 (plants ha1) and three egusi melon populations 26,670; 13,330 and 8,890 (plants ha'). Sole crops of the maize and melon populations were also established. Intercropping reduced the yields of maize and egusi melon compared to the sole crops. Optimum yield was achieved at mixture of maize 53,330 + melon 8,890. In the second experiment, the effect of time of introduction on the growth and yield of egusi melon and maize in intercrop was determined in 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons. It comprised nine treatments; Relative time of introduction of egusi melon into maize plots at (6,4,2 WAP), maize into egusi melon plots at (6,4,2 WAP). Egusi melon and maize sown sameday, and sole crops of maize and egusi melon. Maize and egusi melon were sown at population density of 53,330 and 8,890 respectively. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. Intercropping reduced melon seed yields compared to the sole crops. Optimum productivity was achieved when maize and egusi melon were sown on the sarneday. The third experiment involved the determination of NPK fertilizer NPK 20:10:10) and cropping system on the growth and yield of maize and egusi melon in. 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons. It comprised 3 x 4 split plots in RCBD (sole maize. sole egusi melon, maize/egusi melon intercrop). The sub plots were the fertilizer rates (0; 200; 400 and 600)kg ha'. Maize was sown at a population density of 53,330 plants ha1, and melon at 13,330 plants ha1. Intercropping reduced the grain yields of maize and the seed yields of melon. Fertilizer application rate of 400 kg ha' was found to be most productive.