Abstract:
Legume cover is considered as a viable alternative to noxious weed control because of its
sustainability. This study was conducted from 2013 -2015 in cassava -mucuna intercrop to
evaluate the effects of mucuna on the weed flora . The experiment was a factorial in a
randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments included cassava populations
(10,000 and 15,000 plants/ha) and time of introduction of mucuna (3, 6, 9, 12 weeks and a
control). At 12 months after planting cassava in 2014 , broad leaves had the highest number of
species(12) and the same tread was observed in 2015 with 14 species of broad leaves .
Oldenlandia corymbosa and Ludwigia hyssopifolia were dominant in the first year while
Trianthema protolacastrum and Ageratum haustonianum were dominant in the second year. 3
weeks after planting cassava had the highest significant plant height of 105.52, 83.55cm and
mucuna ground cover for both yield The maximum significant yield of 17.53 t/ha and 14.32 t/ha
was obtained for both years in 10,000 plants/ha with mucuna introduced at 6 weeks after planting
while the control had the lowest yield. This study provides the composition of weed in a
mucuna-cassava intercrop at Makurdi, Nigeria. |
