College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia
Worku, W., College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia
Seven released, one local and two potential, totally 10, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes representing three growth habit groups were tested under sole cropping and in association with hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). The experiments were conducted during the 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons in southern Ethiopia to compare genotypes and growth habit groups of common bean and to identify genotypes that give maximum intercropping advantage. A split-plot design with three replications was used with cropping system and genotype as main and sub plot factors, respectively. The bean genotypes varied significantly in productivity under both cropping systems. Determinate and bush types performed better than indeterminate and semi-climbing types, respectively. The mean yield from all bean genotypes was used for standardizing and specific genotype combinations showed a mean land equivalent ratio as high as 1.34. Grain yields and ranks of the bean genotypes were positively correlated between the two cropping systems. Furthermore, there was no significant genotype by cropping systems interactions indicating that genotypes selected for performance under sole cropping could perform well in association with hybrid maize. Using improved bush bean cultivars such as DOR-554 and AFR-772 in association with hybrid maize could enhance intercropping advantage. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information.