Performance of Groundnut Genotypes under Millet Based Intercropping Systems in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Summary

Spatial arrangement of crops is critical in determining the growth and yield of lower crops in intercropping. The productivity of two spatial arrangements of pearl millet–groundnut intercrops was studied in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria during the 2014 rainy season at Wasai in Minjibir, Kano state, and Rahama in Dutse, Jigawa state. The treatments were two millet varieties (Dankaranjo and SuperSosat), two intercropping systems (2:2 and 2:4; reflecting millet to groundnut row) and four groundnut genotypes (SAMNUT 21, SAMNUT 22, SAMNUT 23, and SAMNUT 24). The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with four replications. Among the groundnut genotypes, pod yield was greater at 2:4 system at Minjibir, while SAMNUT 23 and SAMNUT 24 were significantly (P<0.05) better than SAMNUT 21 and SAMNUT 22. SAMNUT 21 was best in terms of pod yield (480 kg ha^-1) at Dutse, followed by SAMNUT 22 and SAMNUT 23. The worst performer was SAMNUT 24 (293 kg ha^-1). Higher haulm yields were produced by SAMNUT 21 and SAMNUT 22 at both locations, followed by SAMNUT 23 and SAMNUT 24, which had similar haulm yields at Minjibir.