Effects of pre-planting, mixed planting and planting density of Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp. on the growth of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill, in humic and red lateritic soils

Abstract

The effects of pre-planting mixed planting and planting density of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. on the growth of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill, in humic and red lateritic soils were determined in the glasshouse. Pre-planting of V. unguiculata in the soils which were subsequently used to grow L. aegyptiaca resulted in increased growth. The higher the density of V. unguiculata pre-planted, the better was the growth of L. aegyptiaca. Mixed planting of the two species resulted in increased growth of V. unguiculata in humic soil and of L. aegyptiaca in red earth. However, in both soil types, the sum of the total dry weights for both species was much lower than expected. From the results of the experiments and the physico-chemical characteristics of the soils, suggestions are made as to how to increase the productivity of L. aegyptiaca in humic and red lateritic soils.