Effect of plant spacing and cropping pattern on brown blotch (Colletotrichum truncatum) of cowpea

Authors

  • Samuel A. Adebitan Department of Agricultural Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Bamidele Fawole Department of Agricultural Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Glen L. Hartman International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria

Keywords:

Plant spacing, Cropping pattern, Brown blotch, Disease incidence, Disease severity, Cowpea

Abstract

Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of plant spacing and cropping pattern on brown blotch, caused by Colletotrichum truncatum. A greater reduction of the disease occurred on intercropped compared to monocropped cowpea [Vigna uniguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Cowpea at wider spacings (between and within rows) showed lower disease incidence and severity in both monocrop and intercrop patterns than those at closer spacings. Fewer but more marketable yields were obtained from intercropped than monocropped cowpea, and from cowpea planted at wider row-spacings than those from closer spacings.

Issue

Section

Research Papers