Biological Weed Control in Plantains (Musa AAB) with Egusi Melon (Colocynthis citrullusL.)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The experiment investigated the effect of intercropping plantains with 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 melons/ha on delayed weeding for 3, 5 and 7 months respectively after planting. The yield of melons decreased with increased population. Intercropping plantains with 5,000 melons/ha suppressed weed growth for 7 months and significantly enhanced plantain establishment growth and yield. At 2,500 melons/ha, weeding could be delayed for only 3 months after planting beyond which weed competition reduced plantain growth and yield. Planting melons at high density checked weed growth for 7 months but reduced plantain establishment, retarded the growth and reduced the yield.