Response of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L) Verdc.) Varieties to Plant Spacing in South Eastern Zone of Anambra State

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VII, Issue III, March 2022 | ISSN 2454–6194

Response of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L) Verdc.) Varieties to Plant Spacing in South Eastern Zone of Anambra State

Obidiebube E. A^1*, Akparaobi S.O², Eruotor P. G.², Okolie H.¹, Obasi C. C¹, Iwuagwu C. C.^1
1Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
²Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba, Nigeria
*Corresponding author

Abstract: A field experiment to study the effects of plant spacing (45x30cm, 35x30cm, 25x30cm and 15x30cm) on the growth and yields of Bambara groundnut varieties (EXMFI, EXMF4, IITA165 and ENZK1) was conducted in the School Farm of Ogbaru High School, Ogbakuba in Anambra State. The experiment was designed with split-plot in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The main plots were assigned to Bambara groundnut varieties (EXMF1, EXMF4, IITA165 and ENZK2), while sub-plots were assigned to plant spacing (45x30cm, 35x30cm, 25x30cm and 15x30cm) with population densities of 7,407, 9,524, 13,333 and 22,222 plants/ha respectively. Results showed that the number of pods per plant, pod weight and grain yields of Bambara groundnut increased with decrease in plant spacing. Plants with spacing 45x30cm had the least yield of 2455 kg/ha, where as the best yield results were from plants spaced at 15x30cm with the mean value of 3939 kg/ha. Furthermore, variety EXMF4 had the highest yield of 3384 kg/ha but was not significantly different (P<0.05) from the other varieties. Then variety x spacing interaction effects was significant for some growth and yield parameters evaluated. Thus, variety EXMF4 should be recommended for planting at high density of 22,222 plants/ha or spacing of 15x30cm in this locality.

Keywords: densities, experiment, interaction, replication significant.

I. INTRODUCTION

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.), is an annual drought resistant leguminous crop grown mainly for its pods. It is one of the most important grain legumes after groundnuts, cowpeas and soya beans in Africa and Nigeria in particular ((Mkandawire, 2007; Omoikhoje, 2008). ). Bambara groundnut is a self-pollinating annual legume crop and is an African indigenous crop that has been grown for centuries. It is an important grain legume, which is mainly grown

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