EFFECT OF RELAY INTERCROPPING GARDEN EGG (Solanum aethiopicum) WITH FLUTED PUMPKIN (Telfairia occidentalis) ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF THE COMPONENT CROPS

Abstract

Sustainable crop production systems have become increasingly important in response to declining soil fertility, rising production costs, and the environmental challenges associated with monocropping systems. This study investigated the effect of introducing garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum) into fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) under a relay intercropping system and evaluated the growth performance of both crops under sole and mixed cropping conditions. The experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions at the Faculty of Agriculture Experimental Farm, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The study compared sole cropping and relay intercropping systems using growth parameters such as plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, and leaf area as indicators of crop performance. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine significant differences among treatments. The findings revealed that relay intercropping positively influenced the vegetative growth of garden egg, resulting in improved plant height, leaf production, and stem development when compared with sole cropping. Conversely, fluted pumpkin performed better under sole cropping conditions, indicating competitive interactions between the component crops in the intercrop system. The study demonstrates that relay intercropping can enhance land-use efficiency and crop productivity when properly managed. It further highlights the importance of crop compatibility and planting arrangement in sustainable vegetable production systems. The research contributes to current discussions on climate-smart agriculture, resource-use efficiency, and diversified farming systems suitable for smallholder farmers in tropical regions.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Agricultural sustainability has emerged as a critical concern in modern food production systems due to increasing population pressure, climate variability, declining soil fertility, and environmental degradation resulting from intensive monoculture practices. Conventional agricultural systems characterized by continuous cultivation of single crops and excessive dependence on synthetic agrochemicals have contributed significantly to biodiversity loss, soil nutrient depletion, and ecosystem imbalance (Altieri, 1999; Tilman et al., 2002). Consequently, researchers, development agencies, and farmers are increasingly exploring ecologically sustainable farming systems capable of maintaining productivity while conserving natural resources.

Intercropping represents one of the most effective traditional and modern approaches to sustainable crop production. It involves the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land during a substantial portion of their growth cycles (Ofori and Stern, 1987). The system promotes efficient utilization of environmental resources such as sunlight, soil nutrients, moisture, and space, thereby improving overall productivity and reducing production risks. In tropical agriculture, intercropping is widely practiced because it provides economic stability, minimizes weed infestation, suppresses pests and diseases, and improves food security for smallholder farmers (Anil et al., 1998).

Relay intercropping, a specialized form of intercropping, involves planting a second crop into an existing crop before the first crop reaches maturity. This system ensures continuous use of land resources and allows component crops to utilize growth resources at different periods, thereby reducing direct competition (Willey, 1979). The practice has gained relevance in climate-smart agriculture because of its potential to enhance land productivity and sustainability without requiring extensive external inputs.

Garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum) is an economically important vegetable crop widely cultivated across tropical Africa. It belongs to the family Solanaceae and serves as both a nutritional and income-generating crop for rural and urban households. The crop is valued for its high dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and medicinal properties (Sabo and Dia, 2009). Garden egg production contributes significantly to household nutrition and food security, particularly in West Africa where consumption is widespread.

Similarly, fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), commonly known as “ugu,” is one of the most important leafy vegetables in Nigeria. The crop belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is cultivated primarily for its edible leaves and seeds. Fluted pumpkin is highly nutritious, containing substantial quantities of vitamins, proteins, iron, and essential fatty acids (Chandrashekhar et al., 2000). Due to its nutritional and medicinal importance, the crop plays a significant role in combating malnutrition and improving dietary quality among households.

Despite the economic importance of both crops, limited scientific information exists regarding their compatibility and productivity under relay intercropping systems. Most studies on intercropping in Nigeria have focused primarily on cereal-legume combinations, with inadequate attention given to vegetable-based intercrops. Understanding the interaction between garden egg and fluted pumpkin is therefore essential for improving cropping systems, maximizing resource utilization, and increasing productivity among small-scale farmers.

The introduction of garden egg into fluted pumpkin stands under relay intercropping may influence growth characteristics either positively or negatively depending on resource competition, planting time, and spatial arrangement. Evaluating these interactions is necessary for developing efficient cropping systems capable of enhancing productivity while maintaining ecological balance.

Statement of the Problem

The increasing demand for food and declining availability of arable land have intensified the need for sustainable cropping systems capable of improving productivity per unit area. In many parts of Nigeria, vegetable farmers continue to practice sole cropping systems which often result in inefficient utilization of land resources, low biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to pests, diseases, and fluctuating climatic conditions.

Although intercropping has been recognized as an important strategy for enhancing crop productivity and environmental sustainability, information on the compatibility of garden egg and fluted pumpkin under relay intercropping conditions remains limited. Farmers who combine crops without adequate scientific knowledge may experience severe competition for nutrients, moisture, sunlight, and space, leading to reduced crop yields.

Furthermore, there is inadequate empirical evidence on how relay introduction of garden egg affects the vegetative growth and productivity of fluted pumpkin and vice versa. This knowledge gap limits the adoption of optimized intercropping systems among vegetable farmers in tropical regions.

Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the effect of introducing garden egg into fluted pumpkin in a relay intercrop system and determine its influence on the sole and combined growth performance of the component crops.

Aim of the Study

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of relay intercropping garden egg with fluted pumpkin on the growth performance and productivity of the component crops under rainfed conditions.

Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. determine the effect of relay intercropping on the growth performance of garden egg;
2. assess the growth response of fluted pumpkin under sole and intercropping systems;
3. compare the vegetative characteristics of sole-cropped and intercropped garden egg and fluted pumpkin;
4. evaluate the interaction effects of both crops on resource utilization and productivity;
5. determine the suitability of relay intercropping as a sustainable vegetable production system in tropical agriculture.

Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What effect does relay intercropping have on the growth performance of garden egg?
2. How does fluted pumpkin respond to relay intercropping with garden egg?
3. Are there significant differences between sole cropping and relay intercropping systems in terms of crop growth parameters?
4. Does relay intercropping improve land-use efficiency and crop productivity?
5. Which of the component crops performs better under intercropping conditions?

Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses were tested in the study:

H??: Relay intercropping has no significant effect on the growth performance of garden egg.

H??: There is no significant difference between sole-cropped and intercropped fluted pumpkin in terms of vegetative growth.

H??: Relay intercropping does not significantly influence the combined productivity of garden egg and fluted pumpkin.

Significance of the Study

This study is important because it contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable vegetable production systems in tropical agriculture. The findings will provide useful information to farmers, agricultural extension workers, researchers, and policy makers on the benefits and limitations of relay intercropping involving garden egg and fluted pumpkin.

The study will help farmers optimize land utilization, improve crop productivity, and reduce the risks associated with monocropping systems. It will also contribute to sustainable soil management and biodiversity conservation by promoting diversified farming practices.

Additionally, the research will serve as a reference material for students and future researchers interested in intercropping systems, vegetable production, and sustainable agriculture.

Scope of the Study

The study focused on evaluating the effect of introducing garden egg into fluted pumpkin under relay intercropping conditions. The experiment was limited to the assessment of vegetative growth parameters including plant height, stem girth, leaf number, and leaf area under rainfed conditions in Benin City, Nigeria.

Limitation of the Study

The study was limited by factors such as climatic variability, time constraints, and availability of experimental resources. The research focused mainly on growth parameters and did not extensively evaluate yield components, pest dynamics, or economic returns associated with the intercropping system.

Operational Definition of Terms

Intercropping: The cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land.

Relay Intercropping: A cropping system where a second crop is introduced into an existing crop before harvesting the first crop.

Garden Egg: A tropical vegetable crop belonging to the genus Solanum, cultivated for its edible fruits.

Fluted Pumpkin: A leafy vegetable crop (Telfairia occidentalis) widely cultivated in Nigeria for its edible leaves and seeds.

Monocropping: The cultivation of a single crop species on a piece of land over a growing season.

Land Equivalent Ratio (LER): An index used to measure the productivity advantage of intercropping compared to sole cropping.

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