Genotype effects in millet/cowpea intercropping in the semi-arid tropics of niger

Three pearl millet and three cowpea genotypes were examined in intercropping systems on deep sandy soils in Niger between 1984 and 1987. The intercropped pearl millet genotypes usually produced at least 80% of their sole crop yields when the cowpea was planted two or more weeks after the pearl millet. The early maturing and spreading cowpea genotype contributed most to LER. All cowpea genotypes yielded more when planted in association with dwarf rather than the traditional tall pearl millet genotypes because they received more light. © 1990, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.