Time of intercropping of Egusi melon with pepper species on growth and yields

ABSTRACT The length of time a crop is exposed to competition for resources in an intercrop is a determinant to its performance. Field experiments were carried to determine effects of time of initiation of intercropping Egusi melon (Citrullus vulgaris Thunb) on growth and fruit yield of two pepper species: [Capsicum chinense (L.) and C. frutescens (L.)]. Egusi melon was planted simultaneously with pepper (SWP), and at 2 and 4 weeks after transplanting pepper (WATP), mono-cropped Egusi melon and mono-cropped pepper were used as checks. Time of initiation of intercropping melon with pepper did not affect all vegetative growth parameters of pepper. Number of branches of melon was reduced when it was monocropped. Number and duration of pepper harvests in 2017 were higher in C. frutescens than C. chinense, but were similar for both species in 2018. In both pepper species, fruit yield reduction was more when melon was intercropped SWP. Seed yield of melon was more when it was intercropped SWP. Land equivalent ratio in 2017 was greater relative to 2018. Initiation of intercropping melon at 2 or 4 WATP may improve pepper yield, while initiation of intercropping melon simultaneously with pepper may improve yield of Egusi melon.