Influence of Yam /Cassava Based Intercropping Systems

Abstract: The research showed that intercropping significantly suppressed weeds, reduced pest/disease infestation and thereby can play a leading role in integrated pest management. However, no pests and diseases were observed in all plots at 4WAP while low incidence of termite and stem borers were observed at 8 and 12 WAP respectively. Although, there were heavy weed weights at 4 and 8 WAP, indicating weed troublesome nature and how it constitutes a major limiting factor to food production if not checked. Early canopy cover shading the land area on stakes and fast spread of the landrace legumes covering the ground reduced weed incidence at 12 WAP and beyond while timely weeding also reduced weed and host for pest and diseases syndrome prevalent in unweeded farms in rainforest zones