Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L) Verdc.) Varieties As Affected By Planting Dates In Ogbakuba, South Eastern Nigeria.
Obidiebube E A
epartment of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka - Nigeria
Eruotor P G
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba - Nigeria
Akparaobi S O
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba - Nigeria
Obasi CC
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka - Nigeria
Okolie H
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka - Nigeria
Keywords: Bambara groundnut, growth, planting date, response, yield
Abstract
An experiment on different planting dates on Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc) varieties was carried out in Ogbakuba in South Eastern Nigeria during 2011 and 2012 planting seasons. The design for this experiment was split - plot carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Bambara groundnut varieties (EXMF1, EXMF4, IITA165 and ENZK2) were used as main plot, while planting dates May, June, July, August and September were on the sub-plot. The results showed that those Bambara groundnut planted in July performed better in growth (plant height, canopy width, number of leaves and total leaf area) than those planted in other months. In yield also, those planted in the month of July had the highest seed yield with the value of 3995kg/ha and variety EXMF4 performing best. The treatment variety x planting date interaction effects were significant for some growth and yield parameters evaluated. Thus, the best time to grow Bambara groundnut in the area is July and variety EXMF4 recommended for this locality.