Evaluation of Some Cowpea Genotypes for Maize-Cowpea Intercropping System in the Sudan Savannah Ecology of Ghana

For smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, determining which cowpea genotype is most promising for intercropping systems involving maize and cowpeas can be difficult. It is challenging for smallholder farmers in northern Ghana to identify the most promising cowpea genotype to combine with maize. In the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, twenty-nine cowpea genotypes were grown from July to October at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research—Savannah Agricultural Research Institute research field in Manga, both as sole crops and as intercrops with maize. Days to 50% flowering—days after planting (DAP), pod load per plant, days to 95% pod maturity—days after planting (DAP), and cowpea grain, and biomass yields per hectare were among the data gathered. The findings demonstrated significant genotype-to-genotype variability in days to 50% flowering, pod load, days to 95% pod maturity, grain, and biomass yields in both cropping systems. Days to 50% flowering, days to 95% pod maturity and genotype-specific grain and biomass yields were not always correlated. This may be caused by the various cultivation methods and the unique genotypes’ genetic makeup. As a result, the study offers a basic comprehension of the essential traits of some cowpea genotypes, which could be helpful for upcoming breeding initiatives that focus on intercropping systems. According to the study, intercropping can maximize the grain and biomass yields of some cowpea genotypes in an environmentally sustainable way. Maize and cowpea are more competitive when intercropped than planted sole, intercropping can reduce grain and biomass yields. In the intercropping system, genotypes with land equivalency ratios greater than one show optimal use of available environmental resources. To enhance any traits that may be lacking, the genotypes can be crossed.