Evaluation of Different Maturity Groups of Soybean (Glycine Max L. Merrill) Grown Sole and Intercropped with Maize (Zea Mays L.) for Yield and Yield Components at Bako, Ethiopia

Abstract

Different maturity of soybean genotypes interact differently either in sole or intercropping system. Therefore, screening of the genotypes under various environment is paramount important for variety recommendation. The experiment was conducted to evaluate different soybean genotypes in intercropping and sole cropping systems. Fifteen genotypes were evaluated in using randomized complete block design with three replications. The result revealed nodule number and plant height was significantly affected by genotypes variation in both systems. A total of 32-73% reduction in nodule number was recorded when compared with soles due to shading of maize. However, late and early types had higher number of nodules as opposed to medium type. Late type was generally taller than early and medium ones. Significant differences in grain yield were also recorded in both systems. But maize shading effect considerably reduced the yield though population difference is also another factor. Promoveria (3826 kg ha-1), IAW-13-1(3747 kg ha-1) and Pr-145-2-1 (3620 kg ha-1) genotypes resulted the highest grain yield and productivity, while the lowest yield was obtained from Pr-145-2 (2144 kg ha-1) when grown in soles. However, IAW-13-1 (690 kg ha-1) and AGX-129-2 (672 kg ha-1) produced the highest grain yield in intercropping systems. Comparing each maturity groups, significant variation both in nodule number and grain yield was also recorded. As general, most of the tested genotypes that were performed well in intercropping were not so far released. AGS-129-2 genotype was released recently in sole cropping systems, but now it is also well performed in intercropping systems. For unreleased pipelines it is important to consider as variety verification trial to confidently recommend for the end users.