Cropping system evaluation and selection of common bean genotypes for a maize/bean intercrop

Abstract

Genotype * cropping system interactions frequently occur in common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars in intercrops with maize ( Zea mays L.). The purpose of this study was to determine the cropping system suited for selecting bean cultivars for production in an intercropping system. Sixty-three genotypes of common bean were evaluated in sole and intercrops across three environments, for seed yield and other characters. Cropping system significantly affected yield, pods per plant and seeds per pod. Genotype * cropping system was significant for several traits, including yield. Heritability estimates were comparable between cropping systems for all traits except pods per plant and canopy width. For most traits, predicted direct response to selection for a trait in one cropping system was greater than predicted correlated response to selection in the other. Using a selection intensity of 25%, the majority of high yielding lines selected in sole crop also emerged high yielding in intercrop. Selection of bush bean cultivars intended for intercropping should initially be conducted under sole crop conditions.