Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Intercrop as Influenced by Planting Densities and Varieties of Sesame at Makurdi, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted from July to October, in years 2014 and 2015 at the Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, to evaluate the yield response of maize-sesame intercrop as influenced by planting densities of sesame and varieties of sesame, as well as to assess the yield advantages of the intercropping system. The factorial (3 x 3) combinations of the treatments were randomly arranged in a split-plot design, with four replications. The varieties of sesame (Ex Sudan, SN 603 and E-8) into maize constituted the main plots, while the planting densities of sesame (66,666, 88,888 and 133,333 plants ha-1 equivalent) into maize were assigned to the subplots. Results of study showed that intercropping maize with sesame variety ‘Ex Sudan’ produced the highest grain yield for maize and highest seed yield of 0.45 t ha-1 and 0.33 t ha-1 respectively, in years 2014 and 2015 for sesame. Sesame sown into maize at the density of 66,666 plants ha-1 produced the highest maize yield of 3.6 t ha-1 and 3.8 t ha-1 respectively, in years 2014 and 2015 and highest sesame yields in both years. Intercropping sesame variety ‘Ex Sudan’ into maize at the density of 66,666 plants ha-1 also gave the highest total intercrop yields, highest land equivalent coefficient (LEC) values, highest land equivalent ratio (LER) values of 1.83 and 1.80, highest percentage (%) land saved, lowest competitive ratio and lowest aggressivity. The implication of study showed that it is most advantageous having both crops in intercrop when sesame variety ‘Ex Sudan’ was sown into maize at the density of 66,666 plants ha-1. This should therefore be recommended for Makurdi location, Nigeria.