Intercropping Okra and Kenaf

ABSTRACT The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as an intercrop with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) was studied for two years. Whole stalk fresh weight, dry core and fiber weight yields of monoculture kenaf were depressed by 19.1% to 45.9%, 14.7% to 28.0%, and 18.1%, respectively, due to intercropping with okra. Apart from enhancing okra yields by 7.8% to 115.8%, intercropping also increased dry matter yields of okra stems in all intercrop ratios by 17.1% to 192.8%, and it is suggested that dry okra stems was a viable option for use as yam stakes which are scarce in the dry savanna zones of Nigeria. Where kenaf and okra were planted in alternate rows, the mean Land Equivalent Ratio for the two years was maximized. Under all other intercropping combinations, it was less. It is suggested that each row of okra should be intercropped with one row of kenaf to maximize yields of both.