Optimizing Cassava and Bottle Gourd Intercrop Yields through Varying Plant Densities under the North Delta Conditions

A study was conducted to assess competitive guide in intercropping cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) to enhance both crops' productivity. Field experiments were performed at Sakha Horticultural Research Station in North Delta during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The research examined the impact of intercropping cassava with bottle gourd at varying cassava plant densities (2.0 x0.5 m, 2.0 x1.0 m, and 2.0 x 1.5 m) while maintaining a constant 2 x 1 spacing for bottle gourd on the growth, yield, and yield elements from both crops. A randomized complete block design with three repetitions was utilized for the study. The findings make known that the highest cassava root yield was achieved with the closest cassava wideness (2.0 x 0.5 m). Conversely, the greatest bottle gourd yield was observed when intercropped with cassava at the widest cassava plant spacing (2.0 x1.5 m) through both seasons. The maximum total land equivalent ratio (LER) was achieved whenever cassava was planted at 2.0 x 1.0 m spacing and intercropped with bottle gourd in the two seasons. For the maximum total area time equivalent ratio (ATER), 2.0 x 0.5 and 2.0 x 1.0 gave the highest values without significant differences.