<div>Background: Mixed intercropping is the commonly practiced cropping system but it is unproductive with a low return on investment. This study was conducted at the Bela-Bela region of Limpopo province, South Africa to assess the performance of improved cowpea varieties in a cowpea-maize strip intercropping in comparison with farmers&rsquo; traditional cropping practice (mixed intercropping). Strip intercropping is a novel productive cropping system and its productivity has not been tested in study region. There is a dire need to test the productivity of this important novel cropping system practice in the region. 
 
Methods: Five cowpea varieties (TVu 13464, IT86D-1010, Glenda, IT82E-16 and IT87K-499-35) and maize were planted under strip intercropping, monocropping and mixed intercropping as control treatments. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters and were analyzed using Genstat software 20.1. 
 
Result: Strip intercropping significantly improved the yield attributes and land equivalent ratio (LER) of the varieties as compared to the mixed intercropping. Strip intercropping significantly enhanced the grain yield and land equivalent ratio (LER) of IT82E-16, IT86D-1010, TVu 13464 and IT87K-499-35 as compared to Glenda. Adoption of strip intercropping and the high-yielding varieties will enhance crop diversity, food security, and nutrition in Limpopo Province.</div>

Evaluation of Performance of Improved Cowpea Varieties in Cowpea-maize Strip Intercropping in Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province, South Africa

<div>Background: The performance of five improved cowpea varieties under strip intercropping has been conducted in specific locations to assess their yield but their adaptability has not been determined. This paper presents results that assessed the adaptability of the improved cowpea varieties under strip intercropping in three locations in Limpopo province.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Five cowpea varieties (TVu 13464, IT86D-1010, Glenda, IT82E-16 and IT87K-499-35) and maize were planted under strip intercropping in three locations (UL-Farm, Bela-Bela and Ga-Thaba) and two seasons. Data were collected on maturity, grain yield, land equivalent ratio, pods plant-1, plant height and seed size and were analysed using Genstat 20.1. 
 
Result: The ranking plot of grain yield indicates that the principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained 96.33% of the total sum of square variation. The results indicate that IT86D-1010 and IT82E-16 matured early and were best yielders. The LER from IT82E-16, IT86D-1010, TVu 13464 and IT87K-499-35 exceedingly performed better that from Glenda (Control) thus indicating that they are superior in adaptation and in resource utilization. The performance and adaptation of the varieties varied across locations: IT82E-16 is adapted to UL-Farm and Bela-Bela while IT86D-1010 and IT87K-499-35 are adapted to Ga-Thaba and their production should be based on their best location(s).</div>

Productivity Variables for Adaptability of Cowpea Varieties under Strip Intercropping in Three Locations in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: Though sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the internationally as well as nationally important root crops. Its production is challenged with various bottlenecks. Lack of planting materials, shortage of farmer preferred varieties, poor extension system among many other constraints. This study was conducted to assess the performance and test of different orange fleshed sweet potato varieties in participatory approach in the lowlands of North shewa.&nbsp; 
Methods: Evaluation of eight varieties was carried out in main cropping season using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Number of roots per plant, root weight per plant, root length, root diameter, marketable and total root yield were measured and analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS version 9.2. Moreover, farmers&rsquo; perception assessment and sensory analysis which had an important constituency in the selection process were done using pairwise matrix and hedonic scale, respectively.&nbsp; 
Result: Except root length, all the traits showed significant difference between varieties. Variety Kulfo gave the highest root yield (38.8 t ha-1) and root diameter (98.8 mm); whereas the lowest root yield (22.1 t ha-1) and root diameter (64.5 mm) were recorded from varieties Teo jet and Delvia, respectively. Farmers were also selecting varieties Lords, Cicilia and Birtukane. Panelists selected Bela, Birtukane and Kulfo as the best varieties. Hence, varieties Kulfo, Lords and Birtukane were recommended for further popularization to boost the production and productivity of the crop for production the lowlands of north shewa and other similar agro-ecologies.

Evaluation of Performance of Improved Cowpea Varieties in Cowpea-maize Strip Intercropping in Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Productivity Variables for Adaptability of Cowpea Varieties under Strip Intercropping in Three Locations in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Morpho-sensory Evaluation of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties in the Low Lands of North Shewa Zone