INTERCROP PRODUCTIVITY OF ROSELLE IN NIGERIA

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a crop of immense benefit within small scale cropping systems in Nigeria as well as in most developing countries of Africa. However, the productivity of roselle when cultivated under intercropping arrangements as is often the case is largely unknown. Therefore, field experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of intercropping combinations on the productivity and profitability of roselle. The study was conducted to ascertain whether roselle would be better intercropped with either legumes or cereals. From the results obtained, intercrop performance and net farm income were better with the roselle-groundnut intercrop than with other intercrop systems. The cash advantage due to intercropping (CAI) was highest for roselle intercropped with groundnut (Arachis hypogea ) followed by intercropping with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata ). Yield of roselle was more reduced when intercropped with the cereals (millet and sorghum) than for the legumes (groundnut and cowpea). Roselle is more compatible with annual legumes for intercropping than with cereals