INTEGRATION OF PIGEON PEA ALLELOPATHY IN PEPPER AND TOMATO WEED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Pigeon pea cultivars Kaki, 2B Bushy, PR 147 and Blanco, and Lines 12, 84, and 92 were evaluated at Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. For their effect on weed suppression and pepper and tomato yield in the following cropping systems. Pigeon pea was grown from mid-July 1994 until 2 February 1995 when whole plant material above soil surface was mowed and disked into the soil. Pepper and tomato seedlings were transplanted after bedding 9 March 1995 and harvested during June 1995. Tlic seven cultivars reduced weed density, which ranged from 50 to 91% in the pepper management system. Value of produec obtained from the pigeon pea-pepper harvest was estimated at USSl9,945/ha, an increase of S9,865/ha over that of no pigeon pea rotation. In the tomato management system, weed suppression ranged from 69% to 89% with the same pigeon pea cultivais. Total value of produce from the pigeon pea-tomato harvest was estimated at $14,626/ha. Pigeon pea allelopadty contributed to weed suppression in both pepper and tomato management systems. Value of produce per unit area per year can be increased by the integration of pigeon pea in a rotation scheme with pepper and tomato