*Corresponding author. E-mail: dr.okonekwere@yahoo.com.  Tel: +234-803-549-2153, +234-802-994-3398

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The effect of different rates of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer on the growth and yield of egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus L. Schrad)/maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping system were examined in 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons. Maize and egusi melon were planted sole, and also in intercrop: the maize and egusi melon constituted the main plot treatment while the sub plot was different fertilizer rates (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg/ha). Intercropping reduced the grain yield of maize and the seed yields of egusi melon. Application of 200 kg/ha NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer significantly (P = 0.05) promoted the yield of maize and egusi-melon. The competitive abilities of the component crops were enhanced at increased fertilizer application rate. The total LER in all intercropping situations were greater than one, indicating that the two crops in mixture were able to utilize the growth factors maximally for their optimum yield and productivity.

Key words: Cropping system, NPK fertilizer, egusi melon, maize.

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Citation: Ekwere OJ, Muoneke CO, Eka MJ, Osodeke VE (2013). Growth and yield parameters of maize and egusi melon in intercrop as influenced by the cropping system and different rates of NPK fertilizer. J. Agric. Crop Res. 1(5): 69-75.