Field Evaluation of NERICA 8 (Oryza sativa L.) and JL24 (Arachis hypogaea L.) Spatial Arrangement on Agronomic Traits Performance in Humid Forest Zone of Cameroon

Intercropping system is the most practiced soil fertility management strategies by small scale farmers in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to identify the least competitive rice-groundnut spatial arrangement and to assess the correlation between agronomic traits in an intercropping system condition for both crops. The experiment was carried out in March 2015, in RCB designed with four treatments and four replications involving NERICA 8 and JL24 genotypes. Fourteen agronomic traits were collected, analyzed and Pearson’s correlation test was performed at 1% and 5% level of probability. 3R+1G spatial arrangement gave nodules ˂ 75 plant-1, 4R+2G gave 98.13 plant-1and SG gave 161 plant-1. For 100 seed weight and number of grains plant-1, 3R+1G gave the lowest value followed by 4R+2G and SG. No significant different was recorded for rice grain yield, while significant different was obtained in groundnut, 3R+1G recorded the lowest value (0.47tha-1). Shelling % (r = 0.692*), number of grain plant-1(r = 0.75**) and 100 seed weight (r = 0.756**) gave positive correlation with grain yield. Number of grain panicle-1 gave positive correlation with rice grain yield (r = 0.906**). These results can be included in crop breeding programs, to sustain rice-groundnut intercropping system.