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This research aims to evaluate the productivity of maize-common bean relay cropping and the impact of leaf defoliation on crop yields.

April 17, 2026JSFA reportsOpen Access

Synergistic effects of maize defoliation and common bean relay cropping in Western Ethiopia

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Field experiment shows improved crop yields in relay cropping of maize and common bean, suggesting effective management strategies.

This research aims to evaluate the productivity of maize-common bean relay cropping and the impact of leaf defoliation on crop yields.
Conducted a field experiment in Western Ethiopia
Evaluated two maize varieties and two common bean varieties
Implemented five leaf defoliation intensities in a randomized complete block design
Compared yield of relay cropping with sole cropping systems
Calculated net benefits from different cropping scenarios.
Maize yield increased with reduced leaf defoliation intensity.
Highest yield of 10,000 kg ha−1 from relayed maize with Anger bean at Bako.
Maximum yield of 1010 kg ha−1 from non-defoliated maize at Uke.
Net benefits of 2650.6 and 2916.9 USD recorded from green maize parts at Bako and Uke respectively.
All leaf removal below ear placement yielded net benefits of 2294.8 USD.

Dabesa et al. (2026) studied this question.

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