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Growth and yield of zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) as influenced by a sunn hemp living mulch

The use of living mulches for managing crop pests has received much attention recently but their effects on primary crop productivity is relatively uninvestigated. This study investigated the influence of a sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) living mulch on growth, development and yield of zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). Field experiments were conducted at two locations during three growing seasons. Zucchini squash growth, dry biomass and yield were recorded and compared when inter-planted into a companion sunn hemp living mulch (SH) and grown in monoculture [bare-ground (BG)]. During the first and second study years, when sunn hemp was cut to a height of 45 cm and used concurrently as a living and surface mulch, zucchini plant dry biomass and yield were substantially reduced compared with BG habitats. However, in the third year, when sunn hemp was cut to a shorter height of 20 cm, zucchini plant growth and yield were similar between treatments at one study site and significantly greater in SH than in BG habitat at the other site. Potential causes of yield differences and implications of using sunn hemp as a living companion plant are discussed.