In the Katanga, in the peasant environment the middle yield of corn oscillates between 800 and 1000 kg.ha-1 against respectively 3000 to 4000 kg.ha-1 and 6000 to 8000 kg.ha-1 in the big agricultural exploitations and in the stations of research. To solve the problem of deficit and dependence opposite the outside, the experimentations have been led to Kasapa farming to value effective varieties of corn. Fourteen varieties of corn exits of the Business Pannar, Republic South African have been valued. Every variety has been sowed as using a device in complete blocks randomized with three repetitions and these varieties has been compared to Unilu and Katanga varieties selected by the faculty of agricultural sciences/University of Lubumbashi and the Babungo variety selected by the National Institute of Study and agricultural research. All varieties tested in the soil and climate conditions of the city of Lubumbashi gave similar yields to those of the local witnesses. In the context of the province of the Katanga, the varieties adapted to the climatic conditions degenerated and don't permit to achieve some good yield anymore. Besides, with the climatic change observed these last decades, the effective variety selection will permit to put at the disposal of the peasants of the varieties of corn adapted to the climatic conditions degenerated and to good potential of yield in grains.
The present work was undertaken to study the effects of planting date and spacing on growth and production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) in view to increase cowpea yield in Lubumbashi. The experiment was installed following a split splot device with 3 repetitions. The main plots consisted of 3 planting dates (15 December, 30 December and 15 January) and secondary plots, three spacing leading to a density of 125,000 plants per hectare (40 cm x 20 cm x 1 plant; 40 cm x 40 cm x 2 plants and 60 cm x 60 cm x 3 plants). Observations were made on growth and yield parameters. The results showed that late sowing leads to slower growth and lower yield. Sowing the third time results in a lower yield of 50% (500kg.ha-1) compared to planting at first date (1000 kg.ha-1). In addition, the higher yield was obtained with the second planting date (1300 kg.ha-1). The different spacings induced similar effects for all parameters observed. Sowing cowpea on December 30 and spacing of 60 cm x 40 cm x 3 plants would increase effectively cowpea yield in the city of Lubumbashi and its hinterland.