Yield response of potato (Solanum tuberosum) to density of intercropped maize (Zea mays)
| MSI99P0140 | |
| Gowrea, B. | |
| University of Mauritius, School of Agriculture, Réduit | |
| Yield response of potato (Solanum tuberosum) to density of intercropped maize (Zea mays) | |
| Project, BSc(Hons), Crop Science and Production | |
| Thesis | |
| 1990 | |
| 58 p.: 4 tbls, 11 figs, 20 pl, 9 appen | |
| En | |
| In Mauritius, potato is grown during the winter months extending from May to September. Warm temperatures prevailing over the rest of the year limit production of the potato. Shade provided by an intercrop is known to reduce soil temperatures and create a microclimate more conducive for potato growth in warm countries. Studies on the effects on yield of potato intercropped with maize at different densities were conducted within the major agro-climatic zones in August and in October 1989. Maize densities corresponding to 1/6, 2/6 and 3/6 of normal plant population of 62,500 plants/ha were planted simultaneously within potato crops planted at the normal density of 41,667 plants/ha. Maize planted at 10,417, 20,833 and 31,250 plants/ha during the warmer period transmitted 87 per cent, 80 per cent and 53 per cent of net solar radiation, respectively above the potato canopy. Maximum shading occurred just before flowering of maize. Soil temperatures at depths of 5 to 10 cm in plots intercropped with maize were reduced by 0.8 - 2.2 °C when compared to sole potato crops. There was no significant difference inyield between sole crops and potato intercropped with maize at the density of 10,417 plants/ha. However, at higher maize densities potato yields were lower than in sole crops contrary to expectations. A possible explanation could be that any potential advantage that might have been gained through reduction in soil temperature by the intercrop appeared to have been offset by inadequate water and severe weed infestation. Maize yields caused Land Equivalent Ratios to exceed unity in all intercropped plots, ranging from 1.18 to 1.47. | |
| POTATOES SOLANUM TUBEROSUM MAIZE ZEA MAYS INTERCROPPING DIVERSIFICATION | |
| MAURITIUS | |
| Agricultural diversification | |
| Intercropping Potatoes/maize Potatoes Maize | |
| 633.491:633.15(69.82) | |
| 1992-02-11 | |
| En | |
| Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute | |
| LIB | |
| CAT | |
| 1 | |
| FC |