Effect of intercropping maize (Zea mays) varieties. on autumn- planted sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during autumn season of 1988-89 and 1989-90 to screen suitable maize (Zea mays L.) variety best suited to intercropping in autumn-planted CoS 8315 sugarcane (Saccharum officinnrum L.) for its effect on growth, yield, quality of cane and subsequently on economic returns. Irrespective of cane alone treatment, significantly higher number of tillers, rnillable canes and cane yield were recorded under sugarcane + Jaunpuri and CD Pool maize over others. Though all the maize varieties .gave higher cane-equivalent yield and net returns except Opaque as compared to sugarcane alone, but amongst them, CD Pool w a ~found to be promising giving highest cane-equivalent yield (123.73 tonnesha) and net returns (Rs 26,750ha). This increme was 24.61 4 more than the sugarcane alone. Maize variety Opaque as an intercrop reduced the cane yield significantly, resulting in a net loss of returns up to 5.21% compared with sole crop of sugarcane. No significant effect on juice qudity panmeters were noticed due to intercrops.