Effect of intercropping on plant growth, leaf area index and root development in Flemingia Semialata

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the growth behaviour and rooting pattern of Flemingia semialata at early stage with intercrops. The plant growth attributes increased significantly due to raising of vegetable crops in interspaces during kharif, rabi and zaid seasons. The maximum increase was recorded in plant height, basal girth, total and inoculable shoot length to the tune of 24.4, 20.0, 67.7 and 113.3 per cent, respectively under single row planting system of Flemingia semialata for winter lac crop with vegetable crops (Okra, Garlic and Bitter Gourd) as compared to sole single planting pattern (without intercrops). Whereas the maximum increase in number of leaves per bush and leaf area index (LAI) were 77.16 and 87.68 per cent, respectively at paired row planting for summer lac crop with vegetable crops Schedule I. The main root and rootlets length and number of rootlets per bush of the host plants increased by 13.82, 21.55 and 16.22 per cent, respectively on account of raising intercrops as compared to no intercrops (control).