Enhancing productivity and profitability of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during 1998-99 to 2000-01 at the lndian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, to study the genotypic compatibility in kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and lndian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czerpj. & Cosson] in chickpea + lndian mustard intercropping system. Sole crop of chickpea cv. 'BG 1003' recorded significantly highest growth and yield attributes than the other genotypes of chickpea. Among the various intercropping systems, 'BG 1003' chickpea + 'Vardan' lndian mustard recorded significantly highest growth and yield attributes of chickpea and lndian mustard than the other intercropping systems. However, high- est 100-seed weight of chickpea was recorded in chickpea 'KAK 2' in chickpea + 'Vardan' lndian mustard inter- cropping system at 6:2 row ratio. Yield reduction of chickpea was recorded higher in lndian mustard genotypes of 'Varuna' than 'Vardan'. Significantly higher chickpea-equivalent yield, land-equivalent ratio (LER), net returns and benefit : cost ratio (B:C ratio) were recorded in 'BG 1003' + 'Vardan' intercropping system than the other in- tercropping system. Higher seed yield of component crops in intercropping system showed complimentary rela- tionship which resulted in higher chickpea-equivalent yield. Key words : Genotypic compatibility, Competition, Chickpea + lndian mustard intercropping