Two bean (Phaseollus vulgaris L.) cultivars, Arroyo Loro and DOR 364, and four lines, 9443-1, 9443-8, 9443-33, 9226-17, were intercropped once or twice with one cycle of plantain cultivar Maricongo at the AES-UPR Corozal substation during 1994-1995. The first cycle of beans intercropped at the time of plantain planting produced a high yield. The second cycle of beans intercropped two months before the termination of plantain harvest yielded poorly. The height of intercropped plantain plants was less than that of nonintercropped plantain plants (P < 0.05) at six months after planting. However, at 12 months, there was no height difference between them. There was no significant difference in diameter of pseudostem, nor in number of leaves, between the intercropped and the non-intercropped plantain plants. Plantain yields, in terms of number of fruits and bunch weight, were not significantly affected by the intercropping (P < 0.05). The highest net income of the intercropping treatment was derived from the first cycle of the bean line 9443-1 ($7,646/ha). This net income represents an additional income of $4,894/ha beyond that of plantain monoculture.

The effect of the legume Mucuna deeringiana on Cosmopolites sordidus population dynamics and damage was studied in two planting systems: intercropping with mucuna and mucuna as green mulch before establishing the plantain. The relationship between C. sordidus adult density and larval damage was also studied. The presence of M. deeringiana affected the incidence of C. sordidus.The data suggest that C. sordidus adults are attracted by M. deeringiana, but additional studies are needed to better understand the relationship between the legume and the insect. The presence of M. deeringiana did not affect plantain height, stem diameter, or sucker production if the legume was eliminated four months after planting. However, management practices to establish and cultivate the legume increased production costs. Although C. sordidus population densities were low during most of the year, a high population density was recorded from November to January. A second population explosion was recorded between June and August. The highest insect density recorded was 3.5 insects per trap.