Physiological basis for transgressive yielding in bean-maize intercrops

Abstract

Figure kl. Total leaf area index in Type II and Type IV 2kS intercrops and in maize monocrops at 40,000 and at 55,000 plants per hectare * * * Beans and maize are staple food crops in many parts of Latin America, where they are predominantly produced in intercropped systems. It is common 1 y observed that bean yields are reduced by the presence of the maize, although the maize itself is little affected. The objective of my research was to investigate the physiological bases for the depressive influence of the maize on bean yields, in the first experiment, bean growth and yield responses were quantified and compared in monoculture and in association with maize. I hypothesized that maize affected bean growth by competing for resources, in space and over time. These hypotheses were tested in the remaining three seasons.

Yield Potential and Monetary Advantage Index of Maize Intercropped with Grain Legumes in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

“…If a tall crop, especially a cereal with C4 light response, were combined with a shorter dense crop with C3 response, the total use of light could be enhanced in the mixture [Crookston and Kent (1976), Henrich (2013), Willey (1979b), IAPPS ( 2007)]. Another Practical example of this reaction include the maize -bean intercrop combination, with apparent differences in total yield depending on bean plant type (Clark and Francis 1985b).…”