Matching Rice and Corn Varieties for Intercropping.

Lohani, S. N. and H. G. Zandstra. 1979. J. Inst. Agric. Anim. Sci. 2(1):31-46.

Keywords: Rice, corn, monoculture, intercropping

Four corn varieties and three rice varieties of different maturity periods were intercropped in a split-plot design experiment conducted at the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines, to measure relative changes in yields due to maturity differences and other associated varietal characteristics. Main-plot treatments were corn varieties (days to maturity 78 to 106), with intercropped rice varieties as subplot treatment (days to maturity 107 to 134). Monoculture plots of the corn and rice varieties were also included for comparison. The experiment was in an upland rainfed field (unbunded) with good management. Yields of intercropped rice were positively correlated with the number of days during which the rice could grow (up to maturity) after corn was harvested. When rice could grow more than 45 days following corn harvest, yields of the intercropped rice were similar to those of monoculture rice for equal areas. Corn yields also increased when corn and rice maturity periods had minimum overlap. It was concluded that total production is maximized by maintaining proper differences between maturity dates of the varieties intercropped. Ideal characteristics of corn and rice varieties for intercropping are discussed, as well as the matching of varieties to agroclimatic conditions.