Influence of Intercropping Systems, Mycorrhizal Inoculation
and Fertilizer Levels on Root Colonization, Root Attributes
and Yield of Hybrid Maize
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Author:T. Ananthi and M. Mohamed Amanullah
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:101, Issue:oct-dec
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.001213
Abstract
A Field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during
winter 2011-12 to study the influence of maize (Zea mays) under different intercropping
systems, mycorrhizal inoculation and fertilizer levels on root growth and grain yield of hybrid
maize under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in split – split plot design. The
results revealed that the root parameters such as root length, root volume, root dry mass,
root- shoot ratio and root colonization were higher under sole maize, inoculation of mycorrhiza
and fertilizer levels. Regarding the treatment combinations, 100% RDF along with mycorrhizal
inoculation recorded significantly better root parameters. With regard to the yield, sole maize
recorded the highest grain and stover yield (8,531 and 12,560 kg ha -1 , respectively). Also
mycorrhizal inoculated treatments recorded the highest grain and stover yield (8,892 and
12,849 kg ha -1 , respectively). Regarding the treatment combinations, sole maize along with
mycorrhizal inoculation and 125% RDF recorded significantly higher yield parameters and
yield. However, the yield was comparable with maize + cowpea intercropping along with
mycorrhizal inoculation and application of 100% RDF.
Key words : Hybrid maize, Intercropping systems, Glomus intraradices, Fertilizer levels, Root morphology