Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 1994-95 and 1995-96 at the Cotton Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the suitable intercrops (cowpea, blackgram, greengram and soybean) for winter irrigated cotton (MCU.5). The intercrops were sown on two dates viz., 20 days in advance and sown simultaneously with cotton. Soybean (Co. 2) recorded the highest grain yield (1483 kg/ha) when sown 20 days in advance to cotton followed by cowpea (Co. 6). When intercrops were sown simultaneously, cowpea recorded the highest grain yield (1108 kg/ha) followed by soybean (1099 kg/ha). Under both advance and simultaneous sowing, blackgram (Co. 5) and greengram (Co. 5) recorded lesser grain yield than soybean and cowpea. The kapas yield of cotton was reduced drastically by soybean compared to that of sole of cotton. The intercrops viz., cowpea, blackgram and greengram increased the kapas yield compared to that of sole of cotton, when they were sown in advance. When sown simultaneously with cotton, the seed cotton yield was increased by cowpea and blackgram. Based on net return and benefit cost ratio, cowpea was found to be the best suited intercrop for MCU.5 cotton.

Keywords: Cotton, Cowpea, Blackgram, Greengram, Soybean, Intercrops