PERFORMANCE OF AJWAIN (Trachyspermum ammi Sprague) AND FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) UNDER INTERCROPPING SYSTEM WITH LEAFY VEGETABLES
Loading...
Date
2019-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot
Abstract
The field experiment entitled “Performance of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi Sprague) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) under intercropping system with leafy vegetables” was conducted at Main Horticultural Research and Extension Centre, UHS, Bagalkot during late kharif season of 2018-19.
The results of the study revealed that the highest plant height in ajwain and fennel were recorded in ajwain + coriander and fennel + coriander intercropping systems. Number of primary branches per plant, dry matter accumulation and leaf area per plant was recorded highest in sole ajwain which was on par with ajwain + coriander. Similarly, sole fennel which was on par with fennel + coriander crop.
In ajwain the number of umbels per plant (166.82) and seed yield per plot (1.40 kg) was recorded higher in sole ajwain, which was on par with ajwain + coriander. The maximum harvesting index of 14.87 was recorded in ajwain + dill. Light interception was higher in intercropping system compared to sole crop. Ajwain + fenugreek recorded the highest ajwain equivalent yield (21.09 q ha-1), highest LER (1.67) and ATER (0.96) was recorded in ajwain + coriander. The highest gross returns were obtained in ajwain + fenugreek crop system (Rs.2,53,044 ha-1).
Similarly, in fennel the highest number of umbels per plant (47.52) and seed yield per plot (1.88 kg) was recorded in sole fennel, which was on par with fennel + coriander and the highest harvest index of 5.89 was recorded in fennel + amaranthus. The fennel equivalent yield was maximum in fennel + fenugreek (31.70 q ha-1) and fennel + coriander was recorded maximum (1.65) LER. The maximum ATER was observed in fennel + coriander (0.97) crop combination. Whereas, Highest gross returns were obtained in fennel + fenugreek (Rs.2,71,285 ha-1).
Maximum net returns was recorded when the fenugreek was grown as an intercrop with fennel and ajwain (Rs.1,97,059 ha-1 and Rs.1,86,482 ha-1, respectively), which was closely followed by growing coriander as an intercrop with fennel and ajwain (Rs.1,90,116 ha-1 and Rs.1,85,683 ha1 , respectively). The benefit: cost ratio was highest in intercropping of ajwain and fennel with leafy vegetables compared to sole crop.
It could be concluded that, among the intercropping system in ajwain crop, ajwain + coriander and ajwain + fenugreek and in case of fennel, fennel + coriander and fennel + fenugreek performed better with higher LER, net return and benefit: cost ratio.