Intercropping of Safflower in toria (Indian rapeseed) and mustard

S.L.Deshpande and A.R.Sawant

 Abstract

Intercropping of safflower in base crops of toria and mustard did not provide much ease in handling of spiny safflower but increased to some extent the relative yield efficiency (RYE) and provided some deterrent for the spread of aphid on safflower intercrop. 

The intercropping experiment was conducted for 3 years (1993 to 1995) and included 2 rows of safflower alternating with 2,4 and 6 rows of toria and mustard.  The safflower sole crop gave the highest monetary return followed by mustard - safflower intercropping in a 6:2 proportion of rows for all 3 years.  Mustard based sole and intercropping systems gave higher total returns than that of toria.   Land equivalent ratio (L.E.R.) and benefit cost (B.C.) ratio and RYE estimates of base crop and intercrop were highest at 6:2 proportion of rows and gradually declined through 4:2 and 2:2 proportions.

Key words: Carthamus tinctorius L., safflower, intercropping toria, mustard