Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) with Intercropping of Different Vegetable Crops during Rabi Season in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Aims: Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop that is grown extensively for industrial, food, and fodder purposes. However, in monocropping systems, improper use of resources, degraded soil, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases can limit its output. Intercropping maize with compatible vegetable crops is a potential strategy for increasing system productivity, improving soil health, and lowering disease pressure. Study Design: A field experiment was carried out to assess the performance of maize intercropping with leafy vegetables (fenugreek, spinach, coriander), legumes (pea, french bean), and crucifers (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and radish) and sole maize as control. Place and Duration of Study: Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Rabi season of 2022–2023. Methodology: A total of 10 treatments with three replications were evaluated to determine the most promising intercropping system and the criteria used were: morphological (plant height), physiological (chlorophyll content), yield attributes (biomass, cob weight, and grain yield), and disease assessment parameters (incidence, severity, and AUDPC). Results: Treatments showed significant differences (p < 0.05) across all parameters. Maize+Cauliflower had the highest chlorophyll content (56.67) Maize+Coriander had the highest plant height (276.13). Sole maize had the maximum Plant biomass (429.60 g), cob weight (423.80 g), and yield per plot (27.83 kg). In intercropped systems, Maize+Coriander (22.68 kg), Maize+Cabbage (21.52 kg), and Maize+Pea (20.65 kg) were the most productive vegetable categories. Disease assessments showed that some intercropping combinations, specifically maize+coriander and Maize+Broccoli, were linked to reduced disease severity and development, however Maize+Radish and Maize+Fenugreek systems were found to be more susceptible. Conclusion: According to the findings, strategic intercropping of maize with specific vegetable crops could be a useful technique for increasing crop yield, supporting sustainable land use, and managing diseases during the Rabi season.