Dry matter production, leaf area index and growth rates of short and long duration intercrops

Five rainfed crops as sole and inter crops (sorgmini+pigeonpea, pigeonpea+black gram and castor+cluster bean) were compared on the basis of growth analysis for understanding the basis for variation in responses amongst crops to intercropping, Intercropping decreased dry matter production, leaf area index, crop growth rate and leaf growth rate of all the crops, but delayed leaf senescence in sorghum and pigeonpea during seed (pod) filling. Growth rates of reproductive organs and net assimilation rates were lower in intercrops than in sole crops of the early component crops (sorghum, black gram and cluster bean) throughout seed (pod) filling phase, but the growth rates of only earlier formed pods/spikes were affected in the late component crops (pigeonpea and castor).