1Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture Science Center, New Mexico State University, Alcalde, New Mexico, U.S.A.
2Department of Plant Eco-Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
*Corresponding Author: Saeid Zehtab Salmasi, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture Science Center, New Mexico State University, Alcalde, New Mexico, U.S.A., Email: saeidzs@nmsu.edu
Intercropping legumes with compatible aromatic crops can enhance land use efficiency and economic returns, particularly in semi arid environments. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may further improve nutrient acquisition, crop productivity and quality traits in such systems.
A field experiment was conducted during the 2023 growing season at the Agricultural Research Farm of the University of Tabriz, Iran, using a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Six pinto bean-dill planting patterns were evaluated with and without AMF inoculation. Growth characteristics, yield components, dill essential oil percentage and intercropping efficiency indices (Land equivalent ratio, LER; Land equivalent coefficient, LEC and relative crowding coefficient, K) were analyzed.
AMF inoculation significantly enhanced growth and yield of both crops and improved intercropping efficiency. All intercropping treatments recorded LER values greater than 1, confirming a clear land use advantage over sole cropping. The highest intercropping efficiency (total LER = 4.61) was observed when pinto bean was intercropped with 50% dill density under AMF inoculation. Dill essential oil concentration was also significantly increased by AMF application.
Anethum graveolens, Arbuscular mycorrhiza, Essential oil, Intercropping indices, Phaseolus vulgaris
