Performance of Melia dubia cav. and yield of under storey crops in Punjab, India

The study was carried out to determine growth performance of M. dubia and yield performance of underlying wheat and maize in Punjab. Experimental plots of each acre in Randomized Block Design (RBD) pattern with 4x5 m, 5x5 m and 4x6 m spacing were established in Handesra District Mohali (SAS Nagar) and Hukran (District Hoshiarpur). 10 quadrates of 1x1 m were laid in each plot to study yield of under story crops 1 to 4 years. The crop falling under each quadrate was harvested and weighed for total biomass after drying it and then threshed to get grains. It is clear from the result that irrespective of age growth was higher in 4X6 meter spacing. The findings of the study revealed that M. dubia is a suitable species for agroforestry system in Punjab. It can gain up to 14 m height with an average girth of 65 cm in 4 years. More variation was seen between grain yields of maize and age of plants. Results showed that except in some plots, yield of maize crop under M. dubia was higher in District Hoshiarpur. Overall, the interaction of M. dubia species with maize and wheat crop was found suitable without any adverse effect on yield. It is recommended to provide proper guidance and extension tools to convince farmers to adopt and raise M. dubia with wheat and maize crops.