WEED-CONTROL BY INTERCROPPING OF LEGUMES WITH MAIZE

This work was carried out to verify the effect of intercropping of cov er crops with maize (Zea mays L.) in weed control. Eight species of le gumes were tested in three stages of crop development: in the sowing, after the first handweeding and after the second handweeding (30 and 5 5 days after the sowing). No reduction of weed infestation in the firs t part of crop development by the intercropping of legumes with maize was observed. The intercropping made handweeding difficult, increasing the time spent in this operation. Good control of weeds was obtained with intercropping, in the harvesting and post-harvesting of maize, va rying with the species intercropped and time of intercropping.