PERFORMANCE OF PALMAROSA (CYMBOPOGON MARTINI VAR. MOTIA) AND PIGEONPEA (CAJANUS-CAJAN) INTERCROPPING UNDER DIFFERENT PLANTING GEOMETRIES

In an experiment higher mean dry herb yield of palmarosa [Cymbopogon m artini (Roxb). Wats. var. motia Burk] along with higher mean oil yield of the crop, besides higher average yield of pigeonpea ([Calanus caja n (L.) Millsp.] were obtained under sole cropping of the respective cr ops at closer spacing of 45 cm x 15 cm. Additive series of 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 with variable spacings tried in palmarosa-pigeonpea intercrops. T he yield of pigeonpea drastically reduced under 2 : 1 palmarosa-pigeon pea intercropping system and as such there was no possibility to grow pigeonpea in the second-season ratoon crop of palmarosa due to no harv est of the intercrop. Maximum monetary returns were realized by growin g sole palmarosa at 45 cm x 15 cm spacing.