Feasibility of inclusion of mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes in intercropping and sequential cropping systems with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

The field experiment was conducted for 2 consecutive cropping seasons (1994 -96 and 1995-97) to study the effect of different genotypes of Indian musta rd [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson] as intercrop/sequential crop on y ield and quality of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Sole autumn cane produced highest number of millable canes (134 500/ha), highest individual cane weight (911.6 g) and sugarcane yield (82 tonnes/ha) and these were sig nificantly higher compared to all the other treatments. Intercropping of di fferent genotypes of mustard produced higher number of millable canes, bett er growth, higher cane yield, cane equivalent yield, commercial cane sugar equivalent and net profit over the sequential cropping system. Juice qualit y was not significantly affected by the various intercropping/sequential cr opping treatments. Intercropping of sugarcane with 'Bio 417' mustard (1 : 1 row) produced highest cane equivalent yield (99.75 tonnes/ha) and net prof it (Rs 50 648/ha).