Plant growth and seed yield of sorghum when intercropped with legumes

Field experiments made for 2 years under semi-arid unirrigated conditions of north India examined the physiological factors affecting the growth and yield of sorghum when intercropped with groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea ), mung ( Vigna radiata ) or cow pea ( V. unguiculata ). Dry-matter production and leaf area index of sorghum were increased when intercropped with any of the legumes. The mixture advantage was reflected in delaying the senescence of sorghum leaves. Maximum grain and stover yields of sorghum were obtained in a mixture with mung or cow pea. The higher seed yield resulted from more seeds per panicle and greater panicle and 1000-grain weight.