Comparison of Intercropping and Pure Cropping as Determinants of the Stem and Canopy Foliage of Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum L.) and Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) Cultivars and Their Productivity

Abstract

In a two-factor field experiment, the stem and leaf characteristics and productivity of the ‘Flanders’ and ‘Barbara’ linseed cultivars were compared in four developmental stages in relation to the sowing method. The linseed grown in intercropping with pea, irrespective of the cultivar, was characterized by small leaves in the stem extension stage, but the leaf area significantly increased beginning with the budding phase. Comparison of the cultivars showed that the Barbara cultivar had significantly more leaves on the stems, which significantly affected the final protein yield. The choice of linseed cultivar for oilseed–legume intercropping was of great importance for the final yield. Among the mixtures compared, the one composed of ‘Barbara’ linseed and ‘Phönix’ pea was more productive. Cultivation of ‘Flanders’ linseed resulted in high yield in the pure stand and a high-fat yield. Intercropping of linseed with pea resulted in REI values above 1, which demonstrates the agrobiological suitability of the mixture.

Keywords

• growth stages
• intercropping
• leaf area
• agronomic traits
• relative efficiency index
• seed yield