The objective was to evaluate the green ears yield of maize cultivars (Centralmex, AG-401 and C-701) and the green bean yield, of cowpea cultivars (Pitiúba, Caicó and CNCx 658-15E), using monocropping and intercropping systems. The green ears yield (grains with 70% - 80% humidity) was evaluated by weight of marketable green ears, both with husk (EH) and without husk (EW). The green bean yield (grains with 60% - 80% humidity) was evaluated by green pods yield (PY) and green grains yield (GY). The study was carried out at Mossoró, Brazil, between April and July, 1990. Three maize monocroppings, three cowpea monocroppings and 3 x 3 intercroppings were arranged in a randomized block design with five replications. The maize and cowpea plant populations, per hectare, were 50,000 and 40,000 with monocropping, and 25,000 and 20,000, with alternate-row intercropping, respectively. The maize cultivars x cowpea cultivars interaction was not significant for the traits evaluated. The intercropping systems reduced 50% EH and EW. The reduction of PY and GY by intercropping was 55%. The Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) calculated from EH and PY was greater when intercropping was made with Pitiúba cultivar than with other cowpea cultivars. There were no differences among cowpea cultivars when LER was obtained from EW and GY. Maize cultivars did not differ as LER calculated from EH and PY or EW and GY.
Zea mays L.; Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.; green corn; green bean; land equivalent ratio
