Effects of density and intercropping of safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.) and rocket sativa (Eruca sativa L.) on yield and land equivalent ratio

The effects of density and intercropping of safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.) and rocket sativa (Eruca sativa L.) were evaluated on yield and land equivalent ratio. The experiment was conducted as spilt plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications for one year (2010-11) in the experimental field of Share-Rey University. Main plots included three density levels (40، 20 and 16 plantm2) and subplots included six intercropping arrangement system. CCCCCCCC (pure culture of Carthamus tinctorious L.) EEEEEEEE (Pure culture of Eruca sativa L.) and CCCCEEEE، ECCCEEEC، CCEECCEECC، CECECECE (Mix culture). The studied characteristics included yield، yield components and LER. According to the results، the highest dry matter yield (1035 and 1050 gr) and seed yield (246 and 268 gr) were obtained from a density of 40 and CCCCEEEE arrangement for Eruca sativa and Carthamus tinctorious، respectively. In addition، the highest LER of dry matter yield (1. 41) and seed yield (1. 48) were obtained from high density and CCCCEEEE arrangement، indicating the benefits of intercropping as compared to the pure culture of each studied species