Evaluation of yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) in intercropping with peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

In order to study the sowing system, row distance and weeding effect on yield and yield components of intercropped maize with peanut, this experiment was conducted, as factorial based on a RCBD with three replications at the research farm of agriculture center of Zabol University (Iran) during growing season 2011- 2012. Sowing system were four levels including sole maize, sole peanut, 50% maize + 50% peanut, 100% maize + 100% peanut as the first factor and row distance as the second factor in two levels 40 and 50 cm and weeding as third factor in three levels of non-weeding, once weeding, twice weeding. The results showed that effect of the sowing system was significant on plant height, stem diameter, Number of kernel/ear-1, Number of kernel/row-1, Number of ear/plant-1, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, economical yield and harvest index of maize. Effect of weeding was significant on studied characteristics excluding of biological yield, economical yield and harvest index. The highest economical yield was obtained from sole maize, twice weeding and density of 50 cm. The highest LER was observed from 100% maize + 100% peanut.