Evaluation of agronomical yield and insect diversity at diffirent intercropping patterns of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and dill (Anethun graveolens L.)

A field experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station Payamenoor University of Nagadeh, Iran during growing reason of 2009-2010. Treatments included bean and dill monoculture, row intercropping, strip intercropping (two rows of bean+ four rows of dill and four rows of bean+ two rows of dill) and intra- row intercropping (50% dill+ 50% bean). The result showed that the highest and the lowest grain yield and biological yield of bean were achieved in row intercropping and intra- row intercropping (50% dill+ 50% bean), respectively. The plants were planted as replacement method. The highest grain yield (1630 kg/ha) and biological yield (3593 kg/ha) of bean were obtained at row intercropping and the lowest grain yield (414 kg/ha) and biological yield (870 kg/ha) of bean were achieved in intra- row intercropping, respectively. The results showed that the maximum grain yield (340 kg/ha) and biological yield (1926 kg/ha) of dill were obtained at monoculture and the minimum grain yield (340 kg/ha) and biological yield (1926 kg/ha) of dill were achieved in strip intercropping (four rows of bean+ two rows of dill intercropping), respectively. The highest essential oil percentage and essential oil yield were obtained by row intercropping, compared with other treatments. The highest (1.9) and the lowest LER (0.80) values were obtained from row intercropping and intra- row intercropping patterns, respectively. The maximum population of pest obtained under monoculture, while the minimum population of biological predators was observed under intra- row intercropping.