Evaluation of sunflower (Heliantus annus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) intercropping based on replacement method in Khoy region

In order to study the effect of intercropping sunflower and corn in a replacement method, an experiment was conducted as randomized complete blocks design with three replications and 12 treatments at Khoy in 2013. The treatments, were as follows: Eight treatments of replacement intercropping with 2:1 and 3:1 proportions of sunflower and corn (6.6 and 8.3 plants m-2 for sunflower and 6.6 and 8.3plants m-2 for corn), two sole cropping of sunflower (6.6 and 8.3 plants m-2) and two sole cropping of corn (6.6 and 8.3 plants m-2). Results showed that the effect of intercropping was significant on sunflower plant height; diameters of head; seeds per head, 100 - seed weight and seed yield per plant and the highest seed yield per plant, were obtained from intercropping treatments. Effect of intercropping was significant on corn grains per row; 100 - seed weight; grain yield per plant and the highest grain yield per plant were obtained from sole cropping treatment of corn. The highest LER (1.16) was obtained with 66% sunflower with density of 8.3 plants m-2 % 34 corn with density of 8.3 plants m-2. These two crops have used more environmental resources and therefore this treatment, is recommended the best intercropping pattern in this region.