Evaluation of Some Agronomic Characters of Corn (Zea mays L.) Intercropped with Pumpkinseed (Cucurbita pepo var styriaca)

In order to evaluate corn–pumpkinseed (Cucurbita pepo var styriaca) intercropping, field experiments were carried out in Kermanshah, Iran, in two years (2003-2004). The experiments were accomplished as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications anchored in additive series. Factors were as corn density (5, 6, and 7 plant m-2) and pumpkinseed density (zero, one, two, and three plants m-2). Although there was a significant increase in grain yield in both years, when corn density was increased in sole cropping, but the trends were not similar. In intercropped plots, increase in pumpkinseed density, had no significant effect on grain yield of corn, for one and two pumpkinseed plants m-2, but at the three plants. m-2 the grain yield of corn decreased significantly. Intercropping had no significant effect on 1000-kernel weight of corn. Number of seeds per ear was affected by intercropping with pumpkinseed more than other yield components and decreased when corn plant density was increased, similar to sole cropping. There was no significant difference between sole and intercropped treatments for ear, stem, leaf and biomass weight as well as HI.