BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF COTTON (GOSSYPIUM-HIRSUTUM) VARIETIES AS INFLUENCED BY INTERCROPS

An experiment on intercropping in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), conducted during 1986-87 and 1987-88 at Akola, revealed that variety 'PKV Hy 2' was better than 'AKH 0442' for growth attributes, yield and quality of fibre. Intercropping of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and green-gram (Phaseolus radiatus L) adversely affected the growth and yield of cotton in both the years. The reduction in yield of cotton was more pronounced in cotton + groundnut system. The fibre quality was not significantly affected by intercropping, Increase in seed-cotton yield with sole cotton was 20.7 and 33.09% compard with cotton + greengram and cotton + groundnut systems respectively. Intercropping of cotton + greengram gave maximum gross monetary returns and net profit/ha than cotton + groundnut and sole cotton.