Growth, assimilated partition and yield of taro corms 'Japones' under different intensity and shading periods

Intercropping systems between different crops is considered an alternative for farms with limited area. But, for the establishment of these systems, it is fundamental to know the tolerance of the species to light restriction. The growth of the aerial portion and corm yield of 'Japanese' taro cultivated under different levels and periods of shading were determined in this study. The experiment was arranged in four random replicates, with 13 treatments. The experiment was composed of 13 treatments constituted of four levels of shading (control = full sunlight; 18; 30 and 50% of shading, maintained during the whole cycle), and the 18; 30 and 50% of shading in three periods (initial = 0 - 3 months; middle cycle = 3 - 6 months; and final = 6 - 9 months). Plants under tight restriction during the whole cycle had, in particular for the higher light restriction, a higher growth of aerial portion and yield of corm (mother rhizome) and small cormels, smaller number of commercial cormels per plant, yield of commercial cormels, and large and medium cormels. The 18% light restriction for the whole cycle and for the initial and middle cycle affected less the total and commercial yield.