Evaluation of sugar beet varieties in intercropping with sugarcane in North Karnataka

Abstract

Field trial was conducted during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Madhurakhandi (Dist. Bagalkot), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad to evaluate tropical sugar beet cultivars (Cauvery, Shubhra, Magnolia and Calixta) with different row proportions (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) in sugarcane. There were seventeen treatment combinations laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. Pooled analysis results indicated that sole sugarcane and sugarcane (SC) + sugar beet (SB) in 1:1 RP recorded significantly higher cane (101.39 and 96.67 (average of all cultivars) t ha-1, respectively) and sugar (11.07 and 10.56 (average of all cultivars) t ha-1, respectively) yield when compared to other intercropped treatments (SC + SB in 1:2 and 1:3 RP). Sole sugar beet cultivars Cauvery and Shubhra recorded significantly higher tuber (85.58 and 79.84 t ha-1, respectively) and sugar (9.76 and 9.00 t ha-1, respectively) yield than intercropped treatments. In intercropping system sugar beet cultivars Cauvery and Shubhra in 1:3 and 1:2 row proportions recorded significantly higher tuber and sugar yield than 1:1 RP. Sugarcane (SC) + sugar beet (SB) (cv. Cauvery) in 1:2 and 1:3 RP recorded significantly higher gross returns (Rs. 300603 and 294345 ha-1, respectively) and net returns (Rs. 208766 and 197398 ha-1, respectively) when compared to other treatments, but B:C was significantly higher in 1:1 RP(3.29).