Peruvian carrot yield in intercropping systems with lettuce and beet

Abstract

It was studied the monoculture of Peruvian carrot, Arracacia xanthorrhiza (Umbelliferae), beet, Beta vulgaris L. (Chenopodiaceae) and lettuce Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae), besides Peruvian carrot x beet and Peruvian carrot x lettuce in intercropping systems. These five treatments were established in an experimental delineation in randomized blocks, with three blocks and two internal replications each block. The fresh and dry mass of lettuce heads, aerial parts and roots of beet and aerial parts, shoots, crowns and roots of Peruvian carrot were evaluated. Diameter of lettuce head and root of beet were evaluated too. Intercropping systems were evaluated using the “land equivalent ratio” (LER) and the gross income. The three species presented higher production in monoculture at all components. Considering the total yield of roots and commercial root, respectively, the LER to intercropping systems Peruvian carrot x beet was 1.07 and 0.87, and to peruvian carrot x lettuce intercropping systems was 1.3 and 1.1. The Peruvian carrot x lettuce intercropping systems propitiated gross income of R$ 40.970,00. It was concluded that the Peruvian carrot x lettuce intercropping systems is viable.