Effects of potato-maize intercropping on potato growth,yield and carbohydrate

【Objective】To analyze the changes of potato growth, yield and carbohydrate under potato-maize intercropping mode, so as to provide reference for promoting the application of potato-maize intercropping mode.【Method】Field experiments were conducted to establish two cultivation models of potato monoculture(CK) and intercropping(two rows of potato intercropping with two rows of maize). The effects of potato-maize intercropping on potato growth, yield and carbohydrate content were analyzed by field observation and laboratory analysis.【Result】Compared with potato monoculture, the stem diameter, the main stems number per plant, dry matter weight of stolon and root per plantand the tubers number per plant had no significant change(P>0.05). However, intercropping could increased the number of branches, stolons and leaflets per plant, the leaf area per plant, the stem, leaf and tuber dry weight per plant. The potato height, single tuber weight, yield per plant and compound yield were significantly higher than those of control group(P<0.05, the same below). With the extension of intercropping time, the contents of carbohydrates in leaves, stolons and tubers of potato of intercropping decreased to some extents, among which the effect on leaves was greater. The contents of sucrose, fructose, soluble sugar and starch in potato leaves of intercropping were significantly lower than those of potato monoculture at tuber development period and starch accumulation period.【Conclusion】Compared with potato monoculture, the intercropping mode of potato and maize with 2:2 row ratio has certain growth advantages, and the compound yield increases significantly. This intercropping mode can be promoted in actual production.