Intercropping of marcela (Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC.) and carrot (Daucus carota L.): crop yields and concentrations of phenolic compounds and flavonoids

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity and gross yield of marcela (Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC.) when monocropped or intercropped with carrot (Daucus carota L.) under the growing conditions in Dourados-MS, Brazil. Treatments were arranged in a randomised block design with four replications. The characteristics evaluated were the fresh weights (FWs) and dry weights (DWs) of whole plants and inflorescences of marcela, and the FW of marketable and non-marketable carrot roots and the FWs of carrot leaves. Also evaluated were the concentrations of phenolic compounds and flavonoids present in the inflorescences of marcela. The efficiency of intercropping was evaluated using the equivalent area index (EAI) which indicates the area of land required in a monoculture to produce the same yield as 1.0 ha of polyculture using the same plant population with the same management practices. For marcela, higher levels of inflorescence production, phenolic compounds and flavonoids were confirmed by intercropping. There were no significant differences in the characteristics of carrot among the planting arrangements. The EAI for the marcela-carrot intercropped system was 2.95. Therefore, intercropping was considered more effective than a monoculture.