Growth and productivity of wheat varieties in open and under poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex. Marsh) agrisilviculture system

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 1996–97 and 1997–98 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar to find out the response of twelve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varities under two different systems of sowing, i.e. in open field (without trees) and under poplar trees (as intercrop). It was found that poplar trees had adverse effect on almost all the growth parameters i.e. number of shoots per meter row length, plant height, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index of intercropped wheat resulting 6.89 to 24.40 per cent decrease in total biological yield of wheat as compared to control (without trees) fields. Among the wheat varities, UP 2338 and Raj. 3077 showed greater tolerance to sub-optimal condition (shade) and their yield did not differ significantly under both the systems i.e. in open field as well as under poplar tres.