Concentration of N,P, K and yield of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) ‘Autumn bliss’ organic intercropped with lupine (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet.)

Abstract

The present investigation was made with the objective of determining the response of the raspberry ‘Autumn Bliss’ autumn producer to the application of a biofertilizer (vermicompost) intercropped with lupine, under greenhouse conditions in Montecillo, Mexico. In the experiment 5 vermicompost levels were studied (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 g pot–1) and 2 intercropping levels (with or without lupine) totalling 10 treatments and an additional treatment that consisted of chemical fertilization (N100: P80: K80). As vegetable material cold-treated adventitious buds of raspberry were used for 60 days at 5 °C. Statistically significant differences were found in the levels of vermicompost incorporated to the substrate, and levels of 60 up to 90 g pot–1 favored greater concentrations of in N and K in raspberry; and when the raspberry intercropped with lupino, permited a bigger accumulation of P, indicating a positive interaction between these elements. The biggest yield in weight and in number of fruits was obtained with the application of 90 g pot–1 of vermicompost. However, the biggest yield in weight and in number of fruits was obtained when raspberry intercropped with lupine, with the application of 120 g pot–1 of vermicompost.