Preliminary results of an experiment carried out in the Experimental Field of Pacajus, CE, Brazil, established in September 2000, to evaluate intercropping systems of tropical fruit trees are discussed. Ten species were planted in 1.2 ha, in a way that each row had two species in alternate and divergent position in relation to the lateral lines, so that each plant of one species was surrounded by plants of different species. After 15 months banana, papaya, and guava species were replaced by cupuacu, peach palm, and avocado, respectively. Banana was bad adapted to the system and this could be caused by the harmful effects of wind and higher irradiation due large plant spacing utilized in relation to the commercial plantation. Mango, sapodilla, cashew tree, acerola, and soursop tree adapted well to the system. During the 34 month-period of evaluation the regrowth of the natural flora between rows has been impaired by the low soil fertility and organic matter which may also have favored pests and diseases attack.
Fruit species; intercropping system; diseases
