bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulated day-degrees as a measure of physiological age and the relationships with growth and yield in early potato varieties
Authors: O'Brien P. J. , Allen E. J. , Bean J. N. , Griffith R. L. , Jones Susan A. , Jones J. L.
Published: March 2009

Data from nine experiments from 1973 to 1981 which examined the effects of physiological age on sprout and field growth of early potato varieties are reported. Length of longest sprout per tuber and all aspects of field growth were related to number of daydegrees > 4 °C experienced by the seed after onset of sprout growth (measured as the appearance of a 3 mm sprout). It is, therefore, suggested that this scale is an effective measure of physiological age. In Home Guard and Maris Bard, increasing age of seed tubers resulted in earlier emergence and tuber initiation, larger early leaf areas and increased early tuber yields. As growth proceeded young seed produced the largest and most persistent leaf areas and the yields surpassed those of older seed and in some experiments yields decreased with increasing age at the final harvests.

Optimum ages for specific harvesting periods were determined from regressions of tuber yield on age. In both varieties, they decreased with delay in harvesting. However, optimum ages differed in the two varieties and the implications for production and storage of seed and testing of varieties are discussed.
The comparison of five response curves for representing the relationship between the annual dry-matter yield of grass herbage and fertilizer nitrogen
Authors: Sparrow P. E.
Published: March 2009

The results of 84 experiments with six levels of nitrogen were used to investigateresponse curves relating the dry-matter yield of grass herbage to fertilizer nitrogen. Of the five curves tested, the inverse quadratic represented the relationship well, although no one curve fitted best on all experiments.
A simple technique to evaluate the effect of mechanical stress on root growth
Authors: Chaudhary M. R. , Aggarwal G. C.
Published: March 2009

A simple technique to evaluate accurately the effect of mechanical stress on root growth has been developed. The roots are allowed to grow against a predetermined pressure in the chamber of a pressure-plate apparatus. The root growth was studied against the applied pressures of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 bar. A relationship of the form Y = aXb was observed between the rate of root elongation (Y) and applied pressure (X).
Dry-matter distribution and seasonal yield changes in five contrasting genotypes of white clover
Authors: Haycock R.
Published: March 2009

A field trial of five contrasting types of white clover grown in monoculture was established in August 1978. Measurements commenced in October and continued for 12 months during which time no additional treatments were applied.

Seasonal trends of dry-matter accumulation and distribution were recorded and particular reference was made to the components of harvestable yields, which showed a strong seasonal trend. During the summer the density of growing points decreased in all types except D while the number of leaves per growing point and mean dry weight per leaf increased. The principal component of yield, mean dry weight per leaf, increased later than number of leaves per growing point. Stolons did not show the same cyclical pattern and produced an overall increase during the experiment. The five genotypes also showed large variation in the distribution of dry matter between leaves, flowers, stolons and roots.
Grazing studies on the Guadalcanal Plains, Solomon Islands
Authors: Smith M. A. , Whiteman P. C.
Published: March 2009

Pastures of a mixture of Brachiaria mutica(para) and B. decumbens(signal) grown with Gentrosema pubescens(centro) and Macroptilium atropurpureumcv. Siratro and grazed at three stocking rates 1·8, 2·1 and 3·6 animals/ha for 5 and 6 years of grazing were compared with B. humidicolacv. Tully (Koronivia) oversown with centro and siratro and grazed at 3·0, 3·6 and 4·5 animals/ha and native pastures of Themedaaustralis and Pennisetum polystachyon oversown with Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Schofield after burning, and grazed at 1·3, 2·0 and 2·7 animals/ha. All pastures were given 20 kg/ha of sulphur.

The para and centro pasture gave the highest live-weight gain with 731 kg/ha/year when stocked at 3·6 animals/ha in 1979–80. and 592 kg/ha/year in 1980–1. Signal grass gave 621 and 493 kg/ha/year in 1979–80 and 1980–1 at 3·6 animals/ha. Koronivia grass gave similar production as signal: 639, 466 and 406 kg/ha/year at 3·6 animals/ha stocking rate from 1979 to 1982. On the natural pastures 1st year gains were high, 412 kg/ha/year at 2·7 animals/ha, but declined to 224 kg/ha/year at 2·0 animals/ha in year 2.

In the para pastures, centro increased up to 50%, while with signal it increased to 25% of the botanical composition, owing to a decline in grass dry matter. In koronivia pastures, centro and siratro declined, inversely with stocking rate, and M.pudica increased in the high stocking rate. In the natural pastures T. triandra declined with increasing stocking, to 1% at 2·7 animals/ha. P. polystachyon remained approximately stable. M. pudica became important as grazing increased, and weeds also increased. Para grass was high in N, P, S and Na. N was low in signal, koronivia and T. triandra while the concentration of Na (0·41%) was high in koronivia, but it was extremely low in signal and T. triandra(0·02%).

The trials suggest that landholders could commence grazing of existing natural pastures for up to 2 years at about 2·0 animals/ha in the 1st year and 1·3 animals/ha in subsequent years to obtain 350 kg LWG/ha in year 1 and the 200 kg LWG/ha thereafter. With cultivated pastures much higher yield can be obtained using para plus centro on the low-lying aieas, and signal plus centro plus siratro on non-flooded areas. Koronivia can be used in occasionally intensively stocked areas. All pastures require S fertilizer every 2 years.
The productivity of native grasslands oversown with legumes and grazed at five stocking rates in north-east Thailand
Authors: Gutteridge R. C.
Published: March 2009

Stylosanthes humilis cv. Lawson, S. hamatacv. Verano, S. guianensis cv. Endeavour and Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro were oversown into native grassland dominated by Arundinaria ciliata and grazed by cattle at 2·5, 3·5, 4·5, 5·5 and 6·5 animal units/ha per half-year during the wet season for 4 years.

Siratro was the most persistent of the legumes but its susceptibility to heavy grazing pressure limited its contribution at the higher stocking rates. At the start of grazing its mean yield was 1420 kg/ha representing 40 % of total pasture yield while at the end of 4 years in the lowest stocking rate treatment it comprised 18% of total yield at 460 kg/ha.

The long-term productivity of the three Stylosanthes species was poor and their percentage contribution to the pastures was either zero or very low by the end of 4 years. Yield of Verano, the most successful of the three, declined from 5000 kg/ha in 1977 to 20 kg/ha in 1980. The main factor contributing to the poor performance of these species was the strongly competitive nature of A. ciliata. Percentage composition, height and yield of this tall, rhizomatous grass increased with time independent of stocking rate, and the illuminance of the Verano canopy was reduced to 0·38–0·65 full sunlight. Cattle showed negative selection for bamboo grass and consumed leaf but not stem; leaf to stem ratio was negatively (and unusually) related to stocking rate.

Stocking rate effects were reduced by the intervening dry season resting periods and the over-riding influence of other factors such as the prevailing climatic conditions, disease occurrence and plant interference.
The effect of density of planting on yield and final nutrient uptake of two maize varieties in Nigeria
Authors: Lucas E. O. , Sagbohan Rita
Published: March 2009

Recent studies on maize in Nigeria showed that the new ‘FARZ series’ of maize, which were specially bred for high yield, respond to high density treatments (Lucas, 1981; Remison & Lucas, 1982). The optimum maize grain yields were obtained by these workers at density treatments 6·6 and 5·3 plants/m2. Prior to the release of these varieties, optimum grain yields were obtained between 3·7 and 4·3 plants/m2 (Fayemi, 1963; Chinwuba, 1967).
Influence of caecectomy on digestibility of amino acids by roosters fed distillers' dried grains with solubles
Authors: Parsons C. M.
Published: March 2009

Several laboratories are currently using the rapid excreta collection assay desoribed by Sibbald (1979), or a modification thereof, to measure digestibility of amino acids (AA) in feedingstuffs for poultry. The use of faecal or excreta collection assays to measure utilization of dietary AA has been frequently questioned because of the unknown effects of gut micro-organisms on AA excretion. These effects may be large with swine (Holmes et al. 1974) and thus many researchers have used ileal digesta collection to measure AA digestibility with pigs (Zebrowska, 1978). The question on significance of microbial effects is less clear with poultry. Some studies with germ-free chicks suggested that influence of the hindgut microflora on digestibility of protein and AA was significant (Salter & Coates, 1971; Elwell & Soares, 1975), whereas others indicated that these effects were small and probably negligible (Salter, Coates & Hewitt, 1974; Salter & Fulford, 1974). More recently, Parsons, Potter, Brown, Wilkins & Bliss (1982) concluded that microbial fermentation in the hindgut may have a significant effect on AA excretion by poultry, but to a much lesser extent than swine.
Studies on thiaminase I activity in ruminant faeces and rumen bacteria
Authors: Boyd J. W.
Published: March 2009

Kinetic studies of thiaminase I in extracts of ruminant faeces showed that the affinity for one substrate varied with the concentration of the other substrate in the manner of a two-step transfer mechanism. When the alternate substrate concentration was optimal, the apparent Michaelis constant (Km) for thiamine was 176 μΜ and the apparent Km for aniline was 3·19 mΜ. It is recommended that in routine thiaminase assays, the thiamine and aniline concentrations should be at least 1·5 and 25 mΜ, respectively. When non-saturating concentrations of thiamine are used in thiaminase assays the results should be reported as unimolecular reaction constants since the enzyme activity can be calculated only if suitable Km data have been determined.

Improved radioactive and colorimetric thiaminase assays with saturating substrate concentrations gave similar results. The analytical variation of the colorimetric method was rather high but this method may be useful for laboratories which lack radioactive isotope facilities.

Thiaminase assays were performed on cultures of 14 species of rumen bacteria. Only Megasphaera elsdenii had thiaminase activity and its cosubstrate specificity was different from the rumen thiaminase associated with cerebrocortical necrosis in ruminants. It was concluded that the source of rumen thiaminase in that disease has yet to be identified.
Response of maize to magnesium in tropical rainforest and savannah region
Authors: Kayode G. O.
Published: March 2009

Magnesium deficiency has been recognized to occur on acid (pH 5·5 or lower), sandy and highly leached soils or in soils whioh have received heavy application of fertilizers especially with materials which are lacking in magnesium or high in potassium (Berger, 1962; Foy & Barber, 1958). In addition to absolute deficiencies, induced forms can also occur, especially when K:Mg ratio in the soil exceeds 5:1 (Caldwell, Hooper & Little, 1968).
The teart pastures of Somerset: III. Reducing the teartness of pasture herbage
Authors: Lewis A. H.
Published: March 2009

1. Clovers and Yorkshire fog are outstanding among pasture plants in their ability to absorb molybdenum from teart soils. Many teart pastures contain a fair amount of clover, but Yorkshire fog is only a very minor component of the herbage. Other grasses as well as Yorkshire fog often contain enough molybdenum to cause scouring.

2. Acidic nitrogenous fertilizers decrease teartness by suppressing clovers and by reducing molybdenum uptake by grasses.

3. Acidification of the soil by regular applications of sulphur would reduce the availability of molybdenum in the soil.

4. Basic materials, such as lime and slag, increase molybdenum uptake by grasses on acid soils which contain a fair amount of molybdenum. They also encourage clovers and should, therefore, be used only with the greatest discretion on such soils.

5. The percentage molybdenum content of newlysown grasses is low, but it increases with age. A system of short leys consisting largely of grasses would give an increased output of material of low molybdenum content.
Effects on wool growth of the infusion of mixtures of amino acids into the abomasum of sheep
Authors: Reis P. J. , Tunks D. A.
Published: March 2009

Merino sheep were given abomasal infusions of either mixtures of amino acids or protein during periods of 8 or 12 days. Effects on wool growth were measured using autoradiography and a clipping procedure which allowed time for the emergence of the wool fibres. Estimates of volume growth rate, from the autoradiographic measurements, and of mass of wool grown, from clipping, were in good agreement.

An infusion of a standard mixture of 13 amino acids, which included ten essential amino acids in approximately the proportions in casein, consistently stimulated wool growth. The mean increases in volume and mass of wool grown, during 30 infusions, were 66 and 67% respectively. A mixture of ten essential amino acids alone appeared to be as effective as the standard mixture for stimulating wool growth, and there were no significant differences between the effects on wool growth of casein and the standard mixture of amino acids.

The omission of methionine from an infusion of the standard mixture of amino acids, or from a mixture of essential amino acids only, inhibited wool growth rate; both fibre diameter and length of wool grown per day were reduced to below the control values. In addition, the strength of the fibres was considerably reduced.

Infusions of zein and of an amino acid mixture simulating the essential amino acid composition of zein both inhibited wool growth rate, due to a reduction in fibre diameter. Similar effects on wool growth were observed when any one of three essential amino acids (lysine, isoleucine or leucine) was omitted from an infusion of the standard mixture of amino acids. The omission of five other essential amino acids (arginine, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine or valine) from the infusion, or variations in the proportions of leucine, lysine or methionine, had no appreciable effects on wool growth.
Investigations into the environment and nutrition of the cultivated mushroom (Psalliota campestris): II. The effect of calcium and phosphate on growth and productivity
Authors: Pizer N. H. , Thompson A. J.
Published: March 2009

In a previous paper (Pizer, 1937) it has been shown that the physical state of composted horse manure is of great importance as regards the growth of the mushroom mycelium. A granular condition obtained by flocculating the manure with small amounts of calcium—0·5 part of calcium per 100 parts of dry compost, wt./wt. —is most suitable for rapid, vigorous growth, while a dispersed greasy condition arising through a shortage of calcium is very unfavourable and may prevent growth entirely. In both flocculated and dispersed composts, mycelial growth is made more vigorous by small additions of a soluble phosphate, equivalent to 0·031 g. phosphorus per 100 g. of dry compost. Further experiments dealing with the practical application of these results are described in the present paper. The calcium compounds used were commercial flake calcium chloride (26),1 ground gypsum (24), superphosphate of lime (21) and hydrated lime (53), the latter being used in error for ground carbonate of lime (38). All these materials, except hydrated lime, were found to be satisfactory in laboratory trials for promoting mycelial growth, but the best results were given by the first three. The materials differ greatly in composition and properties, in ease of application and reactivity, and probably in their influence on the metabolism and productivity of the mushroom, and it was the main object of the experiments to discover the most suitable one for the grower to use.
On the validity of Fisher'sztest when applied to an actual example of non-normal data. (With five text-figures.)
Authors: Eden T. , Yates F.
Published: March 2009

1. Previous work on the validity of thetandztests on non-normal distributions is described. The question as to whether these tests, which are all on small samples from theoretical distributions, are really apposite is discussed.

2. The necessity of making a practical test with actual data which shall comply with the usual conditions obtaining in agricultural experiments is urged.

3. A practical test has been made on a skew distribution obtained from the observation of 256 height measurements on wheat. The distribution of the values of R. A. Fisher'szfrom a thousand random samples has been obtained and found to agree satisfactorily with the theoretical distribution.
The study of the conditions and factors affecting hair growth in the guinea-Pig (With Plates II and III and seven text-figures.)
Authors: Strangeways D. H.
Published: March 2009

1. A method for the weekly determination of the amount of hair produced on defined areas of skin is described.

2. The normal hair growth in adult male and female guinea-pigs has been determined. It is shown that the amount of hair produced on a defined area of skin in equal intervals of time is not constant. The fluctuations are mainly due to variations in the number of follicles which are active.

3. There seem to be two periods during the year when an increased production occurs in most animals, in late spring and autumn. The times of increased hair growth correspond approximately to the occurrence of the moult.

4. Measurements have been made of the length of the fibres at the end of a week's growth. It is found that fibres of all lengths are present and that the maximum length at the end of any week in any stage of the cycle is 5 mm.
Lamb birthcoat relationship to the adult fleece in Merino, coarse wool Barki and Merino × Barki sheep crosses
Authors: Guirgis R. A.
Published: March 2009

The present study was carried out on adult fleeces, of Merino, coarse wool Barki and five of their crosses, of known birthcoats. The adult fleece traits studied were clean fleece weight, mean fibre diameter and its variability and mean staple length and its variability.

Birthcoat-adult fleece relationship was dependent on the breed studied. In Barki, plateau array in the birthcoat developed to adult fleeces with higher values of mean fibre diameter and its variability, mean staple length and clean fleece weight than those with saddle array. In ⅝ Merino there was a gradient in staple length, running from plateau, via saddle, to ravine, with higher values of the coarser arrays. Differences occurred in variability of fibre diameter between plateau and saddle arrays in ⅜ and ⅝ Merino and between saddle and ravine in ½, ⅝ and ¾ Merino.

Differences occurred where birthcoats, with plateau array with precipice, in the curly-tip group, grew into adult fleeces with longer mean staple than those with transition in Barki sheep. In the other breed groups differences observed in saddle array, with different features, precipice or transition, at the birthcoat level, did not contribute differences in their adult fleeces.

Selection of Barki lambs with plateau fibre type array in their birthcoats would result in higher clean adult fleece weights that have coarser fibre diameter, with higher variability, and longer staple than those with saddle array. Within saddle array, selection of those with reduced SK% would develop into adult fleeces with higher clean fleece weight and those with reduced CT% would grow into adult fleeces with finer diameter.

Selection of lambs that have birthcoat ravine array in f, ⅜, ½, ⅝ and ¾ Merino would reduce the within-staple variability in their adult fleece fibre diameter.
The effects of plane of nutrition, genotype and sex on growth, body composition and wool production in grazing sheep
Authors: Kellaway R. C.
Published: March 2009

Growth rates, chemical composition of the body and wool production were measured with wethers and ewes from two genotypes of sheep grazing at two planes of nutrition. The nutritional treatments were applied after weaning at 12 kg live weight. Animals were slaughtered at 6 kg intervals between 12 and 54 kg live weight.

Dorset Horn × (Border Leicester × Merino) lambs grew 57% faster than South Australian Merino lambs before weaning, produced 22% more wool and contained more fat at weaning.

Post-weaning growth rates on the high and low planes of nutrition were 168 and 78g/day for Merinos and 183 and 116 g/day for Cross-breds. Despite these differences, there was virtually no effect on body composition. Sheep which were starved and re-grown also had a similar body composition to sheep grown continuously.

There was, however, a nutritional effect on wool production. On the high plane of nutrition the rate of wool production was 22% higher than on the low plane of nutrition.

After weaning there were only small differences in the growth rate of the two genotypes but the Merinos grew 30% more wool than Cross-breds on the high plane of nutrition and 39% more wool on the low plane of nutrition. Genotype differences in the fat and protein content of the empty body were small, but Merinos contained more ash, Ca, P and Mg.

After weaning the normal pattern of allometric growth was reversed; at 18 kg live weight the sheep contained a lower proportion of fat and higher proportion of water than at 12 kg live weight. Above 18 kg live weight normal allometric growth was resumed. The fat-free empty body became progressively less hydrated but the ratio of protein: ash remained constant at 79:21 for Merinos and 81:19 for Cross-breds.

There was a trend towards ewes being fatter than wethers, but this was only significant with Merinos. Other sex differences in body composition, body growth and wool growth were not significant.
Effects of seed covering treatments on the emergence and seedling growth of crisp lettuce drilled with an experimental dibber drill
Authors: Wurr D. C. E. , Fellows Jane R. , Bufton L. P.
Published: March 2009

Pelleted seed of the crisp lettuce variety Pennlake was sown on five occasions with units from either the experimental dibber drill designed by the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering or a Stanhay S870 drill. There were three dibber-drill treatments: seeds left in open holes or covered with peat–vermiculite or perlite. Seedling emergence and growth from each sowing of the four drill treatments were compared under different moisture regimes.

There were large differences between drill treatments in emergence percentage, time to emergence of 50% of the seedlings which emerged (t50) and seedling weight at all sowings but there was a significant effect of drill treatment on the standard deviation of seedling emergence times at only one sowing. Of the dibber-drill treatments, only very occasionally did open holes or perlite cover give significantly better emergence than peat-vermiculite cover, which gave the most consistent results. In general, the dibber drill with peat-vermiculite cover gave significantly faster and higher emergence and heavier seedlings than the Stanhay drill. Differences in percentage seedling emergence tended to be greater under dry conditions.
Effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection in first, second and third cereal crops
Authors: Buwalda J. G. , Stribley D. P. , Tinker P. B.
Published: March 2009

The effects of inoculation with the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Olomics mosseae(Nicolson & Gerdemann) Gerdemann and Trappe, fumigation of soil with methyl bromide, and addition of superphosphate (up to 60 kg P/ha) on growth and phosphorus nutrition of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Highbury) were investigated in two experiments (in 1980 and 1981 respectively) on plots that had been fallowed and recently limed.

Fumigation severely reduced natural levels of infection, and slightly reduced yield of above-ground dry matter in both years. In 1981 a decrease in grain yield of about 25% was accompanied by an increase in growth of straw. Plants on fumigated plots contained appreciable amounts of bromine in shoot tissue.

Inoculation increased and added P decreased infection in all treatments. In 1980 inoculation had little effect on above-ground dry matter, but it increased concentration of P in shoots especially on plots without added P. In 1981 added inoculum increased yield of grain on fumigated plots by about 0·75 t/ha at all levels of added P, but had little effect on non-fumigated plots, though responses in grain production to added P were similar with and without fumigation. Increases in yield resulting from inoculation were generally accompanied by increases in concentration of P in plant tissue.

Winter barley was sown on the plots after their use for spring wheat, without further application of the fumigation, inoculation or phosphorus treatments used in those experiments, to determine any residual effects on mycorrhizal infection and on growth. The levels of mycorrhizal infection on non-fumigated, inoculated plots were relatively constant in successive crops, although numbers of propagules of mycorrhizal fungi increased significantly with time for all treatments. Infection levels on fumigated and non-inoculated plots increased in successive crops, so that the relative effects of fumigation and of inoculation declined with time.

The effects of inoculation on infection levels persisted for longer than those on yields, suggesting that maximum effects of mycorrhizal infection on growth did not require the maximum levels of infection found in the roots. Harvest yields continued to respond to applied phosphorus even when uniformly high levels of infection had been established, suggesting that the ability of the root system to absorb phosphate was not greatly increased by mycorrhizal infection.
Suppression of lodging in triticale following foliar application of growth regulators
Authors: Green C. F. , McDonald H. G.
Published: March 2009

Biomass accumulation in cereals is an important determinant of grain yield (Green, 1984). However, when attempting to maximize dry-matter production a taller crop more prone to lodging may result (Boothroyd & Clare, 1984). While many contemporary triticale cultivars contain a dwarfing gene, most are very tall relative to wheat and barley (McDonald, 1984) and lodging is a particularly important factor in growing triticale crops.
The statistical analysis of data from intercropping experiments
Authors: Pearce S. C. , Gilliver B.
Published: March 2009

When two species are interplanted the interpretation of experimental data presents statistical difficulties because the yields of the two crops will not in general be independent. It is therefore desirable to have a method that will both allow significance levels to be determined and give full importance to the treatment means of the two crops. It is shown that a bivariate analysis of variance can be carried out with little difficulty and precise tests can be based upon it. If it would be helpful to combine the two crops in any way, e.g. on the basis of calorific value or price, the task is readily accomplished.
The effect of the site of seed potato production on subsequent sprout growth and tuber yield
Authors: Wurr D. C. E.
Published: March 2009

In 1974 and 1975 certified Scottish seed tubers were multiplied at four sites of different altitude which had different mean soil temperatures. The progeny tubers were subsequently grown to produce a ware crop at Wellesbourne in 1975 and 1976. In 1975, the effects of the site of seed production on sprout growth and tuber yield of the ware crop were small though there was an indication of a negative relationship between total tuber yield and the temperature at each site. In 1976 the effect of the site of seed production was more marked. The total sprout length per tuber of both the varieties used was greatest from the hottest site and least from the coolest site. In the field the final yield of both varieties was lowest from the hottest site and greatest from the coolest site of seed production. There was no indication that the effect of the site of seed production on tuber yield occurred as a result of differences in stem density.
Maternal influence on sheep production: a study of some birth traits of lambs
Authors: Guirgis R. A.
Published: March 2009

A study was made of the birthcoat and the birth weight of Merino lambs, coarsewoolled Ossimi and the reciprocal crosses. The pre-natal maternal environment had a clear effect on the fineness of the birthcoat of cross-bred lambs born to Merino ewes (Ossimi × Merino) where 22·6% had fine arrays, whereas those out of coarse wool Ossimi dams (Merino × Ossimi) were all coarse like pure Ossimi lambs.

Merino birthcoats were the most highly evolved, having the highest curly tip/precurly tip ratio, whereas the Ossimi were the least evolved. Ossimi × Merino lambs had more evolved birthcoats than Merino × Ossimi. CT/Pre-CT ratios were 1·00, 2·35, 4·41 and 8·06 in Ossimi, Merino × Ossimi, Ossimi × Merino and Merino lambs, respectively.

Ossimi birthcoats had almost straight fibres. Merino × Ossimi showed a low incidence of crimp post natally, Ossimi × Merino exhibited more post-natal crimp and that in Merino predominant crimp occurred throughout.

Strong (coarse) fibres were more frequent in Merino × Ossimi whereas Ossimi × Merino possessed higher frequencies of the less strong fibres and CT/Pre-CT ratio than the other cross. The difference between the two means of the crosses was highly significant in all fibre types.

Lambs with strong fibre type arrays were heavier at birth than those with finer ones.
A study of genotype × environment interaction in three barley triple test crosses
Authors: Singh S.
Published: March 2009

Perkins & Jinks's (1971) analysis was used to detect and measure the interactions between the environment and the additive, dominance and epistatic effects of the genes for final plant height, spike length, 100-grain weight and yield per plant in three barley (Hordeum vulgare) triple test crosses (DL 3 × IB 226, DL 3 × Jyoti and Jyoti × P 113) raised in two environments (normal irrigation and no irrigation). The j- and I- type epistasis was more sensitive to environmental differences than the i-type epistasis. Similarly, additive gene action responded more to the different environments than did the dominance action of the genes.
Feed comminution, particle composition and distribution between the four compartments of the stomach in sheep fed chaffed lucerne hay at two feeding frequencies and intake levels
Authors: Waghorn G. C. , Reid C. S. W. , Ulyatt M. J. , John A.
Published: March 2009

Chaffed lucerne hay was fed to wether sheep at two feeding frequencies (once a day (daily) and once an hour (hourly)) and at two levels of dry matter (D.M.) intake (700 (L) and 1020 (H) g/day). Sheep fed daily were slaughtered either prior to eating, immediately after eating ceased or 10 h after eating ceased to compare rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum pool sizes and particle size distributions within pools.

Effects of level of intake, feeding frequency and time after feeding were confined mainly to the rumen which contained 77–91% of stomach D.M. Once-daily feeding resulted in a 2·6 fold variation in rumen D.M. pool size. Sheep fed hourly had a relatively small rumen and comparatively large reticulum D.M. pool. Diurnal changes in reticulo-rumen particle size pools are discussed in relation to the effectiveness of chewing.

Particle size distribution in digesta was estimated by wet sieving. On average the proportion of D.M. retained on a sieve 1 mm or larger comprised 35, 28, 4 and 4% of D.M. in the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum, respectively, D.M. passing a 0·25 mm sieve comprised 40, 46, 57 and 61% of D.M. in the respective organs.

The reticulum usually contained significantly less D.M. retained on a 4 mm sieve than the rumen, and reticulum D.M. percentage was usually 3–5 units lower than rumen D.M. percentage. Reticulum digesta composition is discussed in relation to the efflux of particulate D.M. to the omasum.

Chemical composition of rumen particulate D.M. retained on sieves > 0·25 mm was comparatively unaffected by intake level and feeding frequency. Analyses of particle composition showed a rapid loss of non cell wall constituents after feeding and an increasing contribution of rumination toward particle size reduction.
Natural cross pollination in Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.)
Authors: Elfawal M. A. , Bishr M. A. , Hassoub E. K.
Published: March 2009

The percentage of natural cross pollination was estimated in the Alexandria area (Egypt) in two sites near and far from an apiary. The Egyptian cotton variety Giza 45 and the glandless strain Bahtim 110, as a marker parent, were used during three growing seasons. The average natural crossing within the square of the marker parent were 3·54 and 0·34% near and far from the apiary respectively. For the plants around the square of pollen source, however, the average of natural crossing was 0·56% near the apiary, while it was 0·21% far from the apiary. The natural crossing steadily decreased as the distance from the marker variety increased.
Effects of B-9 (N-dimethyl-aminosuccinamic acid) on growth and yield of peanuts (Arachis Hypogaea L.)
Authors: Hammerton J. L.
Published: March 2009

Application of B-9 shortened mainstem and branch internodes of several peanut cultivars at all times of application. The numbers of mainstem and branch nodes were little affected by B-9. Interactions between cultivars and B-9 treatments in these vegetative characters were small, inconsistent and generally non-significant. B-9 had inconsistent effects on plant dry weight and did not increase pod yields. In an upright bunch type, podding was more compact, but mean seed dry weight and number of seeds per pod were slightly reduced by B-9.
Comparative studies of upland and swamp rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) II. Effect of varying supply of manganese on growth and yield
Authors: Enyi B. A. C.
Published: March 2009

Upland rice (Agbede) and swamp rice (BG 79) varieties grown on flooded soil, and on soil maintained at 80 and 100% moisture saturation were sprayed with solutions containing 0 ppm (MO), 10 ppm (Ml), and 20 ppm (M2) of manganese.

The M 2 treatment depressed total dry weight and dry weights of leaf laminae, stems, leaf sheaths and root of both varieties grown on soil maintained at either 80 or 100% moisture saturation. The M 1 treatment increased the ear weight of Agbede grown on soil maintained at either 80 or 100% moisture saturation, while the M 2 treatment increased the ear weight of plant grown on saturated soil. In flooded soil both the M 1 and M 2 treatments significantly increased dry weight of Agbede plants, but only the M 2 treatment increased ear dry weight of BG 79. The ear weight of Agbede plants receiving M 0 and M 1 treatment decreased with increasing soil moisture while that of BG 79 increased.

It is considered that manganese supply limits yield of Agbede grain grown on flooded soil.
Evaluation of Hereford and first-cross cows on three pasture systems. II. Growth of Hereford and Brahman sired calves out of mature cows
Authors: Hearnshaw H. , Arthur P. F. , Kohun P. J. , Barlow R.
Published: March 2009

The preweaning growth of the progeny of mature cows grazing high, medium or low quality pasture was evaluated. The cows were 5–9 years of age at the beginning of the study and were either purebred Hereford (H x H), first-cross Brahman x Hereford (B x H), Simmental x Hereford (S x H) or Friesian x Hereford (F x H). Hereford and Brahman bulls were mated to these cows for three mating seasons commencing in 1982, at Grafton, New South Wales, Australia. Records on 634 calves born over three consecutive years were used.

Most traits were subject to significant sire breed or dam breed effects or their interactions with one or more of the other main effects (pasture, year of birth of calf, cow age and sex of calf). The incidences of calving difficulty and stillbirths were exceptions. Stillbirths (mean of 3·8%) were not affected by any of the effects studied, while calving difficulty was affected only by sex of calf effect (males, 3·9%; females, 0·8%). The mean calving date of Brahman-sired calves was 11·4 days later (P < 0·05) than that of Hereford-sired calves. Differences between Brahman-sired and Hereford-sired calves for weaning weight were not significant for S x H (Brahman, 237 kg; Hereford, 232 kg) and FxH (Brahman, 238kg; Hereford, 238kg) dams. For HxH dams however, calves sired by Brahman were heavier at weaning (205 kg) than those sired by Hereford (193 kg) bulls, while for B x H dams the reverse was true (Brahman, 222 kg; Hereford, 231 kg). For calves with B x H dams average daily gain (ADG) was the same (957 g/day) for each sire breed, while for the other dam breeds, Brahman-sired calves had a higher ADG than Hereford-sired calves (862 v. 779, 1014 v. 946 and 1022 v. 950 g/day for H x H, S x H and FxH, respectively). Calves sired by Brahman bulls had > 90% eyelid pigmentation while Hereford-sired calves had 44–74%. On high quality pasture, the weaning weights and ADG of calves of F x H and S x H dams were higher than those of B x H and HxH dams. On medium quality pasture, weaning weight of calves of crossbred dams (B x H, S x H and FxH) were similar but higher than those of H x H dams. On low quality pasture, mean weaning weight of calves of B x H was higher than those of S x H and F x H dams, which in turn, were higher than that of H x H dams.
An examination of the effects of water stress on leaf growth of crops of field beans (Viciafaba L.):1. Crop growth and yield
Authors: Farah S. M.
Published: March 2009

Field beans (Vicia faba L.) were given three irrigation treatments in the field during two seasons to examine reduction in leaf area by water shortage, through effects on number of cells, cell volume and cell arrangement.

The two crops behaved differently in the two seasons, presumably because of differences in environmental conditions. Season 1976 was brighter, warmer and drier than 1977. Water shortage reduced leaf area, dry matter and economic yield. The rate of leaf appearance and leaf longevity were also decreased by water shortage. The greatest biological and economic yields were produced by the wet treatment, followed by the medium and dry treatments. The treatment open to natural rainfall yielded least in 1976, but the second most in 1977. The yields of 1976 were considerably less than those of 1977.
Comparative performance of some faba bean (Vicia faba) cultivars of contrasting plant types. 1. Yield, yield components and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Silim S. N. , Saxena M. C.
Published: March 2009

The potential for grain yield and nitrogen fixation by faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars of contrasting plant types was studied at ICARDA's main research station at Tel Hadya in northern Syria during 1985–88. The cultivars included indeterminate landraces, determinate and independent vascular supply (IVS) plant types sown at two seeding densities.

In 1985/86, the cultivars with indeterminate growth habit (ILB 1811, ILB 1819, ILB 1814), which are adapted to the Mediterranean basin, produced the highest grain yield, followed by the determinate cultivar FLIP 84–230F and the lowest yield was obtained from IVSFG–IVS 6, a cultivar with an independent vascular supply to each flower. In 1986/87, ILB 1814 again outyielded two determinate faba bean cultivars (FLIP 84–230F and FLIP 84–239F) and IVSFG–IVS 6. Similarly, in 1987/88, ILB 1814 significantly outyielded the determinate faba bean cultivars FLIP 84–239F, FLIP 84–240F and FLIP 84–241F; and also the indeterminate cultivar IVSFG–IVS 6.

Seeding at 44 plants/m2 as opposed to the recommended rate of 22 plants/m2 gave a slight but non-significant reduction in grain yield for the indeterminate cultivars from the Mediterranean environment (ILB 1814, ILB 1811, ILB 1819). Grain yields were increased significantly in the determinate plant type FLIP 84–39F in 1986/87 and 1987/88, and in IVSFG–IVS 6 in 1986/87.

Grain yield was strongly and positively correlated with total dry matter (r = 0·93) and also to mean weight per bean (r = 0·83) and harvest index (r= 0·47). The correlations between grain yield and pods/m2, seeds/m2 and seeds/pod were negative.

Total nitrogen uptake and nitrogen derived from atmospheric fixation followed a similar pattern to the results for grain yield: high in the high yielding cultivar, ILB 1814, and low in cultivars with low grain yields. In 1986/87, N2 derived from fixation was 77% in ILB 1814, 68% in FLIP 84–239F, 63% in FLIP 84–230F and 62% in IVSFG–IVS 6; and in 1987/88 the values were 88% in ILB 1814, 86% in FLIP 84–239F and 82% in IVSFG–IVS 6.
Physiological responses of farmed red deer to management practices and their modulation by long-acting neuroleptics
Authors: Diverio S. , Goddard P. J. , Gordon I. J.
Published: March 2009

Twelve red deer (Cervus elaphus) hinds from a research facility in Eastern Scotland were randomly divided into two groups between June and September to study the physiological response to three management practices, given sequentially, which were expected to cause increasing levels of stress (herding; herding and handling; and herding, handling and a veterinary procedure). One group of animals received a long-acting neuroleptic (LAN; perphenazine enanthate and zuclopenthixol acetate) on three occasions at 4-week intervals. Automatic blood sampling equipment (ABSE) was used to obtain blood samples remotely before, during and after the application of each of the stressors. The plasma concentrations of cortisol, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and testosterone (T) were measured and heart rates recorded. The ABSE provided a useful means of collecting blood samples without the superimposition of stress factors associated with conventional sampling. Increases in plasma concentrations of cortisol (P<0·01), CPK (P<0·01) and AST (P<0·05) were observed in all animals in response to all three management practices. There were smaller increases in plasma cortisol concentration (P<0·05) in those animals treated with LAN. The results suggested a degree of habituation of the hinds to some procedures common to all treatments, in agreement with previous analysis of the behavioual response of these animals. Peaks of heart rate were recorded over the 30-min period stressors were applied. Higher heart rates and T3 and T4 concentrations were observed in LAN-treated animals. Heart rates returned to baseline more rapidly in the LAN-treated animals. Higher plasma concentrations of testosterone were recorded in the first week of the study (P<0·001). Physiological and behavioural evidence supports the view that LANs are effective long-term tranquillizers in red deer.
Effects of inoculum sources on the accuracy and precision of experiments testing different times of applying fungicides to control powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f.sp hordei on spring barley
Authors: Jenkyn J. F. , Todd A. D. , Bainbridge A. , Dyke G. V.
Published: March 2009

Experiments on spring barley at Rothamsted over the years 1974–81 were used to study how sources of powdery mildew inoculum affected responses to fungicide sprays applied at different times. Reinfection of early-sprayed plots was generally faster where they were close to a potent source of inoculum than where they were not. Conversely, effects of sources on yield, although not always significant, occurred mainly in the later-sprayed plots. Sources thus had their most important effects before these later sprays were applied, and probably during the very early stages of the epidemic. This implies that if experiments are to approximate to fields, they should, initially, be part of a large, uniformly-susceptible area of crop.

Regression analyses showed that delaying the application of fungicide sprays after the optimum date caused smaller yield losses in plots near minimal sources of inoculum than in plots near more potent sources. There was no conclusive evidence for effects of inoculum sources on the optimum date to apply a fungicide spray but the tendency was for the optimum to become later as inoculum pressure increased.

Separating fungicide-treated plots with mildew-resistant barley resulted in larger treatment effects and smaller residual mean squares than where there was no separation. Judged by residual mean squares alone, precision was approximately doubled by separation.
Influence of amounts and methods of potassium application on yield and quality of citronella Java (Cymbopogon winterianus)
Authors: Singh K. , Chowdhury A. , Subrahmanyam K. , Chatterjee B. N. , Singh D. V.
Published: March 2009

Field experiments were conducted during 1983–85 and 1984–86 on an entisol at Lucknow, India. Dry herbage, essential-oil yields and nutrient uptake increased significantly with the application of 83 kg K/ha. Considering the means from both experiments over a two-year cropping cycle, the application of 41·5 kg K/ha in four splits exceeded the zero K control by 6·8 t/ha (dry matter) and 233 kg/ha (oil), and exceeded a basal application of 83 kg/ha K by 2·8 t/ha (dry matter) and 109 kg/ha (oil). Amounts and methods of K application showed no effect on oil quality. Application of 41·5 kg K/ha in four splits, one after each harvest, is recommended to obtain maximum yields in this perennial grass.
Effects of herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer application on grain yield and quality of wheat and barley
Authors: Grundy A. C. , Boatman N. D. , Froud-Williams R. J.
Published: March 2009

Field trials in commercial cereal crops were carried out over three growing seasons between 1988 and 1991 on farmland near Basingstoke, Hampshire to monitor the effects of reduced agrochemical use on crop quality. The lack of highly competitive weeds on the study sites gave little benefit in yield from the use of herbicide. In some cases no weed control or half rate applications gave significantly better yields than the full recommended rate. Herbicide applied at the full recommended rate significantly increased grain N in two of the experiments, despite no notable yield benefit from weed control. Grain N was the only aspect of grain quality to show a consistent decline with even moderate reductions in N application rate.