bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield Performance of New European Spring Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars Under Winter Season Cultivation in Egypt
Authors: Sharaan A. N.
Published: April 2008

The present investigation was undertaken on four W. German (AD201, Belinda, Korina and Elvira) and five French (Cresor, Brutor, BRO, BRIO and Orpal) spring rapeseed varieties, for evaluation and to study their performance and productivity under Fayoum (Egypt) conditions during two successive winter seasons (1982/1983 and 1983/1984). In order to make clear identification for different plant characters, some genetical parameters were estimated.

In the first season, the nine varieties were arranged into a randomized complete block field experiment with four replications. In the second one, the experiment (with the same design and replication) included only six cultivars, after elimination of three winter‐type (Belinda, Korina and Elvira) that failed to reach flowering because of unique cold temperature requirements. Therefore, the present study was restricted with the remainder six varieties.

The varieties exhibited considerable differences in all the characters studied. AD201 was earlier, higher seed‐ and oil‐yielding variety than other tested ones. Its superiority could be attributed to increased number of pods/plant, seeds/pod and seed yield/plant. The second yielding variety was BR1O followed by Cresor, BRO and Brutor. While Orpal was inferior in all characters except for seed index. Data showed that fruiting zone length reached nearly half the mature height for each genotype.

Remarkable amount of genotypic variation and high heritability estimates were recorded for all studied characters. Quantitative analysis indicated that number of seeds/pod, early flowering, seed weight/plant, possessed high heritability values combined with high genetic gains and wide genetic variations. By these characters, discernible improvement could be easily achieved through phenotypic selection in relatively very short time.
Growth Patterns of Early Maturing Maize Cultivars
Authors: Stamp P.
Published: April 2008

Growth patterns of two early maturing maize cultivars were analyzed, harvesting shoots twice weekly in 1983. Until the end of leaf expansion the leaf dry matter accumulation was highly synchronized in both hybrids. After a short cessation leaf dry weight accumulation was resumed at low to medium rates during the main part of August, during September losses prevailed. During these two months fluctuations in rates were frequent and synchronisation between genotypes small. For stems no transitory cessation of dry matter accumulation occurred; synchronisation between genotypes and fluctuation in rates were less than observed for leaf dry matter accumulation. Losses in stem dry weight mostly coincided with rapid ear growth. Ear dry weight accumulation steeply increased during the first three weeks of August. Fluctuations in rates were large during the following 30 days of rapid growth. This period ended by a sharp decline in rates. Phosphofructokinase activity of upper leaves was maximum in early July followed by a first minimum shortly before anthesis; thereafter the average activity did not change much. The hybrid with higher initial shoot growth rates had a higher phosphofructokinase activity at the same time.
Aktivitäten von Laufkäfern (Carabidae Col.) in einem intensiv wirtschaftenden Ackerbaubetrieb–Ein Beitrag zur Agrarökosystemanalyse
Authors: Knauer N. , Stachow U.
Published: April 2008

Activities of ground beetles (Carabidae Col.) in an intensively runfarm – A contribution to the analysis of agroecosystems

During three vegetation periods (1983‐1985) the fauna of ground beetles which belongs to a dominating crop species (winter wheat, winter barley, winter rape) was investigated on an intensively run farm near Kiel (Schleswig‐Holstein). In 117 231 individuals 77 species were found. The most common species were: Platynus dorsalis (56.2%), Pterostichus melanarius (10.6%), Pl. assimilis (9.0%) and Bembidion tetracolum (7.1%). Further five species made up 7.7%, the rest of 68 species made up 9.4%. The diversity (Hs) decreased towards the edge of the field. In barley higher rates than in the other two crops were stated.

The phenology of the species partly differed in the crops. A contrast of winter wheat with winter rape fields showed a possible strong influence of insecticide applications. For some common species a migration from hedges into the fields could be established in spring. The greatest similarity (species identity, H‐diff) was found in stands which occurred in the same crop. There were differences between the crops. This is also true for other factors that are the same for stands.

The investigations contribute to the analysis of agroecosystems. They demonstrate that there are interactions between hedges and fields. These interactions can be taken as components of selfregulating mechanisms in the agroecosystem.
Influence of Genotype and Density on Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Silage Maize
Authors: Wermke M. , Hoyningen‐Huene J. v.
Published: April 2008

Two‐factorial experiments were earned out with the factors genotype and density during the years 1979, 1981–1982. By increasing density from 10 to 30 resp. 70 plants/m2 the DM yield of total plants was increased by 12–60 dt/ha (8–35%). The cob content on DM yield of total plant was reduced by 11–15% and the DM content of cobs by 6–12% as an effect of the retardation of physiological ripeness of silage maize. Especially intensively promoted was the DM production in the phase of youth, which was sensitive to cold temperatures during the first 50 to 75 days of the vegetation period.

The influence of high density to parameters of fodder quality was small. In leaves the content of protein, water soluble carbohydrates, energy and digestibility decreased and that of crude fibre increased. In stems crude fibre content decreased and content of water soluble carbohydrates, energy and digestibility increased.

Genotypes with erected leaves (like cv. Gabix) were qualified better for cultivation with high density than cultivars with normal leaves.

Der Einfluß von Genotyp und Bestandesdichte auf die chemische Zusammensetzung und den Futterwert von Silomais

In den Jahren 1979, 1981–1982 wurden zweifaktorielle Versuche mit den Faktoren Genotyp und Bestandesdichte durchgeführt. Durch den Anstieg der Bestandesdichte von 10 auf 30 bzw. 70 Pflanzen/m2 stieg der TM‐Ertrag der Gesamtpflanze um 12–60 dt/ha (8–35%). Der Kolbenanteil am TM‐Ertrag der Gesamtpflanze wurde um 11–15% reduziert und der TM‐Gehalt des Kolbens um 6–12% als Folge einer Verzögerung der physiologischen Reife des Silomaises. Besonders stark wurde die TM‐Produktion in der Jugendphase gefördert, die empfindlich gegen kühle Temperaturen in den ersten 50 bis 75 Tagen der Vegetationsperiode war.

Der Einfluß hoher Bestandesdichte auf die Futterqualität war gering. In den Blättern fiel der Gehalt an Rohprotein, wasserlöslichen Kohlenhydraten, Energie und Verdaulichkeit ab und der der Rohfaser stieg an. In den Stengeln nahm der Gehalt an Rohfaser ab und der Gehalt an wasserlöslichen Kohlenhydraten, Energie und Verdaulichkeit stieg an.

Genotypen mit aufrechter Blatthaltung (wie die Sorte Gabix) waren besser für den Anbau mit hoher Bestandesdichte geeignet als Sorten mit normaler Blatthaltung.
Effect of Application Method on the Efficiency of Potassium Chloride in Wetland Rice on a Beidellitic Potassium Problem Soil
Authors: Bajwa M. I.
Published: April 2008

A greenhouse pot experiment evaluated the effect of incorporation and placement on the efficiency of KC1 in wetland rice on a K‐problem soil with beidellitic clay mineralogy and high tendency to fix added K.

Placement turned out to be superior to incorporation by increasing significantly both grain and straw yields.

Einfluß der Anwendungsmethode auf die Effizienz von Kaliumchlorid in Wasserreis auf einem beidellitischen Kali‐Problem‐Boden

In einem Gewächshaus‐Gefäßexperiment wurde der Einfluß des Einmischens und der Plazierung auf die Effizienz von KC1 bei Naßreis in einem K‐Problemboden mit beidel‐litischem Ton, der eine starke Tendenz zur Fixierung von gedüngtem Kalium aufwies, untersucht. Die Plazierung erwies sich gegenüber einer Einmischung überlegen; dies galt signifikant sowohl für Korn‐ als auch Stroherträge.
Stability of Yield Components from Winter Oil‐Seed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Sierts H.‐P. , Geisler G. , Leon J. , Diepenbrock W.
Published: April 2008

In order to estimate the optimum range for high stability of yield determining traits in winter rape‐seed a systematic comparison of different plant distribution patterns (3 row spaces × 4 seeding rates) was conducted during 6 growing seasons. The ecovalence originally developed for comparing genotypes was used to quantify stability. Number of vital plants after winter showed high stability at low and medium plant densities and row spaces indicating that increasing competition within rows was responsible for instability. Seed yield per plant and pod numbers per plant decreased simultaneously with increasing competition. Generally, ecovalences of both yield components proved high stability at higher plant densities whereas low densities caused high stability only in combination with lower row widths. Stability of number of seeds/pod was independent of plant densities grown in narrow row spaces. In the widest row space (41 cm), stability of n. o. seeds/pod could only be affected by an extreme plant density. 1000‐seed‐weights and their ecovalences varied little.

Die Stabilität der Ertragskomponenten von Winterraps (Brasska napusL.)

Zur Beurteilung des Einflusses produktions‐technischer Maßnahmen auf die Stabilität ertragsbestimmender Merkmale wurde von 1978–84 ein Feldversuch mit Winterraps durchgeführt. Durch die Aussaat in 4 Saatstär‐ken und 3 Reihenabständen wurde die Pflan‐zenverteilung auf der Fläche variiert. Zur quantitativen Erfassung der Stabilität wurde die Ökovalenz, ursprünglich zum Vergleich von Sorten entwickelt, angewandt.

Die Anzahl vitaler Pflanzen nach der Über‐winterung zeigte eine hohe Stabilität bei nied‐rigen und mittleren Reihenweiten und Bestan‐desdichten (BD). Steigender Konkurrenzdruck innerhalb der Reihe führte zu Instabilität der Pflanzenzahl.

Samenertrag/Pflanze und Schotenzahlen/ Pflanze stiegen mit abnehmendem Konkurrenzdruck an. In der Regel wurde durch die Ökovalenz eine hohe Stabilität beider Ertrags‐komponenten bei höheren BD nachgewiesen. Niedrige BD dagegen bewirkten nur in Ver‐bindung mit geringen Reihenweiten eine hohe Stabilität von Samenertrag und Schotenzahl je Pflanze. Hohe Flächenerträge wurden aller‐dings nur bei mittleren BD erreicht.

Die Stabilität der Samenzahl/Schote war bei geringeren BD unabhängig vom Reihenab‐stand. Die extreme BD führte aber in Verbin‐dung mit dem größten Reihenabstand zur Instabilität dieses Merkmals. Die durchschnittli‐chen Samengewichte und deren Ökovalenzen wurden kaum durch die Pflanzenverteilung be‐einflußt.
Bestimmung der Bodengründigkeit aus dem Klassenbeschrieb der Reichsbodenschätzung zum Festlegen von tolerierbaren Bodenabträgen (T‐Wert)
Authors: Auerswald K.
Published: April 2008

Estimating soil depth and soil loss tolerances for the classification units of the German soil productivity maps

The soil profile descriptions of 893 representative sites were used to evaluate whether the classification units of the German productivity maps can be used to predict the soil depth and the soil loss tolerances T of the Universal Soil Loss Equation. The productivity index of arable land was the best classification parameter to predict the soil depth. With lesser accuracy the soil depth could also be predicted, using the soil texture class and the development stage. The accuracy of the prediction is good enough to replace field work unless the developed regression is used for very small areas or for soils developed in deep, but poor sandy deposits.

For the grassland the prediction of soil depths is biased by large error, when the classification units of the soil productivity maps are used.

Es wurde mit Hilfe der Daten von 893 reprä‐sentativ verteilten Standorten geprüft, ob die Bodengründigkeit und damit der tolerierbare Bodenabtrag T der Allgemeinen Bodenab‐tragsgleichung mit ausreichender Genauigkeit auf Grund des Klassenbeschriebs der Reichs‐bodenschätzung eingestuft werden kann. Da‐bei stellte sich die Ackerzahl als der beste Vorhersageparameter heraus. Auch eine Ein‐stufung nach der Bodenzahl oder nach Bo‐denart und Zustandsstufe ist möglich. Die Genauigkeit der Vorhersage ist ausreichend, um in den meisten Fällen auf eine Geländeaufnah‐me verzichten zu können. Mit größeren Feh‐lern ist bei sehr kleinen Flächen und in Gebie‐ten mit mächtigen, aber armen Sanddecken zu rechnen. Im Gegensatz zu den Ackerbeschrie‐ben ist bei Grünlandbeschrieben die Einstu‐fung der Gründigkeit mit großen Fehlern be‐haftet.
Effect of Toxic Metals on the Multiple Forms of Esterases of Triticum aestivum cv. Vergina
Authors: Karataglis S. , Symeonidis L. , Moustakas M.
Published: April 2008

The influence of increasing concentrations of copper, zinc, lead, nickel, chromium and cadmium on 14 day‐old seedlings of Triticum aestivum cv. Vergina was studied. Plants were grown in 1/10 strength Rorison's nutrient solution plus increasing concentrations of each one of the toxic metals separately. Metal toxicity depressed shoot growth but the most evident symptoms were on roots.

The effects of toxic metals on the isoesterases of Triticum aestivum cv. Vergina shoots were classified into three types, depending on the increase or decrease of the number and density of esterase bands compared to the control:

1. Decreased number and density of bands caused by 20 ppm Cd, 8 ppm Ni and 60 ppm Zn.

2. Constant number of bands but decreased intensities caused by 2 ppm Cu and 40 ppm Pb.

3. Constant number of bands but increased intensities caused by 20 ppm Cr.

These effects demonstrate the diverse modes of metal action resulting in different degrees of toxicity.
Screening of Photoinsensitive Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes for Ratoon Cropping
Authors: Chauhan J. S. , Singh B. N. , Chauhan V. S. , Sahu S. P.
Published: April 2008

Of the 24 genotypes screened for ratooning ability and ratoon grain yield, only ten showed regeneration. RP 1664‐4461 had the highest regeneration. Ratoon growth duration varied from 49–61 days. Ratoon grain yield was highest (1.7 t/ha) for RP 1664‐4461 and the lowest (0.8 t/ha) for IET 7613. Productivity per day in the ratoon crop was comparable to that of the main crop. Based on grain yield and per day productivity of main and ratoon crops, cultures CR 222 MW 10, Rasi, RP 1664‐4461, RP 1165‐132‐1 and CR 215‐55‐54‐1 appeared promising for ratoon cropping.
Hoist for Greenhouse Soil Bed Sterilizing Pans
Authors: Arnold N. , Darisse F. , Scobie B.
Published: April 2008

A light weight, extendable and moveable hoist has been developed to move a greenhouse soil sterilizing pan. Its use has resulted in a reduction of 75 % of the manpower required to displace the pan, elimination of possible back injury to workers when lifting the pan and preclusion of the immediate introduction of pathogens into the sterilized sections of the soil bed.
Physiological Performance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum dwarf.) Under Irrigated Situation
Authors: Verma H. R. , Mathur R. K.
Published: April 2008

The objective was to study the behaviour of 20 dwarf wheats in a field trial under irrigated situation and also to suggest parameters or group of parameters conducive to high yield. Considerable variability existed in respect of tillering and earing, LAI, net photosynthetic rate, total dry matter production rate (TDMPR), harvest index, number of grains per main and subsidiary ears and grain size (1000 grain weight). Number of grains per main and subsidiary ears, total grains per plant, rate of net photosynthesis, leaf area and harvest index as well as total dry matter production rates were found to be positively correlated with grain yield and as such contributed maximum towards grain yield.

Thus, in general, it may be concluded that there should be minimum reduction in grain numbers between the main ear and the subsidiary ears, for this seems to be the one of causes of reduction in grain yield. Besides, there ought to be high ratio between net photosynthetic rate and dark respiration because large amount of dry matter is otherwise lost through respiration and many not be available for grains. High harvest index and high biological yield are also desirable characters which may be combined to obtain higher yields in wheats.
Ökologische Untersuchungen auf einer auf metallhaltigem Boden entwickelten Wiese
Authors: Babalonas D. , Reeves R.
Published: April 2008

Ecological Investigation of a Meadow Developed on a Metal‐Rich Soil

The floristic structure of a meadow over a copper‐rich soil was studied, and four different stages of vegetation succession were described. The following species dominate over the different stages: Minuartia verna, Thymus sibthorpii, Rumex acetosella and Chrysopogon gryllus. Soil analysis showed that the most undeveloped soil of the Minuartia stage exhibits the highest concentration of Cu and of twelve other elements, while the mature soil of the Chrysopogon stage exhibits the highest concentrations of Al, Ca, Na and Ni.

An inverse relationship was found between the concentrations of Cu in the soil and the number of species in the forty sampling quadrats. Plant analysis showed that Minuartia verna and Rumex acetosella accumulate more copper in their tissues than the other two dominant species.
Sortentypische Unterschiede der Nährelementkonzentrationen bei Winterweizen
Authors: Schnug E. , Strampe U.
Published: April 2008

Genotypical Differences in the Nutrient Uptake of Winter Wheat

In order to investigate genotypical differences in the nutrient uptake of winter wheat cultivars the nutrient content of young wheat plants grown during 1982–1984 on three Brown Earth sites of Schleswig‐Holstein were analysed.

Significant differences between the cultivars could be found in the content of the plants at shooting stage in P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn. The maximal difference between highest and lowest content (mean of 3 years) was about 20 % for P, K, Ca, Mn and Zn and 40 % for Mn. Since at shooting stage the dry matter production of the cultivars was about the same, the measured differences in nutrient concentrations may also represent differences in nutrient uptake.

Due to the low Mn‐supply of the test soils the cultivars with the lowest Mn‐uptake also produced the lowest grain yield.

By use of discriminant analysis it could be shown that the cultivars displayed a typical pattern of the nutrient concentrations. In the whole population two general types in nutrient pattern were found which are different in their concentrations of P, K, Ca and Zn.
Influence of Long‐term Application of Sewage Sludge and Compost from Garbage with Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility Criteria
Authors: Werner W. , Scherer H. W. , Olfs H.‐W.
Published: April 2008

In a long‐term field experiment in progress since 1962 on a luvisol derived from loess the influence of increasing amounts of sewage sludge, garbage compost and farmyard manure on the N dynamic and microbiological soil characteristics was investigated.

The following results were obtained:

The application of the organic materials over a period of 24 years resulted in an increase of the total C and total N content of the soil. The increase was mostly pronounced in the plots treated with garbage compost. The higher total N content was caused by higher contents of hydrolyzable as well as non‐hydrolyzable organic N compounds. The N mineralization potential of the soil was intensified by the application of all the different organic materials, especially by garbage compost and farmyard manure.

Dehydrogenase activity and soil respiration were positively influenced by all organic treatments with the highest effect in the soils with the highest C, contents.
Leaf Area Formulae for Estimating Leaf Areas of “Okazi” (Gnetum afrianum) and “Nchuanwu” (Ocimum viridis)
Authors: Abani M. S. C.
Published: April 2008

Gnetum africanum and Ocimum viridis are both indigenous leafy vegetables of the humid tropical environment of Nigeria. The former is used in both the raw state and cooked in soups. The latter is used fresh or dry as a spice in foods and stews.

One of the components of leaf yield, our goal, is the leaf area. This gives an indication of the response of these plants to manurial and intercropping trials. In the breeding and selection of these leafy plants one also needs a rapid method of assessing accessions for further development. The leaves of both these species are cunate to obvate. Gnetum leaves are entire, while Ocimum leaves are serated.

Formulae are given for both plant species collected from six different locations of southern Nigeria, while a general equation that holds true for all is given for each species.
Seasonal Patterns of Photosynthetic Traits in Early Maturing Maize
Authors: Stamp P.
Published: April 2008

A biochemical approach to maize breeding must be based on an exact knowledge about changes of relevant traits with ontogenetic stage. In 1983 seasonal patterns of net assimilation rate (NAR), chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, and of activities of RuBP carboxylase, PEP carboxylase and NADP malate dehydrogenase were recorded for two early maturing maize cultivars. For all traits the general trends were similar for both cultivars throughout the growing season but short term fluctuations were less synchronized after anthesis. About 75% of the maximum green leaf area was expanded within 20 days around middle of July. Specific seasonal patterns were observed for all traits. Before anthesis values were maximum for NAR in late June and in early July, for enzyme activities at the end of June and for pigment contents at the beginning of July. First decreases occurred for all traits before anthesis, further decreases were observed for PEP carboxylase in August and for chlorophyll content in September. Marked temporary declines coincided for NAR and pigment contents with a cold spell end of June and for these traits and RuBP carboxylase activity with anthesis. Evidence was scarce that any of the photosynthetic traits reflected the photosynthetic efficience of the two cultivars for a long stretch of time.
Effect of Plastic Mulch on Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.): Germination, Root Distribution, and Soil Temperature under Trickle Irrigation in the Jordan Valley
Authors: Ghawi I. , Battikhi A. M.
Published: April 2008

An experiment with squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) was conducted at the University of Jordan Research Station, located in the Jordan Valley in Jordan during the 1984 and 1985/86 seasons. Its objectives were to determine the effects of different plastic mulch using drip irrigation on soil temperature, root growth distribution, and production dates, Earliness in picking dates under mulch was obtained during the relatively warm 1985/86 season, where picking started 13 days earlier under mulch. Root weights, secondary root lengths, and horizontal root distribution were not significantly different between treatments, during each season. Tap roots were not significantly different between treatments during the 1984 season, yet those under transparent mulch were significantly higher (5% level) from those under bare soil conditions, during the 1985/86 season. Density of plant canopy influenced mulching effect on soil temperature. High plant canopy under mulch prevented solar radiation from increasing soil temperature. Whereas, higher soil temperature was obtained under non‐mulched conditions when compared to the mulched ones. This was most probably due to relatively low vegetative cover.
Effect of Intercropping on Yield Attributes of Chickpea and Safflower Under Different Soil Moisture Regimes and Population Densities
Authors: Malvi G. C. , Saraf C. S. , Pandey S. L.
Published: April 2008

An experiment with eight cropping systems (pure and intercropping) with three levels of irrigations I0, I1 and I2 based on the physiological growth stages of safflower and chickpea was conducted during the rabi (winter) season of 1983—84 and 1984—85. The eight cropping systems were CS1— sole chickpea, CS2— sole safflower, CS3— paired rows of chickpea, CS4— paired rows of safflower, CS5— chickpea + 50% safflower, CS6— safflower + 50% chickpea, CS7— chickpea + 75% safflower and CS8— safflower + 75% chickpea. Sole crop of chickpea always had higher yield component than inter‐cropping. However, none of the yield components in safflower was influenced by intercropping except number and weight of capsules per plant in 1983—84 only. With regard to levels of irrigation chickpea and safflower responded to two irrigations.
A Study on the Establishment of Tropical Grasses and Legumes
Authors: Sangakkara U. R.
Published: April 2008

The importance of incorporating compatible legumes into tropical grasslands has been highlighted by many researchers. Thus an experiment was conducted to identify optimum times of establishing tropical grasses and legumes in mixtures. The species selected were Guinea grass (Panicum maximum); Brachiaria (Brachiaria ruziziensis) and Green leaf (Desmodium intortum).

The grasses were established along with and 4 and 8 weeks after the legume. The growth of the species was monitored for 16 weeks. The results identified the importance of prior establishment of the legume to overcome the competitive dominance of the herbage grasses. The growth form of the grasses also had an effect on the success of legume establishment. The legume had no adverse effect on the growth of the grasses.
Vorfruchtwirkungen verschiedener Blattfrüchte auf Winterweizen und Einfluß von Anbaumaßnahmen
Authors: Durst L. , Kahnt G. , Kübler E.
Published: April 2008

Effects of preceding “break crops” on winter wheat and influence of cultural practices

Between 1979—83 there was tested the effect of 5 “break crops” (biennial alfalfa, clover‐grass, faba bean, winter‐rape, silomaize) on succeeding winter wheat and the interaction with changed cultural practices such as N‐fertilization and conventional or reduced primary tillage (plough ↔ rotary tiller).

After the break crops wheat yield decreased within a range of 4 dt/ha as follows: alfalfa → beans → rape/ clover‐grass/maize. Raising N‐fertilization hardly allowed to improve the value of the break crops; most likely that of maize and with rotavating. Adaption of N‐dressings promised greater influence.

The manner of primary tillage exerted stronger influence on the yield than the level of N‐fertilization. Concerning long‐term yield the rotary tiller equaled the plough after 4 break crops; after faba bean it was superior. Increasing N‐fertilization tendentially favoured the rotary tiller after bean, rape and maize. Using the rotary tiller, at beginning of growth there may be calculated on 15 % higher NO3‐values and/or higher N‐mineralization or N‐transformation.

Eyespot disease could not be prevented sufficiently and purposefully by an other break crop, N‐fertilization or primary tillage. Recurrent rotavating suppressed weed less than ploughing.
Einfluß des Lichtangebotes auf das Wachstum und die biologische Stickstoff‐Fixierung von Weißklee (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Kessler W. , Boller B. C. , Nösberger J.
Published: April 2008

Influence of light quantity on growth and biological nitrogen fixation of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

The influence of photon irradiance (Ep; 100 to 500 μmol m−2 s−1) and of the photoperiod (16 or 11 h) on growth and nitrogenase activity of nodulated white clover plants was studied in growth chambers at two nitrate levels (1.0 and 7.5 mM NO3−).

Total dry mass production, the root proportion and nitrogenase activity increased with increasing Ep and photoperiod. Nitrogenase activity generally increased proportionally to root mass. Only at low Ep (100 μmol m−2 s−1) and under a short photoperiod (11 h) was the specific nitrogenase activity per unit root mass reduced. An abrupt change in Ep led to a rapid and parallel change in nitrogenase activity and relative growth rate.

A higher NO3− concentration in the nutrient solution (7.5 mM) led to a marked decrease in specific nitrogenase activity, but increased growth between 200 and 500 μmol m−2 s−1 during early development only. At 100 μmol m−2 s−1, there was no growth response to nitrate, although its effect on nitrogenase activity was more marked than at a higher Ep.

The results show that with changing light quantity, biological nitrogen fixation of white clover adapts to the existing demand for nitrogen and does not limit growth except during early development, even when light supply is low.
Effect of Azolla Application and Plant Spacing on Rice Yield
Authors: Kröck T. , Alkämper J. , Watanabe I.
Published: April 2008

Azolla is a small aquatic fern, that can be used as a green manure for irrigated rice before the transplanting of rice and under the rice crop. In a field experiment the interaction between Azolla application and rice spacing and its effect on the yield of rice in Azolla‐rice dual culture were studied. The rice was planted in double‐narrow‐rows ([53 + 13] × 12cm) and in the regular 20 × 20cm spacing. Azolla was grown together with rice twice and also incorporated into the soil twice. Double‐narrow‐row planting slightly increased the Azolla growth, but reduced the grain yield due to the reduction of tillering by stronger competition between the rice plants. The Azolla application had no effect with double‐narrow‐rows. With 20 × 20cm spacing two Azolla crops had an effect equivalent to 15kg NH4‐N/ha. An appreciable amount of Azolla‐N seemed to be available to the rice plants already 25 days after incorporation.
Flax Seed Proteins Comparison by Various PAGE‐Techniques in Slabs
Authors: Sammour R. H.
Published: April 2008

Seed proteins of a number of Egyptian, French, and British cultivars of flax have been separately extracted with buffer, and water and buffer respectively, and analyzed by slab electrophoresis: PAGE, SDS‐PAGE, and poro‐SDS‐PAGE (22.5%–10%), and by PAGIF. The protein patterns were compared to find out the best method to differentiate between flax cultivars.

The results of the water extracts and the residue extracted with Tris/borate buffer and analyzed on SDS‐PAGE indicated that the approximate MWs of native albumins and globulins ranged from 4.2 to 1.2 and 7.6 to 1.6 × 104, respectively. It is also shown that SDS‐PAGE of globulins extracted with Tris/borate buffer are the method recommended for differentiation of flax cultivars.

The data of the total proteins extracted with Tris/HCl buffer and analyzed on SDS‐PAGE under reducing and non‐reducing conditions exhibited 5 disulphide bonded bands which on reduction gave acidic subunits and basic subunits.
Morphological and Physiological Studies Concerning the Drought Tolerance of the Secale cereale × Secale montanum Cross Permontra
Authors: Gordon‐Werner E. , Dörffling K.
Published: April 2008

The root morphology, drought tolerance and heat tolerance of the S. cereale×S. montanum cross Permontra, six cultured S. cereale varieties and the wild rye S. montanum were investigated and the use of membrane stability tests as a selection tool for drought and heat tolerance in rye evaluated.

Root length, surface area and lateral density were measured on plants at the three leaf stage. Tolerance to drought, acute heat and chronic heat stress heat was assessed in culture chamber tests on control and drought or heat conditioned potted plants and membrane stability assessed by measuring electrolytic leakage.

Permontra had the most extensive root system and was the most drought tolerant variety measured. Permontra was also the most tolerant of the varieties to chronic, though not to acute, heat stress. There was no correlation between drought tolerance in potted plants and membrane stability following either heat or dehydration stress.
Zur Regulierung des Wassertransportes in pilliertem Zuckerrübensaatgut
Authors: Mücke J. D.
Published: April 2008

The Regulation of Water Transport in pelleted Sugar‐Beet Seed

It is decisive for the quality of pelleted seed that the access of water to the seed grain through the artificial coat around the seed, for instance in sugar beet, is not inhibited. Therefore coating materials with a substantial composition of a certain structure in layers that allows a control of the water access are optimal.

In addition to it a regulation of the water transport to the seed grain and the embryo, respectively, can be achieved, if salts of bi‐ or trivalent metals in doses of 4 to 30 % are added which develop aquacomplexes of changing composition. These aquacomplexes can be regarded as a water reservoir that is able, according to the exterior conditions (temperature, environmental moisture) to release or to bind additionally water to certain limits.

In this way not only the germinating ability of seed is being improved, but it is also obtained an increase of field emergence at changing soil moisture, especially in the suboptimal range.
Effect of Soil Applied Herbicids on Weed Flora, Yield Attributes, Oil Content and Constituents in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Ibrahim A. F. , Abusteit E. O.
Published: April 2008

Field experiments showed that superior control of the existing weed flora was obtained by applying: alachlor + linuron, alachlor + chloramben and cyanazine. Herbicidal treatments of alachlor, trifluralin, prometryn and oxadiazon were highly effective in controlling dominant weed species. Some herbicidal treatments produced sunflowers with larger head diameter as compared to unweeded check. As a result of suppressed weed interference, alachlor in combination with linuron or chloramben and cyanazine accounted for the highest seed yield values in 1985 and 1986.

Chemical analyses exhibited that sunflower oil content was not affected by weed control applications. Furthermore, oil constituents (oleic, linoleic, steric and palmitic fatty acids) expressed insignificant responses to applied treatments.
Untersuchungen zur Nutzbarkeit des generativen Speicherpotentials von indeterminierten Ackerbohnengenotypen (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Aufhammer W. , Peter M.
Published: April 2008

Investigations on the utilization of the generative storage potential of indeterminated field bean genotypes (Vicia faba L.)

The gradation in seed yield between and within the inflorescences of a field bean plant results from a hierarchical control by way of internal competition in connection with hormonal regulation. Following this hypothesis in genotypes with different yielding capacity (2 inbred lines, 1 hybrid) the two proximal flowers/inflorescence of the nodes 3–6 (counted from the bottom of the plant) were either removed or treated with growth regulators. AMO‐1618 was applied for inhibition of the gibberellic acid biosynthesis, or chlorflurenolmethylester (CFM) for reduction of indole‐3yl acetic acid translocation as both phytohormones might be concerned with the hierarchical control of the storage system. — Independent from yield level a reduction of the used storage potential in control plants up to 50% by treatments was fully compensated for in other regions and positions of the plant. AMO‐1618 application in some cases indicated an increased seed yield/plant, whereas CFM only increased the number of sterile pods/plant. These effects are discussed in relation to the storing efficiency and to yield stability of an indeterminated faba bean plant.
Cumulative Effects of Pre‐sowing Seed Treatment and Foliar Application of Salts in Improving Biomass and Grain Yield of Soybean in Moderate Saline/alkaline Soil
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy P. , Vivekanandan M.
Published: April 2008

Field trial studies were carried out to find out whether performance of soybean could be improved as a result of pre‐sowing soaking treatment of seeds. Comparatively pre‐sowing seed treatment with KNO3, NaNO3, NaCl, thiourea and di‐Ammonium phosphate (DAP) resulted in better development of the root and shoot system than the control. As a result of pre sowing seed treatment, there was an increase in dry matter production by 44, 27 and 32 % over the control in KNO3, NaNO3 and DAP treatments respectively. Similarly increase in seed yield was noticed in NaNO3 (45 %), KNO3 (40 %) and DAP (50 %) pretreated plants. The number of existing nodules was reduced both in the control and treated plants due to pH (8.4) of the soil.

To investigate the cumulative effects of foliar spray on plants raised from pre‐sowing seed treatment, salt solutions (NaCl, KNO3, NaNO3, thiourea, DAP) at optimal level were sprayed separately three times at three different stages of development. As a result of foliar spray moderate increase in growth in KNO3 (20 %), thiourea (29 %) and DAP (25 %) treatment was observed over the control. Seed yield increased significantly (56–70 %) in all treatments except NaCl spray, due to increase in the number of pods (41–63 %) per plant. Foliar spray of nutrients increased protein yield without affecting the oil content. It is suggested that a considerable fertilizer economy may be effected by coupling pre‐sowing seed treatment with foliar fertilization.
Effects of Shading Densities on the Agronomic and Physiological Characters of Two Sugarbeet Cultivars
Authors: Ghandorah M. O. , El‐Rouby M. M. , Al‐Saad F. A. , Al‐Derfasi A. A.
Published: April 2008

This study was carried out at the Agricultural Experiment Station of King Saud University near Riyadh (26° N, 46° E) during the 1984/85 season to study the effect of shading densities on the agronomic and growth parameters of sugarbeet. Two cultivars were grown under three shading nets with densities of 37, 50 and 70 % in addition to the control (0 % shading = normal sunlight condition).

The results indicated that shading affected the growth and the weight of sugarbeet plants and the effects were function of shading density. Root weights were drastically reduced by increasing shading density, whereas top weights were less affected.

Increasing shading density resulted in a significant increase in specific leaf area, leaf area ratio while it decreased leaf area index, root weight ration, net assimilation rate and crop growth rate for both cultivars. The interaction between shading densities and sampling dates was significant for most of the studied characters, while that between cultivars and shading densities was significant for root weight and crop growth rates only.
Nitrogen Economy, Biomass Production and Seed Production Potential of Chrysopogon fulvus by Intercropping of Pasture Legumes
Authors: Dwivedi G. K. , Sinha N. C. , Tomer P. S. , Dixit O. P.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of pasture legumes (Chtoria ternatea, Stylosanthes hamata, Centrosema pubescens, Atylosia scarabaeoides, Macroptelium atropurpureum, Phaseolus lathyroides, Vigna luteola, Glycine javanica used as intercropped element) in terms of nitrogen economy, biomass productivity and seed yield potential of Chrysopogon fulvus— a grass based management maintained for 1980–82 at the Research Farm, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi under rainfed condition. Some legumes i.e. Atylosia scarabaeoides, Centrosema pubescens and Stylosanthes hamata enriched the nitrogen (74–90 kg/ha) status of soil which approximately doubled the biomass production (100–116 q/ha) as well as seed yield (78–81 kg/ha) of Chrysopogon fulvus. Furthermore the increased seed yield of C. fulvus under intercropping of legumes was attributed to its ear production, spike length and potential sink strength inducing the degree of germination (30 %). Potential performance of C. fulvus in the first year as compared to subsequent years might be due to its general transcript of the plant and have some interaction with rainfall. Extremely high and poor rainfall adversely affected the performance of C. fulvus.
Agronomic Factors in Evaluating Forage Crops I. Predicting Quality Measures of Crude Protein and Digestibility from Crop Leafiness
Authors: Kalu B. A. , Fick G. W. , Van Soest P. J.
Published: April 2008

Stage‐to‐stage changes in leaf percentage, crude protein concentration and in vitro true disgestibility of alfalfa herbage materials of the same age and common harvest dates across there different growing season were determined. Leafiness decreased with advancing crop maturity. Herbage leaf content was closely associated with the total herbage C P and IVTD. When leaf percentage was regressed on quality measures of C P and IVTD, the regression analysis provided highly significant linear relationship for CP(r2= 0.823), IVTD (r2= 0.854) for alfalfa crop diverse in stand and canopy ages, stages of maturity and across locations and seasons of the year. These relationships indicated practical applicability of the use of crop leafiness for predicting the herbage quality.
Loss of Sodium from Mung Bean Shoots to Saline Root Media
Authors: Salim M.
Published: April 2008

In a pulse chase experiment, seedlings of mung beans were loaded with radio‐active isotope (22Na) in 50 mM NaCl solution for 4 days. Individual seedlings were transferred to non‐labelled salt solution and the retranslocation of sodium was studied over a period of one week. Growth of seedlings was also studied during this period. Net loss of sodium was observed from roots and stem to the root medium. The leaves accumulated some of the retranslocated sodium as well. The rates of sodium retranslocation and other relevant data are discussed in this paper.
Studies on Pure and Mixed Stands of Wheat and Barley Under Dryland Agriculture Conditions
Authors: Prasad R. , Singh S. , Sharma S. N. , Singh C. P.
Published: April 2008

Grain yield and yield components were studied in wheat and barley grown in pure and 2:1,1 : 1 and 1 : 2 mixed stands (Wheat : barley row ratio) as well as a 1 : 1 seed blend mixture under dryland agriculture conditions of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Wheat as well as barley produced significantly longer and more ears/m and higher grain yield in mixed stands than in their pure stands. The 2 : 1 wheat : barley mixed stand gave the highest grain yield; 35 % relative yield advantage over mid‐monoculture yield. The 1 : 1 seed blend mixture was inferior to 1 : 1 (Wheat : barley row ratio) mixed stand.
Effect of Imbibition/Dehydration Treatments on Germination and Seedling Growth of Maize (Zest mays) Cultivars
Authors: Geisler G. , Vearasilp S.
Published: April 2008

Caryopses of maize cultivars of different origin were used for germination experiments. During the phase of germination the moisture supply was changed, so that after an initial soaking the kernels were desiccated. Finally the inbibition/dehydration treatments were followed by soaking the kernels to allow seedling growth. This experimental design mirrors natural conditions (in subtropical/tropical climates) which are characterized by short rain and drought periods during the sowing of maize.

The maize cultivars were chosen from German and Thai hybrids and open pollinated varieties. In the treatments, the initial imbibitions were 24, 36, 48 and 60 hours; the dehydration periods were 24 and 48 hours. Percentage of regermination, radicle length, number of mesocotyl roots, root and shoot dry weights, were measured as indicative features for evaluation of the resistance against changing moisture content of the kernels during the germination phase.

The results show, that a duration of 36 hours of imbibition describes in general the dehydration‐insensitive phase. Dehydration after imbibition periods of 24 (or 48) hours very often lead to a growth acceleration in the following germination after the kernels are imbibed again. If the germination proceeds for a longer period, as tested for 48 or 60 hours, all maize cultivars will show detrimental effects of dehydration on germination and seedling growth. However, there are distinct differences within the material tested, the Thai cultivars being more resistant than German hybrids. The reactions may be explained by differences in the rate of development during the first phase of germination. Slowly germinating genotypes probably pass later the border line from the insensitive to the sensitive phase against dehydration after an initial imbibition of the kernels.
Functional Growth Model for Pod Development in Greengram and Blackgram
Authors: Chandra Babu R. , Kailasam C.
Published: April 2008

Identification of readily measured traits that are associated with higher productivity of field crops is important to breeders. The objective of this study was to find out whether pod filling rate or duration of pod filling greatly decide final pod weight in greengram and blackgram. The effective pod filling duration is only 16 days in both the crops. Pod filling rate is more important than duration of pod development. Richards function is found to more closely fit the data on pod development from anthesis to maturity in both the species.
Growth Analysis in Relation to Pigeonpea Improvement
Authors: Govil J. N. , Singh S. P. , Ram Hayat
Published: April 2008

An attempt was made to assess possible constraints to higher production, with respect to partitioning of total dry matter to reproductive sinks in early pigeonpea. Growth, dry matter accumulation and yield components were determined in four diverse genotypes under four dates of sowing and different plant densities. Data on growth characteristics, dry matter accumulation (vegetative and reproductive) were obtained for three sowings, while the data on yield components were obtained for two dates of sowing. Growth analysis showed that the total dry matter was low upto 30 days after sowing and increased linearly upto 120 days. Coversely, LAD was high for the first 30 days and reduced at later stages of growth. The mean LAI of genotypes did not very much at initial stage of growth. However, it has given interesting picture during 70 to 90 days of growth. The higher biological yield and seed yield were attributable to high LAI and LAD coupled with thick stem, more effective branches, more pods per plant and larger raceme length. Harvest index was the maximum with increased plant populations in all sowings. Indeterminate varieties under high plant density and narrow row spacing (50 cm) developed a large leaf area and were presumably able to make better use of light. Growth and branching of individual plants were reduced at the higher plant population, but on per unit basis more dry matter was produced. It is suggested that breeding should be concentrated to improve an inability to accumulate adequate vegetative dry matter for the maintenance and filling of pods, may force the plant to continue vegetative production into the reproductive dry matter to support production of ultimate seed yield.
Effect of Population Levels of Soybean on Physiological Growth Parameters of Sorghum CO 24 in Sole and Intercropped Stand
Authors: Gopikrishna P. , Shanmuga‐Sundaram V. S.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 1985 and summer, 1986 in sandy clay loam soil under irrigated condition at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbature, with a view (i) to assess the suitable method of planting of sorghum CO 24 when intercropped with soybean, (ii) to evaluate the suitable planting ratio of sorghum ‐ soybean intercropping system, (iii) to find out the compatible population level of soybean when intercropped with sorghum CO 24.

Direct sown sorghum at 4: 2 and 2: 2 recorded grater leaf area (LA) compared to transplanted sorghum in both kharif and summer. Sorghum transplanted with 14 days old seedlings recorded higher Crop Growth Rate (CGR) compared to 21 days old seedlings. Increased Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) were recorded in sorghum transplanted with 14 days old seedlings as compared to direct sown and 21 days old transplanted crop. Transplanted sorghum recorded higher Relative Growth Rate (RGR) as compared to direct sown sorghum. Summer sorghum recorded higher Relative Growth Rate (RGR) as compared to kharif season.