bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of estimating and indexing methods to simplify the determination of management treatment effects on raspberry yields
Authors: Kowalenko C. G.
Published: April 2011

The effectiveness of using several proposals to estimate or index yield and size of raspberries as an alternative to picking berries as they ripen was examined in two field plot trials over two seasons at two locations in south coast British Columbia. The evaluation included examination of general correlations of the proposed estimate and index values with fresh picked yield, comparison of the significant nutrient and inter-row management treatment effects on proposed method values with effects on fresh picked yield values, influence of individual cane variability to distinguish significant treatment effects, and the effect of N on plant components used to derive the estimate and index method. Correlation coefficients for all yield estimate and index method values with fresh picked yields were generally good. Crop management treatment effects determined by the estimate and index values, however, were not the same as determined by harvesting the berries as they ripened. This showed that the estimate and index method values were biased relative to picked yield. Cane-to-cane variability within individual treatment plots was sufficiently large that differences between treatments had to be greater than 10 to 15% to be significant at P < 0.05 when five canes were randomly sampled for index component measurements to represent the plants in the plot. The five canes sampled for each plot were 5 to 10% of all the floricanes in the plots of this study. The concentration and biomass N measurements that were possible on the floricane components that were sampled for the index methods showed that management treatments of the two trials of the study could have influenced berry development, and hence contributed to the bias of the estimate and index method values relative to fresh picked yield. Although the estimate and index methods were generally quite well correlated with fresh picked yield, caution is advised when they are used directly as alternatives to fresh picking to evaluate crop management treatment effects on berry yield. Further knowledge about the physiological changes that occur during berry ripening may provide opportunities to improve the estimate and index measurements. Key words: Raspberry, Rubus idaeus L., yield estimate, yield index, nutrient effects, nitrogen effects
The biology of Canadian weeds. 120. Neslia paniculata (L.) Desv.
Authors: Francis A. , Warwick S. I.
Published: April 2011

A review of biological information is provided for Neslia paniculata. Native to central Eurasia, this species is naturalized in other temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. In North America it is most abundant in Canada’s prairie provinces, but has spread west and north to British Columbia, Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and to scattered locations in eastern Canada and the northern United States. It is typically a summer annual weed of disturbed soils. Its growth habit and persistence in the seed bank have enabled it to spread as an adventive and to maintain its presence in cultivated areas. While it is present in relatively low frequency as a weed in most crops, its indehiscent seed pods can contaminate harvested crops and spread in seed commodities. The small size of its seed pods and the similarity of its seeds to those of canola and condiment mustard have led to its regulation as a significant contaminant of commercial seed. It is generally well controlled by herbicides (e.g., sulfonylureas, glyphosate, MCPA, bromoxynil, and 2, 4-D); however, a population resistant to metsulfuron-methyl, one of the Group 2 herbicides that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS), was found at a site in Alberta in 1998. Key words: Ball mustard, Neslia paniculata, weed biology, herbicide resistance, seed contaminant
Inheritance of maintenance and restoration of the Diplotaxis muralis (mur) cytoplasmic male sterility system in summer rape
Authors: Riungu T. C. , McVetty P. B. E.
Published: April 2011

The inheritance of Diplotaxis muralis (L) DC. mur cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) system maintenance and restoration in summer rape (Brassica napus L.) was studied by crossing eight summer rape cultivars of diverse origin to a winter habit mur CMS A-line. The F1 progenies from all eight crosses were male fertile and were selfed to produce the F2 generation. The F2 generation was grown in the field and data on segregation for male fertility and sterility were recorded and analyzed. The F2 segregation data showed that mur CMS restoration in summer rape is controlled by dominant alleles at one to three restorer genes. The number of genes for the restoration of male fertility in mur CMS varied both among and, occasionally, within cultivars. Maintainer lines for mur CMS must carry recessive alleles in homozygous condition at all three restorer genes. The ready availability of summer rape restorers suggests that the mur CMS system has good potential for hybrid cultivar development and hybrid seed production in summer rape; however, maintainers in summer rape must first be discovered or developed. Key words: Cytoplasmic male sterility, canola, Brassica napus, male sterility
The impact of stem galls induced by Hemadas nubilipennis Ashmead on shoot characteristics of lowbush blueberry
Authors: Hayman D. I. , MacKenzie K. E. , Reekie E. G.
Published: April 2011

The effect of galls induced by Hemadas nubilipennis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on the morphology and reproduction of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) was studied over two seasons in three Nova Scotia blueberry fields. Comparisons of galled and non-galled shoot characteristics, and position on shoots of galls formed in the years of vegetative and reproductive growth were made. In June 1999, 30 newly galled vegetative shoots were arbitrarily selected, tagged and measured along with similar sized non-galled shoots on the galled clone and a neighbouring non-galled clone. Shoot characteristics were measured in the reproductive season during bloom and after harvest. At two sites, the dry weights of leaves and stems on galled shoots measured in the reproductive season were significantly less than non-galled shoots, but at a third site there was no difference in stem allocation. Galls reduced berry production on shoots at two sites. Proportions of terminally positioned galls differed significantly among study sites in the reproductive season. Shoots with terminal galls were significantly shorter, lighter and allocated less weight to leaves and stems than shoots with basally positioned galls. If the reports of increasing gall populations in Nova Scotia during the 1990s are correct, there may be good reason to believe that there will be significant economic loss of blueberries in the future. Key words: Gall, blueberry (lowbush), Hemadas nubilipennis, Vaccinium angustifolium
Animal anti-apoptotic genes ameliorate the loss of turgor in water-stressed transgenic tobacco
Authors: Awada T. , Dunigan D. D. , Dickman M. B.
Published: April 2011

Nicotiana tabacum L. ‘Glurk’ plants were transformed with antiapoptotic animal genes [chicken Bcl-xl; nematode CED-9; chicken Bcl-xl(GA) a mutant of Bcl-xl ; and a 3’ non-coding region of human Bcl-2, referred to as 161-1]. Our objectives were to determine whether plant transformation with anti-apoptotic genes ameliorates drought tolerance in tobacco plants by subjecting the plants to a dry-down period. The non-transformed Glurk and the transgenic Glurk harboring G115, which expresses β-glucuronidase, served as controls. Transformation of tobacco plants with animal anti-apoptotic genes significantly impacted the rates of photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (gs), but not to the same extent in every line. Controls generally exhibited higher A and gs than the transformed plants under well-watered conditions. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance declined significantly on the 3rd day, and approached zero on the 11th day of water deprivation. Differences among controls and transformed tobacco plants disappeared as soil moisture deficit increased. Relative water content (RWC) and leaf water potential (ψw) remained relatively high in the first 3 d of water deprivation, while a dramatic reduction occurred in all plants on the 6th day. Relative water content did not differ between controls and transformed plants. Water potential declined significantly (became more negative) with the increase in soil moisture deficit. Evident differences among transformed and control plants appeared on the 6th day of water deprivation. The controls, Glurk and G115 generally maintained a higher water potential between days 6 and 11 compared to the transformed tobacco plants. Osmotic adjustment occurred in transformed plants but not in the controls, in response to drought. Relative water content at turgor loss point (RWCtlp) and osmotic potential at turgor loss point (ψπtlp) provided a measure of drought tolerance in plants. G115, Glurk and Bcl-xl plants lost turgor at a higher relative water content than Bcl-xl(GA), CED-9 and 161-1. ψπtlp in the controls G115 and Glurk were relatively higher compared to the transformed plants. We concluded that transgenic plants with anti-apoptotic genes resulted in moderate amelioration of drought tolerance in tobacco plants. Key words: Anti-apoptotic genes, programmed cell death, genetic engineering, Nicotiana tabaccum, drought tolerance, gas exchange, photosynthesis, turgor, osmotic adjustment
Effects of source and placement of phosphorus on concentration of cadmium in the grain of two durum wheat cultivars
Authors: Selles F. , Clarke J. M. , Zentner R. P. , Campbell C. A.
Published: April 2011

Cadmium is toxic to humans. Because it enters the food chain through plant uptake, application of phosphorus fertilizer carrying Cd as an impurity may increase the Cd concentration of cereal grains above proposed threshold values. Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of two phosphorus fertilizers on Cd concentration of two durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) cultivars, a low Cd accumulator (Arcola) and a high accumulator (Kyle) grown in two soils of southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. Phosphorus was applied as monoammonium phosphate (15 mg Cd kg-1) and as triple superphosphate (75 mg Cd kg-1) at a rate of 18 kg P ha-1. The fertilizer was applied in a mid-row band or in the seed row. Nitrogen was applied as urea or as ammonium sulphate. Variability in Cd concentration was at tributed primarily to genotype and environment, which accounted for 41% and 29% of the explained variability, respectively. The Cd concentration of Arcola averaged 80 µg kg-1, while that of Kyle averaged 143 µg kg-1. In contrast, fertilization accounted for only a small proportion of the explained variability, with phosphorus treatments accounting for 3% of the model sums of squares, and N sources accounting for less than 1%. Phosphorus fertilization increased the Cd concentration of Arcola, regardless of source or placement, but the proportion of samples with Cd concentration above 100 µg kg-1 remained unchanged at 17%. In the case of Kyle the Cd concentration increased only when the fertilizer was seed-placed, but in this case the proportion of samples with Cd concentration above 100 µg kg-1 increased from 67 to 90%. The effect of P appeared to result from the effects of fertilizer on plant density and vigour rather than from Cd impurities in the fertilizer. Key words: Cadmium concentration, cadmium uptake, durum wheat, fertilization, phosphorus, fertilizer placement, phosphorus source
Performance of silage corn (Zea mays L.) in a cool climate ecosystem: effects of photodegradable plastic mulch
Authors: Kwabiah A. B.
Published: April 2011

Yield of silage corn (Zea mays L.) in Newfoundland (NL), Canada, is limited by low corn heat units (CHU). This is a reflection of generally moderate temperature throughout the growing season in addition to having a late spring and early fall. Clear photo-degradable plastic film, applied to the soil after sowing, may boost soil and air temperatures and hence advance growth and development. Research was conducted at three on -farm sites near St. John’s in 2000 and 2001 to determine the effects of plastic mulch on time from planting to emergence (VE), 50% silking (R1), 50% kernel milk line (R5.5) and dry matter (DM) yield. Three early hybrids with CHU ratings of 2100, 2200 and 2300 were planted in late May of each year when the soil temperature was above 10°C. At planting, half of each plot was covered (PC) with a clear photo-degradable plastic film (X-Tend Plastic System®), 1.32 m in width and 6 m thick, and the other half was not covered (NC). During the first 30–35 d after planting, the crops grew under the thin plastic mulch before breaking through as it started to degrade. During this time, air (10 cm above soil surface) and soil (5 cm depth) temperatures underneath the plastic film were recorded. These were compared to the soil (5 cm depth) and air (100 cm high) temperatures of the NC plots. Soil and air temperatures for PC plots were consistently higher than for NC plots in both years. The plastic continued to degrade during the rest of the season and was completely degraded by the time of harvest in late `September. In 2000, the plastic advanced VE by 9 to 13 d, R1 by 10 to 15 d and R5.5 by 9 to 15 d relative to the NC treatment. In 2001, advancement of VE due to the plastic mulch ranged from 8 and 12 d, 6 to 9 d for R1 and 6 to 11 d for R5.5. Relative to the NC treatment, the plastic improved CHU by 9% and total DM yield by 22% in 2000 and improved CHU by 7% and total DM yield by 14% in 2001. A small increase in CHU due to plastic mulch resulted in a proportionately larger increase in total DM yield. Plastic mulches have the potential to accelerate maturity thereby insuring silage corn crops achieve acceptable DM yields in cool climate regions such as Newfoundland. Key words: Air temperature, corn heat units, soil temperature, total DM yield
Effects of calcium and magnesium on growth, fruit yield and quality in a fall greenhouse tomato crop grown on rockwool
Authors: and Xiuming Hao , Papadopoulos Athanasios P.
Published: April 2011

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) ‘Trust’ was grown on rockwool with two concentrations of calcium (150 and 300 mg L-1) in combination with four concentrations of magnesium (20, 50, 80 and 110 mg L-1) in fall, 1999, to investigate their effects on plant growth, leaf photosynthesis, and fruit yield and quality (fruit firmness, dry matter, soluble solids and russeting). High Ca (300 mg L-1) concentration increased fruit yield and reduced the incidence of blossom-end rot (BER) and fruit russeting, compared with the low Ca concentration (150 mg L-1). High Ca concentration reduced fruit firmness but did not affect fruit size and leaf photosynthesis. Plants grown at 20 mg L-1 Mg started to show leaf chlorosis on both the middle and bottom leaves 8 wk after planting. Leaves with moderate chlorosis lost about 50% of their photosynthetic capacity. Fruit yield in the late growth stage decreased at 20 mg L-1 Mg. Blossom-end rot incidence increased linearly with increasing Mg concentration in the early growth stage at low Ca, but BER incidence at high Ca was not affected by Mg concentration. Fruit firmness increased with increasing Mg concentration at low Ca. At high Ca, Mg concentration affected fruit firmness only late in the season; fruit firmness at 80 mg L-1 Mg was higher than at 50 mg L-1 Mg concentration. Fruit russeting in mid-season was affected by nutrient treatments, being the least at 300/50 mg L-1 Ca/Mg. Therefore, for a fall greenhouse tomato crop, the optimum Ca/Mg concentration for tomato production is estimated to be 300/50–80 mg L-1. The Mg concentration may be started at 50 mg L-1 and gradually increased to 80 mg L -1 towards the end of the season, to improve plant growth and fruit firmness. Key words: Greenhouse, tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, yield, quality, photosynthesis, calcium, magnesium
Kaufmann oat
Authors: Kibite S. , Chong J. , Menzies J. G. , Turkington K. , McCallum B. , Haber S. , Ames N.
Published: April 2011

Kaufmann is a high-yielding, disease-resistant spring oat ( Avena sativa L.) with improved kernel characteristics and milling quality features. It is resistant to >98% of the crown rust [ Puccinia coronata Corda var. avenea (W.P. Fraser & Ledingham)] isolates found in western Canada. It is also resistant to almost all prevalent races of stem rust (caused by P. graminis Pers. f. sp. avenae Eriks & Henn.), except race NA-67, and all races of loose smut (caused by Ustilago avenae (Pers.) Rostr.) and covered smut (caused by U. kolleri Wille) found in western Canada Kaufmann is moderately susceptible to the PAV strain of BYDV. It has performed at a level equal to or significantly better than AC Medallion in agronomic and grain quality features. It is best adapted t o the Black Soil Zone of Manitoba and the Brown Soil Zone of Saskatchewan, where it has yielded significantly more than AC Medallion while having better lodging resistance and improved grain quality. Key words:
Protein fractions and ruminal undegradable proteins in alfalfa
Authors: Tremblay G. F. , Michaud R. , Bélanger G.
Published: April 2011

The relationship between protein fractions of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) and in vitro ruminal undegradable protein (RUP) concentration was studied using variability among 14 genotypes and 27 cultivars of alfalfa harvested at early bloom in the spring growth. Significant differences in soluble N concentration (fraction A + B1), degradable true protein fractions (fractions B2 and B3), and in vitro RUP concentration were found among genotypes but not among cultivars. Correla tions between in vitro RUP values and fractions A + B1 and B2 were significant for genotypes ( r = -0.77 and r = 0.78) and cultivars ( r = -0.72 and r = 0.64). Protein fractions of the CNCPS should be considered as an alternative laboratory method for in vitro RUP to screen alfalfa genotypes for breeding purposes. Key words:
Direct assessment of competitive ability and defoliation tolerance in perennial grasses
Authors: Saint Pierre C. , Busso C. A. , Montenegro O. A. , Rodriguez G. D. , Giorgetti H. D. , Montani T. , Bravo O. A.
Published: April 2011

Stipa clarazii is a dominant, late-seral perennial grass species under exclosure or lightly grazed rangelands in semiarid Argentina, whereas S. tenuis and S. ambigua are earlier-seral perennial tussock grasses. Recent studies have demonstrated that late-seral species are more competitive and can have either similar or greater herbivory tolerance than earlier-seral species. We hyphothesized that (1) tolerance to defoliation is greater on defoliated plants of S. clarazii than on those of S. tenuis and S. ambigua, (2) competitive ability is greater in S. clarazii than in S. tenuis and S. ambigua when plants remain undefoliated or are exposed to a comparable defoliation intensity, and (3) competitive ability decreases in S. clarazii when this species is selectively defoliated within a non-defoliated, nearby neighbourhood of S. tenuis or S. ambigua. The study objectives included obtaining a direct measure of competitive ability and defoliation tolerance in the three perennial grasses when they grew either in isolation or in different neighbourhoods and were exposed to various defoliation patterns in the field. In 1998, two parallel studies were conducted within a 2-yr-old field exclosure during one growing season. In one study, responses were evaluated on either defoliated or undefoliated plants of all three species without neighbours. In a second experiment, four types of neighborhoods were selected such that a central (target) plant of one species was surrounded by five neighboring plants of a different species. Three different defoliation patterns were imposed on each neighbourhood type. Results led to acceptance of the first and second and rejection of the third hypothesis. When plants grew without nearby neighbours, greater growth rates for height, dry matter production and end-of-season daughter tiller production per parent tiller in S. clarazii relative to S. tenuis and S. ambigua contributed to greater regrowth in S. clarazii. Amounts of 15N atom excess were always greater in S. clarazii than in S. tenuis and S. ambigua independently of neighbourhood type and pattern of defoliation. However, uptake of 15N was similar in S. clarazii to that in S. tenuis or S. ambigua when S. clarazii was selectively defoliated within a non-defoliated, nearby neighbourhood of any of the other two species. Selective herbivory of S. clarazii, rather than factors associated with its competitive ability and defoliation tolerance, were found to be the major determinant driving its replacement by earlier-seral, less desirable perennial grasses in rangelands of central Argentina. Key words: 15N, Argentina rangelands, biomass, nitrogen uptake, species replacement, Stipa
Etiology, impact and control of rhizoctonia seedling blight and root rot of chickpea on the Canadian prairies
Authors: Hwang S. F. , Gossen B. D. , Chang K. F. , Turnbull G. D. , Howard R. J. , Blade S. F.
Published: April 2011

Studies were undertaken to assess the impact of seedling blight and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-4 on nodulation and seed yield of chickpea. The effects of pathogen inoculum concentration and seed damage on disease severity were also measured. Chickpea seedlings were grown under controlled-environment conditions in sterilized soil amended with pathogenic isolates of R. solani and in field plot experiments where the inoculum was incorporated with the seed at planting. In greenhouse experiments, emergence and dry matter production declined and root rot severity increased with increasing inoculum concentration. Root rot reduced nodulation where lesions covered more than 25% of the root surface. For chickpea cultivar Sanford this level of infection was sufficient to reduce root mass, but for the cultivar Tyson, more than half of the root was covered with lesions before root mass began to decline. In a comparison of seed treatment fungicides, thiram + carbathiin (Vitaflo 280) and carbathiin + thiabendazole (Crown at 6 mL of product kg-1 seed) significantly increased seedling emergence and seed yield compared to the inoculated control. In an assessment of the effects of seed damage, seedling survival and seed yield were similar for both healthy and mechanically damaged seed. Rhizoctonia solani has the potential to be an important constraint to chickpea production in the prairie region of western Canada. Key words: Rhizoctonia solani, Cicer arietinum, seed treatment, fungicide, seeding date
Planting date and suboptimal seedbed temperature effects on dry bean establishment, phenology and yield
Authors: Balasubramanian P. , Vandenberg A. , Hucl P.
Published: April 2011

Seedbed temperatures below 15°C are detrimental to dry bean germination and emergence. This field study was conducted to determine the effects of suboptimal seedbed temperatures on dry bean emergence, and the cumulative effects of suboptimal seedbed temperatures during emergence on crop phenology and yield. Selected dry bean cultivars were planted in mid- and late May when seedbed temperatures were below and above the suboptimal temperature (15°C), respectively, at Saskatoon, SK. Emergence, cumulative thermal units to anthesis and maturity, seed yield, yield components and percent frost-damaged seeds were evaluated in 1999 and 2000. The final seedling count at 30 d after planting was 81% for the mid-May planting and 94% for the late May planting. However, the difference in plant stand was not statistically significant. Year-to-year differences in weather influenced the response of dry bean to planting date for maturity and seed yield. The mid-May planting produced the highest seed yield in 1999, when the two indeterminate cultivars in the late May planting failed to mature prior to the mid September frost. The mid-September frost also resulted in a high percent frost-damaged seeds for the late May planting. In 2000, when the first fall frost was in late September, maturity and seed yield of dry bean cultivars were equivalent for planting dates. The mid-May planted dry bean cultivars will result in higher seed yield and quality compared to the conventional late May planting in years with an early fall frost. Key words: Dry bean, seeding date, low temperature, emergence, maturity
Long-term assessment of management of an annual legume green manure crop for fallow replacement in the Brown soil zone
Authors: Zentner R. P. , Campbell C. A. , Biederbeck V. O. , Selles F. , Lemke R. , Jefferson P. G. , Gan Y.
Published: April 2011

In the Brown soil zone of western Canada summerfallowing (F) is traditionally used to reduce the water deficit associated with cereal production, but frequent use of this practice results in soil degradation and reduces the N-supplying capacity of soils. Some scientists suggest that an annual legume green manure crop (LGM) could be used as a partial-fallow replacement to protect the soil against erosion and increase its N fertility, particularly when combined with a snow-trapping technique to replenish soil water used by the legume. We assessed this possibility by comparing yields, N economy, water use efficiency, and economic returns for hard red spring wheat (W) (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in rotation with Indianhead black lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) green manure (i.e., LGM-W-W) vs. that obtained in a traditional F-W-W system. Further, we assessed whether a change in manage ment of the LGM crop (i.e., moving to earlier seeding and earlier turn-down) was advantageous to the overall performance of this practice. The study was conducted over 12 yr (1988–99) on a medium-textured Orthic Brown Chernozem at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Wheat stubble was left tall to trap snow, tillage was kept to a minimum, and the wheat was fertilized based on NO3 soil tests. When we examined results after 6 yr, we concluded that by waiting until full bloom to turn down the legume (usually late July or early August) so as to maximize N2 fixation, soil water was being depleted to the detriment of yields of the following wheat crop. The change in management of the LGM crop since 1993 resulted in wheat yields following LGM equaling those after fallow (due to improved water use efficiency), a gradual and significant increase over time in grain protein and in N yield of aboveground plant biomass of wheat in the LGM-W-W compared to the F-W-W system, plus a gradual decrease in fertilizer N requirements of wheat in the LGM system accompanying an improvement in the N supplying power of the soil. These savings in N fertilizer, together with savings in tillage and herbicide costs for weed control on partial-fallow vs. conventional-fallow areas, and higher revenues from the enhanced grain protein, more than offset the added costs for seed and management of the LGM crop. Thus, our results imply that, if producers seed the LGM in April and turn it down in early July, an annual LGM-cereal rotation is a viable option in the semiarid Canadian prairies; however, one negative consequence of adopting this management strategy is the possibility of enhancing NO3 leaching. Key words: Nitrogen yields, grain protein, green fallow, summerfallow substitute, economic returns, NO3 leaching
1-Methylcyclopropene plus high CO2 applied after storage reduces ethylene production and enhances shelf life of Gala apples
Authors: Lu Changwen , Toivonen Peter M.A.
Published: April 2011

The effect of a combined treatment comprising a 35% CO2 atmosphere plus 250 nL L-1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on shelf life of Gala apples app lied after removal from air or controlled atmosphere (CA) storage was evaluated. Fruit were removed from air storage at 10 and 18 wk and from CA storage at 18 and 22 wk, warmed to 20°C and then treated for 16 h with 1-MCP either in combination with or without 35% CO2. Treated fruit were held at 20°C in air for up to 15 d and assessed every 5 d. Onset of ethylene production was delayed and quality retention was only marginally improved with the 1-MCP treatment. In contrast, both were significantly affected when a 35% CO2 atmosphere was applied in combination with the 1-MCP treatment. Fruit that were treated with 1-MCP in a 35% CO2 atmosphere exhibited the lowest levels of internal ethylene concentration (IEC) and the smallest decline of flesh firmness and titratable acidity (TA) during holding at 20°C. No symptoms of CO2 injury were noted. In the high CO2 atmosphere, a 250 nL L-1 treatment with 1-MCP resulted in similar firmness and titratable acidity retention at room temperature as did a 1000 nL L-1 treatment with 1-MCP. Additionally, the application of the combined 1-MCP/high CO2 treatment after holding at 20°C for 24 h resulted in similar effects as seen if the treatment were applied only 2 h after removal from storage. Biochemical analysis showed that 1-MCP and high CO2 have two distinctly different effects on ACC-synthase activity, explaining the synergistic effect of the combined treatment. Key words: Post-storage ripening, 1-MCP, carbon dioxide, ethylene biosynthesis
The Biology of Invasive Alien Plants in Canada. 1. Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth
Authors: Darbyshire S. J. , Wilson C. E. , Allison K.
Published: April 2011

The annual grass weed Eriochloa villosa, woolly cup grass, was reported for the first time in Canada in 2000, in southwestern Quebec. It is a serious agricultural pest of field crops in the Midwest United States where it has been difficult and expensive to control. The production of stolons early in the growing season and the extensive branching of stems later in the season mean that single plants occupy and disperse seed over a large area. Cleistogamous flowers ensure good seed set, and plants produce large numbers of seeds. After an initial spring germination flush, seeds continue to germinate throughout the growing season resulting in escapes from early control measures. The large seeds can germinate and emerge under a wide range of soil temperatures and soil depths. Woolly cup grass is tolerant of many herbicides and effective control in agro-ecosystems usually depends on integrated strategies of multiple herbicide applications, cultural and mechanical methods. The above biological features and its presence in a number of bordering States suggest that the species is a potential weed hazard in southern Canada, particularly in areas of corn and soybean production in Quebec and Ontario. Key words: Eriochloa villosa, woolly cup grass, ERBVI, weed biology, invasive alien
Farmer-directed on-farm experimentation examining the impact of companion planting barley and oats on timothyalfalfa forage establishment in central Newfoundland
Authors: Spaner and A. G. Todd D.
Published: April 2011

Oats (Avena sativa L.) or barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) sown at increasing seeding rates of 23, 45 and 68 kg ha-1 with a timothy (Phleum pratense L.)-alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixture (harvested at cereal soft dough) resulted in increasing forage yields containing decreasing alfalfa, crude protein, P and Ca percentage in the planting year. Barley out-yielded oats by 11% in the planting year. Oats or barley sown at seeding rates up to 68 kg ha-1 do not impede underseeded forage establishment or forage production in the subsequent year in central Newfoundland. The implications of farmer-directed on-farm experimentation are discussed. Key words: Hordeum vulgare L., Avena sativa L., Phleum pratense L, Medicago sativa L., underseeding
Effects of soil temperature, seeding depth, and seeding date on rhizoctonia seedling blight and root rot of chickpea
Authors: Chang K. F. , Hwang S. F. , Gossen B. D. , Turnbull G. D. , Howard R. J. , Blade S. F.
Published: April 2011

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, a prevalent fungal pathogen in cultivated prairie soils, can be an important factor affecting seedling establishment of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Studies were undertaken to determine the impact of different soil conditions on seedling establishment, development of root rot, and productivity of desi (Tyson) and kabuli (Sanford) chickpea plants sown in the presence of R. solani AG-4. The impact of soil and air temperatures and seeding depth was studied under controlled conditions, and the influence of seeding date was investigated at three field sites. The host responded to warm soils by increasing its growth rate, and the pathogen by increasing its virulence. The kabuli cultivar, Sanford, showed greater susceptibility to root rot caused by R. solani than the desi cultivar, Tyson. Root rot and shoot infection levels increased with soil temperature for both cultivars, but reached maximum values at substantially lower temperatures for Sanford. Shoot biomass of infected treatments for this cultivar was substantially lower than the controls, while the biomass of Tyson was affected to a lesser degree. Air temperatures of 17/3°C day/night allowed relatively unhindered plant growth, even of the more susceptible cultivar, Sanford, in the presence of R. solani, while warmer and cooler temperatures resulted in high mortality and diminished plant growth in surviving plants. Seedling emergence and seedling dry weight were greater at a seeding depth of 2 cm than at 5 cm for seedlings grown in infested soil. In inoculated field plots, seedling emergence was greatest in treatments seeded in late May to early June compared those seeded in early or mid-May; in noninoculated treatments, both emergence and yield were lower in treatments seeded in late May than at the earlier seeding dates. Seeding date did not affect the occurrence of root rot. Key words: Rhizoctonia solani, Cicer arietinum, seed treatment, seeding date, soil temperature, air temperature, seeding depth
Genetic transformation of Stella De Oro daylily by particle bombardment
Authors: Aziz A. N. , Sauvé R. J. , Zhou S.
Published: April 2011

Daylily (Hemerocallis sp. ‘Stella de Oro’) callus cultures initiated from ovules were bombarded with gold particles coated with plasmid harboring Basta® resistance gene. Resulting putative transgenic calli were selected after 3 wk on semi-solid Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium supplemented with 10 mg L-1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, 2 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine and 3 mg L-1 phosphinothricin (PPT). Surviving calli regenerated shoots after 2 mo on semi-solid MS medium supplemented with 2 mg L-1 thiadiazuron and 1 mg L-1 PPT. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting were used to confirm independent transformation events. Key words: Basta® resistance, in vitro, Hemerocallis
A method for the classification by shape of dried roots of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.)
Authors: Roy R. C. , Grohs R. , Reeleder R. D.
Published: April 2011

A system for classifying the dried roots of ginseng by shape was developed using roots from 3- and 4-yr-old plantings. The method is based on traditional preferences in the marketplace and allows for the separation of desirable roots (chunk or forked grades) from less-desirable roots (pencil, spider and fibre grades). Results from ginsenoside analyses showed that ginsenoside contents of all grades, other than the fibre grade, were similar. Fibre-grade material had higher concentrations of ginsenosides Rc, Rb2, Rb3 and Rd. Key words: Panax, ginsenosides, quinquefolium, traditional chinese medicine, quality, grade, North American, Canada
Relationship of fruit color and light exposure to lycopene content and antioxidant properties of tomato
Authors: Cox S. E. , Stushnoff C. , Sampson D. A.
Published: April 2011

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), a potent source of antioxidants in the diet, is characterized by remarkable genetic biodiversity, especially in fruit size and color. Horticultural practices and breeding efforts hold the potential to enhance antioxidant content in tomato fruit, but which antioxidants are most important? Lycopene content, total phenolic content, and radical scavenging capacity were examined in yellow, orange, red, and black-fruited tomato cultivars using lyophilized samples. Color was generally an accurate indicator of lycopene content, with a yellow cultivar containing less lycopene than red cultivars, and two of three red cultivars containing more than an orange cultivar. However, black cultivars as a group did not contain more lycopene than red. Tomato fruit harvested green-mature and exposed to 24 h light during ripening at 25°C in a growth cabinet had a higher lycopene concentration than green-mature fruit exposed for 8 h. 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity did not vary among different colored cultivars, and was no different in stored (2 yr) or freshly prepared lyophilized samples. Total phenolic concentration was higher in orange, red, and black fruited cultivars than in yellow. Total phenolic concentration was lower in lyophilized powder samples of orange, red, and black cultivar fruit stored for 2 yr at -20°C relative to freshly prepared samples. Neither lycopene nor total phenolic concentration was well correlated to antioxidant capacity. Key words: High performance liquid chromatography, photoperiod
CDC Sedley lentil
Authors: Vandenberg A. , Vera C. , Buchwaldt L. , Dueck S. , Morrall R. A.A. , Warkentin T. D. , Banniza S. , Slinkard A. E.
Published: April 2011

CDC Sedley is a high-yielding, early-maturing, yellow cotyledon lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) cultivar developed by the Crop Development Centre (CDC), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is suitable for the large green market class of lentil and is intended for cultivation in all lentil-growing areas of western Canada. CDC Sedley was issued registration #5319 on 2001 May 01 by the Variety Section, Plant Health and Plant Products Division , Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Key words: Lentil, cultivar description, Lens culinaris
CDC Desiray desi chickpea
Authors: Vandenberg Albert , Warkentin Tom , Slinkard Al
Published: April 2011

CDC Desiray, a desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivar, was released in 1999 by the Crop Development Centre (CDC), University of Saskatchewan for distribution to Select seed growers in western Canada through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Desiray has pinnate leaf type, fair ascochyta blight resistance, early maturity, medium-sized plump seeds with a light tan coloured seed coat and good yielding ability in the Brown and Dark Brown soil zones of the Canadian prairies. Key words: Chickpea, Cicer arietinum L., cultivar description, ascochyta blight
CDC Nika desi chickpea
Authors: Vandenberg A. , Warkentin T. , Slinkard A.
Published: April 2011

CDC Nika, a desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivar, was released in 2000 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, for distribution to Select seed growers in western Canada through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Nika has a pinnate leaf type, fair ascochyta blight [Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr.] resistance, medium maturity, large, plump seeds with a tan coloured seed coat and good yielding ability in the Brown and Dark Brown soil zones of the Canadian prairies. Key words: Chickpea, Cicer arietinum L., cultivar description, ascochyta blight
Morden003 navy bean
Authors: Mündel, Hans-Henning , Kiehn Ferdinand A. , Huang Henry C. , Conner Robert L. , Saindon Gilles , Kemp Gavin
Published: April 2011

Morden003 is an early-maturing navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar, developed at the AAFC Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta with final selection and testing carried out at the AAFC Research Station, Morden, Manitoba. Morden003 has higher levels of resistance to anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Lams.-Scrib., than the susceptible check cultivar, Othello pinto bean, and to white mould, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, than the navy bean check cultivar, Envoy. Morden003 is particularly well adapted to Manitoba growing conditions, and matures significantly earlier than the check cultivar, Envoy. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris, navy bean, cultivar description, early maturing
Sensitivity of kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) to soil applications of S-metolachlor and imazethapyr
Authors: Nader Soltani Peter Sikkema, , Shropshire Christy , Cowan Todd
Published: April 2011

Tolerance of Montcalm and Redhawk kidney beans to preplant incorporated (PPI) and preemergence (PRE) applications of S-metolachlor, imazethapyr and their tank mix at the maximum label rate in soybeans (1×) and twice that rate (2×) was studied at two Ontario locations (Exeter and Ridgetown) in 2001 and 2002. There were no differences between the two cultivars in their responses to the herbicide treatments. Visual evaluations of crop injury never exceeded 2% for any herbicide treatment. With the exception of a 7% height reduction after the PPI application of imazethapyr plus S-metholachlor at the 2× rate, none of the other treatments reduced plant height, dry weight, seed moisture content or seed yield. At sites where there was a significant difference, the PRE application caused more crop injury than the PPI application. These results indicate that there is an acceptable margin of crop safety for PPI and PRE applications of S-metolachlor and imazethapyr alone and in tank mix combination in kidney beans in Ontario. Key words: Crop injury; crop tolerance; imazethapyr; S-metolachlor; yield.
Miser field pea
Authors: Tom Warkentin Deng-Jin Bing, , Robert Conner Allen Xue, , Yantai Gan Al Sloan, , Cecil Vera David Gehl, , George Clayton Kelly Turkington, , Orr Denise
Published: April 2011

Miser is a semi-leafless, yellow cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar with powdery mildew resistance and good yield. It was developed by Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada, Morden Research Station, Morden, Manitoba. It has small seeds acceptable to the yellow field pea market. Miser was issued registration number 5627 2003 Apr. 09 by the Variety Section, Plant Health and Plant Products Division, Canadian Food In spection Agency. Key words: Field pea, Pisum sativum L., powdery mildew resistance, seed size
The effect of foliar copper application on grain yield and quality of wheat
Authors: Karamanos R. E. , Pomarenski Q. , Goh T. B. , A Flore N.
Published: April 2011

Available Cu concentrations in prairie soils (DTPA-extractable Cu) are extremely variable, thus resulting in areas within fields that are Cu deficient. These areas are difficult to characterize by a soil test based on a composite field sample; thus, when they are identified in the growing season, foliar Cu application possibly represents the only method of correcting them. A project, carried out over a period of 8 yr that consisted of four experiments and a total of 22 trials, was designed to ascertain whether foliar Cu applications indeed provide a satisfactory means of correcting Cu deficiency. Experiments included comparison of foliar applications at Feekes growth stages 6 (first node of stem visible at base of shoot) and 6 plus 10 (sheath of last leaf completely grown out) to soil broadcast and incorporation of 4 to 5.5 kg Cu ha-1 as copper sulphate (CuSO4·5H2O) or seed placement of 2 kg Cu ha-1 in three forms (two oxysulphates and one sulphate); foliar application of a variety of products representing different chemistries (chelate, lignin sulphonate, humic acid, oxychloride and citric acid) on a number of wheat cultivars at Feekes growth stage 10 or one cultivar at Feekes growth stages 2 (beginning of tillering), 6, 10 and 2 plus 10. Foliar applications appear to provide a solution to Cu deficiency that is identified during the growing season. However, foliar applications were not always as effective as broadcast and incorporation of at least 4 kg Cu ha-1 in the form of CuSO4·5H2O, which still remains the preferred method to correct a Cu deficiency. Foliar application at Feekes growth stage 2 was ineffective, whereas a single foliar application at Feekes growth stage 10 was not as satisfactory as a single one at Feekes growth stage 6. Thus, the latter stage appears to be preferable; however, maximum grain yield in some cases was obtained by the combination of two foliar Cu applications, one each at Feekes growth stages 6 and 10. Responses of wheat to foliar Cu application were obtained on soils that contained DTPA-extractable Cu concentration of less than 0.4 mg kg-1. Foliar Cu applications did not have an appreciable effect on grain quality parameters, such as hectolitre weight, moisture or protein content. Key words: DTPA-extractable, Feekes growth stage, deficient, marginal, plant tissue
Effects of nitrogen fertilization on fruit yield and quality of processing tomatoes
Authors: Warner J. , Zhang T. Q. , Hao X.
Published: April 2011

Four processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars (CC337, H9230, H9492 and H9553) were field-grown in southwestern Ontario using five N fertilization rates in each of 4 yr (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1 in 1999 and 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg N ha-1 in 2000, 2001 and 2002). Total fruit yield increased linearly as N rate was increased except in 2001, which was a dry year. Responses of marketable yield to fertilizer N rate were dependent on cultivar and the year. In years when sufficient soil water was available, N fertilizer rates of 200 kg ha-1 or higher were required to produce the maximum marketable yield for the four cultivars. In the dryer years, the response to fertilizer N rate was cultivar dependent, and the application of 150 to 200 kg N ha-1 was sufficient to maximize marketable yield. Fertilizer N above the rate required for maximum marketable yield increased green fruit yield at harvest. Nitrogen rate did not affect the soluble solids (SS) content, firmness, size or colour of marketable fruit. Differences in yield and fruit quality were noted among cultivars. H9553 was the highest-yielding cultivar. H9230 had the largest fruit size. CC337 generally had the best red fruit colour and the lowest percent SS. H9492 generally had the highest percent SS. To attain maximum marketable yields, it appears that N rates should be adjusted based on cultivars, anticipated rainfall levels and availability of irrigation. Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, processing tomato, nitrogen fertilization, yield, quality
Prairie Blue flax
Authors: Duguid S. D. , Kenaschuk E. O. , Rashid K. Y.
Published: April 2011

Prairie Blue, a medium- late maturing oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), was released in 2003 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Morden Research Station, Morden, Manitoba. This cultivar has high oil content, high oil quality, small seed size, very good lodging resistance and high yield in all soil zones of the prairies. It is immune to current North American races of rust [Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Desmaz], and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f. sp. lini (Bolley) Snyder & Hansen. Key words: Flax, oilseed, Linum usitatissimum L., cultivar description