bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ investigation of soil organic matter aggregates using infrared microscopy
Authors: Arocena J. M. , Pawluk S. , Dudas M. J. , Gajdostik A.
Published: April 2011

Infrared (IR) microscopy in combination with X-ray microdiffraction was used as a direct (in situ) method to study the nature of organic (and mineral) components within the organic aggregates from four Chernozemic and one Podzolic-like soils from Alberta. These methods utilized thin section peels or individual aggregates and have the capability of point analysis in area of about 50–100 μm in diameter. We compared the conventional IR spectra of soil organic matter [humic acids (HA)] with those of in situ IR spectra obtained directly from aggregates. Results showed that the band at 1720 cm−1 observed in humic acid was not present in the in situ IR spectra and instead the bands at 1735 and 1785 cm−1 correlated to esters were observed. This indicates that saponification of esters occurred during the alkaline extraction of humic acid. In situ IR spectra from an unimpregnated sample also showed a strong band around 1524 cm−1 (correlated to amide II). X-ray microdiffraction analysis showed the presence of quartz and phyllosilicates in the aggregates. The method described in this study appeared to be suited to the direct investigation of soil organic matter and may provide the methodology necessary to assess the quality of organic matter. Key words: Soil organic matter aggregates, infrared microscopy, X-ray microdiffraction
Short-term effects of crop rotations and wood-residue amendments on potato yields and soil properties of a sandy loam soil
Authors: Gasser Marc O. , Laverdière Marc R. , N’dayegamiye Adrien
Published: April 2011

A 3-yr study (1988–1990) was conducted on a Beaurivage sandy loam soil located in St-Lambert, Québec, Canada, to evaluate the short-term effects of crop rotations and organic amendments on soil properties and potato yields (Solanum tuberosum, L.). Treatments consisted of yearly fall rye (Secale cereale, L.) as a green-manure cover crop, barley (Hordeum vulgare, L.) grown every 3-yr in potato crop rotation, partially humified bark residues and fresh tree clippings applied once at 100 m3 ha−1 in the beginning of the experiment, and continuous potato in monoculture used as check. Fertilizer rates were applied at 150, 100, 160 and 40 kg ha−1 rates for N, P2O5, K2O5 and Mg, respectively. Results indicated that more rapid changes of soil C content were observed with ligneous material incorporation than with fall rye and barley residue additions. Compared with fresh tree cuttings, partially humified bark induced rapid changes in soil organic C and cationic exchange capacity (CEC). A temporary soil structural stability improvement was observed in 1989 under fall rye cover crop. However soil bulk density increased significantly (P < 0.05) in these plots in 1990, and this was also related to low potato yields. Barley residues and ligneous amendments significantly improved soil water content during the critical flowering stage, and this increased potato yields and specific gravity (P < 0.05). In general, soil amendment would improve potato yields and quality through improved soil water content on a short-term. Key words: Barley, rye, rotation, cover crop, ligneous amendments, potato yields, soil physical and chemical properties
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Persistence of imazethapyr in two Atlantic Canada soils
Authors: Jensen K. I. N. , Ivany J. A. , King R. R.
Published: April 2011

The half-life of imazethapyr in two Atlantic Canada soils ranged from 19 to 63 d. Soil incorporation increased persistence but residual levels reached or approached the limit of detection (< 5 ng g−1 soil) within 120 d after application of 75 g ha−1 imazethapyr. Sensitive rotation crops were not affected by 75 g ha−1 imazethapyr one year after application. Key words: Imazethapyr, soil persistence, carryover, half-life
The influence of management on soil loss and yield of wheat in Chernozemic and Luvisolic soils
Authors: Monreal C. M. , Zentner R. P. , Robertson J. A.
Published: April 2011

The effects of management practices on erosion and crop productivity for different agro-ecosystems in Canada are largely unknown. A study was conducted to examine the effects of management on soil loss and wheat yield in long-term research plots, established in western Canada. Soil erosion was measured using the 137Cs technique. Under conventional tillage, topsoil was lost at a rate of 2–37 t ha−1 yr−1. Equivalent loss in topsoil thickness ranged between 0.02 and 0.28 cm yr−1. Soil losses were highest in 2–yr wheat–fallow crop rotations. Continuous wheat, 5–yr cereal–hay rotations, and plots amended with manure reduced soil losses and maintained thicker topsoils. At Ellerslie, Alberta, there was no measurable soil loss from a Black Chernozemic cropped to continuous barley under zero tillage. Decrease in annual wheat yield averaged 106 kg ha−1 cm−1 topsoil loss in the Brown Chernozemic and 117 kg ha−1 cm−1 topsoil loss in the Gray Luvisol. Key words: Management, erosion, topsoil, manure, yield
Assessment of nitrate adsorption in soils by extraction, equilibration and column-leaching methods
Authors: Kowalenko C. G. , Yu S.
Published: April 2011

The possibility of nitrate adsorption in 18 samples representing 11 soil types from the lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia was examined by differential extraction, equilibration and column leaching methods. Contrary to what was expected if nitrate was adsorbed by the soil, more nitrate was extracted by water than by 2 M KCl from some of the samples. Observations in related studies of greater microbial growth in 0.1 and 1.0 than in 2.0 M KCl extracts after more than 1 wk of storage and of different equilibrium results when conducted with and without toluene supported the conclusion that microbial or enzyme activity caused the larger amount of nitrate to be extracted by water than by 2 M KCl. Both equilibration and column leaching methods measured adsorption in some of the soil samples, but the amounts in the various samples by the two methods were not always the same. The equilibration method was analytically more precise than the column leaching method because it was simpler and required fewer measurements, but the column leaching method was considered to match more closely the soil to water ratio that would occur in the field. The equilibrium method found from 0 to 34% adsorption of the nitrate when added at a concentration not exceeding 50 μg N g−1. Further work is required to develop a practical method to meaningfully quantify nitrate adsorption in soils. The presence of nitrate adsorption has important implications for the interpretation of soil nitrogen research data and should possibly be included in nitrogen simulation models. The observation of microbial or enzyme effects on extraction of nitrate from soil shows the importance of using extraction solutions (e.g., those of high salt concentration or that contain a microbial inhibitor) that eliminate that possibility. Key words: Nitrate reactions, anion adsorption, nitrogen process, microbial effect, microbial inhibition
Cadmium adsorption capacity of selected Ontario soils
Authors: Bolton K. A. , Evans L. J.
Published: April 2011

The retention of Cd by selected Ontario soils with a range of soil properties was investigated. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out at the actual (unadjusted) PH of the soil and at a range of PH values adjusted by the addition of acid or base. For all soils, Cd adsorption increased with increasing pH and with increasing Cd solution concentration. The adsorption data was fitted, by a linear least squares technique, to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Maximum adsorption, qmax, at unadjusted soil pH values ranged from less than 8 mmol kg−1 for the Fox sandy soil to 64.8 mmol kg−1 for the Hanbury heavy clay soil. Calculated Cd adsorption maxima were regressed against measured soil properties to determine the most important properties involved in the adsorption of Cd. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the best model to be qmax = 8.33 + 0.67 (organic carbon) + 4.37 (inorganic – poorly crystalline Fe, Fepc). Surface complexation modeling indicates that humic surfaces account for adsorption at pH values beginning at approximately 3.5 and that hydrous ferric oxide surfaces account for Cd adsorption at pH values greater than 7. Key words: Cadmium adsorption, Langmuir isotherm, surface complexation, soil contamination
Soil water use, biomass accumulation and grain yield of no-till winter wheat on the Canadian prairies
Authors: Domitruk D. R. , Duggan B. L. , Fowler D. B.
Published: April 2011

Higher water use efficiency provides no-till-seeded winter wheat with an advantage over spring-sown crops in western Canada. However, like all crops, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L) is subject to large yield losses due to drought. This study was undertaken to identify the effect of weather and crop soil water status on water use, aboveground biomass production and grain yield of no-till winter wheat grown on the Canadian prairies. Five winter wheat cultivars were grown over a 3-yr period at a total of 17 sites scattered across the different climatic zones of Saskatchewan. Both the establishment and expression of grain yield potential were limited by drought in these dryland environments. Early-season moisture was required to set up a high grain yield potential while low ET and high precipitation during grain filling were necessary to secure yield. Rapid growth under cool temperatures during April and early May consumed much of the available water in the top 50-cm of the soil profile and large ET deficits, as a consequence of a continuous decline in available water, characterized drought stress in most trials. While stored soil water at greenup was not sufficient to support a crop, there was growing season rainfall at all trial sites and improvements in water availability led to higher grain yields and an increased range in mean environmental grain yield. Rainfall had its greatest influence on grain yield during tillering, while atmospheric conditions and soil water content were more important from heading to anthesis. Because environmental differences in drought stress were related to the volume and distribution of growing season precipitation, some dryland environments were exposed to intermittent stress while stress was terminal in others. Therefore, to be successful, winter wheat cultivars and management systems for the Canadian prairies must be able to accommodate variable patterns of growing season water availability. Key words: Triticum aestivum L., evapotranspiration, precipitation, water use, biomass, grain yield
CDC Maria annual canarygrass
Authors: Hucl P. , Matus-Cadiz M. , Vandenberg A. , Sosulski F. W. , Abdel-Aal E. S. M. , Hughes G. R. , Slinkard A. E.
Published: April 2011

CDC Mar ia annual canarygrass, developed at the University of Saskatchewan, possesses glabrous hulls that reduce the skin irritation encountered by farmers during the harvesting process. CDC Maria has higher test and kernel weights, but lower grain yields relative to the pubescent cultivar Keet. CDC Maria is adapted to the traditional canaryseed growing regions of Saskatchewan, the brown and black soil zones. Key words: Canaryseed, Phalaris canariensis L., cultivar description, glabrous
AC Polaris great northern dry bean
Authors: Mündel Hans-Henning , Saindon Gilles , Huang Henry C. , Kiehn Ferdinand A.
Published: April 2011

AC Polaris is a high-yielding great northern dry bean ( Phaseolus vulgarisL.) cultivar. It was developed from a series of crosses at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Lethbridge, with cooperation from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre Morden. AC Polaris is particularly well adapted to the western Canadian prairies using the narrow-row production system, yielding significantly more than check cultivars, US1140 and CDC Nordic, at 14 of 15 trials. AC Polaris is moderately susceptible to white mold.
AC Hartland spring wheat
Authors: Nass H. G. , Caldwell C. E. , Walker D. W.
Published: April 2011

AC Hartland, a hard red spring feed wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) is adapted to Eastern Canada. It expressed high grain yield, lodging resistance, and a high level of resistance to powdery mildew. Key words: Triticum aestivum, red spring wheat, yield, cultivar description
Armor BX summer oilseed rape
Authors: McVetty P. B. E. , Rimmer S. R. , Scarth R.
Published: April 2011

Armor BX is the first in the Navigator® series of summer oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) canola cultivars, which are resistant to Compas® herbicide, a mix of herbicides including the broadleaf herbicide bromoxynil. It is 60 kg ha–1 (2.5%) higher yielding than the mean of the checks Cyclone, AC Excel and Legend, is 1 g kg–1 higher than the mean of the checks for oil concentration and is moderately resistant to blackleg. Armor BX is adapted to the long- and mid-season B. napus canola-rowing areas of western Canada. Key words: Oilseed rape (summer), bromoxynil resistance, Navigator®, Compas®
Grain protein as a post-harvest index of N sufficiency for hard red spring wheat in the semiarid prairies
Authors: Selles F. , Zentner R. P.
Published: April 2011

Results from fertilizer trials with hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) conducted throughout southwestern Saskatchewan under fallow and cereal stubble cropping conditions were used to determine if grain prote in concentration (GPC) could be used as an index of N sufficiency to the crop. Critical GPC were determined using the Cate-Nelson R2 procedure. Grain yield and protein concentration were negatively correlated under stubble and for fallow cropping when yields were below 2858 kg ha–1 ± 179, with grain protein decreasing by 15 mg g–1 for every 1000kg ha–1 yield increase. In these two groups of observations, water and N availability, N yield and grain produced per unit N available suggested that water availability was the dominant factor limiting grain yield. For the portion of fallow observations in which grain yields were higher than 2858 kg ha–1, water availability was not limiting, and N availability controlled grain yield and protein concentration. In this group, a GPC of 128 mg g–1 (range of 123 to 135 mg g–1) marked the transition between N deficiency and sufficiency. Under stubble cropping and for the lower-yielding portion of the fallow cropping system, where water stress was predominant, the Cate-Nelson analysis identified critical protein concentrations of 160 and 154 mg g–1, respectively. However, these critical concentrations separated populations into moderately and severely water-stressed crops, rather than providing a separation based on N availability. We concluded that GPC as a post-harvest index of N sufficiency must be used with caution in southwestern Saskatchewan. Grain protein concentration below the critical limit of 128 mg g–1 is a reliable indicator of low N sufficiency, but high grain protein does not necessarily imply N sufficiency because, frequently, grain yield and protein concentration are negatively correlated due to water stress. Key words: Yield, protein, N availability, critical levels, water stress
CB 9940 and CB 9941 summer turnip rapes
Authors: Woods D. L. , Gugel R. K. , Falk K. C.
Published: April 2011

Two canola-quality summer turnip rape (Brassica rapa L.) lines that are resistant to blackleg [Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces. et de Not.] have been developed. Glucosinolates are marginally higher, while seed yields and oil contents are lower than the check cultivars. Key words: Rape, canola, Brassica rapa, germplasm description, blackleg resistance
Ivory soybean
Authors: Ablett G. R. , Stirling B. T. , Fischer J. D.
Published: April 2011

Ivory is an early Maturity Group II soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cultivar with excellent yield potential, lodging resistance and protein levels. It was developed by Ridgetown College, University of Guelph, and is adapted to the 2900–3300 heat unit areas of Southwestern Ontario. The cultivar was issued the registration number 4941 by the Variety Registration Office, Plant Health and Production Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on 2 June 1999. Key words: Soybean, cultivar description
OAC AUBURN soybean
Authors: Tanner J. W. , Rajcan I. , Luzzi B. M. , Montminy W. , Gostovic P. , Zilka J. , Hume D. J.
Published: April 2011

OAC Auburn is a 2750 crop heat unit soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with very good yield potential and excellent lodging resistance. Key words: Soybean, cultivar description
OAC TRENT soybean
Authors: Tanner J. W. , Rajcan I. , Luzzi B. M. , Montminy W. , Gostovic P. , Zilka J. , Hume D. J.
Published: April 2011

OAC Trent is a 2650 crop heat unit soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with good yield potential, adequate lodging resistance and better than average seed protein content. Key words: Soybean, cultivar description, Glycine max
OAC ERAMOSA soybean
Authors: Tanner J. W. , Rajcan I. , Luzzi B. M. , Gostovic P. , Montminy W. , Zilka J. , Hume D. J.
Published: April 2011

OAC Eramosa is a 2350 crop heat unit soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] very early cultivar with good yield potential and adequate lodging resistance. Key words: Soybean, cultivar description, Glycine max
Variable fruit set in self-fertile sweet cherry
Authors: Andersen Cheol Choi, and Robert L.
Published: April 2011

Fruit set on seven self-fertile (SF) sweet cherry genotypes from the Cornell Sweet Cherry Breeding Program was investigated. The S-alleles of all tested genotypes, based on controlled pollination and PCR-based S-allele typing analysis were determined to be: S1S4’ for Lapins, and S3S4’ for Stella, Starkrimson, NY 13688, NY 13696, NY 13788 and NY 13791. Higher fruit set of open-pollinated self-fertile genotypes indicated that the additional pollen donor was probably advantageous for fruit set in self-fertiles in the preliminary field study. However, no statistically significant differences were found between fully and self- (half compatible) pollination in caged trees in subsequent years’ studies. This inconsistency may have been due to shading by cages (for self-pollination only) or to differences in bee activity in caged trees as compared with open-pollinations made during preliminary studies. Additionally, the variation in fruit setting potential was dependent on genotype. Spring frost injury reduced fruit setting potential in self-fertile sweet cherries but pollen quality was not associated with variable fruit set. The results suggest that self-pollination would produce optimal fruit set in self-fertile sweet cherry cultivars regardless of partial pollen incompatibility. However, a more detailed study including fruit setting factors other than spring frost injury, and varying setting capacity depending on genotypes, would be required for a more complete determination of the commercial utility of growing self-fertile sweet cherries in solid blocks. Key words: Prunus avium L, sweet cherry, pollination, fruit set
Tillage and weed management effects on forage production in a barley-red clover rotation
Authors: Légère Anne , Craig Stevenson F. , Samson Nathalie
Published: April 2011

Tillage and weed management practices used during the establishment year can likely affect for age yield during the subsequent production year(s). This study was conducted as part of a long-term experiment to determine the suitability of conservation tillage practices for red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) production on a Kamouraska clay from 1988 to 1995. Red clover was underseeded with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in cropping systems including different tillage (MP: fall moldboard plow; CP: fall chisel plow; NT: no-till) and weed management (intensive, moderate, minimum) treatments applied during the establishment year. Red clover dry matter yields and weed biomass were measured twice in the subsequent forage production year. Tillage had no effect on red clover yields in 3 out of 7 yr. Yields were 16% greater with NT in 1 yr and 52% with MP tillage in 3 yr compared with other tillage treatments. Weed response to tillage was consistent over years. Dicot weed biomass increased as tillage intensity was reduced. Monocot biomass was much less with NT than with MP or CP treatments. Red clover yield was 11% greater with intensive weed management, but this yield increase was not associated with differences in dicot or monocot biomass during the forage production year. Red clover yield gain with intensive weed management would need to be weighed against economical and environmental costs to determine the relevance of increased herbicide use in a short-term cereal/forage rotation. Key words: Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), conservation tillage, no-till, forage legume
Timing, magnitude and causes of flower and immature fruit loss in pin cherry and choke cherry
Authors: Shiell K. J. , St-Pierre R. G. , Zatylny A. M.
Published: April 2011

Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.) and choke cherry (Prunus virginiana L.) are two wild fruit species with potential for commercial production, but information about fruit production is limited. The objectives of this study were to determine, for both species, the timing and magnitude of flower and immature fruit loss, and to determine the primary causes of this loss, including the effects of pollen source and supplemental pollination. Sequential sampling of both pin cherry and choke cherry indicated that the primary period of abscission occurred during the first 3 wk following full bloom. Final fruit set ranged from 32.6 to 44.7% of flower number for pin cherry, and from 3.7 to 20.1% for choke cherry. Insect damage accounted for only 14% of the total observed flower and fruit abscissions in pin cherry and 7% in choke cherry. The major insect pest causing this loss in pin cherry was a sawfly (Hoplocampasp., Tenthredinidae) and in choke cherry, a leaf-roller (Archips argyrospila, Tortricidae). A controlled pollination experiment was used to determine the effects of pollen source and supplemental pollination on pin cherry and choke cherry. Final fruit set for flowers that were cross-pollinated by hand in both pin cherry (mean of 51.3%) and choke cherry (mean of 56.9%) in most cases was significantly greater than flowers that were open-pollinated, self-pollinated, or not pollinated. These data suggested that the majority of flower and immature fruit loss in both pin cherry and choke cherry resulted from a lack of pollination and/or fertilization. Key words: Choke cherry, pin cherry, flower loss, immature fruit loss, pollination, insect damage
AC Vin-Pro soybean
Authors: Poysa and R. I. Buzzell V.
Published: April 2011

AC Vin-Pro is a large-seeded soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with elevated seed protein levels. AC Vin-Pro has yellow hila and acceptable tofu processing quality for foreign and domestic markets. Its brighter seed colour should make it attractive to the Japanese miso market. Key words: Glycine max (L.) Merr. soybean, cultivar description, tofu-type
Response of pea to rate and placement of triple superphosphate fertilizer in Alberta
Authors: McKenzie R. H. , Middleton A. B. , Solberg E. D. , DeMulder J. , Flore N. , Clayton G. W. , Bremer E.
Published: April 2011

The expansion of the pea acreage on the Canadian prairies has increased the need for more information on P fertilizer response by pea to both rate and method of placement. To determine responsiveness, 52 field trials using triple superphosphate (TSP) were conducted from 1995 to 1998 over a wide range of soil types across Alberta. Five rates of 0, 6.5, 13.1, 19.6 and 26.2 kg P ha–1 were placed with the seed or in bands applied prior to seeding. The application of TSP significantly (P < 0.1) increased pea seed yield at 19 of 52 sites. The average increase in seed yield due to TSP application was 7%, with values ranging from –12 to +33% across all trials. The average yield benefit was similar in the Thin Black, Black and Gray soil zones, but was negligible in the Dark Brown soil zone and in irrigated trials. Of the 31 trials with soil test P (modified Kelowna method) levels of less than 30 kg P ha–1 to 15 cm, 52% had a significant yield increase due to application of TSP, while only one of 17 trials with soil test P levels of more than 30 kg P ha–1 had a significant yield increase. Application of 13.1 kg P ha–1 was sufficient to attain close to maximum yields in trials with soil test P levels of less than 30 kg P ha–1. The yield response of pea was insensitive to TSP placement. The mineral impact of seed placement on yield in this study was likely due to the less damaging effects of seedling growth of TSP than of the more commonly used source of P, monoammonium phosphate (MAP). Seed protein and P concentrations were not strongly affected by TSP application. Key words: Pisum sativum, phosphorus fertilizer, fertilizer placement
AC Trident common bean
Authors: Park S. J. , Rupert T.
Published: April 2011

AC Trident is a high-yielding navy bean cultivar with medium-late maturity. It has an upright plant type suitable for direct combine harvest. AC Trident has acceptable cooking/canning quality. It is resistant to races 1 and 15 of bean common mosaic virus. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris, dry bean, cultivar description, plant type
AC Mast common bean
Authors: Park S. J. , Rupert T.
Published: April 2011

AC Mast is a high-yielding navy bean cultivar with medium maturity. It has an upright plant type suitable for direct combine harvest. AC Mast has acceptable cooking/canning quality. It is resistant to races 1 and 15 of bean common mosaic virus. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris, dry bean, cultivar description
Genetic progress from 40 years of orchardgrass breeding in North America measured under management-intensive rotational grazing
Authors: Casler M. D. , Fales S. L. , Undersander D. J. , McElroy A. R.
Published: April 2011

There has been considerable activity in breeding orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) cultivars in North America during the latter half of the 20th century. The objective of this study was to determine if genetic improvements in the North American orchardgrass germplasm pool have been realized or can be detected under management intensive grazing. Forty-three orchardgrass cultivars, in three maturity groups, representing adapted North American germplasm and potentially unadapted European germplasm, were evaluated under management-intensive rotational grazing at two locations in the northern USA. Cultivar means varied for apparent preference and this variation was largely due to herbage availability at State College, PA, where grazing pressure was relatively high, but to other factors at Arlington, WI, where grazing pressure was relatively low. North American cultivars tended to have higher net herbage accumulation than European cultivars, corresponding well to differences in forage yield of hay plots. Orchardgrass cultivars that were significantly higher in hay yield than their predecessors showed mixed results with respect to net herbage accumulation under grazing: some increases, some decreases, and some with no change. These results indicate that an individual orchardgrass cultivar can be well adapted to both management systems, only one of the two systems, or neither system. Genetic increases in net herbage accumulation may occur serendipitously, but directed selection for specific traits that confer productivity under grazing, or net herbage accumulation per se, will probably ensure a higher probability of success for an orchardgrass breeding program directed to pastures. Key words: Dactylis glomerata, cultivar evaluation, breeding, selection, grazing
Tall fescue or creeping foxtail suppresses foxtail barley
Authors: Moyer J. R. , Boswall A. L.
Published: April 2011

Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum L.) is a troublesome weed in irrigated pastures. Several grass species seeded on two irrigated pastures at Lethbridge to test their ability to compete with foxtail barley. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir) reduced foxtail barley groundcover significantly compared to orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), pubescent wheatgrass (Agropyron trichophorum (Link) Richt.) and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.); therefore, seeding of these grasses in areas subject to foxtail barley invasion should be encouraged. Key words: Foxtail barley, tall fescue, creeping foxtail, wet soils, salinity, weed suppression
Plot combine modified for harvesting single rows
Authors: Fox S. L. , Blomquist L. K.
Published: April 2011

A shield was developed to mount on a small plot combine header to separate and flatten adjacent unwanted rows from selected rows being harvested. Additional shielding was added underneath the combine to prevent stray spikes from discarded rows entering the combine. Approximately 25% more single row plots could be harvested per day with a plot combine modified with this device. Key words: Equipment, modification, wheat
CDC Normandy flax
Authors: Rowland G. G. , McHughen A. G. , Hormis Y. A. , Rashid K. Y.
Published: April 2011

CDC Normandy, a tissue-culture-derived oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) was released in 1995 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This cultivar is a medium-early maturing, with medium oil content, good oil quality, brown seeds and medium seed size, fair lodging resistance and high yields when seeded early in the Black and the Brown Soil zones of the prairies. It is immune to North American races of rust caused by Melampsora lini and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini. Key words: Flax, oilseed, Linum usitatissimum L., cultivar description, somaclonal variation
CDC Raptor winter wheat
Authors: Fowler D. B.
Published: April 2011

CDC Raptor is a high-yielding, lodging-resistant, semidwarf winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with good winter hardiness. It has stem and leaf rust resistance that is similar to CDC Falcon and superior to all other winter wheat cultivars registered for production in western Canada. CDC Raptor is eligible for grades of the Canada Western Red Winter Wheat class. Key words: Triticum aestivum L., cultivar description, wheat (winter).
Seed weight, emergence and seedling vigour of four tetraploid crested wheatgrass populations
Authors: Mellish and B. Coulman A.
Published: April 2011

This study compared the seed weight, and seedling emergence vigor of four tetraploid crested wheatgrass populations. S9240H, a population selected for seed size, had larger seeds than the cultivars Kirk and CD-II. Heavy seeds had greater emergence and heavier seedlings than light seeds, but there were no differences in these characters among the four populations. Key words: Crested wheatgrass, seed size, seedling vigour
Fusarium root and crown rot in alfalfa subjected to autumn harvests
Authors: Couture L. , Dhont C. , Chalifour F.-P. , Drapeau R. , Tremblay G. , Castonguay Y. , Bélanger G. , Nadeau P.
Published: April 2011

Fusarium root and crown rot in alfalfa subjected to an autumn harvest was studied in plots established in the spring of 1996 or 1997, at three sites in Quebec. Autumn harvest treatments were started the year following establishment at each site. They were made at either 400, 500 or 600 growing degree-days (GDD; 5°C) after the last summer harvest. Samples were assessed for fusarium root and crown rot severity in autumn 1998 and spring 1999. Disease severity over all sites, cultivars, and sampling periods was ranked in the following order: 400 GDD > 500 GDD > 600 GDD > control (no fall harvest). Key words: Fusarium, root and crown rot, alfalfa, harvest management
AC Grandview winter wheat
Authors: Nass H. G. , Atlin G. A. , Caldwell C. A. , Walker D. F.
Published: April 2011

AC Grandview, a hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), is adapted to the Maritimes. It has shown high yield, good winter survival and moderate to good resistance to powdery mildew, septoria leaf and glume blotch and snow mold. Key words: Triticum aestivum, red winter wheat, yield, cultivar description
Yield-density relationships and optimum plant populations in two cultivars of solid-seeded dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in Saskatchewan
Authors: Shirtliffe Steven J. , Johnston Adrian M.
Published: April 2011

There is relatively little agronomic information on solid-seeded production of dry bean in western Canada. Recommended seeding density for dry bean can depend on the growth habit of the plant, the yield–density relationship, percent emergence, seed cost and environment. The objective of this study was to determine the yield–density relationships in two determinate bush type cultivars of dry bean and the optimum plant population under solid-seeded production in Saskatchewan. CDC Camino, a late-season pinto bean and CDC Expresso, a medium-season-length black bean were the cultivars evaluated. In most sites, the yield-density relationship of the cultivars was asymptotic and an optimum plant density for maximum yield could not be determined. Camino generally required a lower plant population to reach a given yield than Expresso. Increasing plant population did not affect 1000-seed weight. Higher seeding rate did result in a greater number of seeds produced m-2, with Expresso having a greater increase in seed produced m-2 compared with Camino. Expresso was required to be at higher plant densities than Camino to maximize economic returns. This reflects the differences between cultivars in yield-density relationship and seed cost, as Camino has a heavier 1000-seed weight than Expresso. Saskatchewan bean growers wishing to maximize profit should target plant populations for Expresso and Camino of approximately 50 and 25 plants m-2, respectively. Key words: Saskatchewan, yield components, non-linear regression, seeding rate, narrow rows, solid-seeded
Influence of source, timing and placement of nitrogen fertilization on seed yield and nitrogen accumulation in the seed of canola under reduced- and conventional-tillage management
Authors: Grant C. A. , Brown K. R. , Racz G. J. , Bailey L. D.
Published: April 2011

Field studies over 4 yr at two locations in southwestern Manitoba investigated the effect of N source, timing and method of placement on seed yield and N accumulation in the seed of canola (Brassica napus L. “Legend”) under reduced tillage (RT) or conventional-tillage (CT) management. The effect of N management on seed yield and N accumulation in the seed differed with soil type and tillage. Seed yields were frequently lower on the clay loam (CL) soil with fall-applied rather than spring-applied urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), possibly due to losses through immobilization, denitrification and leaching. On the drier fine sandy loam soil (FSL), seed yield and N accumulation in the seed were generally similar with fall and spring N application, possibly because N supply was not as limiting as on the CL soil. Fall-applied anhydrous ammonia tended to produce higher canola seed yields than either fall-applied urea or UAN. Differences among fertilizer sources and between tillage systems were much less frequent with spring than fall N applications. However, under RT spring-banded anhydrous ammonia tended to produce higher canola seed yield than urea or UAN. Canola seed yield was lower with surface applications of N than with in-soil applications more frequently under RT than CT, presumably because surface residue under RT enhanced volatilization and immobilization losses. As differences in seed yield tended to be greater and more frequent under RT than CT, effective N management could provide a greater advantage under RT than CT. Key words: Conservation tillage, direct seeding, nitrogen fertilizer management, Brassica napus
The biology of Canadian weeds. 129. Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.
Authors: Mal Tarun K. , Narine Laura
Published: April 2011

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.-common reed, is a perennial, emergent aquatic plant with annual cane-like stems developed from an extensive rhizome system. It grows in low-lying wet areas such as fresh and salt-water marshes, drainage ditches, shallow lake edges, sandy banks, roadsides, woodlands and rocky places. Stems can reach up to 6.0 m in height, vary in diameter from 4 to10 mm and have 10 to 25 cm long hollow internodes. Clones are extended by perennial rhizomes with extensive aerenchymatous tissue that supplies oxygen. Roots develop from rhizomes and other submerged parts of shoots. Leaves are smooth, alternate with narrow-lanceolate laminae, 20 to 70 cm long and 1 to 5 cm broad, and tapering to long slender points. The inflorescence is a terminal panicle, often 30 cm long, dull purple to yellow, with main branches bearing many spikelets. Seed production and germination are extremely variable and comparatively rare in many populations. Phragmites australis carries out photosynthesis through the C3 pathway (or a variation thereof). Studies of genetic variation through isozyme and other molecular methods suggest that the populations are very closely related, and that variation in the metapopulation is small. Chloroplast DNA sequences of two non-coding regions indicate that non-native introduced genotypes of P. australis have displaced native genotypes in parts of North America. Phragmites australis often forms extensive monocultures in North America. As a consequence, habitat quality and species diversity have been documented to decline. However, in roadside populations it is effective in taking up many typical heavy metals that originate from nearby highways and buildings. Phragmites australis is found in all Canadian provinces and the Northwest Territories, but not in the Yukon Territory or Nunavut. The infestation of P. australis is most severe in the Great Lakes region and its migration is primarily mediated through rivers, canals and waterways but roadways are increasingly becoming important. Changes in the water regime have been linked to its success and could ultimately result in changes to the floristic composition of a habitat. Rodeo™, an aqueous solution of the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, is most frequently used to control P. australis populations. Other methods of control include cutting, burning, and drainage of the species’ habitat. As P. australis is considered to be invasive in North America, introduction of biological control agents is now being investigated. Key words: Phragmites australis; common reed; Canadian distribution; wetlands; invasive weed
Eastward expansion and discovery of the soybean biotype of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) in Canada
Authors: Meloche François , Hermans Paul
Published: April 2011

The western corn rootworm (WCR), (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte), was collected in eastern Ontario and western Quebec in 2000. At Ottawa and North Gower, WCR adults were recovered using emergence traps from first-year corn and, at Ottawa, from first year soybean after corn. This constitutes an extension of the species distribution and the first report of WCR developing in soybean in Canada. Key words: Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, distribution, corn, soybean
Response of wild oat (Avena fatua) to residual and non-residual herbicides in canola (Brassica napus) in western Canada
Authors: Beckie H. J. , Holm F. A.
Published: April 2011

It has been stated that soil residual herbicides, by controlling successive flushes of weeds, increase effective kill (efficacy) over the growing season, and thus impose a higher selection pressure for resistance in weeds than non-residual herbicides. To investigate this issue, the responses of wild oat to increasing rates of residual and non-residual herbicides in canola and wild oat recruitment in the following year were examined in a field study conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada, from 1997 to 2000. The rate-response curves of the wild oat variables indicated that efficacy of the soil residual herbicides, ethalfluralin and triallate, and of the non-residual herbicide, glufosinate, was generally lower than that of imazamox/imazethapyr (residual), sethoxydim, and glyphosate (non-residual). Emergence of wild oat in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in the following year did not differ among herbicides applied in the preceding crop year, nor was there a significant herbicide by rate interaction. The results suggest that the soil residual activity o f these herbicides does not strongly influence selection pressure, estimated by reduction in wild oat seed return in canola. Key words: Brassica napus, Avena fatua, selection pressure, herbicide resistance
Divergent selection for flowering in annual bluegrass and its impact on plant development and turfgrass utility
Authors: Cattani D. J.
Published: April 2011

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is a widely occurring turfgrass component. Recent efforts to develop cultivars of this species have led to increased interest in selection methods. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the utility of controlled growth studies for divergent selection for flowering and to evaluate the resultant selections for development and turfgrass quality. Two growth cabinet selection runs (1997 and 1998) were made at a constant 20°C and a 16-h photoperiod at low light levels. Selection was based upon the earliest and latest plants to produce a seedhead on the main stem. In the second selection run, mid-flowering selection was made to characterize the population distribution. Selections were grown out in the greenhouse in 1998 and 1999. Selections made in 1998 were seeded into a field study in August 1999 and maintained as golf green turf. Late selections flowered later than early or mid selections and produced more leaves on the main stem prior to inflorescence appearance. Seedhead ripening showed greater uniformity in late selections. Some late selections produced few seedheads under the greenhouse conditions. Selection for divergent flowering types was successful using the method employed. Turf performance was not related to flowering type, indicating that screening for turf performance will be required after initial selection for plant type. Key words: Poa annua L., selection, life history, tillering, seed production, turf performance
Response of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) to hexazinone applied early in the fruiting year
Authors: Jensen K. I. N. , Specht E. G.
Published: April 2011

Spring application of 1.0 kg ha-1 hexazinone to fruiting-year lowbush blueberry no later than the F3 floral stage, when floral buds separate, but before the corolla tube shows white, controlled some common herbaceous perennial weeds without injury to the crop. Key words: Herbicide injury, growth stages, weed control, hexazinone, Vaccinium angustifolium
Winter weathering effects on corn grown for grazing in a short-season area
Authors: Baron V. S. , Najda H. G. , McCartney D. H. , Bjorge M. , Lastiwka G. W.
Published: April 2011

Winter grazing can reduce over-winter feeding costs of beef cows and, recently, the selection and marketing of corn (Zea mays L.) varieties for grazing has increased the interest of Alberta beef producers. The objective of this study was to compare grazing corn varieties with early conventional corn hybrids for winter grazing potential. Five corn varieties (one grazing, one short-stature and three conventional types) were compared for whole-plant yield and forage quality at Lacombe and Brooks, AB, at four harvest times (two in September, one in December and one in January), in each of 2 yr. Forage quality analyses were in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein concentration. Averaged over varieties and years, yield decreased (P ≤ 0.05) by 13% between September and January at Lacombe, and by 39 and 16% at Brooks in 1999 and 2000, respectively. At Brooks, yield losses from September to January, averaged over years were 38 to 18% for a grazing and a conventional variety, respectively. At Lacombe, IVDOM concentration declined (P ≤ 0.05) by 6.3 and 3.6% between September and January during 1999 and 2000, respectively; NDF concentration increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 10% over the same interval for both years. At Lacombe there were no differences among varieties for nutritive value by January harvests. Trends for reduced forage quality with harvest were not clear at Brooks but the grazing-type variety had higher (P ≤ 0.05) NDF and ADF concentrations than the other varieties after the first harvest. In general, projected energy and crude protein concentrations of corn during winter exceeded minimum requirements an were adequate, respectively, for non-lactating, pregnant beef cows. Grazing and short stature corn varieties were not superior to early conventional corn genotypes for winter grazing potential. Thus, choice of variety for winter grazing should be made on the basis of cost of production and early maturity. Key words: Weathering, corn, Zea mays L., nutritive value, yield loss, winter grazing potential
Determination of the water use and water use response of canola to solar radiation and temperature by using heat balance stem flow gauges
Authors: Angadi S. V. , Cutforth H. W. , McConkey B. G.
Published: April 2011

Sap flow gauges using a heat balance have been reliable for measuring real-time transpiration in a number of crops. However, information on the accuracy of sap flow gauges in canola is lacking. Therefore, a study was conducted to validate the sap flow system in canola and to observe sap flow response to variations in temperature and solar radiation. There were strong relationships between sap flow measured with sap flow gauges and actual transpiration measured by the gravimetric method over short periods of 1 h (r2 = 0.93 and RMSE = 2.34 g h-1), and over longer periods of 1 d (r2 = 0.83 and RMSE = 48 g d-1), although sap flow slightly overestimated transpiration. In both cases the slope was not significantly different from 1. Water use in canola, estimated with sap flow gauges or from actual transpiration measurement, was dependent upon temperature (r2 = 0.94 to 0.96). Water use increased until daytime temperatures reached 36°C, after which water use decreased. Sap flow followed solar radiation trends in the field. Heat is lost or dissipated from the gauges convectively as the sap flows through the stem, conductively through the solid stem material, and radially into the surrounding air. As the convective proportion of the heat loss from the gauge increased, the accuracy of the water use estimation using the sap flow gauges increased. For sunny days, convective heat loss through sap flow accounted for a major portion of the total heat input to the gauges, while on cloudy days radial heat loss from the gauges accounted for a major portion of the heat input. Thus, at low sap flow rates during cloudy days, the possibility of error in the sap flow system was high. Overall, sap flow in canola was strongly related to daily solar radiation (r2 = 0.92). The sensitive response to weather variations and the possibility of improving the accuracy at high flow rates in the field makes the use of sap flow gauges a viable option for measuring real-time transpiration in canola. Key words: Brassica napus, canola, heat balance, sap flow, transpiration, temperature, solar radiation
Kamichis soybean
Authors: Voldeng H. D. , Cober E. R. , Guillemette R. J. D.
Published: April 2011

Kamichis is a 2550 crop heat unit soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with high protein content. Key words: Soybean, cultivar description