bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Efficient Weed Management Systems in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
Authors: Madhiyazhagan R. , Rangaiah P. K. , Subramanian K. S. , Nandhagopal A.
Published: April 2008

Field experiments were conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the efficacy of different methods of weed management systems namely manual, chemical and biological in Pigeonpea during kharif and rabi 1983–84. The treatments consisted of three chemicals (fluchloralin, pendimethalin and oxadiozon alone and supplemented with one hand hoeing, manual (two hoeings at 20 & 40 DAS and two intercropping systems (Pigeonpea + sorghum and pigeonpea + moong and intercropping combined with one initial hoeing) along with unweeded check, accounting twelve treatments replicated four times in randomized block design. The results revealed that application of pendimethalin 0.50 kg ai ha−1 supplemented with hand hoeing 40 DAS is found to be effective in controlling the weeds in sole pigeonpea under irrigated conditions.
The Influence of Soil Volume on Root and Shoot Parameters in Container‐grown Oilseed Rape
Authors: Kjellström C. , Kirchmann H.
Published: April 2008

Oilseed rape was grown under irrigated conditions at equal plant density per unit area in PVC cylinders of 1 m length with different diameter (0.11, 0.16 and 0.20m). The influence of soil volume, expressed as cylinder diameter, was found not to be significant on root dry weight, root length, root surface area or the shoot: root ratio. However, a significant influence was found on shoot and seed dry weights. It was concluded that cylinders with a length of 1 m and a diameter of a minimum of 0.11 m are appropriate for the study of container‐grown root systems.
Dynamics of the Cumulation of Macroelements – Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium During Development to Maturity of Soybean Seed
Authors: Slipčević V. , Vedrina‐Dragojević I. , Balint L. , Momirović‐čuljat J.
Published: April 2008

Dynamics of the cumulation of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in developing seed of four soybean genotypes under the defined climatic conditions in the course of three years was observed. Samples were being taken at weekly intervals from the point at which the grain reached a size suitable to be analyzed up to the full maturity of the seed. By analyzing the results it was found out that the intense cumulation of the minerals tested took place during the stages III and IV of the seed development, that is, in the course of intense cumulation of dry matter and the most expressive metabolic activity in the seed. Investigation of the impact of climatic conditions provides evidence that cumulation of the tested macroelements has been favourably influenced by increased precipitation along with moderate air temperatures within the seed developing period. The highest content of the minerals found with the cultivar Maksimirka independently of the year investigated reveals that mineral cumulation in soybean seed is affected by the cultivar and genetic particularity.
Compensatory Growth Responses During Reproductive Phase of Cowpea after Relief of Water Stress
Authors: Bala Subramanian V. , Maheswari M.
Published: April 2008

Unpredictable drought affects growth and yield of dryland cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) during rainy season. With the objective of identifying compensatory growth responses after relief of water stress, pot‐grown plants (cv. C‐752) were water‐stressed at flowering, and physiological responses, short term dry matter partitioning upon relief of water stress, and productivity at maturity were studied. Water stress decreased, to varying degrees, leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate and transpiration rate. Recovery in assimilation lagged behind that in water relations. Assimilate supply seemed to be limiting early pod growth upon relief of water stress due to low photosynthesis rate, reduced leaf area per pod, and increased partitioning to leaf expansion. However, later pod growth was not limited by assimilate supply and final dry matter per pod was similar in both non‐stressed and stress‐affected plant. Cowpea exhibited the following growth responses during pod‐fill stage upon relief of water stress: 1. increase in leaf area, 2. shift in dry matter partitioning in favour of leaf expansion, 3. extended green leaf duration, and 4. increase in pod number. These partially compensating physiological responses probably ensure reasonable productivity of dryland cowpea during rainy season.
The Effect of Lead and Zinc on Plant Growth and Chlorophyll Content of Holcus lanatus L.
Authors: Symeonidis L. , Karataglis S.
Published: April 2008

Root length of Holcus lanatus L. declined rapidly with increasing lead and zinc concentrations in nutrient solution. In all used Pb and Zn concentrations root growth of genotypes coming from a Pb‐Zn mine area, was greater than that of the control, suggesting that these genotypes evolved tolerance to Pb and Zn.

Negative correlation was also observed between chlorophyll content and increased heavy metal concentrations. The greater chlorophyll content found in tolerant genotypes, in different Pb and Zn concentrations, in comparison with the control, could be served to distinguish tolerant and non‐tolerant genotypes.
Large Headsetts and Improved Cultivar Enhance Growth and Development of Taro (Colocasia esculents [L.] Schott) During Establishment
Authors: Jacobs B. C. , Chand V.
Published: April 2008

Small, medium and large headsetts of a traditional (Nine) and an improved (Alafua Sunrise) cultivar of taro were grown for 33 days in pots in a screenhouse.

Differences between the cultivars were greatest in root growth where density of root primordia, number of primary roots and root surface area at the final harvest were 53, 82, and 60 % greater respectively in the improved over the traditional variety. Relative rate of leaf elongation and leaf appearance rate were about 30 % faster in the improved variety. Correlation between leaf area and root surface area was cultivar dependent.

Large headsetts produced more primary roots and a larger root surface area than small headsetts. They also produced 46 % more leaf area than small headsetts because of larger individual leaves, but not the rate of leaf appearance.

Dry matter and nitrogen content declined in petioles, remained relatively constant in corm and accumulated in new shoot and root during establishment. Losses of N were similar but accumulation was greater in new growth of Alafua Sunrise than Niue.

We conclude that differences in productivity between the improved and traditional cultivars used in this experiment are at least partly attributable to differences in rate of development of new shoot and root during establishment. Previously reported correlations between corm yield and size of planting material are probably due to large headsetts producing a greater area of leaf and root than small headsetts during early growth.
Physiological Analysis of Yield Variation in Mungbean (Vigna radiata [Roxb.] Wilczek)
Authors: Patel D. B. , Purohit K. R. , Shah R. R.
Published: April 2008

Two mungbean varieties, Guj‐1 and PIMS‐1 differing in their productivity potential, were examined to investigate their photosynthetic system at various stages of growth in relation to yield with two different dates of sowing. Vertical leaves were found to be beneficial. On the other hand, excessive leaf area during the later stages of growth may be detrimental to yield. Lower LAD at seedling stage and overall high NAR values may be reflected in higher grain yield. NAR declined as season progressed and this, in turn, may be related with increase in LAI. The grain yield was considerably more at the first date of sowing as compared to second date of sowing, the effect was being more pronounced in var. PIMS‐1. Various environmental factors recorded at two different dates of sowing and at various stages of growth indicated that these factors may have influenced the yield potential at two different dates of sowing.
Influence of Warm Intervals on the Effects of Vernalization and the Composition of Phospholipid Fatty Acids in Seedlings of Winter Wheat
Authors: Dubert F. , Filek M. , Marcinska I. , Skoczowski A.
Published: April 2008

Excised embryos of winter wheat were submitted to a different number of vernalization (2 °C) and devernalization (20 °C) cycles of different lengths. In all treatments sum of cold and warm intervals was 50 and 10 days, respectively. The influence of different temperature conditions of seedling growth on the effectiveness of vernalization and correlations between effectiveness of vernalization and final content of phospholipid fatty acids were analyzed.

All indexes of generative development of plants (length of vegetative phase, % of generative plants, number of side shoots) showed the most effective was uninterrupted vernalization beginning immediately after excision of embryos. Increasing the number of 2 ° C/20 °C cycles rapidly depressed effectiveness of vernalization, which reached the minimum with the 8.3 days at 2 °C and 2 days at 20 °C cycle and then improved again as cycles became shorter and more numerous.

Correlations between indexes of generative plant growth and indexes describing composition of fatty acids in seedlings showed that from 50 % to 60 % of variability in the composition of phospholipid can be associated with changes in the degree of generative induction. A higher degree of generative induction was associated with a higher share of < 16, 16: 0 and 18:2 acids and a lower share of 18: 3 acid and also with a lower value of the 16: 0/< 16 ratio of phospholipids.

The relation between the generative induction of plants and the composition of phospholipid fatty acids may however be blurred when induction proceeds under conditions of alternate short spells of vernalization and devernalization temperatures.
Das Penetrationsvermögen von Wurzeln unterschiedlicher Roggen‐ und Triticalegenotypen in Abhangigkeit von der Bodenlagerungsdichte
Authors: Dannowski M.
Published: April 2008

The penetration capability of different rye and triticale varieties in dependence on the soil bulk density

By means of a laboratory test the primary roots of 9 rye and 4 triticale varieties were tested for their capability of penetrating overcompactions. The roots served as “natural probes” and as a mark of genotypic differences.

The test was carried out in the stages 1.50, 1.65 and 1.80 g/cm3 of soil bulk density. The soil substrate (faint loamy sand) consisted of 5.4 % of clay, 13.8 % of silt, 80.8 % of sand and 0.6 % of total Ct.

The tested corn roots respond to compacted soil structures with considerable differences in the rootability. These level differences are not only specific marks for species but also for varieties within the species.

Though most of the tested corn varieties respond with restricted root growth in compacted soil, the results cause the expectation that single varieties have a good adaptability to overcompacted soil and can tolerate it better than other ones.

At the specific bulk density limit of faint loamy sand (1.50 g/cm3) all tested varieties have an intensive root growth. The rootability of triticale varieties is clearly reduced at the bulk density of 1.65 g/cm3; the roots of rye varieties, however, grow without essential restrictions in this range.

Against all expectations the root growth of single rye varieties is similarly intensive as in loose soil at the bulk density of 1.80 g/cm3. Other rye varieties respond very sensitively and with considerable restrictions in root growth in this range.

Since a characteristic increase of roots' diameter is to be observed with increasing bulk density, no differences in the root dry matter, caused by bulk density, can be found out.

The applied experimental method permits a first selection of plant varieties, which could be interesting in future in view of the mark “Penetration performanc” of primary roots.
Cell Membrane Stability in Relation to Drought Tolerance in Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Singh M. , Srivastava J. P. , Kumar A.
Published: April 2008

Genotyptc differences in wheat were observed in cell membrane with respect to injury caused by osmotic shock created with 40 per cent polyethylene glycol‐6000. In general, genotypes with high cell membrane injury also registered much reduction in leaf water potential and osmotic potential. Cell membrane injury measured at 25 days after germination was found to be related with genotypic performance under drought conditions in field. Cell membrane stability measurements of normal plants, even at a very early stage of growth, is reported as criteria for selecting drought tolerant wheat genotypes.
Functional Crop and Cob Growth Models of Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars
Authors: Ramachandra Prasad T. V. , Krishnamurthy K. , Kailasam C.
Published: April 2008

Various mathematical models were fitted to describe total dry matter production (DMP) and cob weight in two maize cultivars viz., Deccan hybrid and Deccan 101. The data on periodical crop growth from an agronomic trial conducted at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, were used to predict crop and cob growth empirically. In cv. Deccan hybrid, Gompertz followed by Richards models predicted DMP by 99 % nearer to the actual values. Whereas in cv. Deccan 101, Richards‐cum‐logistic for vegetative‐cum‐reproductive stage simulated DMP with R2 of 92 to 99 %. Further, cob growth was estimated realistically with high R2 of 97 to 98 % using empirical models of logistic followed by Richards in cv. Deccan 101 and Richards followed by Gompertz in cv. Deccan hybrid. Comparing the empirical models in describing DMP and cob growth, the models showing higher predictions in DMP also estimated cob growth meaningfully in both the cultivars, indicating similarity in growth functions.
Differences between Maize Cultivars in Yield Formation, Nitrogen Uptake and associated Depletion of Soil Nitrate
Authors: Wiesler F. , Horst W. J.
Published: April 2008

In a 3‐year field experiment conducted on a Gleyic Luvisol in Stuttgart‐Hohenheim, ten maize cultivars (nine commercial and one experimental hybrid) were compared in their ability to utilize a high soil nitrogen (N) supply. Total N content of the shoots at about silage maturity ranged from 213 to 328 kg N ha−1 (1986), from 177 to 223 kg N ha−1 (1987) and from 185 to 226 kg N ha−1 (1988). In all three experimental years, total shoot N uptake was significantly positively correlated to stover yield, and also to N concentrations in the ears and in the total plant dry matter. In contrast, a negative correlation between ear yields of the cultivars and total N uptake was indicated. Differences between the cultivars in N uptake were reflected in a corresponding soil nitrate depletion. At harvest, residual nitrate‐N in the 0–90 cm soil layer ranged from 34–63 kg N ha−1 m 1987 and 32–71 kg N ha−1 in 1988. The results indicate, that growing of cultivars selected for high N uptake‐capactiy of the shoots may contribute to an increased utilization of a high soil N supply and thus to a reduction of nitrate leaching.
Effect of Temperature Hardening on Growth, Carbohydrate and Protein Levels in Three Grain Crops
Authors: El‐Shourbagy M. N. , Osman M. E. H. , El‐Shanshoury A. R.
Published: April 2008

The effect of seedling pretreatment at different temperature levels and periods of exposure on growth, pigments, carbohydrates and proteins was studied in three grain crops; sorghum, wheat and barley at different stages of growth. Greater shoot‐dry weights were obtained in sorghum with exposure for 15 hrs at 40 °C in the flowering, in wheat for 2 hrs at 10 and 40 °C in the fruiting and in barley for 15 hrs at 0 °C in the flowering stage. Increased root‐dry weights were achieved by wheat with exposure for 4 and 15 hrs at all levels even at 0 °C in the flowering and for 15 hrs at 40 °C in the fruiting stage. Chla and Chlb were more responsive in sorghum to higher temperature pretreatments than either wheat or barley. In sorghum the temperature extremes (0 and 50 °C) had resulted in a substantial reduction of Chla, and Chlb in the fruiting stage. Lower and higher temperature‐pretreatments had resulted in total available carbohydrate reduction in shoot and root of sorghum and wheat at the early stage, but the reverse was true later in flowering. In contrast, lower and higher temperature pretreatments had increased shoot‐protein in sorghum and wheat in the vegetative and in sorghum in the flowering stage. Root‐protein was more responsive to low temperature‐pretreatments in sorghum and barley during the fruiting stage.
Losses and Utilization of Nitrogen by Sorghum as Affected by the Depth of a Swelling Clay Soil
Authors: Hong C. W. , Katyal J. C. , Vlek P. L. G.
Published: April 2008

Chromusterts and Pellusterts located in India represent 20 % of the 257 million ha of Vertisols found worldwide. These soils are commonly associated with soils that exhibit vertick characteristics, such as Ustochrepts and Ustropepts, but that are too shallow (< 50 cm) to be classified as Vertisols; India has 20 million ha of such soils. Nitrogen is generally deficient in these soils, irrespective of their depth. N response of sorghum on the Vertisols is good even under rainfed conditions. Over a period of 5 years (1982, 83, 84, 85, and 87) the responses of sorghum to applied N on a deep Pellustert and a shallow vertic Ustochrept were compared and, with the use of labelled fertilizer, the fate of N was traced through the soil‐plant system. It is clear from the results that, when weather conditions were favorable, response to applied N was excellent and losses were low, irrespective of soil depth. However, when periods of excessive rainfall occurred, the loss of native and applied N apparently increased rapidly, particularly in the shallow Ustochrept where rooting is largely limited to the top 50 cm. Losses of N from applied urea were up to threefold higher in the shallow Ustochrept than in the deep Pellustert; these losses, together with the rapid loss of applied NO3, suggest that leaching is the predominant cause of N loss. Nitrogen application rates should be adjusted on the basis of rainfall during the early part of the growing season. Due to the unpredictability of the rainfall pattern following fertilizer application, NO3 sources should be avoided and nitrogen split as frequently as possible on the shallow vertic Ustochrepts of the Indian semi‐arid tropics.
Yield and Agronomic Traits of Norin 10‐derived Spring Wheats Adapted to Northwestern Mexico
Authors: Villareal R. L. , Rajaram S. , Del Toro E.
Published: April 2008

Two trials were conducted at the Mexican National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIFAP) experimental station, Yaqui Valley, Sonora, Mexico, to compare the yield and agronomic traits of 21 Norin 10‐derived, high yielding bread wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted in northwestern Mexico. The dwarfing gene composition of each cultivar was determined by test crossing and seedling responsiveness to gibberellic acid. There was no lodging during the 2 years of yield testing. Grain yield levels were appropriately high (mean 7.05 t/ha). Genotypes with Rht1 gave highest yields while the Rht1 + Rht2 group yielded 1.4 % lower and Rht2 3.8 % lower. Similarly, the Rht1 lines had the highest biomass yield, while the Rht1 group and the double‐gene dwarfs yielded on the average 5.4 and 9.1 % lower, respectively. However, the double‐gene dwarfs had the highest harvest index, while the Rht2 and Rht1 genotypes had 2.5 and 3.2 % lower harvest indexes, respectively. Regarding yield components, the Rht1 genotypes averaged 9.3 % more grains/m2 than the Rht2 and Rht1 + Rht2 groups. Rht1 lines also produced 4.6 and 11.7 % more grains/spike as compared to Rht2 group and the double‐gene dwarfs, respectively. However, Rht1+Rht2 and Rht1 genotypes had 37.4 and 22.3 more spikes/m2 than the Rht2 materials. The 1000‐grain weight was heaviest in the Rht1+Rht2 group followed by the Rht2 and the Rht1 groups. The Rht2 lines had 0.5‐cm longer spikes than the Rht1 lines. Phenotypic correlations calculated based on height gene classification showed a strong negative plant height‐grain yield relationship in the single‐gene dwarfs. Grain yield's relationship to biomass, grains/m2 and rate of biomass production were all positive and significant.
Stickstoffdynamik unter einer Mähweide auf Knickmarsch
Authors: Spatz G. , Neuhaus H. , Pape A.
Published: April 2008

Nitrogen dynamics under a pasture on marchy soil

The nitrogen dynamics were studied on the drainage experimental field of the former grassland research and march experimentation station of Lower Saxony. Four variants applying different nitrogen festilization regimes, from 0 up to 380 kg N/ha/a, were investigated. Nitrogen concentrations were measured by analysing soil samples from different depths for NH4 und NO3 contents. Balancing the nitrogen flows the N‐output in the forage, the drainage outflow, the netimmobilization, and the N‐input by fertilization, biological N‐fixation, balk deposition and animal excrements were realized. Nitrogen replacements through the soil profile and nitrate losses in the drainage outflow were relatively low. High watercarrying capacity of the soil and high water consumption by the pasture allow only small rates of displacement of nitrogen. No relevant amounts of mineral nitrogen were found in the soil during the vegetation period because of high nitrogen takeup by the plantbiomass. A certain accumulation of nitrate was observed in late autumn. The concentration however remained unrelevant with respect to goundwater polution. In the drainage water maximal 8 kg of nitrate were leached under the highest fertilized variant. The saldo of the nitrogen balance indicates considerable amounts of nitrogen being lossed by denitrification and ammonia volatilization.
Stomatal and Non‐stomatal Effects of Salinity on Photosynthesis in Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Melesse T. , Caesar K.
Published: April 2008

The effect of salinity (40 and 80 meq/1 NaCl) on stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, ultrastructural damage and photosynthetic performance of six cultivars of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) from different agroclimatic regions were investigated. Low levels of salinity (40 meq/1 NaCl) increased chlorophyll content in some cultivars but did not lead to simultaneous increase in photosynthesis (P). Increased salinity levels (80 meq/1 NaCl) decreased chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance. Ultrastructural damage was observed in sensitive cultivars even at low salinity levels. Based on the parameters investigated, there was no concrete evidence to suggest that the physiological processes of cultivars from arid and semi‐arid regions are less affected under saline conditions as compared to cultivars from temperate regions. The results suggested increased salinity affects P not only due to its effect on stomatal closure but also due to other non‐stomatal effects like ultrastructural damage and decrease in chlorophyll content below a threshold level.
Spring Barley Responses to Nitrogen Fertilizer and Ethephon in Regions with a Short Crop Growing Season
Authors: Ma B. L. , Leibovitch S. , Maloba W. E. , Smith D. L.
Published: April 2008

Aspects of intensive management practices such as high N fertilization inputs and plant growth regulator use could potentially increase cereal yields in regions with a short crop‐growing season and occasionally dry and hot weather. A field experiment was carried out for four years (1987 to 1990) at Agronomy Research Centre of McGill University, Canada to evaluate the response of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. Cadette, Laurier and Leger to N rates (0, 70 and 140 kg N ha−1) and ethephon (2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid) growth regulator treatment. The application of higher than conventional N level (70 kg N ha−1) did not increase barley yields under dry weather conditions and when the soil N resources were high. The high levels of N did increase the grain crude protein concentration by 2 to 10 g kg−1, as did ethephon treatment. The feed quality of spring barley was improved. Ethephon treatment reduced grain yield due to a severe reduction in the number of grains spike−1, and/or 1000‐grain weight, although the number of spikes m−2 was increased. Thus, the overall effect of ethephon treatment on yield was inconsistent and was influenced to a large extent by the prevailing weather conditions.
Zum Problem der Strohmulchdecken im pfluglosen Ackerbau
Authors: Koch H.‐J. , Matthiessen A. , Baeumer K.
Published: April 2008

Agronomical Risks of Straw Mulch Covers in Reduced Soil Tillage Systems I. Influence of Chopping Intensity of Wheat Straw on the Liberation of Phytotoxins

Phytotoxic effects of cereal straw are assumed to contribute to yield depressions of crops sown into mulch covers. Leaching of straw‐derived phytotoxins and their inactivation in soil may be accelerated by cutting harvest residues into short pieces combined with destroying the tubular structure of cereal straw culms.

In model trials, conventionally (mainly transversally) and intensively (transversally plus longitudinally) chopped winter wheat straw was leached before and after aerobic rotting processes had started, and the aqueous extracts were analysed for phytotoxicity in bioassays with curly cress (Lepidium sativum L.). The concentrations of four selected phenolic acids (para‐hydroxy‐benzoic‐, vanillic‐, t‐ferulic‐ and t‐para‐coumaric‐acid) were determined by HPLC‐technique.

High toxin concentrations were detected only in extracts of undecomposed straw. Toxin liberation decreased from very high rates at the beginning to low rates after 60 hours of extraction. Intensively chopped straw released more phytotoxins than conventionally chopped straw during the first 4,5 hours of extraction. Subsequently, no differences in toxin liberation rates were observed. These results were confirmed by the phenolic acid analysis.

To conclude, intensive chopping of straw exhibited no advantages with respect to straw derived phytotoxicity. The absence of allelochemicals in extracts of aerobically rotted straw indicates that under normal field conditions at Göttingen toxic effects from winter wheat harvest residues are of low importance for subsequent crop growth.
Spring Barley Responses to Row Spacing and Fungicide Triadimefon in Regions with a Short Crop‐growing Season
Authors: Leibovitch S. , Ma B. L. , Maloba Wanga E. , Smith D. L.
Published: April 2008

Aspects of intensive management practices such as high‐yielding cultivars, narrow‐row spacings and fungicide treatments could potentially increase cereal yields in regions with a short crop‐growing season and occasionally dry and hot weather. A field experiment was carried out at McGill University, Canada for three years (1987 to 1989) to test the effects of triadimefon (1‐[4‐chlorophenoxy]‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐[1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl]‐2‐butanone, or Bayleton, a trade name) fungicide (0 vs. 140 g a.i. ha−1) and row spacing (10 vs. 20 cm) on the yield components, yield and other agronomic traits (spike emergence, days to maturity, leaf disease and plant height) of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. Cadette, Laurier and Leger. A cultivar by row spacing interaction resulted in a 11 to 13.5 % increase in grain yield due to narrow rows for Laurier in two out of the three years and up to 16 % for Leger in one year. Over the three years grain yields were on average increased 6 to 12 % due to use of the narrower row spacing. Fungicide application to barley at the early heading stage effectively controlled leaf diseases without influence on yield components or grain yield. Our results indicate that some components of intensive management such as narrow row spacing can be applicable in regions with a short crop‐growing season.
A Practical Application of Starch Determination in Vegetative Plant Material
Authors: Zhang Q. Z. , Kullmann A. , Greef J. M.
Published: April 2008

Starch determination in plant matter is necessary because of the importance of the carbohydrate pool in combination of the nitrogen pool in crop growth and development. This analysis is complicated in vegetative materials by contamination with non‐starch containing material. Starch is not a homogenous material, so the content of amylose and amylopectin varies from the different growth stages and from crop to crop. Therefore standard methods of starch estimation give no exact result. The method described here based on a pretreatment of the plant material with dilute alkali before hydrolysis with amyloglucosidase and the estimation of the glucose content. Therefore this procedure was first tested on amylose, amylopectin, soluble starch, three commercially available starches, and was then applied to vegetative rape material. Recoveries of amylose and three commercial starches were between 98 and 100 % after a additional ultrasonic treatment. The method is advantageous because it is simple, quick and reproducible.
Estimating Apical Development Using the External Growth Characteristics of Wheat
Authors: Peltonen J.
Published: April 2008

Certain apical developmental stages have been shown to be of value in guiding management practices or indicating sensitivity to stresses. Because the determination of apex development, however, requires a high degree of skill, the use of external macromorphological growth parameters of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to predict apex developmental stage was examined in this study. The growing degree days (GDD), growth period on days (DAY), number of leaves, number of surviving tillers, height of uppermost node, height of uppermost stipule and the length of ear primordium were used as growth parameters. Field trials were carried out as plot trials and on‐farm trials in 1989‐91. The growth parameters of three spring wheat cultivars and their ear developmental stages were determined at 2‐3 day intervals after emergence to pollination in the plot trials. The relationship between the development of the ear and the growth parameters of each cultivar was studied using polynomial regression up to 3rd degree and stepwise regression analysis. The accuracy of the mathematical functions were tested against independent data determined from the farm trials. To get a reliable estimate of the apex developmental stage, DAY and GDD were found to be the most useful parameters. Furthermore, the growing time (maturation class) of a cultivar should be taken into a consideration.
Effect of CCC on the Changes in the Levels of Starch, Protein and Nitrogen in the Source Leaf and Pods of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek var. Guj‐2)
Authors: Shah T. , Prathapasenan G.
Published: April 2008

Pot experiments were conducted on Mung bean by spraying 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm CCC, 14 days after the emergence of seedling to record the effect of CCC on the changes in the contents of starch, protein and nitrogen in the source leaf and pods of mung bean. Results showed that:

Dry weights of source leaf and pods were considerably increased by 1000 ppm CCC.

CCC at 1000 ppm increased the contents of starch, protein and nitrogen in source leaf and pods.

CCC at 1000 ppm enhanced the rate of depletion of dry matter in the source leaf.
Die Wurzelentwicklung von Zuckerrübenpflanzen auf einem Sandlöß‐Standort und ihre Bedeutung für die Stickstoffernährung
Authors: Garz J. , Abdallah M. , Schliephake W.
Published: April 2008

Root development of sugar beet plants on a sandy loess site with regard to nitrogen nutrition.

Root development of sugar beet plants in a sandy loess soil (Haplic Phaeozem) was observed from the early seedling stage up to harvest by measuring at first the greatest vertical and lateral extension of the root systems of single plants and later the rooting density of the whole plant stands (auger method, profile wall method).

During the seedling stage not only the subsoil, but also large parts of the topsoil between the plants remained unoccupied by the root systems. In this phase the greatest lateral extension of single roots reaches nearly the length of the greatest leaf of the plant. With the closure of the canopy the rooting density in the topsoil accounts to 1–2 cm cm−3.

In summer roots penetrate to a depth of 100–150 cm with rooting densities of 0.1 to 1 cm ‐ cm−3. Thus, the plants gain not only access to water reserves, but sometimes meet remarkable amounts of nitrate which under the relatively dry conditions of the region tends to accumulate in 60–120 cm depth and – when taken up by the beet plants in the late stage of growth – affects crop quality negatively.
Sulphur Requirement of Rapeseed‐Mustard, Groundnut and Wheat: A Comparative Assessment
Authors: Lakkineni K. C. , Abrol Y. P.
Published: April 2008

Two oilseed species, rapeseed‐mustard and groundnut, and wheat, a cereal, were compared for their sulphur requirement. Sulphur accumulation pattern in different plant parts at various growth stages indicated a several fold higher requirement of S in rapeseed‐mustard as compared to the other two species. A low N: S ratio found in rapeseed‐mustard was also an indicative of its higher S requirement. The S requirement of groundnut was found to be similar to that of wheat. The additional S required by rapeseed‐mustard may be attributed to the presence of glucosinolates, a characteristic of cruciferous plants. Sulphur fertilization enhanced yield of the oilseed species but not the per cent oil. The role of sulphur in oil biosynthesis is discussed.
Vorkommen von Regenwürmern in landwirtschaftlich rekultivierten Flächen in der Niederrheinischen Bucht
Authors: Westernacher‐Dotzler E. , Dumbeck G.
Published: April 2008

Earthworm occurrence in agricultural reclamation areas of the Lower Rhine Basin

Until late 1990 the lignite mining industry utilized agricultural land covering 16,051 hectares in the Lower Rhine Basin, 6,926 hectares of which was meanwhile reclaimed for its former use. The yield potential of these reclaimed soils depends to a very large extent on their water holding capacity and rootability.

Since the soil structure is completely destroyed during material removal and compacted as a result of the construction process, particular importance is attached to the activities of earthworms in these young soils because these animals can reduce the effects of such damage. In the fall of 1989 and the spring of 1990 different sites (36) were selected to examine the influence of the reclamation year, method and quality, and of cultivation on the abundance of earthworms. The animals were expelled by means of diluted formalin solution. Species and genus of these animals were determined.

The population of earthworms increases with area age. It is smaller on young and middle‐aged flushed areas than on those of the same age, but constructed according to the dry dumping method. The plots cultivated without ploughing for three years had a considerably greater earthworm population compared to other areas. It was not possible to demonstrate any influence of the reclamation quality on the abundance of earthworms; the addition of organic substances, however, had a positive effect.

Stable manure (turkey hen manure) was more efficient than green manure and straw chaff. Thus, cultivation promoting earthworm development can also produce a relatively high earthworm population density in reclaimed soils which in turn is of major importance for biogenic loosening‐up (stabilization of the soil structure).
Evaluation of the Forage Potentials of Pearl Millet in a Semi‐arid Tropical Environment
Authors: Makeri E. E. , Ugherughe P. O.
Published: April 2008

The pastures and rangelands of the semi‐arid region of Nigeria wherein is the bulk of the livestock in the country, provide sufficient nutrients for livestock for no more than three to five months of the year. There is therefore need to have high yielding and good quality forages to ensure adequate all‐year‐round forage supply for the livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage potentials of pearl millet (Pennistetum americanum [L.] K. Schum.) which is well adapted to the region. Twenty cultivars were evaluated for their growth, forage yield and mineral content potentials.

The cultivars were significantly different in the number of leaves per plant, plant height, dry matter yield and potassium content in each cutting. Differences in crude protein and crude fibre contents were significant only between cuttings. Variations in crude protein and crude fibre contents ranged from 14.1 to 20.3 % and from 28 to 30.8 %, respectively. Cultivars had a progressive dimunition in growth, yield and mineral content potentials after the first or second cutting. Pearl millet therefore seems less suited to forage production in the semi‐arid region of Nigeria since no cultivar showed the potentials for adequate supply of all‐year‐round forage.
Effects of Types and Duration of Weeds on Yield Parameters of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma saghtifolium)
Authors: Sangakkara U. R.
Published: April 2008

Weeds reduce yields of all tropical crops significantly, and these effects vary with different species. Thus, the influence of time of weed control and types of weeds on yield parameters of cocoyams (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), a tropical tuber crop, was determined by two experiments conducted simultaneously. In one experiment, weeds were removed at different times during crop growth. In the other, different weed types were removed selectively to leave either one or two of the identified categories, namely grasses, broadleaves and sedges. The presence of weeds throughout the growth cycle of the crop reduced yields of cocoyams by 60 %. Removal of weeds at early growth stages produced greater yields than weeds were present beyond 18–22 weeks after planting. The presence of weeds at the time of tuber initiation had the greatest adverse effect on yield parameters. Weeds had a delaying but not an inhibitory effect on cormel initiation. However, all other yield parameters were reduced by weeds. Broadleaved weeds, which have similar growth patterns as cocoyams reduced yields to a greater extent than grasses. Sedges had no significant impact on cocoyams. The presence of grasses and broadleaves together reduced growth and yields of this crop to a greater extent than any other combination.
Der Einsatz von Reststoffen der Altpapieraufbereitung auf landwirtschaftlich genutzten Flächen als Bodenverbesserungsmittel
Authors: Beyer L. , Blume H.‐P. , Mueller K. , Schleich‐Saidfar C.
Published: April 2008

The application of secondary paper mill sludges on arable soils to improve soil fertility

In field investigations the application of secondary paper mill sludges on arable soils was tested. No deterioration could be verified with regard to soil and plant growth. However an improvement was not significant.

Accumulation of heavy metals in soils or plants was not observed. There was no risk of soils and plants, because the contents of organic halogen compounds were much lower than the common administrative threshold values. The carbonate content of the sludges was variing very much. This is why a prognosis of the pH‐effect was difficult. Nitrogen was fixed in the soil during decomposition of the sludge, which was poor in nitrogen.

An application of secondary paper mill sludge on arable soils have to be connected with a fertilization to equalize nitrogen supply. Industrial process should guarantee always a similar carbonate content in the sludge to avoid micronutrients deficiency.
Narbon Vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.): A Potential Feed Legume Crop for Dry Areas in West Asia
Authors: Abd El Moneim A. M.
Published: April 2008

Provision of feed supplies for the rapidly growing livestock population is essential in West Asia. Shortages can be alleviated by growing forage crops in the existing fallow lands.

Narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) is a leguminous species with high yield potential, drought tolerance and cold resistance. It could be used for grain and straw production as source for animal feed in dry areas. It is good source of protein with seeds contain 28 % protein yielding 364 kg per hectare protein, whilst straw contains 9 % protein and yields a similar amounts of digestible protein per hectare.

Nine promising lines of Narbon vetch developed at ICARDA were tested at two sites over four years under rainfed conditions. Since climatic conditions were considered to be of considerable importance, each site in each year was treated as a separate environment to give eight environments with annual rainfall varied from 195 to 504 mm.

Narbon vetch possessed high seedling vigour with rapid winter growth and negligible cold damage. Grain yield varied form 0.47 to 1.90 t/ha, with a harvest index varying from 30 to 40 %. The data indicated that below 300 mm rainfall the grain yield varied from 0.47 t/ha when rain fall was 195 mm to 1.4 t/ha when rainfall was 245 mm. Most of the lines had wide adaptation to dry areas in terms of both grain yield and stability. Climate, except early spring rains had little effect on biological and grain yields.
Antibiosis to Corn Earworm [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)] by Vegetable Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Joshi J. M. , Javaid I. , Dadson R. B. , Nobakht M.
Published: April 2008

Six cultivars of vegetable sovbean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) were evaluated in the laboratory for relative levels of antibiosis to corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea [Boddie]). The cultivars evaluated were Fuji, Kim, Oakland, Peking, Sanga, and Toano. One plant introduction (PI 229.358) having known resistance to corn earworm and Essex, a commercial cultivar, were used as check plants. The biological data for antibiosis in a series of tests included larval weights. The results showed that cultivars Sanga, Peking, and Oakland were comparatively more susceptible while cultivars Fuji, Kim, and Toano exhibited a moderate level of leaf feeding resistance to corn earworm. The cultivars with moderate resistance can be useful in reducing corn earworm damage and cost of chemical control in vegetable soybean insect pest management systems.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Grain Yield and Accumulation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in the Grains of Tropical Maize*
Authors: Thiraporn R. , Feil B. , Stamp P.
Published: April 2008

To investigate the effect of increasing rates of N on grain yield and the accumulation of N, P and K in the grains of maize, three experiments were conducted at Farm Suwan (Kasetsart University), Thailand (latitude 14.5°N). Grain yields and biomass increased considerably up to 80 kg N ha‐1. Higher doses (160 kg N) did not enhance the biomass and improved the grain yield only slightly. The harvest index did not respond uniformly to increasing rates of N. Nitrogen fertilization increased yields of grain N, P and K. The concentration of N in the grains generally increased with increasing N fertilization. The effect of increasing rates of N on P and K concentrations in the grains was different in the experiments. The total uptake of N and P increased up to 160 kg N, that of K up to 80 kg N. The N harvest index was only slightly affected by N fertilization whereas the K harvest index tended to increase and the P harvest index increased strongly with increasing rates of N. Kernel weights were higher at high levels of N. The weights of kernel N, P and K remained either almost stable or increased slightly with increasing rates of N fertilizer.

Effekt der Stickstoff‐Düngung auf den Kornertrag und die Akkumulation von Stickstoff, Phosphor und Kalium in den Körnern von tropischem Mais

Um den Effekt von steigenden Stickstoffgaben auf den Kornertrag und die Akkumulation von Stickstoff, Phosphor und Kalium in den Körnern von Mais zu untersuchen, wurden drei Versuche auf Farm Suwan (Kasetsart University), Thailand (14,5° nördlicher Breite), durchgeführt. Die Kornerträge stiegen bis zu einer Düngermenge von 80 kg N ha‐1 beträchtlich. Höhere N‐Gaben (160 kg N) führten zu etwas höheren Kornerträgen, vermochten jedoch die Biomasse nicht mehr zu steigern. Der Ernteindex reagierte auf steigende N‐Gaben uneinheitlich. Die N‐Düngung erhöhte die N, P und K‐Mengen in den Körnern. Die N‐Kon‐zentration in den Körnern stieg mit steigender N‐Versorgung. Der Effekt einer steigenden N‐Düngung auf die P und K‐Konzentration in den Körnern war in den Experimenten verschieden. Die gesamte Aufnahme von N und P stieg bis 160 kg N, die von K nur bis 80 kg N. Der N‐Ernteindex wurde von der N‐Düngung nur gering beeinflußt, der K‐Ernteindex tendierte zu einem Anstieg und der P‐Ernteindex zeigte einen deutlichen Anstieg mit sich erhöhendem N‐Angebot. Die N‐Düngung erhöhte das TKG. Die N, P und K‐Massen der Körner waren entweder fast unverändert oder stiegen geringfügig mit erhöhter N‐Zufuhr.
Distribution of Seed N and Soil N in Wheat Seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Kullmann A. , Greef J. M.
Published: April 2008

An experiment was conducted to quantify the effect of a increasing N supply to the N uptake, translocation of seed N reserves and distribution of nitrogen within the plant of three wheat genotypes. The seedlings grow up under controlled conditions of a growth chamber in a period of 15 days. The main treatments were three N supply levels, namely, 0.5, 5.0 and 12.0 mM N given as labelled nitrate. For purposes of analyzing of dry matter, total nitrogen and nitrate concentration in different plant tissues plants were harvested in 3 days intervals beginning three days after germination. N uptake was calculated. With the use of labelled N it was possible to discriminate between the both N sources. Characteristic changes in the development were observed for the change from heterotroph to autotroph growth period. In the autotroph phase seed nitrogen was preferently translocated to the shoot tissue. A comparable situation existed for the uptake and distribution of soil nitrogen. With increasing N supply nitrate accumulated in root tissue. The three genotypes showed differences in the capacity of N uptake, N utilization and conversion into dry matter.

Verteilung von Endosperm‐ und Bodenstickstoff in jungen Weizenpflanzen (Tri‐ticum aestivum L.)

Bei drei Weizensorten wurden die Aufnahme von Stickstoff aus einem variierten N‐Angebot und die Verteilung von Stickstoff innerhalb der Pflanze unter Berücksichtigung der Endo‐spermreserven geprüft. Der Versuch wurde unter kontrollierten Bedingungen in einer Wachstumskammer in einer Zeitdauer von 15 Tagen durchgeführt. Markierter Stickstoff wurde in drei Konzentrationen (0,5, 5,0 und 12,0 mM) als Nitrat verabreicht. Die Keimpflanzen wurden in einem dreitägigen Intervall geerntet und fraktioniert. Von den einzelnen Pflanzenfraktionen wurde die Trockenmasse, die Gesamt‐N‐Konzentration und die Nitratkonzentration ermittelt. Aus diesen Werten wurde Stickstoffaufnahme berechnet. Die Verwendung von markiertem Stickstoff erlaubte eine Differenzierung der verschiedenen Stickstoffquellen. Charakteristische Veränderungen konnten für den Wechsel zwischen heterotro‐pher und autotropher Phase beobachtet werden. Während der autotrophen Phase wurde Stickstoff vorzugsweise in den Sproß transio‐ziert. Ähnliche Verhältnisse in der Verteilung konnten für aufgenommenen Stickstoff aus dem Nährmedium beschrieben werden. In Abhängigkeit von der N‐Konzentration wurde Nitrat vermehrt im Wurzelbereich akkumu‐liert. Die verwendeten Sorten unterschieden sich in ihrem Vermögen, Stickstoff aufzunehmen, umzusetzen und in Trockenmasse zu konvertieren.