bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
45Calcium Absorption by Two Cultivars of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea)
Authors: Beringer H. , Taha M. A.
Published: October 2008

Two groundnut varieties, the small-seeded, early-maturing Natal Common and the large-seeded, late maturing ‘pops’-susceptible Makulu Red, were cultivated in nutrient solution, Application of calcium, labelled with 45Ca, to the roots and the fruit-medium respectively, showed that both varieties absorbed most of their seed-Ca from the fruit-medium. The translocation of calcium from the shells to the nuts was greater in the small-seeded variety Natal Common, which showed less susceptibility to ‘pops’. Calcium absorbed by pods and gynophores also migrated to a certain extent into the vegetative parts.
Predicting Water Needs of Wheat from U.S. Class A Pan Evaporimeter at Pantnagar, India
Authors: Lal Pyare , Sharma K. C.
Published: October 2008

In field experiments at Pantnagar, India during 1968–70, evapo-transpiration (ET) in wheat was significantly correlated with U.S.W.B. class A pan evaporation (E0) when the crop was in an active stage of growth and moisture was non-limiting (50 or 25% depletion of available moisture). The estimated ET was higher than E0, probably due to ‘oasis’ and ‘clothesline’ effects. When ET measurements were made at varying distances from the upwind side during the subsequent three years, it was found that ET decreased with increasing distance downwind with a conspicuous border effect up to about 25 m distance. In the absence of advective heating, i.e. in extreme downwind locations, the actual ET was 480, 533 and 530 mm during 1970–71, 1971–72 and 1972–73 respectively.
Effects of Plant Density on Tomato Yields in Western Nigeria
Authors: Adelana B. O.
Published: October 2008

Four tomato varieties (Harvester, Pusa Early Dwarf, Ife No. 1 and Ibadan Local) were grown in three ecological zones of Western Nigeria, at a range of densities from 10,000 to 40,000 plants/ha. The highest yield of fruits was obtained at a plant population of 30,000 plants/ha. Pusa out-yielded the three other varieties. Fruit number per plant declined as plant density increased.
Effects of Fertilizers on Exchangeable Cation Ratios and Crop Nutrition in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Jones M. J. , Stockinger K. R.
Published: October 2008

Annual applications of calcium, potassium and nitrogen (as urea) over three years caused significant differences in soil exchangeable cation ratios and in the yields of subsequent groundnut and maize crops. High rates of potassium and nitrogen, combined with low rates of calcium, lowered groundnut yields, and high rates of potassium, enhanced by ploughing in crop-residue ash, seriously reduced the exchangeable Mg: K cation ratio and maize magnesium status. Maize yields were significantly negatively correlated with soil potassium status. The balance between exchangeable cations in these soils is very easily upset by injudicious combinations of fertilizers and management practices.
Trials of Dryland Fodder Beet in Cyprus
Authors: Hadjichristodoulou A.
Published: October 2008

Variety, spacing and harvesting date trials with fodder beet were carried out in Cyprus under rainfed conditions. The variety Polyrossa gave the highest dry matter (DM) yield, 12,906 kg/ha. Yield of DM increased linearly with population density to an optimum spacing of 45 × 20 cm. Yields of beet decreased slightly when harvested after 15 June and significantly when harvested after 29 August. Irrigation with saline water increased DM yields.
Water Movement and Nitrate Leaching in a Nigerian Savanna Soil
Authors: Jones M. J.
Published: October 2008

Changes in soil moisture and nitrate content in the top 75 cm of soil in bare and cropped plots were followed throughout the growing season in a Ferruginous savanna soil. A low leaching efficiency, of 0.38–0.66 cm/cm rainfall, was related to very slow wetting of the subsoil, a phenomenon which could be explained satisfactorily only by assuming that part of the rain passed through the profile relatively quickly in the larger pores. However, losses of fertilizer nitrate to deep drainage by this rapid percolation were only 25% of that applied, at most, the greater part remaining in the top 45 cm of soil for almost the whole growing season, thus explaining why only small responses have been obtained at this site to delayed or split applications of nitrogen.
Control of Brevicoryne brassicae on Indian Rape with Soil-applied Insecticides
Authors: Hameed S. F. , Adlakha R. L. , Giamzo S. P.
Published: October 2008

Three systemic insecticide granules, viz. carbofuran, phorate and disulfoton, were applied at 1·0, 1·5 and 2·0 kg ai/ha on 16 January, 16 February and 16 March 1973 against Brevicoryne brassicae Linn. on Indian rape plants (Brassica campestris var. sarson) in the Kulu valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. The results showed that phorate at 2·0 kg/ha, followed by disulfoton, applied on 16 February, gave effective control of the pest and were reasonably persistent. None of the granules were phytotoxic but these treatments increased crop yields.
Effects of Potash Fertilizers on Sweet Potato in Sierra Leone
Authors: Godfrey-Sam-Aggrey W.
Published: October 2008

The effects of frequency of potash fertilizer application and of different rates on sweet potato yields were studied in three different cropping systems on Njala upland soils. Fertilizers containing higher K rates (448 kg/ha sulphate of potash) and an N/K ratio of 3:4, gave maximum tuber and low vine yields with low vine/tuber ratios on intensively cropped areas, whereas fertilizers containing lower K rates (112 kg/ha sulphate of potash) and an N/K ratio of 3:1 gave maximum but relatively low tuber and relatively high vine yields, with relatively high vine/tuber ratios on newly cropped areas after seven years bush fallow. Two equal split applications of fertilizer is recommended under the weather conditions prevailing in this part of Sierra Leone.
Further Trials of Pearl Lupins in England
Authors: Masefield G. B.
Published: October 2008

Following preliminary work in the previous year, further field trials were carried out with strains of the pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) at Oxford, England. Two strains originating in Argentina and one in Bolivia were considered to show promise for development as crop plants in England if toxic alkaloids can be bred out of them. The seeds harvested had a crude protein content from 38·6 to 41·8% and an oil content from 13·1 to 14·4%. Advice is given, based on these trials, on sowing date and spacing.
Storage of Fresh Cassava (Manihot esculenta). I. Post-Harvest Deterioration and its Control
Authors: Booth Robert H.
Published: October 2008

The rapid post-harvest deterioration of cassava roots, which usually prevents their storage in the fresh state for more than a few days, is poorly understood. Two types of deterioration are defined, namely primary, shown by internal root discoloration, and secondary, caused largely by wound pathogens. Information is presented on the influence of such factors as mechanical damage and plant cultivar upon the development of the two types. Control of primary, and a reduction in secondary, deterioration is achieved during a curing process, but none of the chemical treatments examined gave consistent practical control of deterioration.
Ureaform as a Nitrogen Fertilizer for Bananas
Authors: Hadas Aviva , Peled A. , Kafkafi U.
Published: October 2008

Ureaform, applied twice a year, in early spring and late summer, was compared with poultry manure and (NH4)2SO4 top dressings as nitrogen suppliers in a banana plantation. No significant differences between the treatments were obtained in any of the plant criteria, but nitrate concentrations in the soil were higher in the ureaform treatment at the standard nitrogen level than in the standard treatment, within the root zone as well as below it. The spring application of ureaform affected the nitrate concentration in soil for 8 months and was better utilized by the crop than the autumn application, which left a greater residual effect. It therefore seemed that one spring application might be sufficient to meet the banana's nitrogen requirement.
Effect of Micronutrients on Pepper (Capsicum annum) Grown in Peat Soil under Greenhouse and Field Conditions
Authors: Navrot J. , Levin I.
Published: October 2008

A study was made of the effect of micronutrients such as boron, copper, zinc, manganese and iron, applied as foliar spray or directly to peat soil, on growth and yields of pepper under greenhouse and field conditions. Combinations of micronutrients were applied in two forms, as salts or as chelates. Results showed positive effects on yield and quality of red pepper, and soil chemical tests substantiated the results.
Characteristics of High Yielding Cassava Varieties
Authors: Cock James H.
Published: October 2008

Forty different cultivars of cassava were grown in unreplicated plots at a plant population of 20,000 plants/ha in fertile soil. Harvests were taken at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months after planting 18 varieties. The characteristics of the two highest yielding varieties, M Colombia 113 (66 t/ha) and M Colombia 22 (32 t/ha), were compared with the other types. M Colombia 22 is an early type (25 t/ha after 6 months) with a very high harvest index; M Colombia 113 yields little better than average 6 months after planting. High yield is associated with a balance between leaf production and root production, so that leaf area index does not decline excessively in the later growth stages. Changing canopy structure is unlikely to increase yields.
The Conduct of ‘Post-Mortems’ on Concluded Field Trials
Authors: Pearce S. C.
Published: October 2008

The design of field trials sometimes raises queries (which often go unanswered) about alternative designs and the best ways of allowing for environmental variation in the area allotted to the experiment. It is shown how recent developments in iterative methods for working out analyses of variance make possible the determination of error for systems of blocks other than the one actually used, and also for the row-and-column case. Some suggestions are also made for judging the error to be expected if plots were made larger.
Trials of Spraying and Cultural Practices on Cotton in Uganda. II. Use of Extended Protection
Authors: Davies J. C.
Published: October 2008

Trials are described comparing the effects of applying four, eight and 12 sprays of various insecticides on control of Heliothis armigera Hub, and Earias biplaga Wlk., and the consequent effect on yield and quality of seed cotton produced. Yields of unsprayed cotton ranged from 300–900 kg/ha, while four sprays of DDT gave 1000–1200 kg/ha. Increasing the number of sprays to 12, using three insecticides (DDT, endosulfan and carbaryl) gave increments of 300–600 kg/ha over the standard four spray treatment. Eight sprays gave smaller but significant yield increases, and endosulfan, dicrotophos and carbaryl were particularly promising in such regimes. A mixed DDT/phenthoate spray was not superior to DDT used alone. Spraying reduced the percentage of stained cotton.
Irrigated Forage Production under Extreme Arid Zone Conditions in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Farnworth J.
Published: October 2008

Since 1970 the University College of North Wales, in co-operation with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Agriculture and Water, has been investigating the potential for forage production in all-year-round irrigated conditions in Saudi Arabia, and the principal results of the first 4 years of field experiments are discussed. Both temperate and tropical annual forages as well as perennial species were tested, and generally produced high yields with high nutritional value. Fertilizer responses and different management practices were evaluated and their relevance to the development of systems of forage production are discussed.
Effect of Molybdenum on Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. Var Botrytis) in Sand Nutrient Culture
Authors: Singh K. P. , Rajput C. B. S.
Published: October 2008

One ppm molybdenum produced the greatest height, fresh and dry weight per plant; number, fresh and dry weight of leaves; diameter, length, fresh and dry weight of stem; length, fresh and dry weight of roots; yield and yield-attributing characters (height, diameter, fresh and dry weight of curd), and N content of component parts of cauliflower plants (curd, leaf, stem and root). The lowest values for these characters were obtained in the control (nil Mo). Reducing and non-reducing sugars and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) were favourably enhanced (0·5 ppm Mo). The lowest values for sugars and ascorbic acid were observed under 1·0 ppm and nil Mo respectively. The quadratic response curve was drawn in terms of fresh weight of curd and rates of molybdenum application.
Effects of Lime and Lime-Pelleted Seed on Legume Establishment and Growth in South Brazil
Authors: Elkins D. M. , Olsen F. J. , Gower E.
Published: October 2008

Studies of seed pelleting and liming for legume establishment at initial low pH levels in prepared seedbed and natural pasture situations were conducted in 1971 and 1972 at Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Lime-pelleted seed often improved establishment and increased subsequent dry matter herbage yield of soybeans, greenleaf desmodium, and perennial soybeans at low pH levels (4·8 and 4·9) and low lime rates. Applying agricultural lime at rates up to 6 t/ha generally improved legume establishment and herbage yields on prepared land or in disked natural grass sod, compared to unlimed areas.
Effects of Cycocel on Crop Plants in Sierra Leone II. Cassava (Manihot Esculenta)
Authors: Das Gupta D. K.
Published: October 2008

The response of cassava to CCC was investigated by applying concentrations of 0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm twice or four times as a foliar spray, which resulted in a significantly greater tuber yield than the control with most marked effects at the final harvest. CCC at 1500 ppm, applied four times at various growth stages, gave the best increase in tuber yield. Application of CCC tended to cause greater RGR and dry matter content (percentage) of tubers.
Mechanical Dehydration of Potato Tubers
Authors: Carruthers I. B. , Pirie N. W.
Published: October 2008

Mechanical disintegration seems to be the most effective way of damaging the cells in potato tubers so that their juice can be expressed. If disintegration is too intense the pulp is intractable; a grater makes a uniform pulp with suitable texture. With existing continuous equipment it is necessary to press in two stages to get to 40% dry matter and further batch pressing is needed to get to 50%, but experience suggests it should be possible to make a press that would press to > 50% in one operation. Much less energy is needed to press out water rather than evaporate it, but about one-sixth of the tuber dry matter and more than one-half of the N is in the juice.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizers on Yields of Proteins Extracted from Seven Crops
Authors: Mungikar A. M. , Batra Usha Rani , Tekale N. S. , Joshi R. N.
Published: October 2008

The yields of extractable protein, and its rates of production, were measured with seven crops given large dressings of nitrogen, which produced lush plants with small fibre to juice ratios, increased the nitrogen content (as percentage of dry matter) in five species, improved the extractability of protein N in three, and gave significant increases in both dry matter and protein yields of non-legumes. However, yields were affected more by climate than by the N fertilizer. It is felt that non-legumes given large dressings of fertilizer N, as well as leguminous fodders, could be used efficiently if their excess protein was extracted and used for human consumption.
Growth and Sugar Accumulation of Sugarcane
Authors: MacColl Donald
Published: October 2008

The relations between sugar content and certain features of growth were followed in 16 sugarcane varieties during two crops. High sugar content was promoted by the absence of tillering during cane elongation, by a high leaf blade to joint weight ratio, by a long phyllochron, and perhaps slightly by a long life span of leaves. To combine high yield with high sugar content it is important to have a high tiller number early in growth, which appears to be promoted by delayed onset of cane elongation, small initial leaf size, and an upright leaf habit. To combine a small initial leaf size with a high leaf blade/joint weight ratio during elongation requires a large increase of leaf size during growth.
Growth and Development of Short and Long Season Sweet Potatoes in Sub-Tropical Australia
Authors: Huett D. O. , O'Neill G. H.
Published: October 2008

The growth and development of a short-season sweet potato (Nemagold) and a long-season cultivar (White Maltese) were compared quantitatively in sub-tropical Australia and also with growth data for Nemagold in a temperate environment. Total and storage root dry matter production (DMP) followed autocatalytic equations, with similar whole plant DMP from planting to week 25 for both cultivars but plateauing (at 90% of asymptotic weight) at week 23 for Nemagold (448 g) with favourable temperatures and at week 38 for White Maltese (813 g) when temperatures were unfavourable. Storage root DMP of Nemagold plateaued at week 23 (246 g) and at week 36 (219 g) for White Maltese. Data are given on other attributes and on phasic development.
Effects of Spacing on Cowpea Genotypes in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Erskine W. , Khan T. N.
Published: October 2008

The effects of populations of 33,000–250,000 plants/ha on growth and grain yield of two cowpea genotypes of bush growth habit was studied in lowland Papua New Guinea. The optimum economic seed rate seems to be 100,000 plants/ha; increasing the plant population decreased pods/plant and lateral branch development, but increased seed number/pod. Genotype UV.53 yielded more than UV.19 due to a combination of all three yield components, and a large dry weight. Growth analysis showed that treatment effects were mediated by differences in growth between 8 weeks and harvest.
Relation between Flag Leaf, Yield of Grain and Yield Components in Wheat
Authors: Chowdhry A. Rehman , Saleem M. , Alam Khurshid
Published: October 2008

Phenotypic correlation coefficients of flag leaf blade length, breadth and sheath length with plant height, grain yield and its components were computed in four wheat varieties and their ten F2 crosses. Flag leaf sheath length was positively related to plant height, grain yield and its components in almost all the populations, but little or no such relation occurred with flag leaf blade length and breadth in most cases. The data suggested the possibility of selecting plants with longer flag leaf sheaths, with obvious yield advantage.
Simulation of Intraseasonal Yield Fluctuations of Tea in Malawi
Authors: Fordham R. , Palmer-Jones R. W.
Published: October 2008

Concentration of tea yields in Malawi into regular successive peaks within the main growing season is the cause of severe economic problems. A model of the causes of these peaks has been developed and its explanatory power is confirmed in the light of empirical tests of its component parts and predictions. A computer version of the model is presented and its predictive power demonstrated. Use of the model to explore relations between weather and yields is discussed, with indications of its limitations for this purpose.
Growth and Sugar Accumulation of Sugarcane. II. Dry Weight Increments and Estimates of Assimilation Rate
Authors: MacColl Donald
Published: October 2008

Increments of fibre, sucrose and reducing sugars per cane were estimated for 12 varieties of sugarcane for successive periods in plant and ratoon crops. Sucrose production increased only as that of fibre and reducing sugars fell. Dry matter production per unit fresh weight of leaf blade was negatively correlated with an estimate of gram days of leaf per gram fresh weight of cane. In a further study the net assimilation rate of one variety was found to remain fairly constant over a period of six months at 0·55g/dm2/week. It is suggested that breeding should seek to reduce leaf area ratio while maintaining sucrose percentage cane.
Physiology of Grain Yield in Groundnuts (Arachis hypogea)
Authors: Enyi B. A. C.
Published: October 2008

Dodoma Edible outyielded Natal Common groundnut, due to varietal effects associated with differences in pod number, leaf area duration, crop growth rate, number of grains/pod and m2, and weight of individual grain. Increase in plant density led to an increase in grain yield. There was a close and positive relation between stem and pod dry weight; grain yield and leaf area duration; and crop growth rate, grain yield and grain number/m2of land surface. A greater proportion of total dry matter was diverted into the stems of Dodoma Edible than Natal Common.
A Simple Unit for Extracting Leaf Protein in Bulk
Authors: Pirie N. W.
Published: October 2008

The unit is a greatly simplified screw expeller, modified so that the crop is thoroughly rubbed to liberate juice before the charge moves into the part of the unit in which pressure is applied. The throughput of the model described here is 2 kg of crop per minute; power consumption is about 400 W. The unit weighs 40 kg, but larger ones, operating on the same principles, could be made.
Relative Efficiency of the Latin Square Design
Authors: Abou-el-Fittouh H. A.
Published: October 2008

The efficiency of the Latin square design relative to the completely randomized and the randomized complete block designs is expressed in the form (A+BF) where F is a variance ratio (or the sum of two ratios). The constants A and B are evaluated, and lines showing relative efficiencies for given F values are drawn for the 5 × 5, 6 × 6, 7 × 7 and 8 × 8 Latin squares.
Economics of Sole Crop Cowpea Production in Nigeria at the Farmer's Level using Improved Practices
Authors: Hays H. M. , Raheja A. K.
Published: October 2008

This paper reports results of a study to investigate the problem of introducing an improved technological package into the farming system in one area of northern Nigeria. It examines the economic and technical feasibility, as well as the social acceptability to the farmer, of growing sole cowpea given his environment and constraints. Studies of this nature are important as they provide insight into the problems farmers experience with improved technologies and thus represent one way of determining how to narrow the gap between yields farmers obtain and those obtainable at the research station level.
Growth and Sugar Accumulation of Sugarcane. III. Development of Commercial Clones and their Progenies in Single Row Plots
Authors: MacColl Donald
Published: October 2008

In short clonal rows of sugarcane the mean weight of adjacent rows contributed significantly to the variance of row weight, mainly because some clones could increase their cane number at the expense of slow-tillering clones. Weight per cane and sugar content were unaffected by competition. Significant correlations were found between sugar content and (a) the rate of leaf appearance, (b) the ratio of fresh weight of leaf blade to fresh weight of joint, and (c) fibre as a percentage of cane fresh weight.
Effect of Seedling Age at Transplanting on Rice in Saline-Sodic Soils of NW India
Authors: Shahi H. N. , Gill P. S. , Singh Nathu , Thind I. S. , Maskina M. S.
Published: October 2008

Experiments conducted on saline-sodic soils during 1972 and 1973 showed that delay in transplanting medium-duration dwarf high-yielding varieties like Jaya beyond 20 July caused substantial reductions in grain yield, but there was no depression in yield of such varieties even if 55 day old seedlings were used for transplanting at normal times. Older seedlings gave very high yields compared with younger counterparts at late transplantings. Fifty-five day old seedlings took about two weeks less to mature compared with ones planted when 25 days old.
Studies in Mixed Cropping. II. Population Pressures in Maize–Bean Mixtures
Authors: Fisher N. M.
Published: October 2008

An experiment at the Kabete Field Station of the University of Nairobi compared maize–bean mixtures with pure stands of the two crops at three plant densities. Although the mixtures gave an apparent yield advantage over pure stands, this could be explained solely by the increased population pressure in the mixtures. The implication of this finding for other published work with cereal–legume mixtures is discussed, and a distinction is drawn between those sites in East Africa where a conclusive yield advantage from mixed cropping has been found and those where any apparent advantage might be explained by the higher population pressure.
Effects of Genotype and Rainfall on Forage Oats in a Semi-arid Region
Authors: Hadjichristodoulou A.
Published: October 2008

There were significant differences in dry matter yield among five forage oat varieties tested at ten environments during 1970–75. The correlation coefficients between annual rainfall and DM yield varied with variety from 0·69 to 0·88, late varieties tending to give higher yields. Lateness, and high varietal response to annual rainfall and improved environmental conditions, can be used as selection criteria in semi-arid regions. Late varieties had higher DM and lower crude protein contents, and forage produced under lower rainfall conditions tended to have more DM and crude protein.
Control of the Distribution of Tea Yields in Malawi
Authors: Palmer-Jones R. W.
Published: October 2008

Agronomic techniques to even out the intra-seasonal fluctuations in yields of tea in Malawi are described, and evidence presented of their effects on the level and distribution of yield. Such treatments reduce yields per acre, but by overcoming constraints on capacity they may lead to increased yields for the estate as a whole. The full benefit of some of these practices requires the prediction of yield patterns based on current and expected weather. Several techniques can be combined to form a flexible approach adapted to each particular year, but more work is required to quantify the parameters and functional relations involved before alternative strategies can be properly compared.
Effects of Population Density on Yields of Two Soyabean (Glycine max) Varieties in Ghana Forest Zone
Authors: Osafo D. M.
Published: October 2008

Seed yield in two soyabean varieties—one tall (Improved Pelican) and one short (V/1)—was mainly determined by the total number of main stem and branch pods produced when plant population density varied from 5·4 to 16·2 plants/m2. An increasing percentage of the pods was found on the main stems of Improved Pelican as the crop stand became denser.
Nitrogen Nutrition of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Dart P. J. , Huxley P. A. , Eaglesham A. R. J. , Minchin F. R. , Summerfield R. J. , Day J. M.
Published: October 2008

Average seed yields of effectively nodulated cowpea plants were 38% greater than those of non-nodulated plants when both received applied nitrogen at concentrations ranging from 60 to 240 ppm during one of three periods: emergence to first flower, first flower to mid pod-fill, or mid pod-fill to maturity. Nodulation increased seed yields by 45% when plants received a ‘basal’ level of 30 ppm N throughout growth. None of the combined nitrogen treatments could compensate non-nodulated plants for the loss of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Non-nodulated plants relying on applied N branched less, produced fewer peduncles and set fewer pods on each peduncle than nodulated plants.
Inheritance of Grain Yield and Other Quantitative Traits in Maize
Authors: Dhillon B. S. , Singh Joginder
Published: October 2008

Combining ability analysis was carried out on diallel crosses of 20 yellow maize varieties in four environments. General combining ability variance (σ2g) was of greater importance than specific combining ability (σ2s) in the inheritance of all traits except grain yield and ear length, where the reverse was true. Interaction components (σ2ge, σ2se) were greater than the respective main components (σ2g, σ2s) for grain yield. The study brought out the prominent role of genotype-environmental interactions. Heritability in the broad sense was very high for all traits except grain yield and grain moisture, and narrow sense heritability was also high for all traits except grain yield and ear length.
The Use of a Small Computer in Agricultural Research
Authors: Pearce S. C.
Published: October 2008

It is suggested that quite a small computer, in association with a minimal program for the analysis of variance, can be used to calculate quantities of use to the agronomic research worker beyond what he usually obtains. For example, without further programs it is possible to calculate an analysis of covariance, in which adjustment is made for some disturbing factor. It is also possible to find how much of the error variance arises from a particular plot, and to deal with situations in which data are incomplete or the yields from two plots have become mixed.
Effects of Boron and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Radish (Raphanus sativus)
Authors: Maurya A. N. , Rai K. N. , Lal S.
Published: October 2008

An investigation was carried out to study the effects of boron (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg/ha) and nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg/ha) on the growth and yield of radish cv Pusa Rashmi. Various growth characters such as number, fresh weight and dry matter content of leaves, and length, girth, fresh weight and dry matter content of roots increased with increase in boron and nitrogen levels, the highest application of both nutrients giving the best results. Treatment combinations showed significant effects on fresh weight of leaves and roots, with the best results from 3 kg boron + 200 kg of nitrogen/ha.
Pressure Chamber and Air Flow Porometer for Rapid Field Indication of Water Status and Stomatal Condition in Wheat
Authors: Fischer R. A. , Sanchez M. , Syme J.R.
Published: October 2008

Plant water potential and leaf diffusive conductance, key features of plant responses to water stress in field experiments, can be estimated, respectively, by xylem pressure potential measured with the pressure chamber apparatus, and leaf permeability measured with the air flow porometer. This paper describes modifications to these two techniques in order to increase the rapidity of measurements in wheat to 60/h with the pressure chamber, and 200/h with the porometer. Rapid measurements are needed because of the large within-and between-plot errors encountered with daytime measurements in typical field experiments, examples of which are presented.
Nitrogen Nutrition of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Eaglesham A. R. J. , Minchin F. R. , Summerfield R. J. , Dart P. J. , Huxley P. A. , Day J. M.
Published: October 2008

Effectively nodulated, pot-grown cowpea plants were irrigated with nutrient solution containing 25 ppm 15N, and the relative contributions to total plant N status of inorganic and nodule-fixed N were determined. Maximum rates of N assimilation occurred during pod-fill, with nodules contributing ten times more nitrogen than the applied source. Symbiotic fixation supplied over 80% of total plant N throughout growth, and contributed significantly to seed N during late pod-fill, when nutrient N assimilation was negligible. Vegetative N content was greatest at mid pod-fill, and mobilization from this 'pool' was equivalent to 44% of total seed N. The implications of these (and previously reported) data are discussed.
Effects of Flowering on Yield and Quality of Sugarcane
Authors: Rao P. Seshagiri
Published: October 2008

By comparing flowered and non-flowered plants of the same age (where flowering was inhibited by photoperiod control), cane yield gains due to prevention of flowering were estimated to be 56·6% in a plant crop and 33·8% in a ratoon crop. Sugar gain due to prevention of flowering was 69·1% in the plant and 35·4% in the ratoon crop. A simple negative linear relation was found between cane (and sugar) yield per plant and the proportion of canes that flowered. There was no significant difference in fibre content of flowered and non-flowered canes. The influence of loss of growth, side-shoot production and pithiness on the yield of flowered canes are discussed.
Effects of Methods of Planting Groundnuts in the Sudan Gezira
Authors: Nur Idris M. , Gasim Ali A. E.
Published: October 2008

Studies to determine the effect of planting unshelled pods, using groundnut varieties with different shell thicknesses, indicated that emergence and yield were suppressed by planting unshelled pods. Depth of sowing, and soaking pods in water prior to planting, had limited effects.
Foliar Diagnosis on Cotton in Macedonia
Authors: Argyriadis G. A. , Polyzopoulos N. A.
Published: October 2008

The results of eight fertilizer experiments with cotton, conducted in several areas of Macedonia, were evaluated by leaf analysis to establish possible relations between leaf N, P and K and yield, as well as to estimate the adequacy ranges of those elements under local conditions. Such a relation between leaf N and yield does exist, and leaf N within the range 4·4–4·9% of DM is adequate. On the other hand, leaf P and K within the ranges of 0·20–0·29 and 1·5–2·6%, respectively, also seem to be adequate. These findings are in agreement with general experience in this region, where cotton seldom benefits from application of fertilizers other than nitrogenous.
Effect of Sowing Date on Groundnuts in Sudan Gezira
Authors: Nur Idris M. , Gasim Ali A. E.
Published: October 2008

A 4-year investigation of the effects of sowing date on three types of groundnut showed that the earlier the sowing date, the later was kernel initiation and kernel maturity. Early sowing resulted in a high pod yield, oil content and iodine number, but reduced the shelling percentage. The leaf area index ranged from 3·0 to 5·0, the highest value being obtained with early sowing and with non-upright bunch varieties.
A Note on Rhizobium Inoculation of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) using the Fluid Drill Technique
Authors: Hardaker J. M. , Hardwick R. C.
Published: October 2008

The conventional method of inoculating Phaseolus vulgaris with Rhizobium phaseoli, using a peat carrier and dry seeds, was compared with a method using a slurry inoculation of germinating seeds, which were subsequently sown with a fluid drill. The mean number of nodules per plant 28 days after sowing was 0·64 (uninoculated control), 2·14 (dry seed), and 7·0 (fluid drill), differences between treatments being significant at P=0·01. Two varieties included in the experiment gave similar responses, and it is concluded that the fluid drill technique has a useful potential as a method of ensuring good inoculation of legume seedlings.
Inheritance of Cowpea Yields under Different Soil Conditions in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Erskine W. , Khan T. N.
Published: October 2008

Broadsense heritability, and correlations of grain yield and related characters, were estimated in three crosses under two levels of soil fertility, which profoundly affected heritability of height and seed weight. Grain yield exhibited heritability of 51–81%, and in one cross significant heterosis in F2. Amongst yield-related characters only pods/plant and seeds/pod were both correlated to yield, and also lacked negative genotypic correlations with other economic characters. However, direct selection for grain yield was considered more efficient than indirect selection using yield-related characters.
Genotype × Environment Interactions in Sorghum Variety Tests in the Sudan Central Rainlands
Authors: Kambal A. E. , Mahmoud M. A.
Published: October 2008

Estimates of variety × environment interactions for grain yield were obtained from a study involving 16 sorghum varieties grown at the same three locations over a 3-year period. Whereas the variety × year interaction was small and not significant, the variety × location and the variety × location × year interactions were highly significant. Evidence was presented suggesting that the years of testing could be reduced by increasing the number of test locations. T.F.M.7 and Karkatib 4/1/1 were identified as desirable varieties, combining high yield and stability of performance, thereby deserving a place both in commercial production and future breeding programmes.
A Study of Hasawi Alfalfa under Three Irrigation and Three Cutting Regimes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Noaim A. A. , Davies G. M. , Farnworth J.
Published: October 2008

The experiment, designed to investigate the production of alfalfa in Saudi Arabia, was a factorial involving three irrigation rates and three cutting heights. The irrigation rates were sub-optimum, optimum and super-optimum, supplying 2730, 3850, and 5040 mm of water over the duration of the experiment respectively; cutting heights were low (2 cm), high (8 cm) and alternate (2 cm and 8 cm). The experiment ran for a year, with 14 harvests. Sub-optimum, optimum and super-optimum irrigation treatments produced 27·5, 31·4 and 31·9 tonnes of DM per hectare respectively. Proximate analysis of crude fibre, crude protein, and ash percentage were determined, and plant density and weed infestation recorded.
Relative Efficiency of The Split-Plot Design
Authors: Abou-El-Fittouh H. A.
Published: October 2008

Formulae are given to calculate the efficiency of the split-plot design, in which whole-plot treatments are arranged in randomized complete blocks. Efficiency for each of the whole-plot and split-plot treatment comparisons is discussed relative to three simpler designs. Tables are given to facilitate calculations for experiments in which up to five whole-plot treatments and five split-plot treatments are tested, using four, six or eight blocks.
Genetic Diversity and Breeding Potential from Disruptive Selection in Brassica campestris CV Brown Sarson
Authors: Arunachalam V. , Katiyar R. K.
Published: October 2008

New productive variants (PV) with physiological and morphological characters distinctly different from their original counterparts (OR) were isolated under disruptive selection in Brassica campestris cv Brown Sarson. Two new breeding approaches were tested—mating (PV × OR) F1 lines with selected cultivars, and mating disruptive with two-directional selection lines. The resulting superior three- and two-way hybrid populations, when advanced through large-scale inter-mating, produced double the yield potential of the existing controls. The genetic principles behind these breeding approaches are discussed.
Genotype, Environment and Rainfall effects on Vetch Varieties in a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Hadjichristodoulou A.
Published: October 2008

Forage production of common vetch in semi-arid Mediterranean regions can be increased by varietal improvement. Dry matter content and crude protein yield were affected by environment more than crude protein content and harvesting date. Forage produced in environments where plants grew quicker was of lower dry matter content, higher crude protein content but of similar weight as forage produced in late environments. Variations in annual rainfall explained 35 to 76% of the total variation in dry matter yield.
Stimulating Axillary Buds in Yams (Dioscorea SPP)
Authors: Okoli O. O.
Published: October 2008

A method is described of inducing many ‘eyes’ on yam tubers to sprout, and of using the sprout-bearing segments as propagules for establishing yam fields. The number of such propagules obtainable from a tuber depends on its size, but the method greatly increases the rate of propagation and holds special promise for both breeding and commercial production of yam.
Edible Protein from Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Savangikar V. A. , Joshi R. N.
Published: October 2008

Leaf protein concentrate was prepared from the weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. and the nutritional properties of this preparation were studied in relation to its amino acid composition and digestibility. The product and the residual fibre closely resembled similar products made from conventional forage species.
Effects of Growth Habits and Competition on Yields of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the Tropics
Authors: Kueneman E. A. , Hernandez-Bravo G. , Wallace D. H.
Published: October 2008

Responses in yield of dry bean genotypes of different growth habits [determinate (Type I), indeterminate small vine (Type II), indeterminate large vine (Type III), and indeterminate climbing (Type IV)] were evaluated over two growing seasons. Types II and III gave higher yields than Type I, with Type II the highest. Narrow between-row spacings (50 cm) tended to give higher yields than 75 cm spacings for all habits, though Type I seemed less responsive than the indeterminate habits, Types II and III. Close within-row spacing (5 versus 10 cm) was not beneficial for beans of any growth habit. Yields of beans with climbing habit grown on different support systems and at different spacings are also reported.
Influence of Soil-applied Micronutrients on Cassava (Manihot esculenta) in Malaysian Tropical Oligotrophic Peat
Authors: Chew W. Y. , Joseph K. T. , Ramli K.
Published: October 2008

Two experiments to investigate the micronutrient requirements of cassava (cv Black Twig) on Malaysian peat soil are described. Cu was found to be the only essential micronutrient and Mn, Zn, Fe, Mo and B were not needed. Fertilizing with 20 kg/ha of copper sulphate approximately tripled tuber dry matter, and starch and Cu uptake, but applying 10 kg/ha of copper sulphate gave the same results. Each crop of cassava absorbed only about 2% of the applied Cu, giving a leaf Cu content of about 14 ppm compared with about 7 ppm in Cu-deficient plants. Cu deficiency symptoms were invariably observed in Cu-deficient plots and these are also described.
Effects of No-tillage and Ploughing on Efficiency of Water Use in Maize and Cowpea
Authors: Lal R. , Maurya P. R. , Osei-Yeboah S.
Published: October 2008

Water use efficiency of maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was investigated, with and without tillage, under four irrigation frequencies in which 12 mm of water was applied at 2, 4, 8 and 12 day intervals, using a sprinkler system. Both maize and cowpea under no-tillage yielded more than with conventional ploughing. Water use efficiency of maize without tillage was 18·3, 17·5, 57·8 and 100% greater than with tillage at irrigation frequencies of 2, 4, 8 and 12 days respectively. Whereas the leaf water potential of cowpea was not affected by tillage, that of maize was generally higher for no-tillage compared with conventional ploughing.
Effects of Alar on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Okra
Authors: Godfrey-Sam-Aggrey W. , Ndoleh Alex S.
Published: October 2008

Effects of Alar on growth, flowering and yield parameters of standard-planted and closely-planted late-bearing okra were studied. Lower concentrations of Alar, applied once 6 weeks after sowing on standard-planted okra, significantly advanced days to first flowering and depressed height at first flowering and final height. Higher Alar concentrations, particularly 2000 ppm applied twice after 3 and 6 weeks on closely-planted okra, produced more, longer and heavier pods, and therefore higher total pod yield in unstopped than in stopped okra, in addition to advancing days to first flowering and depressing height at first flowering and final height. The agronomic practice of stopping okra at 6 weeks reduced pod number, pod weight/plant and total pod yield/ha in unsprayed plants.
Effects of Irrigating Sugarcane at Different Soil Moisture Deficits in the Sudan
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan Suliman
Published: October 2008

Two field experiments on the effects of watering at 40–50 (M1), 60–70 (M2), 80–90 (M3) and 90–100% (M4) of available soil-moisture depletion on sugarcane were conducted at Guneid during 1974–77. Intensive cane growth was observed from April to August. Irrigation treatments significantly affected yields of cane and sugar, and the percentage of sucrose, with treatment M2 giving the most economic yields of cane and sugar.
Intercropping Sugarcane with Maize
Authors: Pillay A. R. , Mamet J. R.
Published: October 2008

The production of maize in every second inter-row of first and second ratoon sugar cane was studied in four locations in Mauritius in 1974, in trials based on combinations of three maize densities and three fertilizer levels. Analysis of the data showed that intercropping sugar cane with maize had no adverse effects on cane and sugar yields, and suggested that planting an early-maturing maize amongst the cane at a density of 19,000 plants, with 76 kg N, 38 kg P2O5, 62 kg K2O/ha, was the most profitable method under Mauritian conditions.
Incidence of Internal Brown Spot Disease in White Lisbon Yams (Dioscorea alata) During Storage
Authors: Mantell S. H. , Haque S. Q.
Published: October 2008

Tubers of Dioscorea alata L. cv White Lisbon, affected by Internal Brown Spot (IBS) disease, and stored under ambient conditions on wooden or wire racks, did not show significant increases in IBS incidence and mean lesions over storage periods of up to 18 weeks. Storage under different conditions of temperature (13, 20 and 28 ± 3°C) did not have any significant effect on IBS incidence; but tubers stored under conditions of high relative humidity (95 ± 2%) showed less IBS and greater mean lesion diameters. Although a significant reduction in disease incidence occurred during storage under the latter conditions, the effects of increased lesion size resulted in some deterioration of tuber quality.
Effects of Air and Soil Temperatures on Colour of Eggplant Fruits (Solanum melongenaL.)
Authors: Nothmann J. , Rylski Irena , Spigelman M.
Published: October 2008

Colour development in fruits of dark purple eggplant cultivars was greatly influenced by temperature conditions. During the cool season, colour development was much slower than during the hot season, corresponding to slower fruit growth and much lower final weight. There were varietal differences in seasonal influence on the distribution of various colour shades, both during fruit growth and at harvest. Soil heating during the cool season improved fruit colour.
Effects of Sowing Date on Forage and Seed Production of 14 Varieties of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Akinola J. O. , Davies J. H.
Published: October 2008

Fourteen varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) were compared for yields of forage and seed from two sowing dates, using various agronomic parameters. Yields ranged from 1048 to 5044, 185 to 920 and 864 to 3321 kg/ha for dry matter, crude protein and seed respectively, with advantages from spreading as against semi-erect types, and early rather than late July sowing. IVu 1283-1 and IVu 1283-2 effectively combined vegetative and seed yield, and appeared most suitable for fodder and seed production. A simple forage yield index (FYI), useful in yield prediction, was evolved.
Effects of Short-day Treatments on Second Crop Summer-fruiting Strawberries
Authors: Tafazoli E. , Shaybany B.
Published: October 2008

Black polyethylene tunnels were used to subject Armore and Missionary strawberry cultivars to 21 short-day inductive cycles at either full bloom (7–28 May) or fruit swelling (1–21 June) stages. Regardless of application date, treatments induced a second bloom 8–10 weeks after treatment in both cultivars. The second crop of Armore was as large as the first, but Missionary produced only a small second crop that would not be worth commercial harvesting. Covering plants with black polyethylene reduced the vitamin C content of the first-crop fruits of Armore without affecting yield, while Missionary responded in an opposite way. Treating plants at full bloom hastened the ripening of the first crop of both cultivars by about 1 week and resulted in a larger second crop than was obtained by the later treatment.
Supplementary Irrigation of Young Clonal Tea in Kenya. I. Survival, Growth and Yield
Authors: Othieno C. O.
Published: October 2008

An experiment designed to study differences in water requirements between some clones of tea suggests that clones which showed visual symptoms of being more susceptible to drought had a greater demand for water. Supplementary irrigation applied during the dry seasons prevented plants from dying and stimulated better early growth of clones tested. As a result of better early growth, the irrigated tea gave persistently and significantly larger yields than non-irrigated tea in the first 2 years of recording.