bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transferability of Chickpea Selection Indices from Normal to Drought‐prone Growing Conditions in a Mediterranean Environment*
Authors: Singh K. B. , Bejiga G. , Saxena M. C. , Singh M.
Published: April 2008

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is normally grown as a spring‐sown rainfed crop in the Mediterranean region in areas receiving more than 400 mm of rainfall annually. Because of large fluctuations in the total amount and distribution of the rainfall, the crop occasionally suffers from extreme terminal drought. Breeders face a dilemma in selecting materials for both normal moisture regimes and drought conditions because it is often difficult to conduct two parallel breeding programmes. This study examines the transferability of the selection indices (developed as a multiple regression of yield on most influential traits) from one environment to another with the objective of selecting an appropriate environment for the development of cultivars adapted to both environments. Experiments were conducted for 3 years (1989‐1991) during the spring at two locations with normal moisture regime (hereafter referred to as drought‐free) in Syria and Lebanon and one drought‐prone location in Syria. Each year, 192‐240 newly bred lines were evaluated in replicated trials for seed yield, days to flowering and maturity, plant height and 100‐seed weight. Correlation analyses showed that increased seed size, early maturity and reduced plant height at the drought‐prone location and early maturity at the drought‐free location were of prime importance in increasing seed yield. Regression equations developed to predict seed yield showed that days to flower and maturity accounted from 67‐80 % variation in seed yield at the dry location, whereas at the drought‐free locations the contribution of days to maturity was smaller except in 1991 in Lebanon. The percent success in the transferability of the selection indices from the drought‐free environments to the drought‐prone environment was higher than that from the drought‐prone environment to the drought‐free environment. These results indicate that chickpea breeding material developed under drought‐free environments could be useful under drought‐prone conditions. Early‐maturing lines selected under normal environments would also perform well under drier conditions.
Notes on the Variance of Relative Yield as a Measure of Stability
Authors: Hühn M.
Published: April 2008

The actual yields from multilocation variety trials are commonly analysed as a two‐way table (rows = varieties, columns = locations) of mean yields. In this paper, relationships between the recently proposed new stability parameter ‘variance of relative yield’ and the two stability parameters of the ‘classical’ joint regression approach in stability analysis, are investigated. The variance of relative yield as a measure of stability exhibits an undesirable dependence on the mean yield of the respective variety. Generalizations and improvements of some recent results and conclusions of Piepho (1994) are discussed.
Do Increasing Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations Contribute to Yield Increases of German Crops?
Authors: Manderscheid R. , Weigel H. J.
Published: April 2008

The global atmospheric CO2‐concentration is increasing and there has been an increase in Germany of about 30 ppm from 340 ppm to 370 ppm CO2 during the last two decades. The hectare yield of many crops has also increased during this time period. The objective of the present study was to estimate whether the past and future change in the atmospheric composition significantly contributes to the increase in hectare yield.

Different crop species (beans, Phaseolus vulgaris, cv Pfälzer Juni; spring barley, Hordeum vulgare L., cvs. Alexis and Arena; spring wheat, Triticum aestivum L., cvs. Star and Turbo; maize, Zea mays L., cvs. Bonny and Boss) were grown at ambient (372 ppm) and at slightly elevated CO2‐concentrations (459 ppm and 539 ppm) in open‐top chambers and the effect of the different CCVconcentrations on the growth and yield of the plants was measured. The past and future CO2‐effect was estimated from the slope of a linear CO2‐yield curve (percentage increase in yield per ppm CO2′ 100% at 370 ppm) fitted to the data and those from previous studies on wheat and maize. The percentage increase in yield per ppm CO2 is insignificant for beans, of borderline significance for silage maize (0.06 % per ppm), and 0.35 % per ppm and 0.26 % per ppm for barley and wheat, respectively. The COj‐elevation primarily decreases the tiller dieback of the cereals. Considering the increase in CO2 of 30 ppm and in the hectare yield of 25 % (barley) and 28 % (wheat) from 1970 to 1990, the contribution of CO2 to the increase in the agricultural production is estimated to be one fourth up to one half of the increase in hectare yield of spring cereals. Given a recent yearly increase of 2 ppm the future CO:‐related increase in hectare yield is estimated to be about 0.5–0.7% per year.
Influence of chloride and sulphate ions on soil enzymes
Authors: Dinesh R. , Ramanathan G. , Singh Harjit
Published: April 2008

Ammonium chloride (AC) and ammonium sulphate (AS) are commonly used nitrogen fertilizers. But the effect of chloride and sulphate ions from these fertilizers on soil enzyme activity has received scant attention. Hence, we conducted a pot culture study to assess the influence of chloride (as AC) and sulphate (as AS) on the activities of urease, amidase, phosphatase and dehydrogenase in soil using rice as the test crop. Chloride and sulphate levels were fixed at 132, 264 and 396 kg ha−1 respectively. Controls were also performed. The enzymes were assayed at three stages of the crop growth viz., active tillering, panicle initiation and harvest.

The enzyme activities decreased with increasing chloride and sulphate levels; however, the degree of inhibition varied among the enzymes assayed and the nature and amounts of salts added. The inhibition may be due to the specific effects of chloride and sulphate ions on microbial growth and subsequent enzyme synthesis, osmotic desiccation leading to microbial cell lysis, and a salting‐out effect modifying the ionic conformation of the active site of the enzyme protein.
Post‐harvest Evaluation of Nitrogen Sufficiency for Small‐grain Cereals by Measuring Grain Protein Concentration
Authors: Virtanen A. , Peltonen J.
Published: April 2008

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important and expensive input in small‐grain cereal production, and growers therefore should aim to optimize its use. Possibilities for using grain protein concentration for post‐harvesr evaluation of N sufficiency were determined in this study. Field experiments including spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), spong barley (Hordeum vulgare L) and spring oats (Avena sativa L.), and various rates of N fertilizer application were conducted in southern and western‐Finland over 2 years. Grain yield and grain protein were positively correlated and firred quadratic regression models. Both critical and optimum levels for grain protein concentration were determined by Cate‐Nelson analysis Critical values were 12.2 for wheat, 10.2 for barley and 10.9 for oats, and corresponding optimum values were 13.3, 11.1 and 12.7, respectively. The accuracy of the method was tested using results from on‐farm spring wheat trials. The results indicated that N fertilizer uptake and grain yield were best in held where gram protein concentration exceeded the critical values but not the optimum. Growers should use more intensive N fertilization management if grain protein concentration does not exceed critical values. Grain protein concentrations above optimum values indicate over‐fertilization for maximum grain yield. Analysing previous research data to identify the “critical level” of grain protein concentration is not difficult, and will provide powers, extension personnel, and fertilizer dealers with a cost effective means of evaluating the efficiency of N use by the crop and for developing N fertilization recommendations.
Chilling Tolerance of 10 Maize Genotypes as Related to Chilling‐induced Changes in ACC and MACC Contents
Authors: Janowiak F. , Dörffling K.
Published: April 2008

We studied chilling‐induced changes of 1‐aminocydopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and of 1‐(malonylamino) cyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (MACC) contents in seedlings of ten maize genotypes with different chilling tolerance. Seedlings at the third leaf stage were chilled at 5°C and at 65% RH. Immediately before and after two and five days of chilling the contents of ACC and of MACC in the third leaf were measured. Water content and – after recovery – the degree of necrotic injuries and the percentage of seedling survival were also determined.

After 2 days of chilling, the ACC content increased in all genotypes investigated. The increase was significantly higher in the sensitive genotypes than in the tolerant ones. There was a significant correlation between ACC content and necrotic injuries of seedlings. Chilling for 5 days increased the ACC content further and the difference between the two groups of genotypes still existed.

The MACC content increased after 5 days of chilling in all genotypes investigated. The increase was greater in the tolerant genotypes than in the sensitive ones. However, the difference in MACC accumulation between the two groups of genotypes investigated was not significant, and thus no correlation between MACC accumulation and chilling susceptibility was found.

The possible causes for the increase of ACC and MACC contents under chilling conditions and the possibility of using the ACC content as an indicator of chilling tolerance in maize breeding are discussed.
Zur Eignung des Kornguts unterschiedlich stickstoffgedüngter Getreidebestände als Rohstoff für die Bioethanolproduktion
Authors: Aufhammer M , Pieper H. J. , Kásser J. , Scháfhr V. , Senn T. , Kübler E.
Published: April 2008

The Suitability of Grains from Cereal Crops with Different N Supply for Bioethanol Production

The properties of grains of different small grain cereals, produced under increasing N‐supply levels, for conversion into bioerhanol were investigated. Grain material of winterwheat, ‐rye and ‐triticale, two cultivars each, was used At two locations, field experiments comprising several N‐fertilization levels between 0 and 180 kg N/ha were conducted. The main parameters analysed were the bioethanol output (1 bioethanol/dt grain dry matter) and the bioethanol yield (1 bioethanol/ha), both under addition and without addition of technical enzymes. Furthermore, the falling numbers, the protein content and die autoamylolytic quotient (AAQ) were determined. AAQ means the autoamylolytic bioethanol output related to die output under addition of technical enzymes. With a rising N‐supply, yields/ha and die protein contents of grain increased differently. Combined with increasing protein contents, decreasing bioethanol outputs were measured, particularly with wheat, to a smaller extent with triticale, and to an even lesser extent with rye. Only with wheat were die AAQ‐values significantly reduced as a consequence of rising N‐supply levels. In interaction with growing conditions, cultivars and N‐levels, the bioethanol yields/ha of rye and triticale equalled or even surpassed the yields of wheat, particularly under autoamylolytic‐conversion processing conditions.
Seed Yield and Yield Contributing Characters as Influenced by N Supply in Rapeseed‐mustard
Authors: Pattl B. R , Lakkineni K. C. , Bhargava S. C.
Published: April 2008

Brasisca Juncea, cv. Pusa Bold, and B. campestris, cv. Pusa Kalyani, were raised under field conditions with varying levels of N supply from 0–120 kg ha‐1. The production profile of branches and pods thereon was measured, per unit area basis, throughout the crop ontogeny. At maturity, data on the yield contributing characters, viz. pod dry weight, pod number, seed number per pod, 1000 seed weight, seed wall ratio and seed yield in different order branches, was recorded.

The branching pattern and the number of pods produced on different order branches, in the two species, was favourably modified by the increasing levels of N supply. Primary and secondary branches contributed to the seed yield to an extent of 80 % of the total yield. Nitrogen treatment had no significant effect on 1000 seed weight. B. juncea exhibited significantly higher yield over B. campestris. N supply up to 120 kg ha ‐1 linearly increased seed yield in both the species. However, it exerted a negative effect too partitioning of assimilates from pod wall to seed. The study indicated that rapeseed‐mustard, grown under short winter‐season environment with adequate soil moisture, has the potential for higher N‐fertilizer optima exceeding 120 kg ha ‐1.
Response of Rainfed Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to Nitrogen Rates and Plant Population in the Semi‐arid Savanna Region of Nigeria
Authors: Tenebe V. A. , Pal U. R. , Okonkwo C. A. C. , Auwalu B. M.
Published: April 2008

Field experiments were conducted during the wet seasons of 1991,1992 and 1993 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Farm, Bauchi (10 ° 22‘N, 09 ° 47‘E) to study the response of sunflower (Helianthus annaus L.) to N rates and plant population under rainfed conditions. Four N rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha ‐1) and four plant populations (40000,80000,120000 and 160000 plants ha‐1) were factorially combined in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Leaf area index, shoot dry weight and seed yield (kg ha‐1) increased significantly with increasing N rates from 0 to 100 kg N ha‐1. The growth and yield parameters per plant decreased significantly with increasing plant populations from 40000 to 160000 plants ha‐1, but the seed yield (kg ha‐1) obtained at 80000 plants ha‐1 was significantly higher than all the other plant populations. The interactions of N x plant population confounded the main effect of each factor on the growth and yield of sunflower. The seed yield (3425 kg ha‐1) obtained from the use of 100 kg N ha‐1 at 80000 plants ha‐1 was significantly higher than those obtained from all other combinations of N x population and out‐yielded the main effects of 100 kg N ha‐1 and 80000 plants ha‐1 by 18 % and 25 %, respectively. The use of 100 kg N ha‐1 at 80000 plants ha‐1 is therefore recommended for maximum yield of sunflower in Bauchi.
Grain Yields and Grain Nitrogen Concentration of Corn as Influenced by Fertilizer Nitrogen Rate
Authors: Liang B. C. , MacKenzie A. F. , Zhang T. Q.
Published: April 2008

Knowledge of optimum fertilization for com production is required to increase crop yields while minimizing fertilizer costs. Field experiments were carried out from 1988 to 1993 to study the effects of fertilizer N rates on yield and N concentration of corn (Zea mays L.) grain on a clay soil in Quebec. Grain yields and grain N concentrations generally followed a exponential relationship with increasing N fertilizer rates. The critical grain N concentration, defined as that associated with the highest grain yield, occurred at 285 kg N ha‐1 for all years except 1969 when it occurred at 170 kg N ha‐1. The critical grain N concentrations and grain yields over the years were found to be linearly related. The relationship between the critical grain N concentration and grain yield could serve as a diagnostic tool for N applications.
Broomrape Control in a Cropping System Containing Bidi Tobacco
Authors: Dhanapal G. N. , Struik P. C.
Published: April 2008

Orobanche cernua Loefl. is a serious problem in tobacco growing in India. Including a trap crop in the rotation may help to reduce the problem. Two field experiments at die Agricultural Research Station, Nipani were conducted during 1993–94 and 1994–95 to identify potential trap crops for utilization in a cropping system with bidi tobacco. Trip crops reduced the population of broomrape; especially sunhemp and greengram proved to be effective. Broomrape reduced economic yield of tobacco by 42 % in the fallow treatment but was much less detrimental in the treatments with a trap crop. There was a close negative correlation between above‐ground crop yield and the broomrape yield; broomrapes reduced the yields of their hosts much more than they invested in their own above‐pound pans. Trap crops also had a positive effect on tobacco yield by other mechanisms than above‐ground broomrape control, because yield increases were also observed on apparently non‐infested plants. There was no systematic difference between the leguminous trap crops and the non‐leguminous ones.

Sunhemp and greengram are promising trap crops in a cropping system containing bidi tobacco in the areas where tobacco is grown in a long growing season during the late kharif/rabi seasons.
Screening for Drought Resistance: Evaluation of Drought Susceptibility Index of Legume Plants under Natural Growth Conditions
Authors: Grzesiak S. , Filek W. , Pienkowski S. , Nizioł B.
Published: April 2008

Eighteen cultivars of legume species (field bean, soybean, field pea, lupine) were screened for drought tolerance in 3 year‐long field experiments. The aim of the investigations was to evaluate the generic variation of drought susceptibility of the tested varieties. The experimental plots were equipped with an installation which enabled the limitation of the water content in soil and soil irrigation. The applied drought susceptibility index (DSI) considered the relations between seed yield of plants under drought conditions (YD) and that under conditions of good soil watering (YIR) as well as their dependence on the drought severity index (DS). The use of the index divided the cultivars into two groups of different drought tolerances. The group of drought resistant cultivars characterized by mean values of the DSI index < 0.31 comprised field bean cultivars Bourdon, Gobo and Nadwislanski, soybean cultivars Aldana, Polan and Progres, field pea cultivars Miko and Solara and lupine cultivars Popiel and Bac. To the drought sensitive cultivars with DSI > 0.44 belonged Victor and Bronto of field bean species, Bareness and Mige of field pea species and Emir of lupine species. In general, the resistant cultivars when compared with the susceptible ones were characterized by lesser yield of seeds, which, however, was more stable both under conditions of drought and moistured plots. Any dependence of the degree of drought tolerance on the duration of the particular periods of plant growth was not observed in the experiments, however, both in’ drought susceptible and drought resistant cultivars there appeared the tendency to shorten the development phases under drought and to prolong them under artificial irrigation.

In general, based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that legume plants belong to the species sensitive to water supply. The observed decrease of plant seed yield under moderate natural soil dryness in the year 1993 differed only a little from that found in experiments in the years 1994 and 1995, when soil dryness was much more severe.
Screening for Drought Tolerance: Evaluation of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth for Drought Resistance in Legume Plants
Authors: Grzesiak S. , Filek W. , Skrudlik G. , Niziol B.
Published: April 2008

Experiments were performed to evaluate seed germination and seedling growth in simulated drought as screening techniques for drought tolerance raring. Several laboratory screening tests were evaluated for ability to estimate drought resistance in 18 cultivars of legume plants (field bean, soybean, field pea, lupine). Drought was simulated by a water solution of mannitol of chemical water potential ψ= ‐0.3 and ‐0.6 MPa. Both solutions significantly affected seed germination (final germination and promptness index) and seedling growth parameters (seedling height, dry matter of shoot and root as well as leaf injury by drought and high temperature). The tested cultivars could be grouped as drought resistant and drought susceptible plants. Drought tolerance ratings of legume plants in the laboratory tests were, on the whole, consistent with the ratings based on estimation of direct effects of soil drought on seed yield in field experiments. Measurements of electroconductivity of leaf diffusate to evaluate invisible injury caused by drought or high temperature were found to be an adequate criterion for drought tolerance rating. It is concluded that tolerance to drought stress in growing seedlings can be screened for by using mannitol containing nutrient solution. According to the results collected in this research, varieties differences in seed germination, seedling growth and leaf injury affected by drought or heat temperature were evident, however, not all treatments appeared to be equally useful for screening of legume species cultivars.
Non‐destructive Determination of Leaf Chlorophyll Content in Four Crop Species1
Authors: Castelli F. , Contillo R. , Miceli F.
Published: April 2008

A recent non‐destructive technique allows estimation of leaf chlorophyll content using the portable SPAD‐502 chlorophyll meter. Measurements were taken on four species (winter wheat, maize, soyabean and tobacco) subjected to different nitrogen regimes or senescence status and the: non‐destructive readings were compared with analytical results obtained by solvent extraction. In general, the relationship between the SPAD measurement and the analytical result was not linear and species was a factor in three out of four crops. Linear, quadratic and exponential curve fitting are presented; only die interpolation with a polynomial exponential function adequately descries the whole data set. The presence of statistically non‐significant differences between the estimated values of wheat and maize on the one hand and significant: points of difference between those of tobacco and soyabean on the other suggests distinct behaviour patterns far monocots and cicots. This type of response maybe explained by differences, in the optical properties of pigments with differing sparial distributions (sieve effect) and therefore by in vivo and in vitro different procedures and the structural diversity of leaves belonging to the two subclasses.
Likening Between the Effect of Drought and Terminal Water‐stress Simulated by a Senescing Agent in Triticale
Authors: Royo C. , Abaza M. , Canteró C. , Caldero A. , Ramos J. M. , del Moral L. F. García
Published: April 2008

In 1994 four field experiments were conducted at two sites (northern and southern Spain), and in two environments at each site (irrigated and dryland conditions) in order to compare the effect of drought with the stress caused by chemical treatment with a senescing agent (potassium iodide, KI). A concentration of 0.3 % of KI was applied 10 days after anthesis on triticale Trujillo (X Tnticosecale Wittmack), and four nearisogenic lines derived from it.

The effect of the senescing agent on grain yield was higher in irrigated conditions than in dryland. The reduction in grain yield due to drought was higher than that caused by KI treatment, but both responses were correlated.

Drought and KI treatment had a different effect on yield components since water stress previous to anthesis markedly reduced the number of spikes per m2. The effect of the chemical on the number of grains per spike was similar and correlated significantly with the reduction caused by drought. Dry matter accumulation of the grains decreased rapidly following chemical spray due to an important effect of KI on the grain filling rate. No association was found between the reduction in grain weight caused by drought and by KI treatment.
The Effect of Detopping the Field Bean Plants (Vicia faba L. minor) and Lack of the Pod Setting on the Symbiosis with Root Nodule Bacteria
Authors: Filek W. , Dubert F. , Kaminski M.
Published: April 2008

The plants of field bean var. Nadwiślaνski were detopped after about 1 month since the beginning of flowering and after that all flower buds were removed from some plants. The effect of a change in the trophic balance on the setting and subsequent growth of root nodules was studied.

The removal of pods had the greater effect on the increase in the weight of the remaining organs than the detopping of plants. Detopping retarded the ageing of the plants and delayed the phase of the greatest reduction of the number of pods. The detopping of plants revealed their considerable compensative possibilities in terms of production of the pod weight and the potential of leaves for biomass production. The data obtained indicate that plant detopping may disturb the root–bacteria exchange of signals, necessary to initiate the nodule development, while the further growth of nodules depends, above all, on the amount of available photosynthates.

A very high correlation between the dry weight of the whole plant to the dry weight of leaves ratio and the weight of nodules was observed. It proves the importance of the trophic balance of the plant for the root nodule weight production.
Transfer of Grain Legume Nitrogen within a Crop Rotation Containing Winter Wheat and Winter Barley
Authors: Maidl F. X. , Haunz F. X. , Panse A. , Fischbeck G.
Published: April 2008

In a crop rotation trial, conducted from 1985 to 1988 at TU‐Munich's research station in Roggenstein, the transfer of grain legume nitrogen was evaluated in crop rotations containing fababeans and dry peas as well as oats (reference crop) and winter wheat and winter barley as following crops. The results obtained can be summarized as follows:

Dinitrogen fixation by fababeans ranged from 165 to 240 kg N ha1, whereas N2‐fixation by peas amounted from 215 to 246 kg N ha−1. In all seasons the calculated N‐balance where only grain was removed was positive, with a net gain being on average 106 (peas) and 84 (fababeans) kg N ha−1.

After the harvest of peas 202 kg N ha−1 remained on the field on average over seasons (158 kg N ha−1 in the above ground biomass and 44 kg N ha−1 as NO3‐N in 0–90 cm depth). As compared to peas, fababeans left 41 kg N ha−1 less due to smaller amounts of nitrogen in the straw. After oats very small amounts of residual nitrogen (33 kg N ha−1) were detected.

After the harvest of grain legumes always a very high nitrogen mineralization was observed during autumn especially after peas due to a close C/N‐relationship and higher amounts of nitrogen in the straw as compared to fababeans. In comparison with fababeans, N‐mineralization after the cultivation of oats remained lower by more than 50%.

During winter, seepage water regularly led to a considerable decrease of soil NO3‐N content. The N‐leaching losses were especially high after cultivation of peas (80 kg N ha −1) and considerably lower after fababeans (50 kg N ha−1) and oats (20 kg N ha−1).

As compared to oats, a higher NO3‐N content in soil was determined at the beginning of the growing period after preceding grain legumes. Therefore, winter wheat yielded highest after preceding peas (68 dt ha−1) and fababeans (60 dt ha−1) and lowest after preceding oats (42 dt ha−1). The cultivation of grain legumes had no measurable effect on yield formation of the third crop winter barley in either of the growing seasons.
Relationship Among the Phytic Acid and Protein Content During Maize Grain Maturation
Authors: Horvatic M. , Balint L.
Published: April 2008

The accumulation of phytic acid with relation to the deposition of the protein component in grain during maturation of three maize varieties grown under the same topographical and agrotechnical conditions over 2 crop years was investigated.

Phytic acid was determined by the spectrophotometric method of Mohamed et al. (1986).

Phytic acid content increased significantly (P = 0.05) up until the late stage of dough grain maturity. Afterwards, until full grain maturity, no significant changes of phytic acid content have been obtained. At the same time, changes of phytic acid content expressed on a dry matter basis correlate highly significantly (P = 0.001) and negatively with total nitrogen in both vegetation years (r = ‐0.848 and r = ‐0.845) and alpha‐aminonitrogen content (r=‐0.799 and r = ‐0.792), but highly significantly (P = 0.001) and positively with prolamine content (r = 0.823 and 0.654). Grain maturation under conditions of increased moisture and lower temperature resulted in lower phytic acid level.
Seed Size Variation and its Effects on Germination and Seedling Vigour in Rice
Authors: Roy S. K. S. , Hamid A. , Miah M. Giashuddin , Hashem A.
Published: April 2008

The extent of seed size variations within a rice variety and its effect on germination and seedling vigour were investigated. Seed size was determined by weighing individual grains of randomly selected one hundred panicles. Grains were sorted into four size classes: 11–15, 16–20, 21–25 and 25–30 mg. There was nearly a three‐fold variation between the smallest and the largest seeds, which ranged from 11 to 30 mg. Germination rate and seedling vigour index values increased with the increase of seed size suggesting the selection of larger seeds for good stand establishment.
Responses of Some Newly Developed Salt‐tolerant Genotypes of Spring Wheat to Salt Stress: 1. Yield Components and Ion Distribution
Authors: Ashraf M. , O'leary J. W.
Published: April 2008

The degree of salt tolerance of two newly developed genotypes of spring wheat, S24 and S36 was assessed with respect to their parents, LU26S (from Pakistan) and Kharchia (from India). These four lines along with a salt‐tolerant genotype SARC‐1 and two salt‐sensitive cvs Potohar and Yecora Rojo were subjected to salinized sand culture containing 0, 125 or 250 mol m−3 NaCl in full strength Hoagland's nutrient solution.

S24 produced significantly greater grain yield and had greater 1000 seed weight and number of tillers per plant than those of the other cultivars /lines. S36 was not significantly different from its parents in seed yield and yield components. SARC‐1 was the second highest in grain yield of all cultivars/lines, but it did not differ significantly from LU26S and Kharchia in 1000 seed weight and number of tillers per plant.

The greater degree of salt tolerance of S24 could be related to its lower accumulation of Na+ in the leaves and maintenance of higher leaf K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivity as compared to its parents. S36, which was as good as its parents in growth, also had lower Na+ and higher K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivity in the leaves at the highest salt level than those in its parents. SARC‐1 did not differ from LU26S and Kharchia in ionic content or K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivities of both leaves and roots. Both the salt‐sensitive cultivars, Potohar and Yecora Rojo, had significantly greater leaf Na+ and Cl− concentrations and lower leaf K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivities than all the salt‐tolerant lines examined in this study.

From this study it is evident that improvement in salt tolerance of spring wheat is possible through selection and breeding, and pattern of ion accumulation is not consistent among the salt‐tolerant genotypes in relation to their degree of salt tolerance.
Biochemical Analysis of Developing Wheat Grains
Authors: Chanda S. V. , Singh Y. D.
Published: April 2008

Developing wheat grain was analysed for its fresh and dry weights, water content and some enzymes of the respiratory pathway. Grain dry weight data was fitted to a polynomial equation and biphasic linear regression analysis. Based on biphasic regression analysis and data of water content, the entire wheat grain development is divided into four phases: (i) cell division; (ii) cell elongation; (iii) dry matter accumulation; and (iv) maturation. Various enzymes of glycolysis, Oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and Tricarboxylic acid cycle have been estimated during entire wheat grain development, which recorded higher activities during cell elongation phase and maintained higher levels during dry matter accumulation phase. The role of these enzymes in the generation of NADPH and provision of carbon skeleton for starch and nucleic acid synthesis is discussed.
Effect of Mepiquat Chloride on Certain Physiological and Yield Characteristics of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Jeyakumar P. , Thangaraj M.
Published: April 2008

Studies were carried out to understand the effect of mepiquat chloride (1,1–dimethyl piperidinium chloride) on some important physiological and yield characteristics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Mepiquat chloride was sprayed at the concentration of 100, 125 and 150 ppm on 25 DAS (days after sowing), 35 DAS and 45 DAS respectively and compared with CCC (2–Chloro ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) which was sprayed at 100 ppm on 45 DAS. Response of the crop for both chemicals was almost similar but varying in magnitude. Among the treatments application of mepiquat chloride at 125 ppm on 35 DAS was found to be the best which reduced the shoot length and Leaf Area Index (LAI) and enhanced the root length and Crop Growth Rate (CGR). Yield characteristics such as Total Dry Matter Production (TDMP), number of flowers, and pod yield were also increased by the application of mepiquat chloride at 125 ppm on 35 DAS. This treatment recorded the maximum pod yield of 2611 Kg per hectare accounting for 24 % increase over CCC which is currently recommended to improve the yield of groundnut. The results of the present investigation indicated that foliar spray of mepiquat chloride at 125 ppm concentration on 35 DAS was optimum and improved the physiological efficiency of groundnut leading to higher yield.
Effect of Integration of Fertilizer and Green Manure Nitrogen on Yield Attributes, Nitrogen Uptake and Yield of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Budhar M. N. , Palaniappan S. P.
Published: April 2008

Field experiments were conducted at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, India, during the wet seasons of 1992 and 1993 to study the effect of full and partial substitution of fertiliser N with green manure N (Sesbania rostrata) on nitrogen uptake, yield attributes and yield of rice. The experiment consisted of eight treatments with two levels of N (100 and 200 kg ha−1) and three sources of N application viz., fertilizer, integrated (1:1 fertilizer and green manure N) and green manure N compared to the recommended practice (150 kg fertilizer plus 6.25 t ha−1 (72 kg N) green manure) and a no N control. Nitrogen application markedly increased the N uptake. Combined use of the two N sources at 200 and 222 kg N ha−1 and of single fertilizer N at 200 kg N ha−1 recorded the maximum N uptake, increased the yield attributes such as number of panicles per unit area, weight per panicle, number of total and filled grains per panicle and test weight. At 200 kg N ha−1 full substitution of N by green manure reduced the grain yield but only partial substitution of N by green manure resulted in almost similar yield as single fertilizer N. Thus 200 kg N ha−1 applied in equal proportions of fertilizer and green manure N can be recommended for medium duration rice cultivars.
Phosphorus Response Studies on Some Varieties of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Grown in Sand Culture
Authors: Mamo T. , Richter C. , Hoppenstedt A.
Published: April 2008

The response of four varieties each of durum wheat (DZ‐04‐118, DZ‐320, DZ‐918 and TOB‐2) and tef (DZ‐01‐354, DZ‐01‐787, DZ‐01‐1445, and DZ‐Cr‐37) to P application levels was examined in a sand culture study conducted in a glasshouse for 4 weeks. Results showed that plant height, shoot and root dry weights, and plant P uptake were increased by increasing levels of P application from 0 to 5 (tef) and 0 to 10 mg P 100 g−1 (wheat). Varietal differences were also observed in all parameters, except in shoot dry weight of the four durum wheat varieties. In general, all modern varieties of the two crops showed better growth and P uptake than the corresponding traditional varieties. The short period study proved that variations generally existed in the P responses of durum wheat and tef varieties which may be confirmed by long‐term study up to maturity. Inclusion of more populations in similar studies may help to identify P efficient genotypes.
Effect of Zinc and Iron Supply on Production Potential of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Tandon P. K.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was performed to study the effect of zinc and iron supply on grain yield in four promising varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) viz. IR‐20, Jaya, Pusa 2–21, and IET‐1444. Three doses of ZnSO4 or FeSO4 (0, 20 or 40 kg ha−1) along with all possible combinations were investigated. The varietal differences were significant in grain yield ha−1. The grain yield increased with the dose of zinc and Jaya but not significantly in IR‐20. The increase in grain yield was more significant and dose dependent in IET‐1444 than in Jaya in response to iron application.
Effect of Foliar Applications of Glycinebetaine on Stress Tolerance, Growth, and Yield of Spring Cereals and Summer Turnip Rape in Finland
Authors: Mäkelä P. , Mantila J. , Hinkkanen R. , Pehu E. , Peltonen‐Sainio P.
Published: April 2008

Crop losses caused by environmental stresses might be reduced by applying osmoprotectans to crop canopies. Glycinebetaine is endogenously accumulated by some halophytes under stress conditions and represents such a compound. Glycinebetaine was applied exogenously to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), spring wheat (Triticum aestwum L.), and summer turnip rape (Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera DC.) canopies and its optimal concentration was monitored in the greenhouse. In field experiments the response of crop plants to betaine applications was assessed by measuring accumulation of above ground biomass, leaf area index (LAI), leaf chlorophyll, and yield. The optimum betaine concentration producing advantageous effects on growth and crop physiology in turnip rape was close to 0.1 M and for wheat 0.3 M. Such concentrations promoted accumulation of betaine similar to that of halophytes under stress conditions [ca. 200 μmol (g DM)−1]. In the 1993 field experiment peak LAIs were recorded in irrigated wheat and barley treated with 17.5 kg ha−1 betaine applied at 300 1 ha−1. Green leaf area was slightly more persistent in wheat treated twice with 1 kg ha−1 betaine applied at 200 1 ha−1 in 1994, although it was not associated with increased grain yield. Our results indicated that betaine has no actual potential in Finland for the principal grain crops but further studies are needed in stress prone environments to assess the potential of betaine treatments for preventing crop failures.
Kartierung und geostatistische Analyse der Unkrautverteilung in Zuckerrübenschlägen als Grundlage für eine teilschlagspezifische Bekämpfung
Authors: Gerhards R. , Sökefeld M. , Knuf D. , Kühbauch W.
Published: April 2008

Mapping and geostatistical analysis of weed distribution in sugarbeet fields for site‐specific weed management

Field experiments were conducted to study the distribution of weeds in 18 sugarbeet fields of 3 ha each. The distance between each sampling point was 7.5–20 m. Weed density was counted and maps were plotted for the distribution of Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum using linear interpolation. Geostatistical methods were applied to analyse the variance of weed density between the sampling points. A clear detection of weed patches was possible when the variance of weed density at a single sampling point ‘nugget effect’ was low and a high continuity between neighbouring grid points existed. If soil conditions or cultivation methods are not homogeneous in the field (drift), no continuity between the sampling points was found. Geostatistical analysis of the weed distribution in agricultural fields provide helpful information for a site‐specific weed management.
Response of Mustard to Ethrel Spray and Basal and Foliar Application of Nitrogen
Authors: Khan N. A.
Published: April 2008

In a field trial conducted during 1992–93 and 1993–94, the effect of basal (B) nitrogen (N) (45 and 60 kg N ha−1) and foliar application (F) of water (W) or 10 kg N ha−1 and 400 or 600 ppm ethrel (E) (2‐Chloro ethyl phosphonic acid) at 70 days after sowing was studied on leaf area index and dry mass at 90 days and pod number per plant, seeds per pod, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, oil content and oil vield at harvest of mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.) cv. T‐59. Recommended basal (B) application of 90 kg N ha (BN90) was used as control. On the basis of 2 year data it was found that basal application of 60 kg N and foliar spray of 10 kg N ha −1 and 600 ppm ethrel gave higher values for growth and yield characteristics and enhanced seed yield and oil yield by 12.5 and 14.8%, respectively over control BN90.
Management of Broomrape (Orobanche spp.) – A review
Authors: Dhanapal G. N. , Struik P. C. , Udayakumar M. , Timmermans P. C. J. M.
Published: April 2008

Broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) are phanerogamic holoparasites that subsist upon the roots of many important crops thus causing considerable yield losses, especially in the drier and warmer areas of Europe, Africa and Asia.

The major principles of reducing the seed bank and controlling the weed in the germination and parasitic/ reproductive phases are critically reviewed. Practices to control broomrape include physical methods (weeding, soil tillage, flooding, irrigation, solarization, flaming), chemical methods (soil fumigation, herbicide application, use of germination stimulants) and biological methods (use of resistant or tolerant varieties, cropping systems with trap and catch crops, intercropping, biological control with insects or fungi). Cultural practices which help to avoid germination, infection or strong reproduction of the weed or improve the crop's tolerance should be optimized.

However, no single cheap method can control the weed, so integrated management practices are required. Integrated control strategies are site‐ and cropping‐system specific but have in common that measures are taken to kill part of the seed bank, induce the conditioned seeds to germinate in the absence of the commercial crop, kill emerging Orobanche shoots before seed set during growth of the commercial crop and further reduce or avoid damage to the commercial crop.
Analysis of Growth and Productivity of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) in Relation to FYM, Nitrogen and Source of Fertilizer
Authors: Patel R. H. , Meisheri T. G. , Patel J. R.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1992–93 and 1993–94 at Anand to study the effect of FYM, nitrogen and source of fertilizer on growth and yield of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson]. The results showed significant variation in leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), dry matter production and seed yield. The direct effect of farmyard manure (FYM) was conspicuous in improving the growth of mustard. FYM application at 10 tonnes ha−1 significantly increased the LAI, CGR and dry matter accumulation per plant at almost all the stages during first year study (1992–93) and in pooled analysis. Similarly, nitrogen application registered maximum LAI, CGR at 75 kg level and RGR and NAR at 50 kg level at almost all the during both years. Sulphur carrying source (Ammonium sulphate plus single super phosphate) increased all stages growth characters. Maximum dry matter accumulation per plant and seed yield were recorded with highest levels of FYM (20 tonnes ha−1), N (75 kg ha−1) and source having S. Seed yield was strongly associated with LAI and dry matter accumulation per plant at all the stages.
Studies on the Effect of Moisture Stress at Different Growth Phases on Seed Vigour, Viability and Storability in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Ramamoorthy K. , Basu R. N.
Published: April 2008

Studies were conducted on the influence of moisture stress at different growth phases, either alone or in combination, on seed yield, quality and longevity in groundnut, at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore. At the end of each growth phase, irrespective of available soil moisture, plots were irrigated with a measured quantity of water to a depth of 5 cm, sufficient to raise the soil moisture content of top 30 cm layer to field capacity. Plots which received stress were not irrigated in the respective growth phases. Moisture stress during the combined reproductive phases, viz. flowering + pegging and pegging + maturity, had a mitigating influence on growth and yield to a greater extent than stress at other phases. Though water deficit at different growth phases had no impact on viability and vigour of fresh seeds, it helped to enhance the longevity and the greater the stress the better the storability. The conversion of oil into free fatty acids was least in seeds collected from stress. Membrane integrity as indicated by electrical conductivity and leachate amino acids were also minimal in seeds from stressed plots.
Growth and Yield Response of Lentil Cultivars to Phosphorus, Zinc and Biofertilizers
Authors: Krishnareddy S. V. , Ahlawat I. P. S.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted to study the growth and yield responses of lentil cultivars to phosphorus, zinc and biofertilizer application on a sandy loam soil during the winter seasons of 1989–90 and 1990–91 at the farm of Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. The two lentil cultivars used in the study were Microsperma (JL 1) and Macrosperma (Lens 4076) and the biofertilizers were Rhizobium and VAM fungi. Results showed that higher values of LAI, root nodulation, yield attributes (number of pods plant−1, number of grains pod−1 and grain yield plant−1), grain yield and harvest index were obtained from JL 1 whereas plant height and 1000 grain weight were higher in Lens 4076. Application of 17.2 kg Pha−1 as single superphosphate (SSP) along with 5 kg Znha−1 as zinc sulphate resulted in marked improvement in growth and yield attributes, grain yield and harvest index when compared with the 17.2 kg P as rock phosphate (with and without Zn) and the control treatments. Combined inoculation of Rhizobium and VAM fungi resulted in improved growth and yield attributes, grain yield and harvest index when compared with inoculation of either of the inocula at a time.
Comparison of Full‐flavoured Varieties of Burley Tobacco
Authors: Castelli F. , Carotenuto R. , Contillo R.
Published: April 2008

Nine Burley tobacco cultivars were tested in three locations of the Veneto region during 3 years in order to single out the ones most suitable for the target environment.

Differences among cultivars were found for plant development indicators, yield and visual quality of the cured leaf, but not for physical and chemical properties of the leaf, even if most characters varied widely among the environments. High yields combined well with high scores of Quality Index. F1, hybrids CAS 83–1E and C. 03–6 resulted on average the best performing cultivars, both for yield and quality, confirming the findings of previous trials.
Effects of Seed Size and Seed Substances of Lupins on Seedling Emergence and Root System Development in Relation to Sowing Depth, Soil Water and Gibberellin
Authors: SIDIRAS N. , KARSIOTI S.
Published: April 2008

Effects of seed size and organic substances on seedling emergence and root elongation were studied in four poi experiments with five cultivars of lupins. Sowing depth, soil water and the influence of gibbereilin GA, on seeds were investigated too. Seed size, carbohydrates and fats were found to affect the rate of seedling emergence and root elongation.

Treatment of seeds with gibberellin had no effect on seedling emergence or on the superrerrestrial growth of lupins, but acted remarkably otherwise on root formation