bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Effects on Seedling Roots of Crucifers and Legumes
Authors: Ilgen B. , Stamp P.
Published: April 2008

Crucifers, like oilradish and mustard as well as the legumes pea and vetch, are often grown as catch crops. Differences in the content of soil nitrogen, left by preceding crops, may influence seedling root development. Exact observations under field conditions are difficult. For this reason, plants of the above mentioned species were grown in tubes filled with a solid soil substrate for 14 days. Nitrogen was added at six levels (mg N/100 g substrate: 0, 0.32, 0.64, 1.28, 2.56, 3.84). Shoot dry matter increased with N supply, but N concentrations of 2.56 g N and 3.84 N hindered the production of shoot dry matter. A low to medium N supply was generally optimum, while above this level of N a strong reduction in root dry matter occurred. The shoot: root ratios for pea, vetch and oilradish were minimum at a low N supply, and increased with a higher N supply. In mustard, the root surface area was reduced by any increase in N supply, while pea, vetch and oilradish had optimum values at medium N supply. Generally, the root surface area was reduced by a very high N supply. In crucifers, an initially very wide ratio of root surface area: root dry matter decreased with even a slight increase in N supply. In the legumes, a rather close ratio remained almost constant at lower levels of N supply but increased somewhat at medium and higher N levels. The length of the main root axis of the legumes had an optimum at a higher N concentration than that of oilradish while an increase in N supply always reduced the length of the main root of mustard. With the exception of pea, a very high N supply generally reduced the length of the main root. Length of lateral roots was usually retarded by nitrogen. In crucifers, a low to medium N supply increased the number of laterals markedly, whereas they were clearly reduced at a high N supply. The legumes showed no reaction to a low N supply, whereas at a high N supply the number of lateral roots increased. Implications of these results for the choice of catch crops for specific purposes are discussed.
Cotton Response to Salinity and Different Potassium‐Sodium Ratio in Irrigation Water
Authors: Abd Ella M. K. , Shalaby Essam E.
Published: April 2008

The present study was designed to investigate cotton response to different salinity levels at different K/Na ratios of irrigation water.

The salinity levels in irrigation water were 3200 and 6400 mg/1 and the control treatment had a 320 mg/L. Potassium/Sodium ratios in irrigation water were 1: 9 and 1: 4.

Some agronomic traits were studied as well as leaf water Potential (LWP), and leaf samples were taken for elemental analysis.

Statistical analysis showed that increasing total salinity of irrigation water reduced seed yield and total dry weight of cotton but not number of total or open bolls. Lower K/Na ratio (1:9) was of benificial effects on most agronomic traits.

Increasing salinity of irrigation water caused an increase in Na, but not K or Ca content of the cotton leaves; while decreasing K/Na ratio in the saline irrigation water decreased the K/Na ratio in the leaves. Lower leaf water potential was found to be associated with higher levels of both water salinity and K/Na ratio.

A strong relationships were found between cotton seed yield, LWP and K/total bases content in leaves. Ionic content relations (K/Na and K/total bases content) were found to be of a strong association with LWP.

In brief, it could be concluded that increasing K to certain extent; K/Na (1: 9) could be useful in irrigating cotton plant with high water salinity.

The benificial effects of potassium additions to diminish the salinity effects in cotton may be the consequence of improved plant water relations, as well as the status of ion relationships.
Changes of the Methionine Content During Maize Grain Maturation
Authors: Horvatić Marija , Balint L.
Published: April 2008

The changes in the amounts of dry matter, total nitrogen and methionine during maturation of normal maize hybrids grown under the same topographical and agrotechnical conditions on two consecutive vegetation years were examined.

Total nitrogen was determined by Kjeldahl's method and methionine spectrophotometrically from papain hydrolysate by the method of McCarthy and Sullivan. Analysis of variance was applied to assess the significance of the changes in particular components during grain maturation.

A significant increase (p = 0.01) in amounts of the all investigated components in original grain matter up until a late stage of dough maturity in both vegetation years was determined. The increase was mostly expressed by the end of milky maturity. The correlation between these components during maturation is positive and highly significant (p = 0.001). The methionine content in dry matter attained in stage of milky maturation the value being characteristic for mature grain. On a total‐proteins basis, the methionine content is significantly the least (p = 0.01) at the early stage of milky maturation and increases up until dough maturity reaching a value that does not significantly differ from the value in full maturity of grain.
Effect of Component Densities on the Productivity of Soybean/Maize and Soybean/Sorghum Intercrop
Authors: Pal U. R. , Oseni T. O. , Norman J. C.
Published: April 2008

Field experiments were conducted during the wet seasons of 1986 and 1987 at the Yandev Agricultural Experiment Station to investigate the effects of component density on the yield of sorghum or maize intercropped with soybean. Seed yield of the monocrops of sorghum, maize and soybean were higher than the individual components in the intercrops. Yields of component crops in the intercrop varied significantly with the components population density. The sorghum/soybean intercrops which had LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) up to 1.40 in 1986 and 1.35 in 1987 were more productive than soybean/maize intercrop with maximum LER of 1.28 and 1.34 respectively during 1986 and 1987. Similarly the ATER (Area X Time Equivalent Ratio) of sorghum/soybean was greater than in soybean/maize. However, for maximum productivity of sorghum or maize intercropped with soybean, optimum population of one component crop plus 1/2 optimum population of the companion crop is recommended depending on which of the crop is regarded as main or minor crop.
Stickstoffverluste unter begülltem Grünland
Authors: Thome U. , Kühbauch W. , Stratmann B.
Published: April 2008

Leaching of nitrogen from permanent grassland treated with cattle slurry

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cattle slurry and mineral nitrogen fertilization on nitrate contamination of the interflow soil water.

Field experiments were conducted at grassland research station ‘Rengen’ in the Eifel area (475 m a.s.L., 7.5 °C mean temperature, 806 mm mean yearly precipitation). In the respective plots soil consisted of 40 cm loamy material over a compact, almost water impermeable soil layer. The 2 × 6 m sized individual plots were prepared 1985 in a way so that surrounding soil was removed down to the compact soil layer about 45 cm deep and the monolith beeing packed by polyethylene sheets, waterproofing the plots down to the water impermeable soil layer. At the open lower ends of the plots near the soil surface and at 45 cm depth respectively, metal sheets were inserted to drain the surface run‐off and interflow water into gutters and from there into collecting tanks.

Nitrogen fertilization included two cattle slurry treatments (240 kg and 480 kg ha−1 a−1 total nitrogen), combination of mineral nitrogen with cattle slurry (200 kg + 160 kg ha−1 a−1) and mineral nitrogen treatments without slurry (200 kg ‐ ha−1 a−1). Control plots received neither mineral nor slurry nitrogen. The quantification of interflow water and its nitrogen concentration started in 1986. In this year relatively high nitrate concentrations up to 56 mg l−1 appeared in the interflow water. 1987 nitrogen concentrations dramatically decreased to mean values between 10 and 15 mg l−1 in all fertilization treatments. Similar levels of nitrate concentrations were observed in the following two years. Total amounts of nitrogen losses did nor exceed 5 kg ha−1 a−1 in any of the years from 1986 to 1988, nor were differences observed in nitrate concentration among the fertilization treatments.
Contribution of Pre‐ and Post‐anthesis Photosynthates to Grains in Pearl Millet under Water Deficit
Authors: Mahalakshmi V. , Sivaramakrishnan S. , Bidinger F. R.
Published: April 2008

When rains end early, grain yield productivity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.), a rainfed cereal crop of arid and semi‐arid regions is limited by water deficits during flowering and grainfilling. Reserves of assimilates present at flowering and available for later remobilization to the grains, could act has buffer under water deficit conditions during flowering and grainfilling. The contribution of pre‐ and post‐anthesis assimilates to grain yield under water‐deficit conditions during flowering and grainfilling was investigated by 14C labeling of leaves at boot and 10 days after anthesis of field‐grown plants. Water deficit resulted in 20 percent reduction to grain yield in the main tiller. The distribution pattern of labeled carbon at harvest in various plant parts in water deficit and irrigated control treatments was similar. About 25 percent of the pre‐anthesis assimilates was translocated to the grain at harvest, while 95 percent of the post‐anthesis (current) assimilates was translocated to the grain. At grain maturity, about 60 percent of the pre‐anthesis assimilate was distributed in inflorescence structures, and in upper three inter‐nodes which were the active sinks at boot stage. Post‐anthesis assimilates were directed towards the grain development which was the active sink after flowering. In conclusion, about 25 percent of the pre‐anthesis assimilates are translocated to the grain at harvest and there was no additional contribution under water deficit and post‐anthesis assimilates were primarily translocated to the developing grain.
Effect of Time of Harvest and Storage Conditions on Germination of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt)
Authors: Sangakkara U. R.
Published: April 2008

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a valuable tropical spice crop, which is not easily propagated vegetatively. As the seeds of this species lose viability soon after harvest, storage for research causes problems, especially due to the seasonality of production. Thus, a study evaluated the characteristics of nutmeg seeds, and the relationship between time of harvest, drying temperature, and storage condition on germinability. Seeds were picked at full maturity, full ripeness or were collected within 2 hours after falling from the tree. Seed moisture contents, germination characters and germination indices were determined soon after harvest. The freshly fallen seeds were used for the drying and storage due to their better germination characters and higher germination index.

Seed moisture contents were high in the seeds. These values decreased and germinability increased with increasing seed maturity. Germination percentages were lost at higher moisture contents at a faster rate when dried at higher temperatures. All seeds lost germinability at moisture contents below 45 % (dry wt basis) when dried at the selected temperatures. Germination of stored seed were maintained for a longer period of time when stored at 5 °C in sealed transparent polythene packs, in contrast to when stored at room temperature. The results suggest the recalcitrant nature of nutmeg seeds and present possible methods of storage for short period of time while maintaining some degree of germinability.
Relationship Between Cold Severity and Yield Loss in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)*
Authors: Singh K. B. , Malhotra R. S. , Saxena M. C.
Published: April 2008

Seed yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is substantially increased by advancing sowing date from the traditional spring to early winter at low to medium elevation areas around the Mediterranean Sea. This shift, however, increases the probability of the exposure to subzero temperatures as low as ‐10 °C for up to 60 days in a year. These low temperatures often reduce seed yield of cold‐susceptible cultivars. Yield losses from cold were estimated in two experiments conducted at Tel Hadya, Syria. In experiment 1, of 96 genotypes sown on nine dates ranging from autumn to spring during the 1981–82 season, those lacking tolerance to cold were killed and produced no yield in autumn sowing, whereas lines with cold tolerance produced nearly 4 t/ha which corresponds to a four‐fold increase over spring sowing. Moderately cold‐tolerant genotypes sown during early winter produced substantially more seed yield than the normal spring‐sown crop. Seedlings were more cold tolerant than the plants in early or late vegetative stages. In experiment 2, in which yield loss due to cold in the field was estimated in 12 yield trials comprising 288 newly bred lines in the 1989–90 season, the regression of cold susceptibility on seed yield in each of the trials was highly significant and negative. On average, winter‐sown trials produced 67 % more seed yield than spring‐sown trials, but 125 out of 288 genotypes produced yield more than double in winter sowing. Early maturing lines suffered severe cold damage and many lines produced no seed.
Influence of Soil Moisture on Growth, Water Use and Yield of Mustard
Authors: Begum F. A. , Paul N. K.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of soil moisture on growth, water use and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L. cv. Rai 5). Two soil moisture regimes were rainfed and irrigated at 10 days interval throughout the growing season. The total amount of water received as irrigation was 110 mm and as rainfall was 15 mm. Total dry matter per unit ground area, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were increased and leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA) were decreased by irrigation. Chlorophyll content and relative leaf water content (RLWC) were increased by irrigation, but proline content was greater in the rainfed crop at both the flowering and pod‐filling stages. Time taken to first flowering, duration of flowering, number of seeds/pod and harvest index were unaffected by irrigation. Plant height at harvest, number of pods/plant, seed yield and oil content of seeds were increased and 1000‐seed weight was decreased by irrigation. The consumptive use of water increased with an increase in water supply, but the water use efficiency (WUE) was decreased.
Integrated Nitrogen Management with Green Manures in Rice‐Chickpea Cropping System
Authors: Rathore A. L. , Patel S. L. , Pali G. P.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted during wet and dry seasons of 1987–88 and 1988–89 to evaluate the performance of green manures with and without fertilizer nitrogen in lowland rice and their residual effect on succeeding crop of chickpea grown under rice‐chickpea cropping system. Incorporation of Ipomea carnea (green leaves), Cassia tora and Parthenium hysterophorus (green young plants) ca. 5 t/ha fresh weight significantly improved yield and yield components namely panicles per hill, panicle length, grains per panicle and test weight of transplanted rice. The results showed that at least 20 kg/ha fertilizer nitrogen applied to rice could be replaced by incorporation of 5 t/ha fresh weight green manure. Supplementation of 60 kg N/ha through urea to the green manures treated plots proved to be the best in respect of grain yield and was comparable to the yield obtained under 80 kg N/ha as urea alone. Plant N‐uptake followed the similar pattern of rice grain yield. Residual fertility in terms of available nitrogen increased under the green manure treatments, whereas urea nitrogen alone made no impact on fertility build‐up. Green manures showed significantly higher residual response than fertilizer N alone to seed yield and N uptake of chickpea.
Effect of Low Soil Temperature on Weight Increase, Gas Exchange and Distribution of 14C‐Assimilates in Seedlings of a Maize Hybrid
Authors: Kościelniak J. , Janowiak F. , Biesaga‐Kościelniak J.
Published: April 2008

Seedlings of a maize hybrid sensitive to chilling initially grew in the growth chamber of the phytotron at 20/ 17°C (day/night) and after the formation of the fourth leaf, the soil temperature was lowered to 5°C. Under such growth conditions the dynamics of dry weight change, gas exchange and the distribution of 14C‐assimilates in seedlings were examined. The low soil temperature inhibited daily growth of dry weight of whole seedlings more than their photosynthesis. Simultaneously, it was also responsible for a greater increase in dissimilative losses.

During 37 hours (day‐night‐day), following exposure to 14CO2, dissimilation in seedlings in cool soil (5°C) and in non‐chilling conditions amounted to 35.1 % and 23.4 % of assimilated 14C (AC), respectively. At lower soil temperature relatively high dissimilative losses were observed on the first day after exposure (23.5 %), lower at night (9.9 %) and the lowest on the following day ‐ merely 1.7 % AC. Higher losses of 14C under chilling conditions occurring on the first day were a result of limited photosynthetic refixation of 14CO2 At night, however, they were associated with a prolonged period of intensive translocation of assimilates to the stem. It was assumed that an excessive accumulation of assimilates in leaf blades might be an additional factor responsible for increased dissimilative losses at low temperature during the first twenty‐four hours. In the third period of measurements, as a result of a limited transport of 14C, dissimilative losses were lower than in previous ones and were not dependent upon soil temperature.
Comparison of Harvest Index and Grain/Straw‐Ratio with Applications to Winter Oilseed Rape
Authors: Hühn M.
Published: April 2008

To compare the statistical properties of harvest index and grain/straw‐ratio their variabilities (expressed by the relative measure coefficient of variation), their skewnesses and kurtoses have been compared theoretically.

With regard to variability, the harvest index exhibits a clear superiority (= smaller variability) compared to the grain/straw‐ratio. For skewness and kurtosis no such generally valid relationships exist. But, for the range of the empirically most relevant parameter values one obtains approximately equal numerical values for skewness as well as for kurtosis of harvest index and grain/straw‐ratio. Finally, the theoretical results and conclusions have been checked and applied to the experimental data sets from a field trial with ten European cultivars/lines of winter oilseed rape.
Autoecological Studies on Mottra (Clinogyne dichotomy Salisb)
Authors: Singha Roy A. K. , Saha B. C. , Saha D. K.
Published: April 2008

Clinogyne dichotoma, Salisb, belonging to the family Marantaceae, is a perennial crop with remarkable morphological characteristic. Present study on the anatomical features revealed their adaptability in waterlogged low‐lying marshy lands unsuitable for the cultivation of any other crop.
Performance of Spelt (Triticum spelta L.) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at two Different Seeding Rates and Nitrogen Levels under Contrasting Environmental Conditions
Authors: Rüegger A. , Winzeler H.
Published: April 2008

The aim of this investigation was to obtain information about differences between spelt and wheat in relation to their performance under low‐input conditions. Two spelt varieties (Oberkulmer, Hercule) and two wheat varieties (Anna, Iend) were grown at two different seeding rates (S1 = 200; S2 = 400 kernels/m2) and two nitrogen levels (Nl = 80 kg N/ha; N2 = 110 kg N/ha) at two contrasting locations (Muri; altitude 459 m asl; Oberwallestalden: altitude 1011 m asl). No growth regulators and fungicides were applied.

The overall mean for the “husked” yield (grains and glumes) of spelt was not significantly different from the grain yield of wheat. At the higher site Oberwallestalden however, the “husked” yield of spelt was 10.5 % higher than the grain yield of wheat. Although the number of ears per m2 was higher at S2 than at S1, spelt and wheat produced a similar yield at both seeding rates (spelt: S1 = 96 % of S2; wheat: S1 = 95 % of S2) due to the higher single ear weight at S1.

The reaction of spelt and wheat to nitrogen was similar. The yield was 10 % higher at N2 than at Nl for both species. The performance of spelt under low‐input conditions was better than for wheat in marginal areas for cereal production only.
Interaction of Late Season Foliar Spray of Urea and Fungicide Mixture in Wheat Production
Authors: Peltonen Jari
Published: April 2008

Nitrogen (N) fertilization with foliar urea and fungicide treatment at flag leaf emergence (GS 47) are common strategies to improve both grain yield and quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Mixing of urea and a fungicide, together, would save time in farm operations. In some cases, the effect of foliar sprayings of urea either alone or in combination with a fungicide may, however, give unexpected low response to grain yield and quality when compared to separate application of foliar urea and fungicide. This study was designated to provide more detailed information about the effects of late‐season spraying of urea (15 kg N ha−1 as an aqueous solution of 110 g l−1) alone or mixed with fungicide (propiconazole, 125 g ha−1) on the grain yield and grain protein content of spring wheat. To avoid foliar injury or phytotoxic effect of foliar spray of urea, mixing of urea with propiconazole in warm growing conditions should be avoided. In turn, during cool and rainy growing season, a mixture of these two chemicals is recommended in order to improve rapid absorbtion of both propiconazole and foliar urea. However, the genotypic differences were recorded in response to propiconazole and urea sprayings. The positive effects on cultivars of these chemicals were attributed to high leaf photosynthesis rate after propiconazole and foliar urea treatment and high leaf urease enzyme activity after foliar urea application.
Influence of Slight Shading, Sward Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Nutritive Value of Lolium multiflorumo Lam.
Authors: Isselstein J.
Published: April 2008

In a two year factorial field trial the influence of slight shading (daylight reduced by 27 %), row spacing (15 and 30 cm respectively) and N fertilization (60 and 120 kg* ha−1*cut−1 respectively) on yield and nutritive value of Lolium multiflorum (Lam.) was investigated. Three cuts were taken in the seeding year and four in the full harvest year. Shading reduced DM yield by 4 % at low and 16 % at high level of N fertilization. Higher amount of N fertilizer increased yield by 28 % without and 12 % with shading. Row spacing was of minor importance; on average wider spacing decreased yield by 9 %. Increasing N fertilization and shading had the same effects on nutritive value: crude protein (CP), nitrate content and protein/energy ratio (P/E) went up, whereas energy value (NEL) went down. Compared to the effects of shading or N fertilization, the influence of sward density on nutritive value was small. The effect of shading and high fertilization on nutritive value was similar in both years. However for vegetatively grown forage in the seeding year shading caused P/E values and nitrate contents too high for an adequate ruminant feeding which was already evident at low level of N fertilization; also increased supply of N fertilizer without shading deteriorated the nutritive value. On the other hand forage of the full harvest year (at reproductive stages) showed too high P/E values only in shaded and highly fertilized plots. Therefore N fertilization ought to be limited at periods when the grass only grows vegetatively and/or light intensity is low, like e.g. in autumn. None of the experimental treatments had any marked effect on the fibre content of the forage (ADF) in the seeding year; in the full harvest year, however, when plants grew reproductively, shading as well as higher N fertilization increased ADF content. There was no significant correlation between ADF and NEL for vegetatively grown plants but a close relation for plants which were at reproductive stages.
Zum Einfluß von Untersaaten zur Begrünung von Ackerbrachen auf die Vegetationsentwicklung und die Nitratdynamik
Authors: Von Boberfeld W. Opitz , Schultheiss U.
Published: April 2008

The influence of undersown green manure crops for fallows – set‐aside land – in view of vegetation‐development and the dynamic of nitrate

In view of the establishment of rotational fallows ‐ set‐aside land ‐ as well as the bridging of the vegetation‐free winter period the suitability of different undersown grasses and legumes m winter cereals was investigated in field trials. Festuca rubra developed well in winter barley and winter wheat. The success of the cultivation of Lolium perenne, Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens in winter cereals is uncertain because of the risk of light and water deficiences. Dactylis glomerata caused an negative influence on the yield of the cover crop. During the fallow period only low levels of nitrate could be found in the soil. Under fallow tilled repeatedly complete fallow‐ a nitrate accumulation could be observed during the fallow period. After ploughing up the fallow vegetation, nitrate concentrations ‐ depth 0–150 cm – increased to 60 kg NO3‐N · ha‐1 after the natural fallow without seeding, between 60 and 130 kg NO3‐N · ha‐1 after Trifolium and between 160 and 210 kg NO3‐N · ha‐1 after complete fallow. Lowest nitrate levels were observed from the grass‐sites. Undersown Festuca rubra seems to be the best choice in order to compete with weeds, to form a dense sod and to prevent nitrate leaching. In general a seed rate of 8 kg · ha‐1 can be recommended.
Berry and True Potato Seed Production in Relation to Nitrogen Fertilization*
Authors: Randhawa G. J. , Bhargava R.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted at the Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, in 1991 to ascertain the effect of nitrogen fertilization on berry and true potato seed production in two commercial cultivars. It was observed that the 100 seed weight of Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Lalima was significantly higher when higher doses of nitrogen (120 to 240 kg/ha) were applied. It was further found that 100 seed weight was not related to the berry size.
Interaction of Salinity and Temperature on the Germination of Sorghum
Authors: Esechie H. A.
Published: April 2008

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the effect of salinity × temperature interactions on the germination of sorghum. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Sorghum seeds were sown in petri dishes with saline solutions of varying concentrations (electrical conductivities of 0.01, 6.4, 12.2, 17.4, 22.6, 27.2, 32.1, and 37.2 dSm‐1) prepared with NaCl. The germination responses of the seeds were determined over a wide range of temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C) for a period of 8 days. Salinity × temperature interactions were highly significant at each counting date. Although, increased salinity resulted in decreased germination percentages, the detrimental effect of salinity was generally less severe at higher temperatures. Germination rate index, computed from germination counts taken every 2 days, was influenced by salinity and temperature in a similar pattern as final germination. Seed germination was more tolerant to salinity at germination temperatures of 30–40 °C than at 15–25 °C.
Effects of Temperature and Frost on Genotypes of Medicago truncatuh L. and Medicago aculeata L. from Contrasting Climatic Origins
Authors: Bounejmate M. , Loss S. P. , Robson A. D.
Published: April 2008

The growth of M. truncatula and M. aculeata genotypes collected from sites of contrasting altitudes and winter temperatures was compared under different temperature regimes. Genotypes collected from mild winter environments produced more shoot dry matter, had higher leaf area and lower specific leaf weight than those from cold environments; however these effects were largely related to seed size for M. aculeata. Only genotypes from mild environments were responsive to temperature.

Frost tolerance of the genotypes was tested using a laboratory freezing test based on seedling survival. There was a relationship between frost tolerance and winter temperature at site of collection for M. aculeata, with the most frost tolerant genotypes coming from high altitudes. All genotypes of M. truncatula demonstrated low survival rates following frost damage. Genotypes from high altitudes represent a promising source for breeding for first tolerance with greater variation m M. aculeata than M. truncatula.
Identifizierung verschiedener Miscanthus‐Sorten mittels Isoenzymen
Authors: Von Wühlisch G. , Deuter M. , Muhs H.‐J.
Published: April 2008

Identification of Miscanthus Varieties by their Isozymes

With the aim of testing the possibility of identifying Miscanthus varieties, zymograms of 13 isozymes from 65 plants of M. smensis, M.×giganteus and M. sacchariflorus were analysed using starch‐gel electrophoresis. The zymograms of root, rhizome, and leaf tissues were compared. After similarity between the zymograms of the different types of tissues had been established, the tissue of young leaves was used for analysis. The zymograms of the different isozymes are variable in most cases and show as many as nine patterns. The large variation between the varieties allows an identification of each of the varieties analysed. About half of the plants could be attributed to M.×giganteus. In this group of plants, different variants were found in the isozymes of diaphorases and glutamate‐oxalacetate‐transammases. These variants might indicate that M.×giganteus includes more than one genotype. Some of the plants which were assumed to belong to M.×giganteus could clearly be excluded from this variety. Although some of the varieties can only be unequivocally identified by their flowers, it is possible to analyse the isozymes even in the dormant state of the rhizomes, thus, this method offers a simple way of identifymg Miscanthus varieties by the principle of exclusion, independent of the physiological state of the plant.
The Physiology of Seed Germination in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) Cultivar GG‐2. I. Effect of Seed Size
Authors: Trivedi M. L. , Bhatt P. H.
Published: April 2008

The seeds of groundnut cultivar GG‐2 were categorized according to their test weight (100 seed weight) as bold (58.2 g), medium (37.9 g), small (24.9 g), small wrinkled (13.4 g) and control (30.3 g) seed lot. The variation in their size and dimension was also taken into account. The overall germination percentage was high for medium size seeds and was closely followed by bold seeds. The performance of the small and small wrinkled seeds was comparable to that of control. The seed vigour was found to be higher with heavier seeds. Small seeds exhibited equally good performance in response to seed germination and growth of the seedling components. There were no significant differences for the development of hypocotyl, epicotyl and plumule.
The Relation between Stand Density and the Structure of Spring Rape (Brassica Napus L.)
Authors: Pahkala K. , Sankari H. , Ketoja E.
Published: April 2008

The relation between stand density and structure of spring rape (Brassica napus L.) was described with the aid of comprehensive measurements of structure. The structural components measured were plant height, stem diameter at root collar, site of the lowest pod on the main raceme, number of pods on the main raceme, site of the lowest branch on the main stem, number of primary branches and number of pods on the branches. The experiment was conducted at two nitrogen levels, 110 and 180 kg ha', and was replicated in 3 years, 1988, 1989 and 1990. Stand density was varied by using five different seeding rates and the number of plants m‐2 evaluated immediately prior to harvest was used to express the stand density. In the years considered, the densities varied between 16 and 520 plants m‐2. The relationship between plant density and rape plant structure was adequately described each year by a mukivariate second degree polynomial model. Varying the nitrogen application rate seemed to have no influence on this relationship. Denser plant stands produced thinner and shorter plants, the shortening occurring in the pod‐producing section of the main raceme. Further, with increasing stand density, the number of branches decreased as did the number of pods on the branches and on the main raceme. These changes in plant structure retarded at densities over 150—200 plants m‐2. This seems to be the minimum density that should be achieved in rape stands.
Phänotyp und Futterqualitat einschliefilich Konservierungseigenschaften bei Grasern
Authors: VON Boberfeld W. Opitz
Published: April 2008

Phenotype and forage value, including conservation properties, of grasses

The phenotype of grasses can be influenced by the date of harvest as well as by breeding programs. In contrast to dicotyledons, the stems of grasses are younger than the leaves, although the grass leaves are usually considered to have a higher nutritional value than the stems. In a field experiment, Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. gaudini (Parl.) Schinz et Kell. was grown as a model‐plant in order to study effects of ploidy‐level, N‐fertilization, stage of development, and growth time on the main aspects of nutritional value and conservation properties in relation to the phenotype.

As regards the nutritional value, the interactions of ploidy × plant organ (=stem or leaf) and of ploidy × N‐input were not significant. Hence, the results for leaf and stem can be generahzed. Until the emergence of the inflorescence, EC 49, the stem showed a significant higher net energy content than the leaf; at later stages of development this relationship changed. The evaluation of the net energy content of leaf and stem was significantly influenced by the method of estimation. In vitro methods with rumen liquor may show the best approximation to the real value. The crude protein/energy ratio of the stem as compared to the leaf better meets the nutritional requirements of ruminants; on the other hand the leaf was more valuable than the stem in relation to the nitrate content, especially when the whole plant showed an increased nitrate level. The general relationship between the mineral content and the phenotype was not evident. The investigation indicated significant differences between stem and leaf in relation to their conservation properties. The leaf showed more favourable drying properties than the stem but ensilability was better for the stem than for the leaf. As a result of this investigation it is assumed that, in the past, the nutritional value of young stem has been underestimated whereas the value of the leaf has been overemphasized. This may also be due to the criteria and determination methods of the nutritional value.
Analysis of Wheat Cultivar Differences in Grain Yield, Grain Nitrogen Yield and Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency.
Authors: Papakosta Despo K.
Published: April 2008

More detailed information on the causes of yield variability among wheat cultivars is needed to further increase wheat yield. Field studies were conducted in Northern Greece over the two cropping seasons of 1985—1986 and 1986—1987 to assess the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and application timing of the various component traits that determine grain yield, grain nitrogen yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency of two bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and two durum (Triticum durum Desf.) wheat cultivars, using yield and yield component analysis. Nitrogen at a rate of 150 kg ha‐1 was applied before planting or 100 N kg ha‐1 before planting and then 50 N kg ha‐1 top dressed at early boot stage. Nitrogen and cultivars affected all traits examined, while split nitrogen application affected only some of the traits. Grain yields in the most cases were correlated with number of grains per unit area and grain weight and grain nitrogen yields in all cases with grain number per unit area. The contribution of the number of grains per spike to total variation in grain yield among cultivars was almost consistent (37 to 55 %), while the contribution of grain weight was more significant (up to 55 %) in high yields (>6.500kg ha‐1) and number of spikes per unit area (>500). The number of grains per spike contributed from 60 to 83 % to the total variation in grain nitrogen per spike. Increased grain nitrogen concentration resulted in a reduction of its contribution in grain nitrogen yield variation. Nitrogen utilization efficiency was higher during grain filling than during vegetative biomass accumulation. The contribution of nitrogen harvest index to the variation of utilization efficiency for grain yield was higher in plants receiving nitrogen application.
A Dynamic Model for Water and Nitrogen Limited Growth in Spring Wheat to Predict Yield and Quality
Authors: Teittinen M. , Karvonen T. , Peltonen J.
Published: April 2008

Annual variation of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and quality has caused problems for agronomic policy in northern regions. Yield prediction methods based on visual assessment of crop may be inaccurate as they are not based on quantitative data. The aim of this study was to develop a simple dynamic model, based on daily climatological data, enabling prediction of crop growth, and changes in crop yield, and grain protein concentration and starch quality. The model was built using field data collected in 1972–88. Spring wheat cultivars included in the study were Kadett and Ruso. The calibration of growth and Hagberg falling number (used as a measure of starch quality) sub‐models resulted in a highly significant positive correlation between measured and calculated values. The calibration of nitrogen sub‐models failed, however, with poor correlation between measured and calculated values. The model was tested against independent field data collected during 1989–90, and results correlated with calibration results. The yield predictions based on independent field data were accurate, and the same as or similar to field trial results. However, the independent Hata revealed flaws in soil‐water and Hagberg falling number sub‐models.
Response to Daylength in Oats: Pre‐Anthesis Development and Set of Spikelets and Florets
Authors: Peltonen‐Sainio P.
Published: April 2008

Daylength ranges between 15 h and 22 h when oats are sown in Finland. This study evaluated the effect of 15‐h, 18‐h and 24‐h daylengths on apical development, pre‐anthesis growth, and spikelet and floret set in two oat cultivars (Avena sativa L.) adapted to northern growing conditions. Experiments were done in a growth chamber at 18°C.

Increases in daylength shortened the period of apical development. The oat cultivars were especially responsive to increase in daylength from 15 h to 18 h. The increase in daylength resulted in a 45 % reduction in number of fertile florets and a slight increase in the proportion of incompletely development and stunted florets. Fertility of florets was most reduced on the lower primary and secondary branches of the panicle. Total number of leaves and phyllochron decreased as daylength increased. Moreover, the longer the day, the lower the number of green leaves per main stem until developmental stage 11. However, at pollination, oats exposed to 15‐h days had the lowest number of green leaves. Results of study indicated that delayed sowing, when associated with longer days at pre‐anthesis, hastened apical development and decreased yield potential in oats.
Induction of Generative Development of Winter Rape (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera) in Relation to Vernalization Conditions and Age of Vernalized Plants
Authors: Dubert F. , Filek W.
Published: April 2008

Germinating seeds and young winter rape plants were vernalized 56–63 days at 5 or 2°C under nine‐hour days or in darkness. The highest percentage of generative plants and the most rapid flowering were obtained following the vernalization of young seedlings and germinating seed under conditions of nine‐hour day, at 5°C. The least effective induction of generative development followed the vernalization at 2°C in continuous darkness. The vegetation period from the end of vernalization till the beginning of flowering was the shortest when four‐week‐old plants were vernalized under conditions of nine‐hour day, yet the vegetation period from the beginning of germination to flowering was the shortest when seed germinating under conditions of nine‐hour day were vernalized. The period was extending as older plants were being vernalized. Data indicating that the optimal temperature for vernalization of older plants is higher than for germinating seed and young seedlings were obtained.
Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Siliqua Relating to Oil‐filling in Mustard Seeds
Authors: Munshi S. K. , Kochhar Anuradha
Published: April 2008

Developing siliquas on the mustard inflorescence were sampled at basal, middle and apical positions and the changes in free sugars and starch in pod wall and seed vis‐á‐vis oil‐filling in the seeds were studied. The dry matter and oil content per seed and pod wall was highest at initial stages in apical followed by mid‐development stages in middle and late development stages in basal positions. The oil percentage m the pod wall decreased with the period of siliqua development. The phase of rapid oil filling in the seeds varied from 20 to 40 DAF (days after flowering) in basal to 10 to 30 DAF in middle and 10 to 20 DAF in apical positions. The content of starch and total soluble sugars (% dry weight basis) decreased in the seeds as well as pod walls but showed accumulation on per seed basis with a maximum at 20, 30 and 40 DAF while on pod wall basis, the maxima of total soluble sugars was at 20, 20 and 40 DAF in apical, middle and basal position respectively. In the pool of total soluble sugars, the proportion of non‐reducing sugars was predominant. The activity of invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) declined while those of a‐amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and β‐amylase (EC 3.2.1.2) showed maximum values in the seeds as well as pod wall during the phase of rapid oil‐filling in the seeds. The results suggested that ontogeny and duration of seed development vis‐á‐vis the environmental conditions played an important role in lipid biosynthesis in mustard seeds.
Influence of Sowing Dates on Yield and Oil Quality in Sunflower
Authors: Gupta Sarita , Subrahmanyam Desiraju , Rathore V. S.
Published: April 2008

Effect of sowing dates (temperature regimes) on growth, yield oil content and quality in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was studied. Plants of early sowings which had received low temperature during 0–45 days of growth grew very poorly in height. Plant height significantly correlated with temperature at all the three growth stages. Plants sown in March produced highest yield and January sown plants recorded lowest yield. Protein content of seeds decreased where as the oil content increased with delay in sowing dates. Oil content in the seeds collected from different sowing dates showed significant differences. However, oil content was not significantly correlated with temperatures at any growth stages. Incorporation of 14C‐acetate into lipids of developing seeds was increased as the sowing was delayed. Early sown plants had higher percentage of oleic acid and late sown plants had higher percentage of linoleic acid. Effect sowing dates on oil content and oil quality were discussed on the basis of temperature variation during different growth stages.
Apical Development and Growth of Barley under Different CO2 and Nitrogen Regimes
Authors: Kleemola Jouko , Peltonen Jari , Peltonen‐Sainio Pirjo
Published: April 2008

Increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration have stimulated interest in the response of agricultural crops to elevated levels of CO2. Several studies have addressed the response of C3 cereals to CO2, but the interactive effect of nutrient supply and CO2 on apical development and spikelet set and survival has not been investigated thoroughly. Hence, an experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to evaluate the effect of high (700 μmol CO2mol−1 air) and low (400 μmol mol−1) levels of atmospheric CO2 on apical development, spikelet set and abortion, and pre‐ and post‐anthesis growth in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown under high N (0.3 g N pot−1 before sowing −1–0.11 g N pot−1 week−1) and low N (0.3 g N pot−1) regimes. The plants were grown in 5 L pots. Development of spike was hastened due to CO2 enrichment, and the C+ plants pollinated few days earlier than the C— plants. Carbon dioxide enrichment had no effect on date of ripening. Development of spike slowed following application of extra N, and plants pollinated 10 days later and matured 2 weeks later when compared with plants under low N. Carbon dioxide enrichment did not affect the number of spikelets at anthesis. Excess N decreased spikelet abortion and the increased maximum number of spikelets under both [CO2]. Barley plants did not tiller when grown in low [CO2] and low N. Increased endogenous IAA concentration in those plants, recorded three days before tillers appeared in other treatments, may have contributed to this. Carbon dioxide enrichment increased the C concentration of plants, but decreased the N concentration under high N regime. Both the C and N concentration of plants were increased under high N regime. Carbon dioxide enrichment increased the total dry matter of mature plants by 9 % under high N regime and by 21 % under low N regime. Under high [CO2] increased kernel number on tiller spikes, and increased kernel weight both on main stem and on tiller spikes resulted in a 23 % increase in kernel yield under low N regime and 76 % increase in kernel yield under high N regime. The rate of N application influenced growth and yield components to a greater extent than CO2 enrichment. At maturity, plant dry matter, kernel weight, the number of kernels per spike, and the number of spikes per plant were higher under high N regime than under low N regime.

Long days (16 h), low light intensity (280 μmol m−2s−1), and at constant temperature of 20 °C high [CO2] increased kernel weight and the number of kernels on tiller spikes under high and low N application rate, but did not increase the number of kernels on main stem spike, or the number of tillers or tiller spikes per plant.
Effects of Dicyandiamide on Potato Performance
Authors: Vos J.
Published: April 2008

A nitrification inhibitor which blocks the conversion of ammonium to nitrate may reduce the risk of leaching of nitrate during the growing season. In field experiments in 1988—1990 a nitrogen fertilizer enriched with the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamid (Alzon) was compared with a standard calcium‐ammonium‐nitrate fertilizer (CAN), using rates of N supply up to 360 kg ha−1. There were no significant differences between CAN and Alzon with respect to: stem length, apical lateral branchmg, fresh and dry weights of haulms and tubers at maturity, and nitrogen uptake. Alzon‐treated plants showed lower concentrations of nitrate in stems and leaves than CAN‐treated plants.