bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information needs for long-run forward business planning — experiences with the Top Management Farm Business Simulator
Authors: Schoney R. A.
Published: April 2011

The importance of risk assessment in evaluating existing and new farm operations and new projects is emphasized in this paper. The Top Management Farm Business Simulator is a whole-farm financial-planning model that simulates up to 250 observations of farm income, expenses, cash flows and net worth for periods of up to 15 yr, using stochastic product prices and yields. Individual probability functions, as well as cross-correlations among stochastic variables, can be specified. Key words: Risk assessment, financial planning, crop management
Relationship between low-temperature tolerance and vernalization response in wheat and rye
Authors: Fowler D. B. , Limin A. E. , Wang Shi-Ying , Ward R. W.
Published: April 2011

Vernalization response and low-temperature acclimation are survival mechanisms that cereals have evolved to cope with low-temperature stress. Both responses have similar optimum temperature ranges for induction, and they are controlled by genetic systems that are interrelated. It has also been suggested that the completion of vernalization is responsible for the gradual loss in low-temperature tolerance observed in winter cereals maintained for long periods of time at temperatures in the optimum range for low-temperature acclimation. In the present study, two experiments were conducted with the objective of clarifying the relationship between vernalization response and low-temperature tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.). The plants of all cultivars began to low-temperature acclimate at a rapid rate when exposed to a constant 4 °C. The rate of change in low-temperature tolerance then gradually slowed and eventually started to decline, producing a curvilinear relationship between low-temperature tolerance and stage of acclimation. A close relationship was observed between the time to vernalization saturation and the start of the decline in low-temperature tolerance of cultivars held at 4 °C. However, cereal plants retained at least a partial ability to low-temperature acclimate following exposure to warm temperatures after vernalization saturation, indicating that vernalization saturation does not result in a "switching off" of the low-temperature tolerance genes. The possibility that vernalization genes have a more subtle regulatory role in the expression of low-temperature tolerance genes could not be ruled out, and future avenues for investigation are discussed. Key words: Cold hardiness, winter hardiness, cold resistance, low-temperature acclimation, deacclimation, vernalization, wheat, rye
Digestibility and cell wall concentration of early- and late-maturing timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cultivars
Authors: Bélanger G. , McQueen R. E.
Published: April 2011

Ear emergence or heading of early- and late-maturing cultivars of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in the spring varies by as much as 3 wk. Two field experiments were conducted to describe the evolution of digestibility and cell-wall concentration of early- and late-maturing timothy cultivars during primary growth and to analyze the relationship between parameters of nutritive value and the leaf blade to biomass weight ratio (LWR). Compared with late-maturing cultivars of timothy on a given date, early-maturing cultivars had lower in vitro true digestibilities of DM and cell wall and a greater NDF concentration. Differences in in vitro true DM digestibility and NDF concentration between early- and late-maturing cultivars were not only related to the proportion of leaf blades in the biomass. Different parameters are, therefore, required to describe the mathematical relationships between digestibility and NDF concentration and LWR of early- and late-maturing cultivars. Key words:Phleum pratense, timothy, cultivars, digestibility, cell wall
Forage sorghum in southern Manitoba
Authors: McCaughey W. P. , Therrien M. C. , Mabon R.
Published: April 2011

After a series of hot, dry years in the late 1980s a study was conducted to assess the suitability and yield stability of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.) in southern Manitoba. The effects of genotype and environment on DM yield of seven forage sorghum genotypes were evaluated (1990–1992) in six different environments. Genotype, environment and genotype × environment accounted for 3.9% (P < 0.0001), 84.8% (P < 0.0001) and 3.3% (P < 0.001) of the total variation in DM yield, respectively. The fact that environment accounted for most of the variability in DM yield and that relative rankings of varieties differed across environments indicated that yield was unstable. Forage sorghum produced acceptable DM yield only in years which were warmer (> 2700 CHU) than average (2200–2600 CHU) for southern Manitoba. Forage sorghum is not recommended for southern Manitoba unless the climate warms to where 2700 CHU are consistently accumulated during the growing season. Key words: Forage, sorghum, sorghum-sudangrass, C4, temperature, yield
Hysyn100 summer turnip rape
Authors: Falk K. C. , Stoenescu F. M.
Published: April 2011

Hysyn100 summer turnip rape (Brassica rapa L.) is a canola-quality population-synthetic (Syn1) with high oil and protein contents that is well adapted to the short- and mid-season growing areas of western Canada. Key words: Turnip rape (summer), synthetic, cultivar description
Hysyn110 summer turnip rape
Authors: Falk K. C. , Stoenescu F. M.
Published: April 2011

Hysyn110 summer turnip rape (Brassica rapa L.) is a high yielding canola quality population synthetic (Syn1) which is well adapted to the short- and mid-season growing areas of western Canada. Key words: Turnip rape (summer), synthetic, cultivar description
Kasota barley
Authors: Helm J. H. , Salmon D. F. , Jedel P. E. , Stewart W. M. , Cortez M. J. , Wolfe R. I.
Published: April 2011

Kasota is an early-maturing, hulled, six-row spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). It was developed at the Field Crop Development Centre, Lacombe, Alberta from the cross Celaya//Mezquite/Godiva/3/Trompillo. Kasota is short in height, strong strawed, and widely adapted in Alberta. Key words:Hordeum vulgare, barley, early maturity, semi-dwarf, straw strength, cultivar description
AC Litekid common bean
Authors: Park S. J. , Tu J. C.
Published: April 2011

AC Litekid is a medium-full season maturing and high yielding light red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar. Its main advantages are higher yield potential and earlier maturity than the presently recommended cultivar California Light Red Kidney in Ontario. Seed has acceptable cooking and canning quality. AC Litekid is resistant to alpha and alpha Brazilian races of anthracnose and to races 1 and 15 of bean common mosaic virus. Key words:Phaseolus vulgaris, dry edible bean, light red kidney, cultivar description, bean anthracnose, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, bean common mosaic virus
Effect of sublethal dosages of 2,4-D on annual broadleaf crops
Authors: Wall David A.
Published: April 2011

Field experiments were conducted from 1992 to 1994 in southern Manitoba to investigate the tolerance of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.), canola (Brassica napus L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to sublethal dosages of 2,4-D; 2,4-D amine was applied at 0,9.5, 18.9, 37.8, 75.2 and 151.2 g a.i. ha−1 2 wk after crop emergence when buckwheat and canola were in the two- to three-leaf stage, lentil and field pea had a vine length of 10 cm, and sunflower was in the four- to six-leaf stage. Application rates corresponded to 0, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24% of the low recommended field rate of 2 4-D (630 g a.i. ha−1). Field pea yields were unaffected by 2,4-D dosages tested in any year. Increasing dosage of 2,4-D reduced lentil and canola yields in two of three years, while buckwheat yields were reduced in one year only. Sunflower yields were severely reduced in all three years by 2,4-D. At 151.2 g a.i. ha−1, predicted yield losses were 43% for buckwheat, 16–52% for canola, 20–57% for lentil, and 93–100% for sunflower. Key words: Buckwheat, canola, field pea, lentil, sunflower, crop injury, yield
The biology of Canadian weeds. 105. Rubus strigosus Michx., Rubus parviflorus Nutt., and Rubus spectabilis Pursh.
Authors: Oleskevich Carmen , Punja Zamir K. , Shamoun Simon F.
Published: April 2011

Wild raspberry (Rubus strigosus Michx.), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus Nutt.), and salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis Pursh) are native perennial deciduous shrubs that rapidly invade disturbed areas. Through prolific vegetative growth, these shrubs form dense, multilayered, and monospecific stands and form extensive clonal colonies. They create habitat and supply food sources for a variety of forest fauna and are important in nutrient cycling and reducing soil erosion. These Rubus shrubs may effectively outcompete economically valuable regenerating conifers. A review of chemical, manual, and biological control methods is presented. Reproductive biology, growth and development, and population dynamics are discussed in detail. Key words:Rubus strigosus, Rubus idaeus, Rubus parviflorus, Rubus spectabilis, wild red raspberry, thimbleberry, salmonberry, forest weed biology, competition, distribution
Phosphorus and nitrogen rate and placement for winter wheat grown on chemical fallow in a Brown soil
Authors: Campbell C. A. , McLeod J. G. , Selles F. , Zentner R. P. , Vera C.
Published: April 2011

The most assured method of producing winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the semiarid Brown soil zone of the Canadian prairies is by seeding it directly into chemical fallow. This provides adequate soil moisture at seeding, protection from low winter temperatures and results in some build-up of available soil N. However, there is usually a need for additional P. Further, to ensure that adequate levels of grain protein are attained, winter wheat may require added N fertilizer. There is also some question regarding the most effective method and depth of fertilizer placement. Two 3-yr experiments, one during a relatively dry period and the other in a moist period, were conducted on a silt loam at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, to determine grain yield and protein response of winter wheat to rates of N, P and K and to P placement. Yield response to P rates occurred when available moisture was favourable and soil-test P was low to moderate Yield response to N rates occurred in 2 of the 3 yr tested. Here too, high moisture and low to moderate levels of soil-test N resulted in a positive yield and protein response. Seed-placed P and P banded mid-row at 5- and 10-cm depth increased yields, compared with broadcast P, in one moist year but not in two dry years (exp. 1). In three moist years (exp. 2), P placement (seed-placed and mid-row-banded at 2.5- and 5-cm depths) had no effect on yield. Rate of K (0 vs. 100 kg K2O ha−1) did not influence grain yield or protein in three moist years because soil-test K was high. In three moist years (exp. 2), grain protein concentration was positively influenced by N rate, but neither P rate nor method of placement affected protein. We recommend that producers who choose to grow winter wheat on chemical fallow in the Brown soil zone apply N and P fertilizer based on a soil test. Further, they should either seed-place the P or band it at a shallow depth (about 5 cm). Key words: Grain yields, protein, fertilizer response, potassium
Adaptation of winter cereal species to shade and competition in a winter/spring cereal forage mixture
Authors: Baron V. S. , St Remy E. A. de , Salmon D. F. , Dick A. C.
Published: April 2011

Spring planted mixtures of spring and winter cereals maximize dry matter yield and provide fall pasture by regrowth of the winter cereal. However, delay of initial harvest may reduce the winter cereal component and therefore subsequent regrowth yield. Research was conducted at Lacombe, Alberta to investigate the effect of time of initial cut (stage), winter cereal species (species) and cropping system (monocrop and mixture) on winter cereal shoot weight, leaf carbon exchange efficiency and shoot morphology. These parameters may be related to adaptation of winter cereals to growth and survival in the mixture. Winter cereal plants were grown in pails embedded in monocrop plots of fall rye (Secale cereale L.), winter triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and in binary mixtures with Leduc barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The plants were removed when the barley reached the boot (B), heads emerged (H), H + 2, H + 4 and H + 6 wk stages. Shoot weight was generally smaller in the mixture than in the monocrop and wheat was reduced more than fall rye and triticale in the mixture compared to the monocrop. Dark respiration rate (r = −0.54) and carbon exchange (r = 0.36) under low light intensity were correlated (P < 0.05) to shoot size in the mixture. Fall rye and winter triticale had lower dark respiration rates than winter wheat. Leaf area index (LAI) was closely correlated (r = 0.83 and 0.84) with shoot weight in both the mixture and monocrop. While species failed to exhibit clear cut differences for LAI, fall rye and winter triticale were reduced less than winter wheat in the mixture relative to the monocrop. Stage was the dominant factor affecting winter cereal growth in both cropping systems, but fall rye and triticale exhibited superior morphological features, and their carbon exchange responses to light were more efficient than wheat, which should allow them to be sustained longer under the shaded conditions of a mixture. Key words: Delayed harvest, shade, spring and winter cereal mixtures, adaptation, carbon exchange, respiration
Crop density and seed production of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra). 1. Yield and plant development
Authors: Fairey N. A. , Lefkovitch L. P.
Published: April 2011

The natural growth habit of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) involves a steady proliferation of tillers, which eventually become too dense to form seedheads. A field study was conducted to evaluate whether seed yield of fescue can be optimized for one, two or three consecutive crops by manipulating the initial population density and arrangement of plants. Individual seedling plants were transplanted at seven densities (1.6, 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 plants m−2) and three row spacings (20, 40 and 80 cm), and characteristics of seed production were determined for 3 yr (1991–1993). Heading commenced at dates differing by 16 d in the 3 yr and was delayed by up to 7 d as density increased. Seed maturity occurred in a 7-d period in each year (15–22 July). For a single harvest, an initial density of 12–100 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 20 cm or 12–50 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 40 cm is required to optimize yield and produce about 600 kg ha−1 of clean seed. For two consecutive harvests, an initial population density of 6–25 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 20 cm or 6–50 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 40 cm is required to optimize yield and produce a total of about 800 kg ha−1 of clean seed. For producing for either 1 or 2 yr, a density of 12–25 plants m−2 on rows no wider than 40 cm is required to optimize seed yield in each year. The probability of producing a third seed crop decreases markedly as the initial plant density increases and as the row spacing decreases. It is probably uneconomic to harvest more than two consecutive seed crops with current management practices. Key words: Red fescue; Festuca rubra var. rubra, population density, plant spacing, seed production
Crop density and seed production of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra). 2. Reproductive components and seed characteristics
Authors: Fairey N. A. , Lefkovitch L. P.
Published: April 2011

The natural growth habit of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) involves a steady proliferation of tillers which eventually become too dense to form seedheads. The effects of the initial density (1.6, 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 plants m−2) and row spacing (20, 40 and 80 cm) on reproductive components and seed characteristics of red fescue were studied in a northerly environment for three production years (1991–1993) The weight proportion of cleaned to uncleaned seed decreased as density increased, from 82% at 1.6 plants m−2 to 60% at 100 plants m−2. The thousand-seed weight was 1.20–1.54 g (i.e., 830 000–650 000 seeds kg−1) and decreased as density increased. The specific seed weight was 16–25 kg hL−1; it differed among years and decreased as density increased. The germination capacity of the seed was unaffected by density but differed among years, averaging 87, 92 and 69% in the three consecutive production years. The seed yield per plant, the number of seedheads per plant, and the number of seeds per plant decreased exponentially as the density increased. The number of seeds per seedhead decreased as density increased in the first year but was less affected subsequently, except in the third year at 50 and 100 plants m−2 on 20-cm rows, when no seeds were matured. The seed yield was correlated closely with the number of seedheads per square metre, which increased with density in the first year but decreased as density increased in the two subsequent years. A relatively high density of well-spaced plants is required at establishment to optimize seedhead formation in the first crop but is detrimental to seedhead formation and seed yield subsequently. Key words: Red fescue; Festuca rubra var. rubra, population density, plant and row spacing, yield components, seed quality
Nitrogen benefits from four green-manure legumes in dryland cropping systems
Authors: Biederbeck V. O. , Bouman O. T. , Campbell C. A. , Winkleman G. E. , Bailey L. D.
Published: April 2011

Partial replacement of fallow with legume green manures has the potential to improve cereal production and agricultural sustainability in the northern Great Plains. This is possible if N gains by annual legumes and enhancement of soil N availability are optimized. The objectives of the study were to (i) determine the N distribution in different vegetative components of four annual legumes; (ii) estimate their ability to accumulate N through fixation; and (iii) compare the N uptake of the cereal crop that follows legume green manure with that of cereal grown on fallow or of cereal receiving N fertilizer. Black lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), Tangier flatpea (Lathyrus tingitanus L.), chickling vetch (Lathyrus sativus L.), and feedpea (Pisum sativum L.) were grown in rotation with spring wheat (Tnticum aestivum L.). Nitrogen concentration in legume nodules was several times greater than in any other plant part. However, N concentration in legume shoots was, on average, 27% greater than in legume roots. Total legume N content (% × mass) ranged from 41 to 126 kg ha−1 in years of low weediness. In those years, below-ground legume N content ranged between 2 and 29 kg ha−1 and averaged 7, 8, 17 and 6 kg ha−1 for black lentil, Tangier flatpea, chickling vetch and feedpea, respectively. Estimates of N2 fixation varied between 6 and 69 kg ha−1 and averaged 18 kg ha−1 for black lentil, 16 for Tangier flatpea, 49 for chickling vetch and 40 for feedpea. Within 3 mo of green-manure incorporation, average net N mineralization across years was greatest after black lentil and chickling vetch (38 kg N ha−1). The average 49 kg N ha−1 lost through cereal grain harvest was balanced by gains through symbiotic N2 fixation when chickling vetch and feedpea were used as green manure, but black lentil and Tangier flatpea replaced only about 35% of the N removed in the grain. Key words: Symbiotic N2 fixation, N mineralization, Tangier flatpea, black lentil, chickling vetch, feedpea
Venus high erucic acid, low glucosinolate summer rape
Authors: McVetty P. B. E. , Scarth R. , Rimmer S. R. , Berg C. G. J. van den
Published: April 2011

Venus summer rape (Brassica napus L.) is a high-erucic acid rapeseed cultivar with canola-quality meal. Venus has an average 5% yield advantage over Hero rapeseed with seed oil and protein contents comparable to Hero. Venus is adapted to the southern B. napus growing regions of western Canada. Key words: Rape (summer), high erucic acid-low glucosinolate, cultivar description
Neptune high erucic acid, low glucosinolate summer rape
Authors: McVetty P. B. E. , Rimmer S. R. , Scarth R. , Berg C. G. J. van den
Published: April 2011

Neptune summer rape (Brassica napus L.) is a high-erucic acid rapeseed cultivar with canola-quality meal. Neptune has an average 10% yield advantage over Hero rapeseed and is 4 g kg−1 higher in seed oil than Hero. Neptune is adapted to the southern B. napus growing regions of western Canada. Key words: Rape (summer), high erucic acid-low glucosinolate, cultivar description
Effects of gypsum on yield and nutrient status of native lowbush blueberry
Authors: Sanderson K. R. , Carter M. R. , Ivany J. A.
Published: April 2011

Information is required on the response of native lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) to soil-applied calcium amendments. Field experiments were carried out in Prince Edward Island to determine the effects of applied gypsum, as a Ca source, on yield and leaf nutrient content of native lowbush blueberry at six sites, two locations per year. Sites were studied over several cropping cycles. Gypsum applied at 2, 4, 6, and 8 t ha−1 in the spring of the sprout year increased marketable yield (from 3.2 to 4.7 t ha−1) at three of six sites in the first crop year following application of gypsum. Averaged over these three sites, marketable yield was increased 47% by the application of gypsum at 4.0 t ha−1. Yield was not affected in the second and third cropping cycles. Mean berry weight and plant growth were not affected by gypsum application. Concentration of leaf Ca was increased but not consistently significant, while leaf S was significantly increased at all sites in the first cropping cycle. Soil pH was significantly reduced by gypsum in the first cropping cycle. A yield increase of 225 kg ha−1 would be sufficient to recover the costs of the applied gypsum. Key words: Gypsum, leaf nutrient concentration, lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait., yield
Impact of chloride on nitrate absorption and accumulation by broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Authors: Liu Liangxue , Shelp Barry J.
Published: April 2011

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that continuous chloride treatment decreases nitrate absorption and accumulation by broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) plants. In a field experiment, both fresh and dry weights of shoot and inflorescence increased linearly with increasing nitrogen applied (70–130 kg ha−1). Chloride application (0–450 kg ha−1) did not significantly affect the final yield. In a greenhouse experiment in which the plants were grown in soilless culture and supplied with 10–18 mmol L−1 nitrate, only the fresh weights of shoot and inflorescence decreased linearly with increasing chloride application (0–45 mmol L−1). In both experiments, increasing chloride application slightly decreased the concentrations of nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen in xylem sap, and increased the chloride concentrations of both xylem sap and phloem exudate and the total-nitrogen concentration of phloem exudate. The shoot-nitrate contents increased with increasing nitrogen application and decreased with increasing chloride application, whereas the shoot-chloride contents increased with increasing chloride application and decreased with increasing nitrate application. The total-nitrogen contents of the shoot were not affected by chloride application. These data are interpreted to suggest that nitrate absorption was not inhibited by the presence of chloride in the growing medium and that the decrease in nitrate accumulation of the shoot resulted from the stimulation of organic-nitrogen formation from absorbed nitrate. Key words: Antagonism, broccoli, chloride, interaction, nitrate
Desiccation of alfalfa for seed production with diquat and glufosinate
Authors: Moyer J. R. , Acharya S. N. , Fraser J. , Richards K. W. , Foroud N.
Published: April 2011

Recommendations for desiccation of alfalfa do not clearly define the stage at which desiccants should be applied. To obtain this information, diquat and glufosinate were applied to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) from 1991 to 1994 at various stages of maturity to determine the effect of desiccant and stage of maturity at desiccation on seed yield 1000-seed weight and seed germinability. Alfalfa seed yields, 1000-seed weights, percent germination and percent viable seed were similar after desiccation with diquat and glufosinate. Desiccation when 60–75% of the alfalfa seed pods were brown permitted maximum seed yields. Percent germination increased slightly in seeds that were exposed to weathering under normal conditions until all pods turned brown. Both desiccants adequately desiccated alfalfa for harvesting but desiccation with glufosinate took 2 or 3 d longer than diquat. Desiccants did not reduce alfalfa growth in the spring after application. Key words: Germination, yield, hard seed, seed weight, stage
Ploidy and cultivar group differences in the thousand-seed weight of red fescue (Festuca rubra L.)
Authors: Fairey N. A. , Lefkovitch L. P.
Published: April 2011

Three major cultivar groups of red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) are recognized, viz. strongly creeping and octoploid, slender creeping and hexaploid, and non-creeping and hexaploid (Chewings), but a thousand-seed weight (TSW) of 0.74 g is often used commercially for the species. Based on 12 cultivars/group, the TSW of the strongly creeping group (1.225 g) was significantly higher than the slender creeping group (0.894 g) and the Chewings group (0.936 g); the higher TSW was probably a consequence of the higher ploidy status. The TSW of 0.74 g is not characteristic of many contemporary red fescue cultivars, particularly the strongly creeping octoploids. Key words: Red fescue, Festuca rubra L., ploidy, seed weight, seed quality
AC Harmony soybean
Authors: Voldeng H. D. , Guillemette R. J. D. , Leonard D. A. , Cober E. R.
Published: April 2011

AC Harmony is a 2500 heat unit soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with good yield potential. Key words: Soybean, cultivar description
Pacific hard red spring wheat
Authors: Hunt L. A. , Szlavnics Z. A. , Townley-Smith T. F. , Campbell A. B.
Published: April 2011

Pacific is a high yielding hard red spring wheat with high test weight and good resistance to powdery mildew and leaf rust. It is adapted to the spring wheat growing areas of Ontario. Key words: Cultivar description, Triticum aestivum L., wheat (hard red spring)
Fertilizer method and container size effects on shade trees grown in in-ground containers
Authors: Lumis G. P. , Chong Calvin , Murray C. L.
Published: April 2011

Shade tree production in large, rigid, in-ground containers is a new nursery practice for which scientific data is lacking. The objective of this research was to study the effects of fertilizer and container size on production and nutrient status of shade trees grown in this manner. Whips of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh), European birch (Betula pendula Roth.), thornless honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L. var. inermis Willd.), and hybrid poplar (Populus angulata Ait. × nigra L. var. plantierensis (Simon-Louis) Schneid.) were grown for two seasons (1991–1992) with a blended medium in 38-L and 76-L containers. Each container was placed in another container of equal size previously sunken into the ground Trees were trickle irrigated and fertilized with slow release (SR) or liquid (LIQ) fertilizer, or both (SR + LIQ). Poplar grew very rapidly, resulting in large roots escaping from the containers by September 1991, therefore, results for this species were excluded from the analysis. In both years, top dry weight and trunk diameter of the other three species were significantly greater for SR-treated than for LIQ or SR + LIQ-treated trees. Root dry weight was greater for SR-treated trees only in 1991. SR-treated trees also grew more than field-grown trees, planted within the experimental site as a baseline comparison. Trees grew larger in the 76-L containers than in the 38-L containers (1991 and 1992) or in the field (1991). Key words: In-ground containers, container growing, shade trees, ornamentals, slow release fertilizer, trickle irrigation, nutrition, foliar nutrients
Influence du milieu de culture et du cultivar sur la qualité et la conservation post-récolte de la tomate hydroponique de serre
Authors: Mzouri M. , Gosselin A. , Makhlouf J.
Published: April 2011

Plants of nine tomato cultivar (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) of contrasting breeding origins where grown under two growing systems using the nutritive film technique (NFT) and a peat substrate. Planting density was 3 plants m−2. Yield of marketable fruit, culls and four fruit quality parameters (texture, colour, titratable acidity and total soluble solids) were measured at harvest and over 28 d post-harvest. Two varieties were used: Trust, one of the most popular cultivars in Canada, and Cencara a newly released cultivar with long-keeping quality. Over a 21-wk harvest period there was no significant difference for yield or for post-harvest characteristics between the two growth substrates. Trust produced highest yields, compared to the other cultivars, followed by Bounty with a yield 1.6 kg m−2 lower. Bounty and Panther yielded significantly greater masses of marketable fruit than the other cultivars. The new cultivar Cencara showed significantly lower total and marketable yields than the other cultivars, because of the small size of its fruit. At harvest and in storage, Cencara showed better keeping qualities than Trust, while the latter had better eating qualities. Key words: Peat substrate, nutritive film technique, tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
Alfalfa, a non-host of pea enation mosaic virus in Washington State
Authors: Larsen Richard C. , Klein Robert E. , Kaiser Walter J.
Published: April 2011

Extensive surveys were conducted in Washington State during a 6-yr period between 1988 and 1994 in an attempt to locate reservoirs of pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV). Many of the peas (Pisum sativum L.), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), lentils (Lens culinaris Medic), or faba beans (Vicia faba L.) collected during the survey, and which expressed symptoms of virus infection, tested positive for PEMV when assayed by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PEMV could not, however, be detected by ELISA in any of 3230 alfalfa samples collected from eight counties in Washington State, even when samples were taken from alfalfa fields adjacent to infected pea, lentil, or chickpea fields where the virus was present. Dot blot hybridizations using a 4556 nucleotide cDNA fragment of PEMV RNA 1 containing the coat protein region produced strong reactions with positive controls, and did not detect the virus in 597 alfalfa samples tested in 1994. Fifty-six attempts to transmit PEMV into and out of alfalfa by aphid and mechanical transmissions were unsuccessful, while successful transmissions to and from pea and faba bean, or chickpea were made routinely. Our inability to detect PEMV in, or transmit the virus to alfalfa suggests that alfalfa is not currently a host. The overwintering epidemiologically significant reservoir host(s) of PEMV in the Pacific Northwest remains unknown. Key words:Medicago sativa L., legumes, virus survey, pea enation mosaic virus
Fumigation of high moisture seed with acetic acid to control storage mold
Authors: Sholberg P. L. , Gaunce A. P.
Published: April 2011

Acetic acid (AA) vapour applied to high moisture content canola, corn, rice and wheat inoculated with conidia of Aspergillus flavus effectively prevented A. flavus from growing. Wheat (500 g) initially fumigated with AA at 0.78 mL kg−1 of seed had complete germination and zero mold infection after storage for 102 d at 20 °C. The untreated control had 37% germination and all seeds were infected. Canola fumigated with AA at 0.58 mL kg−1 of seed and evaluated for mold colonies/gram of seed had zero compared to 2400 colonies in the untreated control after storage at 20 °C for 38 d. Absorption of AA vapour occurred rapidly during the first few minutes of fumigation, reaching equilibrium within approximately 20 min. The amount of AA vapour absorbed by seed increased as moisture content increased. Key words:Aspergillus flavus, storage fungi, organic acid, vapour
Long-term forage and pasture investigations in the UK
Authors: Davies Alison
Published: April 2011

The outcome of agronomic investigations on a given pasture species or species mixture is influenced by the interactions which arise between weather, management and the pasture plant varieties chosen. Sward age may also affect agronomic performance through changes which take place in species or genotype composition and their distribution within the sward. Effective formulation of pasture management systems, whether for herbage production or species conservation, or of herbage breeding objectives, depends on an increased awareness of these interactions and the reasons why they occur. The need for experiments which are either repeated or continued over the course of a number of years or both is illustrated by the examples presented in this paper. These examples also show how such experiments can lead to the formulation of better management systems or to a better choice of plant material. Key words: Ryegrass, white clover, weather, pasture management, sward age
Economic factors contributing to the adoption of reduced tillage technologies in central Saskatchewan
Authors: Gray R. S. , Taylor J. S. , Brown W. J.
Published: April 2011

The zero-tillage and minimum-tillage technologies, which are now being rapidly adopted in many areas of western Canada, have made a significant contribution to the sustainability of the soil resource. As a measure of economic viability of these practices this study uses the Top Management Model to simulate the 5-yr ending equity given stochastic prices and yields for a consensus farm in central Saskatchewan. Simulations are used to compare a minimum disturbance, zero-tillage system to a more conventional direct-seeding system. At 1994 crop and input prices, and a 10% yield advantage, zero-tillage systems compared favourably with conventional direct-seeding system. The relative crop yield and glyphosate price are key determinants to the short-run profitability of adopting zero-tillage technologies with fuel price having a smaller influence. When the switch to zero tillage allows a net reduction in machinery stock, this simultaneously increases the profitability, and reduces the financial risk for the producer. We conclude that in areas of Saskatchewan where zero-tillage systems provide a yield advantage, producers will continue to adopt these systems as an economically viable means of sustaining their soil resource. Key words: Adoption, zero tillage, economic determinants, herbicide prices, risk
Effect of random intermatings in early generations on seed yield in interracial populations of common bean
Authors: Singh Shree P.
Published: April 2011

Zero (I0), one (I1), and two (I2) rounds of random intermating were made among S1 or S0 families of two interracial populations (GX 8904 and GX 8929) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The resulting S4 families were evaluated for seed yield, 100-seed weight, and number of days to maturity in six environments in Colombia during 1993 and 1994. The experimental design was a partially balanced, 10 × 10 lattice, with three replications. The mean seed yield after I1 increased by 8.9% in population GX 8904 and by 20.1% in GX 8929. No change occurred in seed yield after I2 in either population. The I1 and I2 of GX 8904, on average, were slightly later maturing than the I0. In GX 8929, I2 was later maturing than I0 and I1. The random intermatings did not induce appreciable changes in 100-seed weight in either population. All S4 families in both populations were either small or medium seeded (< 40 g/100 seed weight) and of intermediate to late maturity (> 70 d to maturity). Key words: Bean (common), interracial population, Phaseolus vulgaris, random intermating, yield selection
Possible sources of resistance to the wheat midge in wheat
Authors: Barker P. S. , McKenzie R. I. H.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to find resistance in wheat cultivars to the wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana [Géhin]). A total of 61 spring and 61 winter wheats were assayed in 1992 to 1994. Thirteen selected cultivars were planted in 1994. Three kinds of apparent response to midge infestation were found. Eight winter wheat cultivars suffered neither the usual typical kind nor high numbers of shrivelling of the seeds often attributed to the midge, but produced instead small numbers of shorter and more rounded (tubby) seeds which could be due to midge activity. Cultivar RL5708 differed from all other cultivars in that it showed low proportions of damaged seeds, which were often associated with dead midge larvae. The third group included lines and cultivars showing the typical shrivelling of the seeds due to the wheat midge. In 1993 most late-planted spring wheat cultivars were less affected by the midge than the same cultivars planted earlier probably because of asynchrony between times of wheat flowering and midge opposition. The incorporation of resistance to the wheat midge into hard red spring wheats should contribute to a reduction of wheat losses in years when wheat midge are abundant. Key words: Winter wheat, spring wheat, wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana, resistance
Long-term tillage effects on spring wheat production on three soil textures in the Brown soil zone
Authors: McConkey B. G. , Campbell C. A. , Zentner R. P. , Dyck F. B. , Selles F.
Published: April 2011

The adoption of reduced tillage practices has increased markedly on the Canadian prairies in recent years. Producers in the semiarid Brown Chernozemic soil zone require information on how the intensity of tillage will affect moisture conservation and grain yields in the long term. A 12-yr study was conducted in the Brown soil zone of southwestern Saskatchewan on Swinton silt loam (Orthic Brown), Hatton fine sandy loam (Orthic Brown), and Sceptre heavy clay (Rego Brown) to determine the influence of tillage on the production of hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (on the silt loam and clay) and durum (Triticum turgidum L.) (on the sandy loam). The study was conducted with fallow-wheat (F–W) and continuous wheat (Cont W) rotations. The tillage systems were no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT). On the sandy soil with its low water-holding characteristics, tillage system did not affect stored spring soil moisture (SSM), nor grain yields, nor grain N. On the silt loam and clay, there were several instances when NT increased stored moisture in the soil, especially on the clay, but the extra moisture conserved was not always associated with increased grain yields. Generally, when significant increases in stored moisture for F–W were accompanied by below-average growing season precipitation (GSP), an advantage in yield accrued to NT. However, when GSP was above average, CT and MT often had greater yields than NT. We rarely observed yield advantages favouring NT on Cont W on the silt loam or on the clay. Our results suggest that wheat grown under NT on the clay has a higher lower limit of available soil moisture than under CT. Generally, grain N concentration was lower for F–W (NT) on the silt loam and clay. This study has shown that mono-culture wheat production in the Brown soil zone was influenced little by tillage system. Key words: Crop rotations, grain protein, soil water, grain production
AC Gabriel spring wheat
Authors: Nass H. G. , Johnston H. W. , Blatt C. R. , Atlin G. , Walton R. B.
Published: April 2011

AC Gabriel is a medium maturing spring feed wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) with higher grain yield in Quebec but similar grain yield to the check cultivars in Atlantic Canada. It is moderately resistant to powdery mildew. The reaction of AC Gabriel to leaf and glume blotch and fusarium head blight was similar to that of the check cultivars. AC Gabriel is suitable for production in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Key words:Triticum aestivum, wheat (spring), cultivar description
Isolation of DNA for RAPD analysis from leaves of the saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) and other horticultural crops
Authors: Weir B. J. , St. Pierre R. G. , Chibbar R. N.
Published: April 2011

Three DNA extraction procedures were examined to determine which might yield DNA from saskatoon leaves suitable for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. The three methods examined were: (1) the miniprep procedure and (2) the modified miniprep for difficult species, both described by Dellaporta et al. (1983), and (3) a slightly modified protocol of Doyle and Doyle (1990). Only the modified method of Doyle and Doyle (1990) consistently yielded DNA suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, regardless of plant growing conditions or leaf age. The recovery of high molecular weight DNA with an average yield of 53 mg g−1 fresh weight of leaf material was possible using this procedure. Reproducible RAPD markers used to distinguish among saskatoon cultivars were generated. This same procedure also yielded PCR-amplifiable DNA from various other perennial, woody species and herbaceous plant material. Key words: DNA isolation; RAPD analysis; horticultural crops.
Nutrient supplements that influence later break yield of Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Beyer David M. , Muthersbaugh Harry
Published: April 2011

Nutrient depletion and accumulation of toxic metabolites in compost are believed to be limiting factors and responsible for decreased yields as a mushroom crop ages. The objective of this study was to determine whether mineral nutrients limited later break yield of Agaricus bisporus in compost supplemented with additional protein-lipid rich supplements. Unsupplemented compost receiving rock phosphate or hypnum peat did not have a significant increase in later break yield. However, rock phosphate, sodium phosphate and hypnum peat added to protein-lipid rich, delayed release supplemented compost at spawning increased yield in later breaks. These results suggest the nutrient requirement satisfied by a protein-lipid rich, delayed release supplement was a prerequisite for supplementary phosphorous or hypnum peat to increase later break yields. Key words:Agaricus bisporus, hypnum peat, potassium, phosphorus
Flax tolerance to thifensulfuron and tribenuron
Authors: Wall D. A. , Kenaschuk E. O.
Published: April 2011

Field experiments were conducted in 1994 and 1995 at Morden, Manitoba to investigate the tolerance of NorLin flax and FP 967, a sulfonylurea-resistant flax cultivar, to thifensulfuron and tribenuron. Herbicides were foliarly applied at 0, 1.3, 3.8, 7.5, 15, and 30 g ai ha−1. Thifensulfuron caused chlorosis, stunting, delayed flowering and maturity in NorLin, but yields were unaffected. Tribenuron severely injured NorLin flax and reduced seed yields at doses as low as 1.3 g ha−1. FP 967 exhibited good tolerance to foliar applications of thifensulfuron, but was injured by higher doses of tribenuron. This suggests that FP 967 is not completely cross-resistant to all sulfonylurea herbicides. Key words: Sulfonylurea, transgenic flax, crop tolerance, dose response, yield, oil content
Estimation of Canadian manure and fertilizer nitrogen application rates at the crop and soil-landscape polygon level
Authors: Huffman T. , Yang J Y , Drury C F , De Jong R. , Yang X M , Liu Y C
Published: April 2011

In support of national environmental and economic modeling of agri-environmental indicators, greenhouse gases, carbon sequestration and policy assessment, fertilizer and manure nitrogen application rates were estimated for individual crops at the scale of the 1:1 m Soil Landscapes of Canada polygons. This database provides an estimate of the amount of nitrogen applied to each crop and is based on provincial fertilization recommendations, the type and number of livestock and manure produced and reported amounts of fertilizer sold. The database is being incorporated into ongoing programs related to international reporting, environmental performance and policy formulation at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.This paper describes the procedures developed to estimate fertilizer and manure nitrogen inputs for each crop type within each polygon. These procedures include: (i) the compilation of soil-specific recommended nitrogen application rates from provincial extension guide lines and experts; (ii) the calculation of total manure nitrogen production from animal numbers and excretion rates; (iii) the calculation of manure nitrogen available after land application losses and (iv) the adjustment of total fertilizer nitrogen applied to match reported sales at the provincial level. The calculation procedures were incorporated into the Canadian Agricultural Nitrogen Budget model, with provisions for transferring the data to other models and for other applications. Key words: Fertilizer nitrogen, manure nitrogen, nitrogen application rates, nitrogen model, Soil Landscapes of Canada, Census of Agriculture
A relative weight model for soil productivity assessment
Authors: Zhang J.
Published: April 2011

Soil productivity is a function of inherent factors such as topography, parent material, physical and chemical properties of the soil, and the infrastructure for irrigation and drainage. As multi-criteria evaluation methods in soil productivity assessment, the least-factor and weight methods, while popular, have limitations. The least-factor method is not accurate enough in the absence of a vital constraint factor, and the weight method leads to an inaccurate, and even incorrect result when there is a vital constraint factor. In order to overcome these limitations a new concept, relative weight, was introduced and a prototype model developed. In this prototype model, every factor has different relative weights in different soil units, thus allowing it to overcome shortcomings of the Weight method where the weights of a given factor are assumed to be equal in all soil units. This prototype model was then applied in a case study on the Loess Plateau in Northwest China. Results from the case study indicated this prototype model was more precise than either the least-factor or weight methods, and was able to avoid the invalid results of the Weight method. Key words: Soil productivity index, relative weight, multi-criteria evaluation, Loess Plateau