bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sowing Date and Weed Control on Grain Yield and its Components in Some Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Ibrahim A. F. , Kandil A.‐A. , El‐Hattab A. H. , Eissa A. K.
Published: April 2008

I. Abstract

The influence of sowing dates (Oct. 21, Nov. 10, Nov. 30 and Dec. 21), weed control treatments using Brominal, Tribunil herbicides as compared to hand weeding and unweeded treatments on the yield performance of newly released spring wheat varieties (Sakha 8, Sakha 61 and Giza 157 was studied during 1980/81, 1981/82 and 1982/83 seasons. According to the combined analysis the results could be summarized as follows:

Sowing date had significant effect on grain yield and some other characters such as plant height, days to heading and maturity, weight of grains per spike and 1000‐grain weight. Highest grain yield was obtained when wheat was sown during Nov. Dry weight of weeds was not significantly affected by sowing date.

Differences between cultivars reached to the significant level in plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike and 1000‐grain weight.

Weed control treatments had significant effect on most studied traits. Grain yield was nearly the same when Tribunil (3.5 kg/ha), Brominal (2.4 1/ha) or hand weeding was used. Grain yield of unweed treatment decreased by 10.9%, 10.9% and 9.8% compared to the former treatments, respectively.

Data showed that Tribunil was more effective on both grassy and broad leaved weeds, however, Brominal was effective only on broad leaved.
Modellversuche zur Aufnahme von Boden‐ und Dünger‐Stickstoff aus verschiedenen Tiefen durch Sommerweizen*
Authors: Dressel J. , Jung J.
Published: April 2008

Model trials on the uptake of soil and fertilizer nitrogen from various depths by spring wheat

The uptake of ammonium nitrogen by spring wheat mixed into various soil depths was investigated in a pot trial using 1‐m high soil columns. At the same time a nitrification inhibitor (NI) was used in some of the variants in order to study the utilization of fertilizer N under the conditions of a temporary inhibition of nitrification. In order to monitor the interrelationships of soil and fertilizer N, 15 N‐labelled ammonium sulphate was used. The following results were obtained.

The various depths at which the N was located were not found to affect yields; nor did the use of the NI have any influence.

There was a statistically significant increase in the N content of the grains as the N was mixed with deeper layers of the soil; this was at a lower level in the series with NI. In straw no change was observed in the series without NI, there being a decrease of the N content in the series with NI.

The utilization of fertilizer N according to the “difference method” was between 76 % and 84 % in the series without NI with an increasing tendency of the nitrogen located at deeper levels. In the series with NI there was a reverse tendency of 74 % to 69 %. According to the 15N method only 54–62 % of the fertilizer N was used by the plants. The NI scarcely changed the utilization. Overall there was not a significant higher use of the nitrogen in the deeper layers.

In the fertilized series more soil N was mobilized and taken up by the plants than in the control. This effect was more pronounced in the series with no NI.

The mobilization of soil N by fertilizer N (“priming effect”) contrasted with a more vigorous immobilization of fertilizer N. This resulted in an overall positive soil N balance.

A total of about 30 % of the fertilizer N remained in the soil. Most of it was to be found in the incorporation layer. However, displacement into the neighbouring layers did take place, this being more pronounced in the acropetal direction in the case of the N in the deeper layers than in the basipetal direction in the case of the N introduced into the top layer.
Moisture Stress Effects on the Yield and Water Use of Sorghum Hybrids and their Parents*
Authors: O'Neill M. K. , Hofmann W. C. , Dobrenz A. K.
Published: April 2008

Little is known of the relationship between hybrids and parental material with respect to water use and drought resistance. Responses of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) F1 hybrids to moisture deficits are partially determined by parental material. The yield and water use of six sorghum hybrids and their respective male and female parents were evaluated under stressed and well irrigated conditions during 1980 and 1981 at Tucson, Arizona. The soil was Comoro loamy sand (coarse‐loamy, mixed, calcareous, thermic typic Torrifluvent) with an average available soil moisture of 16 % at field capacity.

Changes in soil moisture were monitored semi‐weekly by neutron modulation. Meteorological data were collected daily. The 1980 season had higher maximum temperatures and pan evaporation than the 1981 season. Differences in cumulative water use among entries were apparent within the same water treatments during 1981. Mean cumulative evapotranspiration (ET) for the stressed treatment was 248 and 281 mm for 1980 and 1981, respectively, and ET under well irrigated conditions was 419 and 528 mm for 1980 and 1981, respectively.

Hybrids produced greater grain yield than their parents under both water treatments. This was due to greater seed number for hybrids. Seed numbers were more stable for hybrids over both treatments than for parents. Hybrids four and seven had the greatest grain yield in 1980 and 1981, respectively, under stressed conditions. Water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly different within water treatments but was not so between the irrigated and stressed treatments. Hybrids WUE was generally greater than that of parents except for hybrid five under irrigated conditions in 1981. Hybrids with WUE and stable yields were not necessarily reflective of parental material under stressed and non‐stressed environments.
Canopy and Seasonal Profiles of Nitrate Reductase Activity in Field Grown Grain Sorghum
Authors: Pal U. R. , Kununka J. M.
Published: April 2008

Field experiments were conducted at the Livestock Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnager, India during wet season (June‐September) of 1978 with the objectives of characterizing canopy and seasonal profiles of in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) cultivars.

Canopy profile of NRA was studied on hybrid CSH 5 at 45, 55, 70, 80 and 95 days after sowing, whereas seasonal profile of NRA was studied in six sorghum cultivars — hybrid CSH 5 and pure line varieties CSV 4, SPV 100, SPV 101, SPV 103 and SPV 106 beginning at 30 days until 95 days after sowing.

Canopy profile studies indicated that fully expanded recently matured leaves possessed higher levels of in vivo NRA than unexpanded immature as well as older leaves. Seasonal profiles of in vivo NRA showed different trends in different cultivars. Cultivars SPV 100, SPV 101, SPV 103 and SPV 106 demonstrated two peaks of in vivo NRA/plant/day at 44 and 95 days. On the other hand, hybrid CSH‐5 had only one peak at 51 days and cultivar CSV 4 had none.
Effect of Azolla as an Organic Source of Nitrogen in Rice‐Wheat Cropping System
Authors: Kolhe S. S. , Mittra B. N.
Published: April 2008

Increasing area under high yielding varieties require more quantity of fertilizers and other inputs for higher yield. However, utilization of available biomass could reduce the dependence on costly crop production inputs like fertilizers. In light of this, field experiments were carried out at Agricultural Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur for two years i.e. 1982–83 and 1983–84 to find out the possibilities to meet at least a part of nitrogen requirement through incorporation of Azolla in rice‐wheat cropping system. Incorporation of 10 t/ha of fresh Azolla before planting + 30 kg N/ha through fertilizer as basal proved to be the best and recorded maximum land productivity in rice‐wheat cropping system. This treatment recorded 117.69 and 103.30 per cent higher grain yield of rice and wheat respectively over control. About 30 kg N could be supplemented through preplanting incorporation of 5 t fresh Azolla. The result indicated that Azolla could be utilized as an alternative source of N‐fertilizer for higher production of crops in rice‐wheat cropping system.
Untersuchungen zum Einfluß der Bestandesdichte auf das Ertragspotential von Rapspflanzen (Brassica napus L. var. napus)*)
Authors: Geisler G. , Stoy A.
Published: April 2008

Investigations on the effect of number of plants/area on the yield potential of rapeseed plants (Brassica napus L. var. napus)

Based on field experiments with winter rapeseed, the effect of number of plants per area on yield potential and components of yield were investigated. The dependence of yield from number of plants per area before and after winter was analyzed by manipulating the number of plants immediately after sowing and in spring before beginning of growth. The number of plants per area was varied between 10 plants/m2 till 185 plants/m2. The results show that the yield potential is partly dependend on the growing conditions before winter as influenced by the number of plants per area; the yield potential declines with increasing number of plants/area before winter; affected are the number of siliquae producing lateral shoots, the number of siliquae per shoot and seeds per siliqua. The growing conditions before winter, in this way control the capacity of the rapeseed plant to utilize environmental factors in the main growing period. 50–100 plants/m2 before winter and 45–90 plants/m2 after winter are within the compensation capacity of rapeseed plants.
Variability for Salt Tolerance in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. under Hydroponic Conditions
Authors: Azhar F. M. , McNeilly T.
Published: April 2008

The response of seedlings of 51 Sorghum bicolor accessions to 0, 50, 100, 150, 175, and 200 mM NaCl in solution culture was examined. Plant growth was measured as longest root lengths, maximum shoot lengths, and total plant dry weights after 14 days. Increasing NaCl concentration caused significant reductions in all three characters. Accession response to increasing NaCl also varied. The data suggest that increase in NaCl tolerance in this species through recurrent selection may be possible.
The Effects of Lime (Ca[OH]2) on the Performance of Wheat Cultivars in Plinthic Ferralsols (Eldoret Soils) of Kenya
Authors: Nyachiro J. M. , Briggs K. G.
Published: April 2008

Seven wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) were used as indicators of lime response in greenhouse trials with a Kenyan Plinthic Ferralsol (Eldoret) soil, which was limed from an initial pH of 5.5 to 6.5 using Ca(OH)2 of pure compound. Two lime treatments were used: (1) No lime added (Control), and (2) Equivalent of 3.25 tonnes/ha of lime added. The analysis of variance revealed that treatment × cultivar interaction was significant (P 0.05) for grain yield, harvest index, %, and number of seeds per plot. It was demonstrated that the cultivars could be separated into distinct groups based on their relative performance in limed and unlimed soil, and that the degree of response to liming was cultivar dependent. Quantitative relationships between the characters measured, estimated by correlation coefficients, were affected very little by the level of lime treatment.
Effect of Seed Pre‐sowing Hardening on Physiological Behaviour and Seed Yield of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) Crop
Authors: Sinha N. C. , Singh R. P.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi to study the effect of seed pre‐sowing hardening on seed emergence, physiological behaviour — and seed yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L. Var. S‐99‐1) crop. For this purpose, seed pre‐sowing hardening were made by soaking of seeds in tap water for 24 and 36 hours separately and later dried back to their original weight or left undried. These seeds were sown at two depths (5 and 3 cm) and judged against control (no soaking). Results demonstrated that augmented effect of seed hardening on seed emergence and physiological process responsible for seed yield was recorded in descending order of harden seeds (of 24 hours soaking) > non harden seeds (of 24 hours soaking) > harden seeds (of 36 hours soaking); while non‐harden seeds of 36 hours soaking adversely affect the plant growth because of leaching of sugar during excess soaking — an element for reduced seed vigour potential. Seed hardening system developed the strength of seed emergence on account of efficient catabolic process releasing high water soluble sugars needed for efficient germination process. Further this process augmented the absorption mechanism of mineral nutrients (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen with marginal variation in calcium) was quite evident at bloom stage — indicating a high metabolic activity during this period. Performance of seed hardening was effective at 5 cm deep sowing.
An Evaluation of Fertilizer and Soil Nitrogen Uptake by Wheat
Authors: Sangakkara U. R. , Cho C. M.
Published: April 2008

Nitrogen utilization and uptake patterns of wheat was studied using 15N labelled fertilizer at four rates of application. Plants harvested at maximum tillering and at flowering indicated that plant N levels stabilized with time. Fertilizer N uptake and utilization of added fertilizer increased with time. However, uptake of soil N was not affected by rates of fertilizer at early stages. Increases were observed only at higher rates at the later harvest.
Effect of Some Growth Factors and Glyphosate Herbicide on Pigments and Protein in Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: El‐Hattab A. H. , Hassan Esmat A. , Shaban Sh. A. , Abo‐El Suoud M. R.
Published: April 2008

Two field experiments were carried out during 1982/83 and 1983/84 seasons at Experimental Farm of National Research Centre at Shalakan, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt, to study the effects of supplemental growth factors on the reversal of glyphosate‐induced inhibition in photosynthetic pigments and protein in faba beans. A split plot design with four replications was used in both seasons. Glyphosate at 0,312 and 468 g.a.i./ha as well as the untreated treatment, arranged at random in main plots while, the growth factors, i.e., growth regulators, amino acids and nutrient elements at different concentrations distributed randomly in the sub plots. The results could be summarized as follows:

1. Glyphosate decreased chlorophyll a, b and carotenoides content and the total pigments content in the leaves of faba bean plants, as well as, the protein content of seeds and protein yield per hectare.

2. The treatments of phenylalanine at 500 ppm, urea at 1 %, cytolinin at 4/1000 and tryptophan at 500 ppm, reversed the glyphosate‐induced‐phytotoxicity on decreasing the chlorophyll a, b content and total pigments content in faba bean leaves. The same treatments, as well as, zinc sulfate at 1 %, reversed the glyphosate‐induced‐phytotoxicity on decreasing the carotenoids content in faba bean leaves.

3. The treatment of Ga3 at 100 ppm gave the highest percentage of crude protein in seeds, while the lowest value was obtained from cytokinin at 4/1000, in both seasons.

4. The treatments of cytokinin at 4/1000, phenylalanine at 500 ppm and tryptophan at both levels, reversed the glyphosate‐induced‐phytotoxicity on decreasing the protein yield per h.
Seedling Development of Maize Genotypes at Constant and at Fluctuating Temperatures
Authors: Stamp P.
Published: April 2008

Four maize genotypes from North West Europe, tropical highlands and tropical lowlands were grown at constant temperatures (14°C; 24°C), diurnal temperature variations (18°/10°C; 28°/20°C) and at temperatures alternating every three days (18°+ 10°C; 28°+ 20°C) until the three leaves stage. Fluctuating temperatures were generally favourable for growth with most marked effects at an average of 14°C when 18°/10°C were applied. Temperature situation had pronounced effects on morphological and biochemical traits like area of second leaves and activity of phosphofructokinase but between these traits and growth rates no close relationship existed. For all traits genotype specific reaction patterns to temperature situation existed. One tropical highland variety excelled by fast growth, especially at low fluctuating temperatures. A specific chilling susceptibility of the tropical lowland variety was only marked for growth at constant 14°C.
Differential Response of Soybean Cultivars Promiscuous to Native Rhizobia to Split Application of Fertilizer N in Nigerian Savanna
Authors: Pal U. R. , Norman J. C.
Published: April 2008

Field experiments were conducted to ascertain the differential response of promiscuous soybean cultivars to split application of fertilizer N during 1984 and 1985 at Yandev Agricultural Experiment Station, Nigeria. The cultivars were grown with and without 205 kg N/ha and was applied into equal splits at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after planting in 1984. In 1985, however, graded doses of 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg fertilizer N/ha were equally split into 3 and applied at 30, 50 and 70 days after planting.

In both years, averaged over all cultivars, split application of N increased the grain yield and total N content of shoot and decreased the nodulation significantly. Cultivars X N interaction existed in affecting the grain yield and total N content wherein cultivars like TGX 297‐35C, TGX 536‐02D, TGX 713‐011D and TGX 306‐036D showed significant increase in grain yield and total N content as against no effect on these attributes of other cultivars. This probably proves our hypothesis that, though some promiscuous cultivars yield moderately better without inoculation with R. japonicum or fertilizer; they are incapable of fixing sufficient quantity of atmospheric N symbiotically for maximum soybean yields and therefore require fertilizer N to be applied into splits at several growth and development stages of crop.
Wirkung von Impfung, N‐Spät‐, PK‐Düngung und Beregnung auf den Kornertrag und die N‐Akkumulation in den Samen von mehreren Sojabohnensorten an zwei Standorten Deutschlands
Authors: Fellmann K. , Kahnt G.
Published: April 2008

Effect of inoculation, late N‐ and PK‐manuring and irrigation on seed yield and N‐accumulation in the seed of several varieties of soybean at two locations in Germany

Effect of inoculation with rhizobium, late N‐ and PK‐fertilization and irrigation on yield and N‐accumulation in seeds of four soybean cultivars was tested in a polyfactoral experiment design.

Seed yield ranged from 11.5 to 43.7 dt DM/ha and N‐accumulation in seeds from 52 to 247 kg/ha. Irrigation and inoculation were the most effective production techniques. Cultivar MA96 yielded 38.0 dt DM/ha in Frankenthal on a sandy soil when plants were irrigated and inoculated. No further yield increase was obtained with additional NPK‐fertilization. Cultivar KW269 resulted in a significant higher yield (43.7 dt DM/ha) when late N‐fertilization was given to irrigated and inoculated plants.
Influence of Initial Plant Size and Temperature on Competitive Interactions in Pasture Grasses
Authors: Sangakkara R. , Roberts E.
Published: April 2008

Research has suggested that larger initial seedling size conferred a distinct advantage on the more competitive species. Therefore, competitive relationships between ryegrass, prairie grass and cocksfoot were evaluated using seedlings at the same growth stage, in order to minimise the advantages of seedling size differences between species. This study demonstrated that the performance of species in mixtures and their competitive abilities were related to their ability to accumulate dry matter. Simulated spring and autumn temperatures showed that temperature had no significant effect on the competitive relationships between these species.
Available Moisture in Relation to Water‐stable Aggregates of Two Forest Soils
Authors: Das A. , Gupta S. K.
Published: April 2008

Available moisture release characteristics for two well aggregated clayey forest soils of West Bengal (INDIA) were determined with respect to different‐sized water‐stable aggregates. In situ determination of higher range of available moisture differed appreciably from classic 1/3 bar moisture retention, for the soils. Release of moisture at lower tensions (0.33 > bar) were mainly governed by the inter‐aggregate pore size distribution while that at higher tension chiefly attributed to the texture of aggregates i.e. the intra‐aggregate pore size distribution. The difference in moisture releasing capacity particularly in the range 0.33—15.0 bar amongst different sized aggregates, was due mainly to varying amount of clay and organic carbon in different‐sized aggregates.
Dry Matter Accumulation in Different Guar Genotypes Under Irrigated and Dryland Conditions
Authors: Stafford R. E.
Published: April 2008

This investigation measured plant dry matter accumulation in guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] grown under water‐optimal and water‐stressed field conditions. Twelve guar genotypes were planted in irrigated and dryland tests at Chillicothe, TX on a Miles fine sandy loam (fine‐loamy mixed, thermic Udic Paleustalf). Dry weight harvests were made at 60, 90, 120, and 150 days after planting (DAP).

Significant variation was found among guar genotypes within maturity groups for plant dry matter accumulation. Percentage shoot dry weight in reproductive parts (pods) ranged from 41 to 79 % among the 12 genotypes at 150 DAP. Percentage stem weight, expressed as a percentage of shoot weight, averaged 36% at 60 DAP and 40% at 150 DAP. Percentage leaves decreased from 60% at 60 DAP to 0 at 150 DAP.

Genotypic differences were found in irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). IWUE was highest for Lewis (28.3) and lowest for Hall (5.4). Medium maturing genotypes, with the exception of Lewis, had similar IWUE's ranging from 16.3 to 19.2. Early and late maturing genotypes generally had relatively low IWUE's. Genotypes differed significantly in harvest index (ratio of seed to shoot weight). Harvest indices ranged from 0.20 to 0.48. Harvest indices of the same magnitude were found in the water‐optimal and the water‐stressed tests.
Stability Analysis of Winter‐rape (Brassica napus L.) by Using Plant Density and Mean Yield per Plant
Authors: Hühn M.
Published: April 2008

The yield F per area can be expressed multiplicatively by using yield components. For the most simple case of including only two yield components one obtains: F = X1− X2 with X1= number of plants per area (= plant density) and X2= mean yield per plant.

For normal variables X1 and X2 the phenotypic yield stability of F, which has been measured quantitatively by the variance V(F) of F, can be explicitly expressed dependent on 1) the component means, 2) the component variances and 3) the correlation between the two components. V(F), therefore, depends on 5 parameters.

For many applications the use of the coefficient of variation v of F instead of the variance itself may be advantageous, v can be explicitly expressed dependent on 1) the coefficients of variation of the yield components and 2) the correlation between the components, v, therefore, depends on 3 parameters.

The different conditions leading to the same phenotypic yield stability can be investigated by using these explicit expressions for V(F) and v.

The main purpose of the present paper is the application of these theoretical models and results to the data of an extensive field trial with winter‐rape, which has been performed for 5 years with 4 plant densities and 3 row distances.

For the lowest plant density (40 plants/m2) there results a very good agreement between the theoretically expected and the experimentally obtained values for the phenotypic stability of yield per area. But, for the higher plant densities this result don't hold true. Possible causes and explanations are discussed in detail.
Yielding Ability of Pure Stands and Equal Proportion Blends of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) with Double‐low Quality
Authors: Léon J. , Diepenbrock W.
Published: April 2008

Yielding ability of intraspecific mixtures is an important issue not only for homozygous and homogeneous crops but also for heterozygous and/or heterogeneous ones. The goal of the present study was to examine the performance of mixtures and synthetics from double‐low (low in erucic acid and glucosinolates) rapeseed (Brassica napusL.) as compared to pure stands. The material consisted of seven lines and from 1982/83 to 1984/ 85 lines, all possible biblends and syn1's (1983/84 and 1984/85 exclusively) were grown in a completely randomized block design. An analysis of variance was conducted and general mixing effects (g.m.e.) and specific mixing effects (s.m.e.) were calculated for components of biblends. A few pure‐standing lines yielded higher than some mixtures. Nevertheless, the overall mean of mixtures was not exceeded by any pure stand. For selection purposes, the higher variance of ‘among lines’ in comparison with ‘among blends’ would not result in higher yields because of the generally higher yielding ability of blends. Additionally, mixtures were marked by higher yield stability as compared to pure‐standing lines. On the average of two years of testing yields of syn1's amounted higher than yields of mixtures. Differences between ‘g.m.e.’ of lines were proved and moreover, the variance component of ‘s.m.e.’ was on a lower level than that of ‘g.m.e.’. Consequently, in order to find the best mixture it seemed not necessary to analyse a complete diallel rather than to apply factorial or incomplete factorial concepts.
Freezing Resistance and Development of Faba Beans as Affected by Ambient Temperature, Soil Moisture and Variety
Authors: Herzog H.
Published: April 2008

Effects of temperature and soil moisture on the development of some plant and leaf traits and of freezing resistance were examined in 5 (6) European varieties of winter faba beans. After pre‐growth at 15 °C for 1 week, temperature was kept either at this level or lowered to 8:2 °C (day might). Soil moisture was maintained at 70‐90 % of or above field capacity, or was allowed to approach wilting point.

At 15 °C, specific dry matter content (D.M. per unit area) and water/D.M. ratio were the only traits in the lower expanded leaves (1‐3) that changed markedly with time. Several plant and leaf traits were affected by soil moisture and displayed varietal differences. However, freezing resistance remained unchanged with time and was hardly affected by soil moisture and varieties (Δ R < 0.2 °C). Interestingly freezing resistance and leaf traits were differently expressed in leaves 1‐3 of plants and thus contributed to some low correlations between these items.

Likewise at 8:2 °C, only low correlations between leaf traits and freezing resistance were established. They were mainly due to developmental effects and soil moisture, since (i) specific water and D. M. content increased in parallel with freezing resistance (rate ‐ 0.45 °C/day), (ii) leaf traits and freezing resistance were differently expressed in leaves 1 and 2 (i.e. ‐12.5 and ‐13.5 °C) and (iii) low as well as high soil moisture raised freezing resistance (‐0.7°C) and specific D.M. content, but lowered water/D.M. ratio. With the exception of the old French land race Cote ďOr, varietal differences in freezing resistance at 8:2 °C were small (<0.5 °C). Neither in the first nor in the second leaf varietal rank pattern of freezing resistance was consistent with that of other traits and hence no genotypic correlations could be established. On the basis of these data, the usefulness of leaf traits in breeding as indirect criteria for freezing resistance appeared doubtful.
Effect of Plant Density, Sowing Technique and Toping on Yield and Yield Components of Field Beans
Authors: Kahnt G. , König K. , Hijazi L. A.
Published: April 2008

Effects of drilling, spaced seeding, plant density, row to row distance and toping on yield and yield components of field beans were studied at two sites for two years. Grain yield ranged from 29 to 54 dt/ha. Toping reduced the yield in all treatments. The reduction ranged from 1.6 to 19.2 dt/ha. Toping gave an interaction with site and year. It induced uniform early maturing and no lodging. Plant density and row to row distance affected the yield differently at different sites. Drilling and spaced seeding showed no divergence. Differences in yield were caused by differences in pods/plant, grains/pod and thousand seed weight.
N‐Dimethylamino Succinamic Acid (B‐Nine) as a Potential Aid in Improvement of Medicago sativa L.
Authors: Mohan R. , Yadava R. B. R.
Published: April 2008

The influence of N‐dimethylamino succinamic acid (B‐nine) on lucerne plants cv. IGFRI‐244 was investigated. B‐nine (a growth regulant) was sprayed as a foliar sprays, employing 10, 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 5000 ppm alongwith water spray as control, and the effects were observed on plant growth, flowering, nutritive constituents and seed yield of the crop. Plant height was reduced from 6.19 to 26.85 % in various concentrations of B‐nine being highest retardation in 5000 ppm, whereas 250 ppm produced more branches and leaves with dense foliage in comparison to control and other treatments. Delayed flowering by 2–15 days with significant increase in seed yield and 1000 seed weight B‐nine bein maximum seed yield in 250 ppm. However, total seed yield was increased by 4.16 to 24.76 per cent over unsprayed control plants. Among the treated levels of B‐nine, 250 ppm also gave higher values for Carbohydrate, IVTDMD in shoot of lucerne plants with considerable decreased in 5000 ppm. NDF condent decreased progressively with increased concentration of B‐nine but always lesser than the value of IVTDMD.
Untersuchungen über die Wirkung von Ammonium‐ und Nitrat‐Ernährung auf die Ertrags‐ und Proteinbildung bei Hafergenotypen
Authors: Flaig A. , Zoschke M.
Published: April 2008

Investigations about the effect of ammonium‐ and nitrate nutrition on the formation of yield and protein of oats genotypes

The formation of yield and proteins of three different oats genotypes (cv. Gambo, Flämingskrone, Caesar) in dependence on ammonium or nitrate nutrition was investigated in pot trials over 2 years (from 1982 to 1983). On oats the NH4‐nutrition showed in comparison to NO3 nutrition increases in grain yield up to 20 % due to a favourable influence on the number of panicles per pot (s. Fig. 1).

Protein content and protein yield increased particularly by high fertilizing with NH4‐N (N3‐ and Invariant); the best effect was ascertained by the N4‐variant increase of 4 % (D.M.). Among the protein fractions (albumins, globulins, prolamins, glutelins) the albumin‐ and prolamin‐proteins increased after NH4‐fertilizing by 1–2 %, whereas at the same time the glutelins decreased by 1–4 %; the globulins showed no differences.
Photosynthesis and Assimilate Partitioning in Mungbean in Response to Source‐Sink Alteration
Authors: Mitra Surma , Ghildiyal M. C.
Published: April 2008

The effect of alteration in source‐sink ratio by deflowering and defoliation technique on photosynthesis rate was examined in mungbean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek) var. PS 16. Deflowered plants where sink demand was decreased, maintained a higher rate of photosynthesis in spite of their higher starch content in the leaves. This treatment also increased the partitioning of assimilates to leaves, stem, roots and nodules indicating the existence of alternative sink capacity. The higher rate of photosynthesis of deflowered plants was associated initially with lower stomatal diffusive resistance and subsequently with higher leaf nitrogen content. Increase in sink demand for a particular leaf by excising other source leaves also increased the rate of photosynthesis. These results are discussed in relation to possible regulation through hormones.
Effect of Some Weed Control Treatments on Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and Associated Weeds
Authors: Ibrahim A. F. , El‐Wekjl H. R. , Yehia Z. R. , Shaban Sh. A.
Published: April 2008

Two field experiments were carried out during 1984 and 1985 seasons at the Farm of Shandaweel Agric. Res. Station, A. R. C, Ministry of Agric. (Egypt), to study the effect of five herbicides applied as a single or in tank mixtures as well as hoeing treatment on sesame plants and dominated annual weeds under Upper Egypt growing conditions. The herbicides alachlor at 2.304, pendimethalin at 2.040, linuron at 1.200, diuron at 0.960 and prometryn at 1.920 kg a.i./ha were applied preemergence as a single herbicides, as well as alachlor and pendimethalin combined with linuron, diuron or prometryn at the same rates. Two checks were included, one was left without weed removal, while the other was hand‐hoed.

Pendimethalin at 2.040 applied alone or in mixtures with linuron at 1.200 or with diuron at 0.960 kg a.i./ha gave the best grass weed control, while excellent effectiveness against annual broad‐leaves was obtained by linuron at 1,200 and diuron at 0.960 kg a.i./ha alone or in mixtures with pendimethalin at 2.040 kg a.i./ha. Whereas, pendimithalin at 2.040 applied alone or in tank mixtures with linuron at 1.200 or with diuron at 0.960 kg a.i./ha gave the best control for total annual weeds and higher seed yield of sesame as well as other yield contributing characters.
Die Ontogenese von Zea mays L. und ihre Beeinflußbarkeit durch Wachstumsregulatoren
Authors: Kötting K. , Höfner W.
Published: April 2008

The ontogenesis of Zea mays L. and their modification by plant growth regulators

During a period of 2 years with the maize variety Santos, the effects of the plant growth regulators CCC and RSW 0411 upon vegetative and generative development were tested by pot experiments. The experiments were carried out to optimize the PGR application to maize and to interpret possible PGR effects. The application shah improve the resistance to lodging by a reduction of ear–and plant height as well as by an increase of stalk diameter. At the same time, the sink‐capacity of the ear shah increase because this is lucrative to all specializations of corn production.

The PGR RSW strongly reduced the stem elongation during the growing season after an application in ES 21. The basal stem diameter increased highly significant. The PGR CCC did not obviously effect the vegetative development of maize.

RSW suppressed the branching of the tassel after an application in ES 21. Later applications did not disturb the tassel development, because the tassel were completely differentiated at the application time in ES 31/32 and ES 34/35. High application rates of CCC, applied in ES 31/32 and ES 34/35, increased significantly the grain yield by a higher number of kernels per ear. The 1000 kernels weight remained unchanged. The results of the ear ontogenesis indicated, that the PGR CCC lessened the reduction of female spikelets in the ear during the post‐silking period.
Zeitliche und vertikale Nitratverteilung in der ungesättigten und gesättigten Bodenzone grundwassernaher Sandböden Nordwestdeutschlands
Authors: Foerster P.
Published: April 2008

Periodic and Vertical Nitrate Distribution in Unsaturated and in Saturated Zone of Sandy Soils Close to Groundwater in North‐West Germany

Investigations into the periodic and vertical distribution of nitrate were conducted in three geologically, pedologically and climatically comparable arable sandy soils lying close to the groundwater zone of the coastal moorlands of N.W. Germany. Periodical and vertical distribution of nitrate was observed in unsaturated and in saturated zones of the soil.

The investigation concerns podzol‐brown earths. The depth of the water‐unsaturated zone is 2 to 3 m. The crops in two locations consisted of maize and winter rye; in one location, of maize only. N‐manuring consisted of mineral fertilizers and/or of organic liquid manure. At two locations the investigations were conducted over 3 years, at one location, over 18 months.

The results from the three locations indicate a corresponding clear variability of nitrate amounts in the soil depending on weather conditions, on the course of growth of the crops, and on the date, the rate and the type of manuring.

The dependence of nitrate content on the time span is most clearly expressed in the top soil. The peak values of NO3 in the top soil appear in May, June and in the autumn months. Nitrate peaks in the top soil are continued in the subsequent ground levels with a time shift. Underneath the root zone, the nitrate peak values are transferred, largely without losses, by the seepage water through the capillary and groundwater zones close to the surface.

In the capillary and groundwater zones the nitrate peak values are characterized by time‐dependent extension.

The time‐span for transferring nitrate peak values from the top soil down to 4.00 m under the surface was determined to be approximately 6‐8 months.
Salinity Effects on Growth and Ionic Relations of two Triticale Varieties Differing in Salt Tolerance
Authors: Salim M.
Published: April 2008

Two varieties of triticale possessing differential tolerance to salinity were grown in a glass‐house in nutrient solution with or without the addition of 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl. Plants were harvested after 20, 30, 37 and 44 days of vegetative growth. Relatively salt sensitive variety had slightly better growth in nutrient solution without salt throughout the study period but it could not survive at 150 mM NaCl treatment upto the final harvest. Better relative growth rates of the salt tolerant variety were observed at all salt levels during the four harvests. A significant negative correlation between Cl in shoot tissue water and the growth depression was observed for the salt sensitive variety. Better salt tolerance of the relatively salt tolerant variety seemed to be due to its ability to avoid salt build‐up in plant body which was confirmed by short term Na and Cl uptake from labelled solution of 100 mM NaCl.
Combined Effect of Soil Water Availability and Growth Substances on Some Aspects of Chemical Composition of Cowpea Plants
Authors: Khalil Sohajr , Mandurah Hanan M.
Published: April 2008

Cowpea plant (Vigna sinensis Savi) were grown in pots for two successive years. These plants were daily maintained at water holding capacities (15, 25, 45 and 65 %). The foliage of plants grown at every level of soil moisture was sprayed till dripping with either IAA solutions 0, 10, 50 and 100 mg/1 or kinetin solutions 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/1 three times after 3, 6 and 9 weeks from sowing. Samples were taken at two physiological stages before flowering and during flowering for determination of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrate fractions.

Water stress decreased all photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll “a”, chlorophyll “b” and carotenoids). Meanwhile, it increased the ratios of “a/b” and (a + b)/carotenoids. IAA and kinetin at all concentrations increased photosynthetic pigments. In addition, the same treatments led to decrease in the ratios of “a/b” and a + b/carotenoids.

Total carbohydrate content was decreased by decreasing soil moisture content. Meanwhile, reducing sugars as well as sucrose contents were increased. IAA and kinetin increased total carbohydrate, reducing sugars and sucrose of cowpea shoots comparing with respective controls.
Erhaltung der Ertragsfähigkeit des Bodens auf lange Sicht unter dem Einfluß von Fruchtfolgegestaltung, Düngung und Herbizideinsatz
Authors: Sturny W. G. , Weisskopf P. , Keller E. R. , Schwendimann F.
Published: April 2008

Impact of crop rotation, fertilizer treatments and herbicidal applications on the long term maintenance of soil fertility

V. Comparative studies regarding chemical and physical factors of the yield potential of a soil over a ten year experimental period

In order to examine the influence of different crop management practices such as crop rotation, fertilizer treatments and herbicide applications on the yield potential of a soil, the Crop Science Department of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) conducted a long term field experiment commencing 1973. The experimental location was at the Swiss Federal Research Station for Farm Management and Agricultural Engeneering at Tanikon/TG (northeastern Switzerland).

After the ten year period, chemical and physical soil properties were not found to be substantially affected by the various experimental treatments. Organic carbon and total nitrogen were more influenced by fertilizer treatments than by crop rotation and herbicide applications. Both cation exchange capacity and pH proved to be fairly stable values.

Aggregate stability and organic matter exhibited similar profiles, although soil bulk density was affected by crop rotation. The volume of large and medium sized pores was similarly affected in that the corn‐dominated crop rotation resulted in a quantifiable impact upon soil compaction.

Depending upon weed control efficiency, the grain yields of the winter wheat test crop clearly exhibited the effects of crop rotation whereas the lowest yields resulted from the corn‐dominated crop rotation.
Sorghum Leaf Area as a Function of Sixth Leaf Area
Authors: Chinnamuthu C. R. , Kailasam C. , Sankaran Dr. S.
Published: April 2008

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between sixth leaf area and total leaf area of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) to obtain the total leaf area estimate without having to make the time consuming area measurement directly. Ten sorghum varieties were raised at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University campus Coimbatore from which the leaf samples were taken. The allometric relationship derived by logarithmic transformation between total leaf area (TLA) and sixth leaf area measured by leaf area meter (SLALW) and TLA and sixth leaf area measured by maximum length and width (SLALW) were not different significantly. The allometric relationship for all the ten varieties of pooled data were

TLA = 27.416 (SLAM)0.794

and TLA = 14.355 (SLALW)0.857)

Where TLA, SLAM and SLALW are measured in cm2. The standard error of estimate equalled to 0.00299 and 0.0035 for the regression of TLA‐SLAM and TLA‐SLALW respectively. The correlation co‐efficients for TLA‐SLAM and TLA‐SLALW were 0.94 and 0.93 respectively. Among the relationships tried for third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh leaf area by meter and length X width verses total leaf area, the SLA verses TLA found to be more suitable.
Compensation‐Induced Yield Gains in Mixtures of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Panse A. , Davis J. H. C. , Fischbeck G.
Published: April 2008

Over the course of two planting seasons field trials were conducted at the CIAT farm in Palmira (Colombia). The experiments included nine tropical bean lines grown in pure stands and seven mixtures obtained by combining these lines on the basis of equal proportions in seed number.

In the case of several pure lines, inferior seed quality led to low germination and uneven population densities, especially in the first planting season. Analogously, missing plants also occurred with the corresponding mixtures. A significant and positive relationship between mixing induced yield gains and patchiness in mixtures was found, indicating that intergenotypic compensation was a major determinant for mixture effects on yield. In common bean as a tropical subsistence crop seed quality is known to be erratic. It is concluded that compensation effects in mixtures of common bean may be expected to be of practical importance regarding the improvement of yield stability over seasons.
Kresse (Lepidium sativum L.) als Bioindikator zur Beurteilung der pflanzenphysiologischen Verträglichkeit von Flüssigmist
Authors: Dewes T. , Ahrens E. , Valentin U.
Published: April 2008

Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) as a biological indicator for the estimation of liquid manure compatibility to plant physiology

In addition to other proposals for hydroponic tests an improved method with cress (Lepidium sativum L.) is described, which is suitable to study the compatibility of liquid manures to plant physiology. Simply standardizable conditions and particular applicability for serial studies are the characteristics of this method. Results could be obtained rapidly within 72 h. Using this test marked differences between different liquid manures were found especially in dependence on the storage time. An increasing storage time led to a better compatibility to plant physiology.
Maize Smut Induced by Ustilago maydis (D. C.) Corda – Specific Effect of Smut Intensity and Location of Galls on Yield Losses
Authors: Kostandi S. F. , Geisler G.
Published: April 2008

Seventeen maize hybrids were used in this study to estimate the damage effects of smut intensity and location of galls on yield during the growing seasons 1982, 1983 and 1984. The term “relative yield” was introduced to give an indication about the variation in yield of each maize hybrids among years in accordance with the proposed system of grade classification. Additional calculations were also applied to give quantitative measurements of the specific effect of grade and location of galls on yield losses. The results showed that:

1. In most cases, the relative yield followed up the grade classification, being the highest for the highly resistant group (99.0 %) and the lowest for the highly susceptible ones (82.0 %).

2. Small galls, as expressed in grade 2 and 3 did not appreciably reduce the yield, but the losses resulted from grade 4 up to grade 8 were more destructive and the losses ranged from 11.0 to 95.0 %, respectively.

3. The loss in yield associated with smut galls located on ear, stem + ear, stem + tassel, stem and tassel were 57.1, 48.9, 38.6, 24.3 and 9.3 %, respectively.

4. Yield losses were greatly influenced by increasing smut infection and/or smut location among years, due to the changes of climatical conditions.

5. The loss in yield at any specific smut location tended to increase exponentially with increasing smut intensity, but the degree of severity was, however, greater when the galls were located on the ear.
Effect of Water Stress on the Photosynthesis, Productivity and Water Status of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Uprety D. C. , Bhatia Anju
Published: April 2008

The effect of water stress and its subsequent recovery on the photosynthesis, productivity and water status, was examined in three mungbean varieties (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) i.e. PS 16, P 105 and Pusa Baisakhi. The variety P 105 was found relatively less susceptible to water stress compared to high susceptibility in Pusa Baisakhi and PS 16. The adverse effect of stress was comparatively higher at the post‐flowering and pod development stages. It was observed that variety P 105 had inherently maintained higher water status by retaining higher water potential and water content under water stress condition, thereby effectively reducing the water loss. The higher transpiration rate in this variety regulates the flow of water within the plant. This type of regulation of water flow and maintenance of high water status in P 105 helped to resist the adverse effect of water stress on photosynthesis and productivity. Such adaptation mechanism was not observed in varieties PS 16 and Pusa Baisakhi. The recover) mechanism was, however, operated efficiently in susceptible varieties PS 16 and Pusa Baisakhi particularly for recouping the vegetative growth, but its effect could not be retained for reproductive characters, wherein also variety P 105 due to its efficient partitioning system yielded better than other cultivars.