bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Einfluß von Monoethanolamin auf den Ertrag von Kulturpflanzen
Authors: Bergmann H. , Eckert H. , Und C. Weber , Roth D.
Published: April 2008

Effect of monoethanolamine on yield of crops

I. Studies on the effect of monoethanolamine on the grain yield and the nitrogen household in cereal plants (pot experiments)

The effect of monoethanolamine (EA, applied as foliar spray, 10 mg per pot) on grain yield and yield components was investigated in pot experiments with spring barley, winter wheat, and winter rye. Under conditions of a moderate drought stress the applied EA increased the grain yield of spring barley from 5 % to 7 % (significance only at α= 0.05). A stimulating effect of EA on the grain yield of winter wheat and winter rye was also obtained.

The positive influence of EA on the grain yield of spring barley was reproducible under the conditions of a limited water supply in small‐scale plot experiments (increase of yield about 9 %).

In case of spring barley and winter rye the increase of the grain yield by EA, applied at growth stage 31 (= DC 31) was connected with a greater number of ear‐bearing tillers. The increase of the winter wheat yield resulted from more grains per ear of the tillers.

The enhanced formation of tiller grain mass and total tiller biomass by EA was in correlation with a higher nitrogen import into tillers (r = 0.8+). Since an export of N from the main shoots into the tillers was not observed a higher N uptake (≥ 6 %) was calculated from N balances. After a fertilization with 15N‐labelled fertilizers the additional 15N uptake was 13 % to 20 %.

Possible stress reducing activities caused by EA are discussed.
The Effects of Ethephon, Chlormequat Chloride and Mixtures of Ethephon and Chlormequat Chloride Applied at the Beginning of Stem Elongation on Spike‐Bearing Shoots and other Yield Components of Spring Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Ma Baoluo , Smith Donald L.
Published: April 2008

Effects of chlormequat chloride (CCC), ethephon and mixtures of CCC and ethephon, applied at Zadoks growth stage (ZGS) 30 (the beginning of stem elongation) on the number of spike‐bearing shoots and their contribution to grain yields of four spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars were studied in 1987 and 1988 at McGill University, Quebec, Canada. The results varied between years and among cultivars. The mixtures of CCC and ethephon or ethephon alone, produced significant increases in the number of spikes m−2 in cultivars Joly and Laurier, in both years, and in Leger only in 1988. Ethephon and ethephon containing mixtures reduced the yields of Joly and Leger in 1988. In both years CCC had no effect on spikes m−2 for all cultivars. Increases in spikes m−2 were accompanied by decreases in 1000‐grain weight, and/or grains per spike, which offset or more than offset potential benefits from increased spikes m−2. These results indicate that under continental climatic conditions such as those prevalent in Quebec, Canada, application of PGRs to spring barley at ZGS 30 does not increase grain yield through an increased number of spikes m−2.
Studies on Biology and Control of Striga.
Authors: Gworgwor N. A. , Weber H. Chr.
Published: April 2008

Resistant cowpea varieties to Striga gesnerioides were grown on striga sick plots at Maiduguri, Northern Nigeria, in order to check their response to S. gesnerioides in various regions in West Africa. Under field conditions all the varieties including highly resistant varieties were all attacked by Striga at both 9 and 12 weeks after sowing. However, B‐301, Sutiva‐2, IT82D‐479‐1 and IT82D‐849 varieties had significantly very low Striga infestation compared with KVX 183‐1 variety. These varieties also show higher cowpea yield compared with other highly infested varieties. But the pot experiment shows that B‐301 variety is highly‐resistant to 5. gesnerioides as no Striga germination was observed. Therefore, it is strongly believed that under field conditions Merrimia emarginata a weed host of S. gesnerioides which was common on the experimental site might have contributed to the presence of S. gesnerioides in some of the highly resistant varieties such as B‐301.
Effect of 1,1‐Dimethyl Piperidinium Chloride (Pix) on the Seed, Protein, Oil and Fatty Acids of Egyptian Cotton
Authors: Sawan Z. M. , Sakr R. A. , Ahmed F. A. , Abd‐Al‐Samed A. M.
Published: April 2008

Two field experiments were conducted in 1985 and 1986 on the cotton cultivar, Giza 75 (Gossypiitm barbadense L.) to determine the effect of foliar application of Pix at 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 ppm on cottonseed yield, seed index, protein and oil contents and fatty acid compositions of cottonseed oil. Pix was sprayed once at 90 days or twice at 90 and 110 days from sowing date.

Seed yield/plant or /ha, protein and oil yield/ha, and seed index increased due to the application of Pix compared to the control. The highest response occurred with 40 or 60 ppm Pix and with one application rather than two. The seed protein percentage increased due to Pix application, especially at 10 ppm. A slight increase in seed oil percentage was detected throughout Pix applications. The number of applications had no noticeable effect on seed protein and oil %. Application of Pix caused a general decrease in the saturated fatty acids (myristic, stearic, and palmitic), associated with an increase in the unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic). These results were confirmed bv the ratio of total unsaturated fatty acids to total saturated (TU/TS). Ten ppm Pix gave the highest TU/TS. Generally, the saturated fatty acids decreased while the unsaturated fatty acids increased with one application rather than two. Palmitic acid was the most abundant saturated fatty acid, whereas linoleic acid was the most abundant unsaturated ones.
Einfluß verschiedener organischer Düngemittel auf die Effizienz von Azospirillum lipoferum
Authors: Brechelt Andrea
Published: April 2008

Effect of several organic manures on the efficiency of Azospirillum lipoferum

Under greenhouse conditions, it was examined how grass mulch, farmyard manure and compost influence the efficiency of Azospirillum lipoferum with Sorghum bicolor. The organic manures were added at 5 concentrations: 0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 dt/ha.

With the exception of the highest amount the grass mulch always induced a good effect of Azospirillum on plant yield and nutrient uptake. The application of farmyard manure or compost did not improve the growth of the inoculated plants. With farmyard manure the inoculation even lowered shoot dry weights. But in both treatments the inoculated plants showed considerably increased N and P contents. In addition to the N2 fixation the inoculation with Azospirillum lipoferum apparently can increase the capacity of the sorghum plant roots to absorb P. Primarily, the organic manures create better growing conditions for the bacteria and simultaneously serve as P sources.
Reproductive Abscission and Yield of Irrigated and Drought Stressed Cowpea
Authors: Tewolde H. , Dobrenz A. K. , Robinson D. L. , Marcarian V.
Published: April 2008

Two experiments were conducted under field conditions to evaluate reproductive abscission, seed yield and yield components of three cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes. In the first experiment, level of abscission and yield of two cultivars, California Blackeye Pea No. 5 (CA‐5) and Speckle Purple Hull (SPH), and one experimental line (AZ‐54) were studied. In the second experiment, effect of drought stress on abscission at three nodal positions, seed yield, and yield components of CA‐5 were studied. Abscission in both experiments was determined by counting scars left by dropprd reproductive structures including floral buds, open flowers, and immature pods. Abscission of CA‐5 and AZ‐54 in the first experiment ranged between 68 and 76 % while that of SPH ranged between 86 and 89 %. CA‐5 and AZ‐54 retained two to three pods per peduncle, and SPH retained only one mature pod per peduncle. Average seed yields of SPH and AZ‐54, respectively, were 45 and 50 % of CA‐5. Drought stress in the second experiment did not affect production of floral buds Peduncle−1 (average of 10) but significantly increased percent reproductive abscission and decreased pod retention of CA‐5. Abscission in the bottom two‐third nodes increased from 82 % in well‐irrigated plants to 93 % in non‐irrigated plants. This increase in abscission corresponded to nearly 60 % reduction in pod retention. The number of pods per peduncle in the bottom two‐third nodes decreased from 1.9 in well‐irrigated plants to only. 77 in non‐irrigated plants. The increase in abscission and decrease in pod retention with increasing intensity of drought was greatest in the bottom one‐third nodes. Drought stress did not affect abscission and pod retention in the top one‐third nodes. Stress also decreased peduncles plant−1, seeds pod−1, and dry matter and seed yield plant−1 but did not affect seed weight and harvest index. The decrease in seed yield was largely due to reductions in pods plant−1 and seeds pod−1. The reduction in the number of pods and, therefore, seed yield due to stress was because of reductions in the number of peduncles plant−1 and increases in reproductive abscission. It is concluded external conditions that increase abscission beyond that of normal occurrence affect seed yield adversely.
Use of Lupinex to Increase Crop Yield and Improve Harvest Quality with Lesser Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Kahnt G. , Hijazi L. A.
Published: April 2008

Lupinex is a natural by product falling out during debittering of bitter lupin grains by water extraction ‐ a pollution free technique developed by Mittex AG. It contains alkaloids, minerals, carbohydrates and other natural material of plant origin. In two years study various crops were tested at different sites in W. Germany, Portugal and Italy representing diverse soil and climatic conditions. Lupinex rates as foliar spray were 50 and 100 kg/ha at vegetative or reproductive plant stage or 200 kg/ha as 1/2 and 1/2. In certain cases 250 and 500 kg/ ha was applied on the soil. Increases harvested depended on site, soil, weather, N‐input, variety, and time and amount of application. They ranged from 11‐23 % for soybean, from 10‐32 % for sunflower, from 20‐28 % for Chinese cabbage, and from 18‐67 % for bringles. A few cases of no increase or slight depression were also found. Up to 15 % increase in 1000‐seed weight of soybean, and from 2 to 3.7% increase in seed protein contents for sunflower were registered.
Ergebnisse zur Ertragsbildung bei ökologisch orientiertem Winterweizenanbau auf Lößschwarzerdeböden in trockenen Lagen
Authors: Waloszczyk K.
Published: April 2008

Results of yield formation at ecological oriented winter wheat cultivation on Calcic Chernozem soil in arid areas

The influence were examined in field experiments of wheater elements (air temperature, precipitation), nitrogen fertilization, sowing rate and irrigation on the yield and yield formation of winter wheat stands. The average level of yields amounts to 81.3 dt/ha (76…93.8 dt/ha). Limiting factor for yields is the availability of water in the soil. In humide seasons 9…12 % higher yields were obtained then in dry seasons. Without nitrogen fertilization yields of winter wheat are lower by 18 % than with nitrogen fertilization. At very high level of N fertilization only vegetative biomass increases, and the water use efficiency decreases.

Increase in plants/m2 caused a rise of vegetative biomass and of ears/m2, kernels per ear strongly decreased in the same time. At winter wheat cultivation in low input farming systems without nitrogen fertilization high yields will be obtained with 320…370 plants/m2 and 15,000 kernels/m2. Nitrogen uptake from the soil amounts to 180 kgN/ha. Because of great amounts of inorganic in the soil (70…200 kgN/ha) sufficient nitrogen is available until heading of the wheat plants. The nitrogen supply of wheat plants in later stages of development is influenced by wheater conditions.
The Effect of Inter‐row Cultivation on Yield of Weed‐free Maize
Authors: van der Werf H. M. G. , Klooster J. J. , van der Schans D. A. , Boone F. R. , Veen B. W.
Published: April 2008

Inter‐row cultivation can be a means to reduce herbicide use in maize (Zea mays L.) production. Apart from its effect on weeds, inter‐row tillage may increase available water and nitrogen in the soil, affect soil temperature and damage crop roots. In 10 out of 13 field experiments conducted in the Netherlands from 1977 to 1985, 4‐ to 7‐cm deep inter‐row cultivation of a weed‐free maize crop did not significantly affect whole plant dry matter yield. In two experiments yield was increased with inter‐row cultivation; in one experiment inter‐row cultivation significantly decreased yield. These differences in crop response could not be attributed to factors known to affect crop response to inter‐row cultivation such as slope, soil texture, precipitation or mean temperature. Ten‐cm deep cultivation caused yield reduction, probably due to root damage.
The Effect of Artificial Infestation of Ears by Macrosiphum avenae (F.) on Germination and Seedling Emergence of Two Winter Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Havličková Helena
Published: April 2008

10 day infestation of two winter wheat cultivars, Regina and Zdar, by grain aphid Macrosiphum avenae (F.) (3 virgines per ear at the anthesis), caused up to 30 per cent loss of seed weight, and accelerated significantly seed germination. The percentage of seed germination was not influenced. First four days after emergence, the sprouts of the seed influenced by aphids were longer than the control, then shorter.

After 8 days, the seedlings from aphid affected seeds had significantly lower dry matter than controls. Cv. Zdar was more sensitive than cv. Regina.
Growth and Drymatter Partitioning of Sorghum under Moisture Stress Condition
Authors: Ramu S. V. , Palaniappan Sp. , Panchanathan Rm.
Published: April 2008

Field studies were carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, during summer 1988 to find out the effect of moisture stress of growth indices and dry matter accumulation of sorghum (cv. CO 26) at three phenophases. Crop under adequate moisture supply, throughout, exhibited greater crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) compared to the crop under moisture stress condition. Growth indices were at lesser rate when the crop experienced moisture stress during phenophase I, and subsequently picked up during phenophase II due to adequate moisture supply to the crop. This reflects the ability of sorghum crop to recover from the effects of early moisture stress at later stages. The dry‐matter accumulation in the stem was favoured by adequate moisture while in the leaves it was favoured by moisture stress.
Character Associations Among Grain Yield, Biological Yield and Harvest Index
Authors: Hühn M.
Published: April 2008

The harvest index Z is defined, for example for cereals, as the ratio between grain yield X and biological yield Y: Z = X/Y. In this paper the character associations among biological yield, grain yield and harvest index have been investigated theoretically by calculating the covariances and correlation coefficients between harvest index and grain yield and, additionally, between harvest index and biological yield. Explicit formulae are derived for these covariances and correlation coefficients and conclusions are derived and discussed. Many facts and relations among these characters which are well‐known and frequently established by many experimental studies with quite different crops can be obtained and characterized by these theoretical investigations as necessary implications of the underlying statistical relationships.

Finally, all the theoretical studies and results are demonstrated and applied to a numerical example of winter‐rapeseed data.
Yield Stability of Winter Wheat (Triticum sp.) Cultivars and Lines
Authors: ÖZgen M.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare responsiveness to environment as well as the stability of newly developed promising lines with traditional commercial cultivars. Subject research was conducted in Ankara between 1983‐1989 on common and durum wheat cultivars and lines. Regression coefficient (b) was used as the criterion of genotypes' responsiveness to environment whereas deviation from regression (S2d) and coefficient of determination (r2) were used as stability parameters. Each experiment year was regarded as an environment and yield average of each year was used as the environmental index.

In consequence of the research, it was determined that new varieties with high yield, adaptable to diverse environments could be developed by means of hybridizations between parents having different genetic characteristics which were provided from diverse ecological regions.
Yields and Land‐Use Efficiency of Maize‐Cowpea Crop Rotation in Comparison to Mixed and Monocropping on an Alfisol in Northern Ghana
Authors: Härdter R. , Horst W. J. , Schmidt G. , Frey E.
Published: April 2008

Results reported in the literature with regard to productivity of intercropping systems in comparison to sole cropping are very inconsistent. A field experiment was therefore conducted in the northern part of the Guinea Savanna in Ghana to compare the productivity of maize/cowpea mixed cropping, maize/cowpea relay intercropping with maize/cowpea rotation and maize monocropping over a 4‐year period. The treatments included two levels of nitrogen (0 and 80 kg of N ha−1 y −1 as urea) and two levels of phosphorus application (0 and 60 kg of P ha−1 y−1 as Volta phosphate rock). At all levels of N and P application, maize yields of the intercropping systems, especially of maize/cowpea mixed cropping, were significantly lower than in sole cropping. Highest maize yields were obtained in maize/cowpea rotation, which in contrast to the other cropping systems did not show any reductions in yields over years. Cowpea yields were generally less affected by the cropping system, but were notably depressed when cowpea was relay‐intercropped with maize. In treatments without fertilizer application (N and P) Land Equivalent Ratios (LER) and Area x Time Equivalency Ratios (ATER) generally indicated lower productivity of the intercropping systems as compared to sole cropping, with the maize/cowpea rotation showing the highest productivity. Conversely, fertilizer application resulted in higher productivity of the intercropping systems over the 4‐year period. Productivity on the basis of ATER was generally lowest in maize/cowpea relay‐intercropping as a consequence of the long time of land occupation. All of the parameters indicate low productivity of maize monocropping, clearly demonstrating that crop sequence as well as fertilizer application must be considered as important for maintaining high production levels at this site.
Influence of Seed Size and Growth Stage on Forage Sorghum‐sudangrass Hybrid cv. P988 Grown on Striga‐infested Soil
Authors: Bebawi F. F. , Mutwali E. M. , Neugebohrn L.
Published: April 2008

Delaying harvest of P988 from the boot stage to the maturity stage significantly reduced 1) forage greenchop yield of P988 grown on Striga‐ infested soil at 1st and 3rd harvest of July sowing and at 3rd harvest of October sowing, 2) root dry weight of P988 grown on Striga‐infested soil at 3rd harvest of July and October sowing, and 3) forage sucrose of P988 grown on Striga‐infested soil at 3rd harvest of July sowing and at 1st and 3rd harvest of October sowing. Reductions in forage greenchop yield of P988 with successive harvests were accelerated by Striga infestations. The root dry weight was significantly greater from P988 plants grown from small compared to large seed. Delaying harvest of P988 to the maturity stage was associated with significant increases in number of open Striga flowers at 1st and 2nd harvest from October planting and in Striga shoot dry weight at 1st harvest of July and 1st and 2nd harvest of October planting. These increases were positively correlated with forage sucrose of P988. Results suggest that optimal forage greenchop yield on Striga‐infested soil may be obtained from P988 plants grown from small seed and harvested at the boot stage.
Effect of Nitrogen and Water Management on Panicle Development and Milling Quality of California Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Jongkaewwattana S. , Geng S.
Published: April 2008

Nitrogen fertilization and water management are the most important agronomic factors in determining the yield and milling quality of rice. Yet little information is available on the effect of nitrogen and time of drainage on the uniformity of rice grain development on a panicle. The objectives of this study are 1) to evaluate the effect of nitrogen application on the uniformity of grain development on a panicle, and 2) to determine the combined effect of time of drainage and nitrogen application on rice yield and milling quality. Results show that nitrogen has a significant effect on grain filling characteristics. Nitrogen reduces grain filling rate, increases duration of grain filling, increases tiller numbers and decreases grain weight. The time of drainage is critical to the recovery of head rice. Generally speaking, late drainage tends to increase the head rice recovery, and its impact on rice milling quality is increased with an increased rate of nitrogen application.
Effect of Nitrogen Rates at Different Growth Stages on Corn Yield and Common Smut Disease [Ustilago maydis (D.C.) Corda]
Authors: Kostandi S. F. , Soliman M. F.
Published: April 2008

The effect of N fertilizer rates and time of N application on plant growth, N %, N uptake, smut index and yield response of corn were investigated in the field during the summer seasons 1988 and 1989. Increasing N rate from 30 to 60 and/or 90 kg/acre produced greater response on the studied parameters, followed by a limited response at 120 kg N/acre. Opposite results were detected on yield losses, owing to the severity of smut infection. Single application of N at planting was the least productive for DM and grain yields, compared with 2‐split or 3‐split N treatments. On the other hand, splitting N application at planting and 16‐leaf growth stages produced limited smut infection with greater increase in grain yield and lowest DM and N accumulations. The results also showed that 3‐split N treatment acted to accelerate the vigour growth and N uptake to a greater extent, creating more favourable conditions for stimulating smut infection, with an attendant increase on yield losses. Because of the advantage of applying 90 kg N/acre over the N treatments on the measured parameters, with particular reference to yield potential and smut performance, attention was given to splitting N fertilizer at planting and 16‐leaf growth stages.
Physiology of Drought Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)
Authors: Jat Khyali Ram , Muralia R. N. , Kumar Arvind
Published: April 2008

I. Abstract

Diurnal and temporal variations m water potential were significant and these parameters were positively correlated with grain yield and biological yield. Variations in osmotic potential and pressure potential did not provide any clue about osmotic adjustment. Negative turgor was also observed specially under water stress condition and later stages of plant growth. Water potential was positively and significantly correlated with grain yield. Osmotic potential showed high and significant correlation only at terminal stage. Pressure potential was positively correlated with yield.
Screening Soybean Genotypes for Drought and Heat Tolerance
Authors: Sapra Val T. , Anaele Anthony O.
Published: April 2008

Several soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasms from maturity groups III through VII were evaluated at three osmotic potential levels (‐0.017, 0.3 and ‐0.5 MPa) using polyethylene glycol M.W. 8000 and four temperature regimes (10, 25, 50 and 110°C) for drought and heat tolerance, respectively. Heat injury varied significantly among growth stages with the highest heat injury occurring at the flowering stage. Susceptibility to heat injury decreased toward maturity with the exception of a few genotypes. Genotypic variability was found among the lines in both drought and heat tolerance tests. This study identified the lines PI 408.155, PI 423.827B, PI 423.759 and Pershing as both drought and heat tolerant. In general, the larger‐seeded lines failed to germinate at ‐0.50 MPa. A positive and significant relationship between promptness index and germina‐tion stress index was found. However, no significant correlation was observed between germination stress index and the heat tolerance test. Based on the results from the germination test, lines PI 393.550, PI393.547, PI 86.103, PI 171.437, PI 86.490 and PI 423.852 had high germination stress indices and need further testing for heat stress tolerance.
Effect of Sowing Date on the Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: Bejiga G.
Published: April 2008

A sowing date experiment was conducted over 6 years (1978–1983) to determine the optimum sowing date for lentil on vertisols in Debre Zeit area, Ethiopia. The results showed that sowing between the last week of June and the second week of July maximizes lentil yield. Later planting after mid‐July, reduced both yield and time to maturity.
Yield Structure of Winter Faba Beans Grown in Northern Germany in Dependence of Different Environments, Seed Rates, Sowing Rates and Genotypes
Authors: Herzog H. , Geisler G.
Published: April 2008

Two series of field trials were performed at three sites in Schleswig‐Holstein between 1981 and 1988 to inquire into the yield structure of European winter types of Vicia faba L. and to compare their yield potential with that of spring types. Due to low winter survival, 6 winter types could be evaluated only in 4 environments in dependence of 1–3 sowing times (series α: seed rate 30/m2) and 1 winter type in 5 environments in dependence of 3 sowing times and 3 seed rates (series β: seed rate 15, 30, 45/m2).

Seed yield of winter type averaged 410 g/m2 (D.M.) surpassing spring types by about 14 %. Environments caused a considerable variation in yield (275–620 g/m2) and in each yield component of winter types, while sowing dates and seed rates hardly affected the components seeds/pod and seed weight, which displayed stable genotypic rank orders. Compensative forces among the components plants/m2, tillers/plant and pods/tiller, were established. Plant densities of less than 10/m2 in spring, generally led to seed yield below 350 g/m2. Variation between 15–30 plants/m2 due to environments, sowing times or seed rates were frequently not fully compensated by tillering of plants, but often variation of the thus formed yield potential was reduced by pod set of tillers resulting in 210–270 pods/m2. The direction of correlations of pods/tillers with tillers/plant and plants/m2 differed due to experimental conditions whereas negative correlations between pods/tiller and tillers/ m2 were generally evident.

Tillering was significantly influenced by the sowing time, though the increase because of early sowing was often covered by compensative effects of different plant densities. A genotypic capability to produce reproductive tillers was demonstrated using an approach which considered different plant densities and compensative forces. Neither a genotypic capability of tillers to set pods nor direct effects of environments or sowing time on pod set were established.
Water Requirements of Safflower Entries in Middle Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim A. F. , Sharaan A. N. , El Wakil A. W.
Published: April 2008

Two promising selected land races of safflower (Carthamns tinctorious L.) designated as line 11 and line 13, together with the local variety Giza 1, were examined under three levels of moisture depletions, i.e. 40, 60 and 80 % ASMD at Fayoum, Middle Egypt during 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons. In both growing seasons, the second irrigation treatment i.e. 60 % ASMD gave the highest means for growth characters as well as seed yield and most of its components. Seed oil content per cent exhibited an increased as soil moisture depletion increased with no significant difference between entries. Safflower entries showed clear differences in some yield components which compensate each other and resulted in no significant difference in seed yield per hectar.

Consumptive use of water by safflower plants increased as the available soil moisture around the root zone increased. No significant differences were found in water consumed by safflower entries used in all experiments.

In the two experimental seasons, the best water use efficiency (WUE) for seed production was obtained also from the second treatment (60 % ASMD). The line 11 gave the best WUE.
Evaluation of Intercropping Cassava/Corn/Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Zaffaroni E. , Vasconcelos A. F. M. , Lopes E. B.
Published: April 2008

Cassava, corn and drybeans were tested under sole cropping and under all possible intercropping combinations in Paraiba State, Northeast Brazil. The crops were planted with and without fertilizer (N, P, K), which generated fourteen cropping systems. Yields of beans were not affected by either intercropping systems or fertilization. Yields of corn and cassava were affected by intercropping systems, fertilizer, and cropping systems fertilizer interaction. LER values were significantly different among cropping systems but were not affected by fertilization. This indicates that the advantage of intercropping was not improved by the addition of nutrients.
Studies on Maize‐Legume Intercropping and their Residual Effects on Soil Fertility Status and Succeeding Crop in Upland Situation
Authors: Adhikary S. , Bagchi D. K. , Ghosal P. , Banerjee R. N. , Chatterjee B. N.
Published: April 2008

To examine the advantages of cereal‐legume intercropping system with maize as main crops, field studies conducted for two years on sandy upland loamy soils in Bihar plateau, India, indicated maize‐groundnut as the best system. Yield advantages were noticed between 22–44 % over sole maize cropping. Different production indices largely indicated the same pattern in ranking intercropping treatments. Of the other legumes used, mung also showed potential whereas cowpea and soyabean did not. Increasing cropping intensities through use of interspace by legume did not significantly reduce maize yield, particularly in combination with groundnut and mung. Soil nitrogen enrichment through legume cultivation could be noted through examination of soil test values and yield of succeeding wheat crop. Wheat, however, did not show its promise as a follow‐up crop without input of water and fertilizer.
Effects during Period of Siliqua Developing of KH2PO4 and MgSO4 Application on Nitrogen Transportation in Pods of Oilseed Rape(Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Kullmann A. , Zhang Q. Z. , Geisler G.
Published: April 2008

An experiment was conducted in field experiment plot to investigate nitrogen transportation from hulls of pods in different periods at early stage of siliqua developing and effect of KH2PO4 and MgSO4 application on it using 15N‐urea.

More than 80 % of 15N applied on the surface of pods at lower terminal during flowering was recovered from all pods one month after flowering, most of them were still in the hulls of labelled pods, 17‐27 % of l5N applied was transported into seeds, a small amount was transported to pods at upper terminal, a little amount was found in pods at branch. More l5N applied in middle period of flowering was transported to pods at upper terminal and branch than those applied in early period of flowering. It should be further investigated to conclude how will be going on transportation of nitrogen from hulls as preceding of siliqua developing towards maturity of seeds and its difference between 15N applied in more different periods.

Application of KH2PO4 and MgSO4 with 15N‐urea of surface of pods promoted transportation of 15N into seeds from hulls, effect of MgSO4 was more notable.
Effect of Planting Date and Thermal Energy Intensity on Rate of Phosphorus and Potassium Accumulation by Maize (Zea maysL.)1
Authors: Olness Alan , Benoit G. R. , Van Sickle K. , Rinke Jana
Published: April 2008

The effect of planting date and thermal energy intensity (TEI) on the rate of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) accumulation by maize from a Hamerly clay loam soil (Aerie Calciaquoll) was examined with and without supplemental irrigation. Soil‐ and air‐TEI expressed as growing degree days per day (GDD d−1) were determined from hourly temperature measurements taken within each plot. Net K accumulation occurred during the vegetative growth stage, reached maximal rates of about 62.2 to 91.4 mg plant−1day−1, and attained maximal accumulations ranging from about 1.15 to 2.3 g plant−1. Accumulation of P occurred during vegetative and reproductive growth stages, reached maximal rates of about 4.6 to 10.3 mg and 6.5 to 12.1 mg plant−1day−1, respectively and maximal accumulations of 0.175 to 0.27 g and 0.11 to 0.26 g plant−1, respectively. During vegetative growth, K and nitrogen (N) accumulation characteristics were closely correlated with about 2 moles of N accumulated per mole of K. Maximal accumulation of K (and N) consistently preceded that of P by about 5.2 to 8.3 days and that of the plant dry weight by about 15.9 to 20.5 days during the vegetative growth stage. Time required to reach maximal accumulation during the reproductive growth stage, trfollowed the order N < P < dry weight for early plantings and followed the order N < P < dry weight for delayed plantings. Time coefficients for K and P accumulation were correlated closely with soil‐TEI, but models of each coefficient relied on unique combinations of TEI. Time coefficients for dry matter accumulation were apparently unrelated to soil‐ or air‐TEI.
Osmotic Adjustment and Growth of Salt‐stressed Cotton as Improved by a Bioregulator
Authors: Stark C.
Published: April 2008

For examining links between growth of salinity‐exposed cotton and corresponding changes in physiological characters, a bioregulator was used as a tool for specific manipulations. Greenhouse‐grown cotton (Gossy‐pium birsutum L. cv. Paymaster 145) was subjected to NaCl levels up to 14.9 dS m−1. The bioregulator MCBuTTB, a cytokinin analog with known ability in improving growth and yield in several salt‐stressed crops, was applied by imbiding seed (0 or 268 ppm) plus one foliar spray in dosages equaling 0, 1, and 3 kg ha−1 at 45 DAP. MCBuTTB improved germination, growth, flowering, and finally boll weight. This result coincided with lower osmotic and higher water potentials in leaves, higher leaf turgidity, and more agilely reacting stomata. Treated plants had higher K and preferably Na concentrations in its leaves but ion accumulation was not a precondition for osmotic adjustments, because in cotton exposed to a manmtol‐simulated drought MCBuTTB triggered a similar osmotic adjustment and sustained vigour. Regression analyses indicated that osmotic adjustment alone did not cause the raised leaf turgidity. All characters which contribute to salinity resistance appeared as mutually depending and interacting but they respond to a regulatory agent of cytokinin‐like activity.
Differences in Mycorrhizal Colonization of Rye (Secale cerealeL.) Grown in Conventional or Organic (Biological‐dynamic) Farming Systems
Authors: Sattelmacher B. , Reinhard S. , Pomikalko A.
Published: April 2008

The colonization of rye (Secale cerealeL.) roots with vesicular‐arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi was investigated at two sites, cultivated using conventional or biological‐dynamic farming methods. The VAM infection rate and infected root length were significantly higher at the biologically‐dynamic cultivated site. It is suggested that these differences are due to several factors, such as the use of fertilizers and agro‐chemicals, and the influence of crop rotation.
Geobotanische Untersuchung auf Galmei‐Erzhalden auf der Insel Thassos (Griechenland)
Authors: Konstantinou M. , Babalonas D.
Published: April 2008

Geobotanical investigation at the calamine deposits of island Thassos (Greece)

The mine sites Vouves and Sotiras in west Thassos have long been known for their calamine deposits. The floristic structure of vegetation of the above sites was studied and two different plant communities were found. Soil samples and plant material from the most constant species of the vegetation were analysed for their content in metal cations. Also in soil samples pH, CaCO3 and organic material were determined. It appears that the plants express the geochemical peculiarities (Pb, Zn, Cd) of the soil and some of them accumulate considerable amounts of toxic heavy metals Pb and Zn. This fact implies that the uptake of toxic metals is carried out not only in a passive manner but also requires mechanisms which enable the plants to tolerate metal toxicity.
Untersuchungen zum Einfluß von Konkurrenzbedingungen auf die Entwicklung der Bestandesstruktur von Sommerraps
Authors: Geisler G. , Shrief S. A. , Ibrahim A. F. , Shabana R.
Published: April 2008

Investigations on the effect of competition on stand structure of spring oilseed rape

On the basis of a field experiment with spring oilseed rape, frequency distributions of plant dry matter and plant height were investigated. Samples were taken at four developmental stages: rosette, begin of flowering, end of flowering, ripeness (harvest). To understand the effect of competition in a plant population on frequency distribution, distance of rows (16 cm, 32 cm) and number of plants (60, 90 and 120 plants/m2) were varied. Differences in frequency distribution were estimated by skewness and kurtosis.

The results show that with age of the plant population the skewness of the plant character dry matter decreases from a high positive value till ripeness to a low positive value; kurtosis also decreases during development and tends to a value of 0 at ripeness. The effect of competition as produced by number of plants for area is mirrored by a positive skewness increasing with increasing number of plants per area. The value for kurtosis also increases with the stronger competition as consequence of plant density. Row distance did not show specific effects of frequency distribution. Plant height did, generally speaking, not react to competition.
Seedbed Characteristics and Seeding Depth Effects on Emergence and Seedling Vigour of Upland Rice
Authors: Ekramul Haque A. F. M. , Hamid A. , Islam M. T. , Mohiuddin M.
Published: April 2008

Effects of seedbed condition and seeding depth on the emergence and seedling vigour of upland rice was studied. Regardless of aggregate size distribution, seeds sown at 2 cm depth gave the maximum emergence rate (80‐90 %) which was reduced to 47 % for sowing at 5 cm depth. Seeding at 10 cm depth caused total failure in emergence. When planted at 2 cm depth, aggregate size produced considerable variation in the speed of emergence but caused no significant differences in final emergence count. For seeds sown at 5 cm depth, seedbed with aggregate size < 2 mm resulted in poor emergence (12 %) while with aggregates > 8 mm reduced emergence by 34 % compared with balanced proportion of larger, moderate and smaller aggregates. Neither the seedbed condition nor seeding depth caused significant variation in seedling height or seedling dry weight.
Effect of Urea on Photosynthesis and Yield in Mungbean
Authors: Ghildiyal M. C.
Published: April 2008

The effect of foliar application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % urea solutions after flowering on photosynthesis and yield was examined in mungbean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek) var. PS 16. Urea applied plants sustained higher rate of photosynthesis, retained more leaf area and this led to more dry matter production and consequently the seed yield was increased by increasing the number of pods per plant. These results are discussed in relation to source‐sink relationship in mungbean.
Seed Protein Electrophoresis for Varietal Identification in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Yupsanis T. , Moustakas M. , Karakoli S.
Published: April 2008

Albumins, prolamins and globulins were extracted from milled rice of long, medium and short grain varieties Japonica type and analyzed by native PAGE and SDS‐PAGE. A computer aided analysis of protein patterns was employed in order to estimate the best electrophoresis method to differentiate between rice varieties. The patterns of SDS‐electrophoresis of albumins and globulins showed the biggest differences in all types of rice grains and allowed the identification of the rice varieties examined, since for each variety the pattern was different. Therefore, the technique of SDS‐electrophoresis of albumins and globulins is recommended as more suitable to distinguish among closely related varieties and can be used by rice breeders in order to characterize various varieties and pick the most diverse for breeding purposes.
Leaf Area, Grain Yield and Yield Components Following Forage Removal in Triticale
Authors: García del Moral L. F.
Published: April 2008

Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) is a cereal that can be simultaneously used for forage and for grain, but this dual purpose is currently limited by a lack of information concerning the effects of forage removal on grain production. Thus, the effect of one or two successive cuttings (simulated grazing) on grain yield, yield components in the main stem and tillers, leaf area and biomass development were studied in four hexaploid triticales grown under irrigation and with high soil fertility. Forage removal reduced grain yield and grain weight per plant in proportion to the number of cuttings, mainly by reducing the number of tillers with spikes at harvest. Whereas foliage reduction did not affect the number of spikelets per spike, kernels per spike, or floral fertility in the main‐stem spike, these yield components were drastically reduced in the spikes of tillers. Forage removal affected mean weight per kernel to approximately the same extent in the main stem as in the tillers. The Leaf Area Index (LAI) at anthesis showed significant loss due to cutting, mainly because of a decrease in the number of leaves per plant and in the green area per leaf. This caused similar decreases in the Leaf Area Duration (LAD) from anthesis to maturity. A strong inverse relationship was found between the percent of loss in LAI at anthesis and the final grain yield, suggesting that grain yield was largely dependent upon the ability of the crops to produce new leaf tissue rapidly in the time between cutting and anthesis.
Root Morphology of Maize and Its Relationship to Root Lodging
Authors: Stamp P. , Kiel C.
Published: April 2008

Crown root traits of maize (Zea mays L.) such as number and diameter are the most easily accessible root traits. Their impact on root lodging resistance is little documented. We evaluated 28 flint x dent hybrids at one location for 2 years for crown root traits and for lengths of internodes. Plants were grown at normal and at supraoptimal density. A maximum number of crown roots was observed at the fifth and sixth nodes, above ground internodes 8‐10 had maximum lengths. After a cool wet year maximum internode length or numbers of roots per node were found at higher tiers. A supraoptimal plant density caused an increase in lengths and a decrease in root numbers at upper internode and node levels. Crown root morphology and histology were studied at normal plant density in one growing season. From the lowest to the highest node level, root diameters increased steadily, whereas the number of late (large) metaxylem vessels in crown roots showed a strong increase at upper nodes. The diameters of metaxylem vessels increased already strongly at lower node tiers. All data were correlated with the root lodging counts from 42 hybrid tests in northern and southern Germany. In the warm year, at normal plant density, length of internodes 6 and 8 were correlated significantly positively with root lodging in about 25 % of all cases. Number of metaxylem vessels in roots at node 6 were significantly negatively correlated with root lodging in more than 20 % of all cases. Specific morphological and histological traits seem to indicate root lodging. However, their expression depends to a great extent on environment which lessens their value for selection.
Plant Growth Regulators Influence 14CO2 Assimilation and Translocation of Assimilates in Indian Mustard
Authors: Subrahmanyam D. , Rathore V. S.
Published: April 2008

Effect of plant growth regulators Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Kinetin on 14CO2 assimilation, partitioning of 14C into major biochemical fractions and translocation of assimilates was studied in different parts of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) at late ripening stage. Leaves, stem and pod walls are photosynthetically active and are important sources for seed filling. NAA and kinetin increased the 14CO2 assimilation rate in all the three photosynthetically active parts. All the three growth regulators increased the export of 14assimilates out of source organs and increased the movement of assimilates into the reproductive parts (pods). The increased movement of photoassimilates into the developing pods may be due to the stimulation of sink activity by the growth regulators which resulted in the higher demand for photoassimilates. It was suggested that growth regulators may increase yield by altering distribution of assimilates in the mustard plants.
The Effect of Moisture Stress on the Yield and Yield Components of Several Wheat Cultivars and their F1 Hybrids
Authors: Labuschagne M. T. , van Deventer C. S.
Published: April 2008

The effect of moisture stress on yield and yield components of five winter wheats and their F1, hybrids were investigated by maintaining the material at 80 % and 50 % field capacity respectively. Yield, kernel number, and kernel mass of the secondary tillers were affected severely by moisture stress. Kernel number and kernel mass of both primary and secondary tillers were correlated to yield significantly (r > 0.75) at both moisture levels. The rankings of the characters most significantly correlated to yield remained much the same at moisture levels despite a significant cultivar X moisture level interaction.
Reduced Tillering Spring Wheats for Heavy Textured Soils in a Semi‐arid Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Yunusa I. A. M. , Sedgley R. H.
Published: April 2008

Low tillering lines of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), were evaluated for their ability to conform to a high yielding ideotype in a dryland environment with spring drought. The ideotype was based on a concept of saving water as a result of reduced canopy development before anthesis; this should improve moisture supply for grain filling, thus reducing the effect of drought.

Five genotypes were compared under two nitrogen (N) levels, and at similar plant densities, at a site in the drier wheatbelt area of southwestern Australia. The genotypes formed three tillering groups based on the maximum number of culms produced: a free tillering group (G1), which included the standard cultivar Gamenya, with 4.3 culms per plant, an intermediate tillering group (G2) with 3.2 culms per plant, and a low ullenng group (G3) with 2.4 culms per plant.

Leaf area indices (LAI) were strongly affected by N but this was not reflected in total water use and biological yield. However, water was prematurely depleted before anthesis as a result of rapid early leaf development in response to N, and this reduced grain yield. Reduced tillering produced no significant increase in gram yield over the controls; fewer tillers per plant failed to suppress LAI development and water‐use before anthesis because of a compensating increase in LAI; this resulted from a greater leaf size in the reduced tillering lines. Hence the low tillering lines did not fully conform to the requirements of the ideotype.

The development of low tillering lines is seen as a significant advance towards the ideotype; with yields comparable to commercial cultivars grown in the region, their performance indicates a potential for substantially higher yields if compensating increases in leaf development can be suppressed.