bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kernel colour changes associated with field weathering of spring wheat.
Authors: McCaig T. N. , Gan Y. T. , Clarke P. , Clarke J. M. , DePauw R. M.
Published: April 2011

The Canadian wheat-grading system is based on visual assessment to estimate end-use quality, both for assignment to classes and to grades within classes. Extensive training and experience are required to accurately interpret visual indicators of quality. Therefore, breeding programs are attempting to develop instrumental techniques to objectively measure visual characteristics of potential new cultivars. The objective of this research was to examine colour changes associated with field weathering of wheat cultivars from the Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Amber Durum, and Canada Prairie Spring Red and White classes of wheat, as measured with a portable colorimeter. The class means exhibited colour differences, although the large variability within classes suggests that, used in isolation, colour measurements would not be a satisfactory means of identifying the class of individual samples. Weathering caused an increase in L* (lightness), a decrease in a* (redness), and a slight increase in b* (yellowness), and the effects were similar for all classes. Severe weathering caused loss of vitreousness in addition to bleaching, and the colour measurements reflect the integrated colour changes associated with both effects. Within each class, although there were cultivar differences for colour, the cultivars responded similarly to weathering, suggesting that breeders should simply select lines which exhibit intense, desirable colour prior to weathering. Key words: Triticum aestivum, Triticum turgidum, quality
Field evaluation of regression equations to estimate crop yield losses due to weeds
Authors: O’Donovan J. T. , Blackshaw R. E. , Harker K. N. , Clayton G. W. , Maurice D. C.
Published: April 2011

Various regression equations based on weed density alone, or relative time of weed and crop emergence or crop density in addition to weed density have been developed in western Canada to estimate the effects of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and volunteer cereals on yield loss of field crops, and to advise farmers on the economics of weed control with herbicides. In 1997, 1998, and 1999, several of these equations were evaluated in 9 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), 9 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and 11 canola (Brassica napus L.) fields in Alberta. Wild oat was the dominant weed in the barley and wheat fields, and wild oat or volunteer cereals in the canola fields. In barley and wheat, more complex equations based on both weed density and either crop density or relative time of weed and crop emergence were more reliable in estimating yield losses due to wild oat than those based on weed density alone. In canola, an equation based on volunteer barley and canola density provided the most reliable estimates. Under the assumed crop prices and herbicide costs, these equations also resulted in the best estimates of whether or not a herbicide application resulted in a net profit or loss. Herbicide application was rarely economical in barley, but usually economical in wheat and canola reflecting the different market value of the crops. The implementation of the weed economic threshold concept is likely to be more feasible in low-value crops such as feed barley than in higher-value crops such as canola. Key words: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), volunteer cereals, weed economic threshold, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), wild oat (Avena fatua L.)
Evaluation of the Enhanced Regeneration System for in vitro regeneration in barley
Authors: Ganeshan Seedhabadee , Weir Brian J , Båga Monica , Rossnagel Brian G , Chibbar Ravindra N
Published: April 2011

A simple two-step model for evaluation of in vitro regeneration protocols is proposed based on callus induction and regeneration from immature scutella of two Canadian barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes, AC Metcalfe and SB92559 using the Enhanced Regeneration System (ERS). The number of explants producing embryogenic callus, the number of plants per embryogenic callus and the number of plants per explant were considered. Tissue culture parameters included three combinations of growth regulators, two carbon sources in culture media, and three cold treatment regimes of spikes prior to scutella isolation. Culture medium containing 5 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 µM benzyl adenine (BA) induced the highest percent of embryogenic calli and the highest number of shoots per embryogenic callus from AC Metcalfe. Medium containing 3.75 µM 2,4-D and 0.75 µM BA gave the best response for SB92559. Both genotypes produced more shoots on maltose than on sucrose medium. A 2-d treatment of spikes at 4°C resulted in best response for SB92559. Regeneration response from AC Metcalfe scutella from spikes was unaffected by being subjected to 2, 4 or 6 d of cold. Conditions resulting in best responses from both genotypes were tested on four commercial barley varieties. However, these lines showed inferior regeneration compared to SB92559 and AC Metcalfe. Key words: Hordeum vulgare, scutella, embryogenic callus, shoot production
Nitrogen management systems to optimize spring wheat under no-till: Effects on plant development
Authors: Lafond G. P. , Clayton G. W. , Johnston A. M. , May W. E. , Derksen D. A. , C Stevenson F.
Published: April 2011

Surface residues and standing stubble protect soil against erosion and mitigate against crop water deficits by conserving additional moisture. However, residues and stubble can also present a dilemma for producers practising no-till in terms of nitrogen (N) fertilizer management and row spacing. The objective of this research was to determine how row spacing, N management using urea and two rates of post-emergent herbicide (66 and 100% of recommended) affect spring wheat establishment and plant development. The study was conducted using a no-till system and a canola-springwheat cropping system at three locations over a 3-yr period. The N management and row spacing treatments were (1) 23-cm row spacing with fall banded N on 30 cm; (2) 23-cm row spacing with spring banded N on 30 cm; (3) 30-cm row spacing with the N side-banded; (4) 23-cm row spacing with the N side-banded; and (5) sweep on 23-cm spacing with seed and fertilizer scattered over a 20-cm width. Herbicide rates did not affect wheat development. Planting depth was greater for the sweep treatment, but only by 6 mm. Plant densities were at the low end of the optimal range of 200–250 plants m-2 for all treatments and were least for the 30 cm row spacing. Average frequencies for tillers T0, T1, T2 and T3 were 20, 81 61 and 10%, respectively. Fall and spring band treatments resulted in lower tiller frequencies than the sweep treatment, with intermediate levels for the side-band treatments. Tiller frequencies were identical between the 23-cm and 30-cm row spacings with N side-banded. Greater tiller frequencies for the sweep treatment likely resulted from the greater spread of seed, reducing inter-plant competition and closer proximity of the seed to fertilizer N. Spike density was not affected by N management. Expected spike density, calculated from tiller frequency and plant density data, was within 1% of the actual spikes recorded, when averaged over treatments. This means that tiller frequencies at the 5 to 5.5 leaf stage are a good predictor of expected spike density. Wider row spacings did not affect plant and tiller development but applying N fertilizer at time of seeding provided better spring wheat tiller development. Key words: Triticum aestivum L., nitrogen management, tiller development
Effects of planting density on yield and quality characteristics of hazelnut (cv. Palaz) in a hedgerow training system
Authors: Beyhan Neriman
Published: April 2011

Effects of plant density on yield and nut characteristics of Palaz hazelnut (Corylus maxima Mill.) grown in a hedgerow training system in the Black Sea region of Turkey were investigated between 1998 an d 2001. Five planting densities, from 2000 to 6000 plants ha-1, were evaluated. Yield per hectare varied among years, but increased logarithmically with planting density each year. Nut and kernel characteristics varied among years by were not affected by planting density. Key words: Hazelnut, planting density, hedgerow, ocak, training system
Early detection of non-visible sprouting in barley seed using rapid viscosity analysis
Authors: Bueckert Rosalind A , Lefol Eric B , Harvey Bryan L
Published: April 2011

Export of grain for malting markets requires viable seed that can withstand storage and shipping conditions. Malting barley is selected for rapid germination. However, barley from the Canadian prairies has minimal dormancy, leading to high risk of sprouting. The goal of this study was to assess the suitability of rapid viscosity analysis (RVA) to detect early non-visible sprouting. Cultivars Harrington (for North America), Alexis (Europe) and CDC Dolly (Western Canada feed barley with low alpha-amylase enzyme activity) were greenhouse grown in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and treated in a growth chamber at 12 combinations of t emperature (5 to 22°C) and relative humidity (RH; 60 to 95%) for 1 to 9 d at each of two growth stages, physiological or harvest maturity. Harvested seed from treated plants was measured by RVA, alpha-amylase activity, and germination tests. High RVA final viscosity values (> 150) indicated zero sprouting; RVA < 100 and alpha-amylase values > 125 nmol CU h-1 were associated with sprouting. Alexis sprouted more readily than Harrington and CDC Dolly. More than 3 d at 7.5 to 10°C and > 70% RH induced sprouting at harvest maturity. Future research is needed to further refine the RVA cut-off value on a cultivar basis for identifying problem seed. However, in the meantime, these findings can be used by breeding programs to screen genotypes for improved dormancy and by industry to detect barley viability problems prior to storage or transit. Key words: Rapid viscosity, germination, vigor, sprouting, alpha-amylase, barley
The generation of USDA-equivalent extreme minimum temperature models and a comparison with Canada’s plant hardiness zones
Authors: McKenney Daniel W. , Pia Papadopol Michael Hutchinson, , Campbell Kathy , Lawrence Kevin
Published: April 2011

Hardiness zones are widely used in North America to support the trade of plants and recommendations on local use of perennial plant species. In Canada, two zonation approaches are in use, a made-in-Canada model that integrates seven climate variables and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) extreme minimum temperature map/model. In this paper we develop and present several extreme minimum temperature models for the 1961–1990 and 1971–2000 climate normal periods and annual models for the winter seasons of 1961 through 2000. These models are similar in nature to the USDA plant hardiness model/map. We compare these models with a recent update of the Canadian plant hardiness zones developed with the same mathematical interpolation techniques (thin plate smoothing splines). Individual Canadian zones typically span five to nine USDA equivalent sub-zones in total, although most of the area (>75%) of each zone generally spans 3–4 USDA sub-zones. We note that there is no simple transformation of one zonation approach to the other, but values for both systems can now be obtained for any location in Canada using an internet mapping tool. Over the period of 1961–2000 extreme minimum temperature has been trending upward in most provinces. These trends may be affecting plants in some locations, but a lack of survival and/or hardiness data is a significant impediment to assessing this. Variation in extreme minimum temperature over the 1961 to 2000 period was greatest in western North America, particularly interior British Columbia. Key words: Climate mapping and trends, spatial analysis, ANUSPLIN
CDC Redberry lentil
Authors: Vandenberg A. , Banniza S. , Warkentin T. D. , Ife S. , Barlow B. , McHale S. , Brolley B. , Gan Y. , McDonald C. , Bandara M. , Dueck S.
Published: April 2011

CDC Redberry is a high-yielding, red cotyledon lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) cultivar developed by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It has gray seed coat colour, suitable for the red market class of lentil. It is intended for cultivation in all lentil growing areas of western Canada. CDC Redberry was issued registration No.5771 on 2003 Dec. 19 by the Variety Section, Plant Products Division, Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Key words: Lentil, cultivar description, Lens culinaris
An assessment of genetic variation and relationships of smooth bromegrass cultivars and accessions using AFLP markers
Authors: Yasas S. N. Ferdinandez Zaozhe Li, , Coulman Bruce
Published: April 2011

Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) is an important cultivated perennial grass species in temperate regions of North America. Information on the genetic diversity and the relationships of available populations is necessary for an effective cultivar improvement program in this crop. The objective of this study was to assess and characterize the genetic variation and relationships of smooth bromegrass cultivars and genebank accessions on the basis of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Fourteen wild accessions and 23 cultivars representing several regions of the world were analyzed using six AFLP primer combinations. Of the total number of markers amplified, 90% was polymorphic. A set of 159 robust polymorphic markers was used to genotype the individuals. No AFLP band was specific to an individual bromegrass accession, but bands appeared in different frequencies among the populations. The molecular marker variation within populations of smooth bromegrass (79%) was higher than that among populations (21%). Cultivars developed in the former USSR were the most variable, followed by those developed in the United States of America and Canada. As a group, cultivars were more variable than wild genebank accessions. All of the North American smooth bromegrass cultivars were clustered together, suggesting a common ancestry of North American smooth brome cultivars developed over the past 60 yr. Cultivars developed in the former USSR occurred in several different clusters in the dendrogram, indicating a high among-cultivar diversity. Key words: Bromegrass, accessions, AFLP markers
Effect of fallow frequency, flexible rotations, legume green manure, and wheat class on the economics of wheat production in the Brown soil zone
Authors: Zentner R. P. , Campbell C. A. , Selles F. , Jefferson P. G. , Lemke R.
Published: April 2011

Producers in the semiarid Brown soil zone of Saskatchewan have historically produced spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in fallow-based rotations because these cropping systems are profitable and risk efficient; however, their use has also been most damaging to soil quality. New wheat types and management methods have been developed that may offer wheat producers opportunities to enhance economic returns, while improving environmental sustainability. This study compares the economic merits of reducing fallow (F) frequency, using an annual legume green manure (LGM) crop as a summer fallow replacement, adopting a flex-cropping approach based on available soil water reserves (if water) or the need to control problem weeds (if weeds), and the production of Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat (W) versus the higher yielding Canada Prairie Spring (CPS) wheat class (HY). The results are based on 15 yr of data from seven crop rotations included in an ongoing experiment being conducted on an Orthic Brown Chernozem at the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The crop rotations included F-W-W, LGM-W-W, F-HY-HY, F-W-W-W, continuous W (Cont W), Cont W (if water), and Cont W (if weeds). Cropping systems were managed using conservation tillage practices. They were fertilized with recommended rates of N and P based on soil tests, and crop residue was maintained as tall as possible (usually > 30 cm) to enhance snow trapping. The 1988–2002 study period was characterized by above normal growing season precipitation; thus, grain yields were also above average for this region. Results showed that producers will earn the highest net return with Cont W ($41 ha-1), despite this rotation having the highest production costs. Net returns ranked second highest for F-W-W-W, F-HYHY, and the flex-crop rotations (about $15 ha-1 less than Cont W), and ranked lowest for F-W-W and LGM-W-W (about $25 ha-1 less). However, since 1993, when the LGM was managed more effectively than in the first 6 yr, LGM-W-W was more profitable than F-W-W. On average, it was more profitable to produce CPS compared with CWRS wheat when the CPS/CWRS price ratio was greater than 0.8. Producers who are highly averse to risk would still choose cropping systems that included some summer fallow, while those with lower risk aversion would choose Cont W, but with all-risk crop insurance. In the absence of an all-risk crop insurance program, producers would typically choose Cont W (if water), F-W-W-W, or F-W-W. We concluded that area producers, who practice conservation tillage management and use tall stubble for snowtrapping, can enhance farm income by moving to more intensive cropping systems, and while doing so, they will foster improved environmental sustainability. Key words: Crop rotations, wheat, summer fallow, legume green manure, flex-cropping, production costs, net returns, income variability
2149 solin (low linolenic flax)
Authors: Dribnenki J. C. P. , McEachern S. F. , Chen Y. , Green A. G. , Rashid K. Y.
Published: April 2011

2149 solin (Linum usitatissimum L.) was developed by Agricore United and combines very high oil content with high yield. In all soil zones of western Canada, the yield of 2149 was similar to the check cultivar, 1084. The 1000 seed weight, oil content and meal protein content of 2149 are significantly higher than 1084. 2149 has higher levels of linoleic fatty acid and lower levels of saturated fatty acids. It is immune to North American races of rust [Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Desmaz.], is moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt [Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. F. sp. Lini (Bolley) snyder & Hansen] and is moderately resistant to powdery mildew (Oidium lini Skoric). 2149 is a yellow seedcoat, solin cultivar. Key words: Flax, low linolenic acid, cultivar description, solin
Inheritance of yellow pigment concentration in seven durum wheat crosses
Authors: Clarke F. R. , Clarke J. M. , McCaig T. N. , Knox R. E. , DePauw R. M.
Published: April 2011

Yellow pigment concentration of the endosperm due to the presence of xanthophyll and other related compounds is an important processing quality characteristic in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). There is also interest in plant pigments for health reasons because lutein, a major component of durum grain pigment, may play a role in prevention of age-related macular degen eration. Selection for pigment concentration of durum wheat is thus an important breeding objective. Clarification of environmental effects and the mode of inheritance would aid planning of crosses and selection strategies to improve pigment concentration. This study evaluated seven durum wheat crosses of high by low pigment concentration parents in five field trials grown at two or more locations for 2 or more years in western Canada. Pigment concentration varied with environment. A portion of the variability could be ascribed to environmental effects on kernel weight, which tended to be negatively correlated with pigment concentration in some crosses and years (r = 0.08 to -0.49), but was not consistent. Inheritance of pigment concentration was multigenic as evidenced by bi-directional transgressive segregation and estimates of the number of effective factors controlling the trait. The number of effective factors varied with cross and environment, ranging from 3 to 27. Heritability of pigment concentration was high when measured in replicated, multi-location, multiyear trials, and ranged from 0.88 to 0.95, but lower (0.34) in an unreplicated segregating cross. The complex inheritance of pigment concentration means that other genetic tools, such as DNA markers, will be required to improve choice of parents for crossing and selection strategies in breeding programs. Key words: Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum), pigment concentration, inheritance, environment
Chief barley
Authors: Choo T. M. , Ho K. M. , Martin R. A. , ter Beek S. M. , Dion Y. , Rioux S.
Published: April 2011

Chief is a two-row, spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar developed by the Eastern Canada Barley Breeding Group, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. It has high yield, high seed weight, and good resistance to powdery mildew and Pythium root rot. Chief performs well in Ontario and Quebec. Key words: Barley, Hordeum vulgare L., cultivar description, seed weight, powdery mildew, Pythium root rot
Exploiting inter-organismal chemical communication for improved inoculants
Authors: Mabood Fazli , Gray Elizabeth J , Lee Kyung D , Smith Donald L
Published: April 2011

The combination of rising fossil fuel prices and a need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will lead to expanded use of crop inoculants (bio-fertilizers) both for increased production of biomass (for bio-fuels and soil C storage) and to reduce production of nitrous oxide, through increased reliance on biological nitrogen fixation. Over the last century inoculants have been improved through strain selection, improved carriers (including sterile carriers), and increased cell densities. During the last few decades our understanding of signalling between symbiotic bacteria and plants has expanded enormously, with the signalling between rhizobia and their legume hosts being the model system. Recent work has shown that adverse environmental conditions can inhibit this signalling and that addition of plant-to-microbe signals into inoculants can help overcome this. This is also true of addition of the microbe-to-plant signals that act as the return signals of this system; however, they have also been shown to cause a general and direct stimulation of plant growth that is not yet well understood. Finally, very recent work has shown that some of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria produce novel signal compounds that stimulate plant growth. This is a time of rapid increase in understanding with regard to plant-microbe signalling; the use of these signals in commercial inoculants offers a new wave in innovations for this industry at a time when there is great need. Key words: Inoculants, rhizobacteria, rhizobia, signalling
Autumn growth and its relationship to winter survival in diverse safflower germplasm
Authors: Johnson R. C. , Dajue Li , Bradley Vicki
Published: April 2011

The relationship between several autumn growth traits and winter survival was determinedin 11 diverse safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) accessions grown at Central Ferry and Pullman, WA, USA. The safflower was sown in September 2002 and 2003 and plant population counts were taken 6-8 wk after emergence, and after the last frost in the spring to calculate winter survival. Growth factors including plant habit and height were also measured in the autumn. The Pullman plots in 2003–2004 were lost during an usually cold and windy November, but otherwise survival ranged from 90% for BJ-27, an introduction from China, to zero for the cultivar Saffire. Winter survival was negatively correlated with more upright plant habit (r = -041**, n = 97) and plant height (r = -0.29**, n = 97). However, some accessions with low plant habit (prostrate growth) and low height values had relatively poor survival. The results show that BJ-27 has sufficient winter survival to achieve over-winter safflower production for many areas. Autumn plant habit and height can predict the potential for winter survival, but physiological factors related to cold acclimation appeared to determine if that potential is realized. Key words: Carthamus tinctorius, safflower, winter hardiness, cold tolerance
Seasonal biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of wheat, barley and oat on a Black Chernozem Soil in Saskatchewan
Authors: Malhi S. S. , Johnston A. M. , Schoenau J. J. , Wang Z. L. , Vera C. L.
Published: April 2011

Dry matter and nutrient accumulation in the growing season are the main factors in the determination of seed yield and nutrient use efficiency. Field experiments were conducted with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) in 1998 and 1999 at Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada, to determine the biomass accumulation and plant nutrient uptake at different growth stages, and their relationship with days after emergence (DAE) and growing degree days (GDD). All crops generally followed a similar pattern of biomass and nutrient accumulation in the growing season, which increased continuously with growing time, with much faster increase at early growth stages than at late growth stages. Maximum biomass accumulation rate and amount usually occurred at late boot stage (46–47 DAE or 443–460 GDD) and ripening stage (89–90 DAE or 948–1050 GDD), respectively. Maximum rate of nutrient uptake occurred at tillering to stem elongation stages (22–36 DAE or 149–318 GDD). Maximum amount of nutrient uptake generally occurred at the beginning of flowering to medium milk stages (61–75 DAE or 612–831 GDD), except for P in 1998 when it occurred at late milk to ripening stages (80–90 DAE or 922–1050 GDD). In general, the maximum nutrient uptake rate and amount, respectively, occurred earlier than maximum biomass accumulation rate and amount. For various cereal species/cultivars, maximum biomass accumulation rate was 204–232 kg ha-1 d-1, and maximum uptake rate of N, P, K and S, respectively, was 3.2–5.7, 0.30–0.60, 3.85–7.05 and 0.45–0.60 kg ha-1 d-1. The findings suggest that a sufficient supply of nutrients from soil and fertilizers at early growth stages is of great importance for optimum crop yield. Key words: Barley, biomass accumulation, cereals, growth stages, nutrient uptake, oat, wheat
Second cropping of wild blueberries — Effects of management practices
Authors: Eaton Leonard J. , Nams Vilis O
Published: April 2011

Wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) are normally managed on a biennial basis. Pruning forces the plant into a vegetative year without fruit, followed by the first crop year, which provides the greatest harvest. In subsequent years, harvest levels drop dramatically. Prior to the introduction of selective herbicides, second crop yields were too low to allow the adoption of a double harvest. This study was initiated to compare production and incomes of a single cropping (2-yr management cycle, the present system) versus a double cropping system (3-yr management cycle), using systems that include herbicides. Total yields and net incomes over the 12-yr study were affected by fertilizer applications, but not by management system (2-yr management cycle versus 3-yr management cycle) or pruning (burning versus mowing). Yields in second crop plots were lower than those in first crop plots, even though blossom numbers were higher. Fertilizer affected many aspects of blueberry plant development, including stem length, numbers of buds and blossoms, and fruit yields. Over time, yields and net incomes in the 3-yr management cycle were similar to those for the standard 2-yr management cycle. Key words: Vaccinium angustifolium, 3-yr management, net income, fertilization, pruning
Influence of population density, row spacing and hybrid on forage corn yield and nutritive value in a cool-season environment
Authors: Baron V. S. , Najda H. G. , Stevenson F. C.
Published: April 2011

Increasing yield for silage and grazing in cool, short-season areas may be possible by planting corn (Zea mays L.) at high population densities and at narrow row spacing. The objective was to determine how population density (75 000, 100 000, and 125 000 plants ha-1) and row spacing (standard: 76 cm and narrow: 38 cm) affected whole-plant yield, yield-related parameters, and nutritive value of two corn hybrids grown at Brooks and Lacombe, Alberta during 2 yr. The hybrids (Pioneer 39F45 and 39N03) were rated at 2000 Ontario corn heat units (CHU). Trial, hybrid, population density and row spacing interacted to influence whole-plant yield. Population density had a greater impact on whole-plant yield than row spacing and hybrid choice. Generally, yield leveled off at 100 000 plants ha-1 when the interaction of all effects was considered. Leaf area index (LAI) and whole-plant yield at this density were 2.68 and 12.0 Mg ha-1, respectively. Narrow compared with standard row spacing had positive effects on whole-plant yield of one hybrid, but not the other and improved LAI at 75 000 plants ha-1, but not at the other plant densities. Increasing plant density and reducing row spacing had only minor effects on whole-plant nutritive value. Growing corn in narrow rows to accommodate prevalent planting equipment should have no adverse effects on whole-plant corn production in short-season areas of Canada. However, when considering changes in corn management to maximize whole-plant yield narrow row spacing is not as important as achieving a plant density of approximately 100 000 plants ha-1. Key words: Corn, Zea mays L., nutritive value, population density, row width, silage yield
Effect of crop rotation and soil amendments on Sclerotinia stem rot on soybean in two soils
Authors: Rousseau G. , Rioux S. , Dostaler D.
Published: April 2011

The effect of 4-yr soybean rotations with corn (CCCS vs. CCSS vs. SSSS) and soil amendments (urban compost vs. mineral fertilizer) on Sclerotinia stem rot of soybean (disease severity index, apothecia number, sclerotia survival), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, was studied on two soils (clay loam and sandy loam) at Saint-Hyacinthe, in southwestern Québec, from 1999 to 2002. In 2002, the 3-yr-corn rotation had a significant effect on the disease severity index (DSI) at the clay loam site; DSI was greatly reduced by rotation (5.2%) compared with monoculture (44.3%). At the sandy loam site, an interaction between rotation and fertility amendments reduced DSI from 71.7% in the monoculture to 37.8% in the 3-yr-corn rotation amended with compost. Canonical redundancy analysis (RDA) of the DSI-apothecia matrix in 2002 confirmed the suppressiveness of the 3-yr-corn rotation and revealed a significant conducive effect on DSI of compost at the clay loam site. At the sandy loam site, RDA of the DSI-apothecia matrix confirmed suppressive interaction between corn-soybean rotations and compost amendment. Key words: Sclerotinia stem rot of soybean, crop rotation, urban compost, multiple regression, canonical redundancy analysis, permutations test
Designer fruits and vegetables with enriched phytochemicals for human health
Authors: Tsao Rong , Khanizadeh Shahrokh , Dale Adam
Published: April 2011

High dietary intake of fruits and vegetables rich in phytochemicals, particularly those with antioxidant activity, has been linked to reduced risks of many chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Nutraceuticals containing such bioactive phytochemicals have been popular and made available in the market. However, excessive supplementation with these extracted and sometimes purified phytochemicals may pose new health concerns. Non-processed fruits and vegetables that are known to be rich in bioactive phytochemicals are therefore advantageous for the intact and balanced phytochemical contents. However, production of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables is affected by many factors. Genotype is a fundamental factor that affects the biosynthesis of phytochemicals, but farming practices and environmental factors such as geographic location, growing season, soil type and mineral status, plant maturity, postharvest storage and processing, can all significantly affect the concentration of many phytochemicals. Development of fruits and vegetables with elevated concentrations of known antioxidant phytochemicals must consider all these factors. This is a challenging task and requires close multi-disciplinary collaborations among scientists. Key words: Phytochemicals, antioxidant, fruits, vegetables, polyphenols flavonoids
A review of copper fertilizer management for optimum yield and quality of crops in the Canadian Prairie provinces
Authors: Malhi S. S. , Karamanos R. E.
Published: April 2011

Deficiency of copper (Cu) in Canadian prairie soils is not widespread, but whenever it occurs it can cause a drastic reduction in seed yield and quality of most cereals, especially wheat. Field experiments conducted in western Canada indicated that broadcast-incorporation of granular Cu fertilizers prior to seeding at 3-5.6 kg Cu ha-1 was usually sufficient to prevent Cu deficiency in wheat, and improve seed yield and quality. At lower rates (< 2.0 kg Cu ha-1), broadcast-incorporation of granular Cu fertilizers was not effective, while surface spray-broadcast followed by incorporation of liquid Cu fertilizers was much more effective in increasing seed yield of wheat in the first year of application. Surface broadcast without incorporation and seedrow-placed granular Cu fertilizers were much less effective in improving seed yield of wheat than their foliar or soil-incorporated applications. In the growing season, foliar applications of Cu at 0.20 to 0.28 kg Cu ha-1 to wheat at the Feekes 6 (first node of stem visible at base of shoot or stem elongation), Feekes 10 (sheath of last leaf completely grown or flag-leaf) and early boot growth stages were very effective in restoring seed yield, while Cu applications at the Feekes 2 (four-leaf) or Feekes 10.5 (complete heading) growth stage did not have a consistent effect to correct damage caused by Cu deficiency. Some Cu fertilizers (e.g., Cu oxide) were less effective than others in preventing/correcting Cu deficiency. Soil application at relatively high rates produced residual benefits in increasing seed yield for a number of years. The sensitivity of crops to Cu deficiency is usually in the order (wheat, flax, canary seed) > (barley, alfalfa) > (timothy seed, oats, corn) > (peas, clovers) > (canola, rye, forage grasses). Stem melanosis in wheat was associated with deficiency of Cu in soil, and the disease was reduced substantially with Cu application. A high level of available P in soil was observed to induce/increase severity of Cu deficiency in wheat. Soil analysis for diethylene triamine pentacetic acid- (DTPA) extractable Cu in soil can be used as a good diagnostic tool to predict Cu deficiency, but there was a poor relationship between total Cu concentration in shoots and the degree of Cu deficiency in crops. Application of Cu fertilizers to wheat on Cu-deficient soils also generally improved seed quality. Key words: Application time, Cu source, foliar application, granular Cu, growth stage, placement method, rate of Cu, seedrow-placed Cu, soil incorporation, wheat
Changes in rutin concentration and flavonol-3-glucosidase activity during seedling growth in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.)
Authors: Suzuki Tatsuro , Kim Sun-Ju , Takigawa Shigenobu , Mukasa Yuji , Hashimoto Naoto , Saito Katsuichi , Noda Takahiro , Matsuura-Endo Chie , Zaidul I. S. M. , Yamauchi Hiroaki
Published: April 2011

To investigate the physiological roles of rutin (quercetin 3-O-rutinoside) and flavonol-3-glucosidase (f3g, a rutin-degrading enzyme) during cotyledon growth in tartary buckwheat, changes in rutin and quercetin (aglycone of rutin) concentrations, and f3g activities were measured. The rutin concentration gradually increased (about 50 mg g-1 DW cotyledons) up to 12 d after germination (DAG). The quercetin concentration in the tartary buckwheat cotyledon increased immediately after germination, reached a maximum at 4 DAG, and then remained around 1.5 mg g-1 DW until 12 DAG. The f3g activity in the cotyledon and testa decreased gradually after germination. However, it retained 80% activity at 4 DAG compared with dry seed. In addition, the f3g activity was high on the surface of the cotyledon. We also investigated spatial distribution of rutin and f3g activity in 4 DAG seedlings. While rutin was mostly present in the cotyledon, f3g activity was observed in the testa, the surface of the testa, and root. These results suggest that rutin and f3g activity in tartary buckwheat have different physiological roles during cotyledon growth compared with common buckwheat. Key words: Tartary buckwheat; rutin; quercetin; flavonoid; glucosidase; germination
Pearl millet as a rotation crop with flue-cured tobacco for control of root-lesion nematodes in Ontario
Authors: Amankwa G. A. , White A. D. , McDowell T. W. , Van Hooren D. L.
Published: April 2011

In Ontario, flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) growers routinely fumigate their soils to control root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans Cobb). Studies suggest that planting pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) as a rotation crop may control the nematodes; winter rye (Secale cereale L.), the crop commonly grown in rotation with tobacco, is susceptible to the nematodes. In 2002, plots of forage millet (var. CFPM 101), grain millet (var. CGPMH-1) and winter rye were established at three sites and in 2003, tobacco was grown at these sites in non-fumigated plots where the rotation crops grew, except for a winter rye/fumigation treatment. The goal was to evaluate P. penetrans populations and tobacco yield and quality in the millet rotations relative to the traditional rye-fumigation system. In 2002, initial P. penetrans populations assessed in the spring were similar for all treatments; however, the final populations and consequently the ratios of final populations/initial populations (Pf/Pi) consistently differed among treatments. The Pf/Pi ratios ranged from 0.07 to 0.79 for forage millet, from 0.18 to 0.94 for grain millet and from 2.33 to 21.65 for rye. In 2003, P. penetrans populations in tobacco plots previously cropped to either type of millet were comparable with those detected in fumigated winter rye plots. Compared with tobacco following rye without fumigation, tobacco yield was 14 to 51% higher following rye with fumigation, 19 to 70% higher following forage millet and 18 to 65% higher following grain millet. Grade index was unaffected. Results indicate that pearl millet offers an alternative to fumigants for the suppression of P. penetrans population and provides equivalent gross returns. Key words: Pennisetum glaucum, rotation crop, Nicotiana tabacum
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): Challenges and strategies for production of chemically-consistent plants
Authors: Murch Susan J. , Saxena Praveen K.
Published: April 2011

Plants are by far the most important source of natural therapeutics, and the role of plants in enhancing the longevity and the quality of life is increasingly accepted throughout the world. A series of problems with medicinal plant products, such as contamination with biological and environmental pollutants, quantitative and qualitative variations of bioactive compounds, adulteration with misidentified species, and the concern of unsustainable harvest, has prompted the introduction of regulations to ensure the quality and safety of medicinal plant products in Canada. In the future, Natural Health Products in Canada will be manufactured to a new standard of quality and these changes in the industry have necessitated new approaches to the breeding, production, and processing of medicinal plant tissues. The continuing growth in the medicinal plant marketplace has also brought about the challenge of maintaining a balance between consumer demand and the need to protect medicinal biodiversity. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is one of the most popular medicinal plants with a history of use spanning more than two millennia and modern studies demonstrating efficacy. However, inconsistencies in the results of various clinical trials and difficulties in identifying a specific medicinal molecule with defined pharmaceutical function prompted our efforts to improve St. John’s wort products. Development of elite varieties with predictable phytochemical profiles, mass clonal propagation in vitro, large-scale production in sterile environments and controlled environment production systems, have been combined to produce a new standard in the production of St. John’s wort. Key words: St. John's wort, chemical consistency, hyperforin, melatonin, controlled environment systems
90A01 soybean
Authors: Cober Elroy R. , Harvey D. Voldeng Dengjin Bing, , Ronald J. D. Guillemette John Soper, , Sloan Al , Hedges Bradley R.
Published: April 2011

90A01 is a 2400 crop heat unit soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with good yield potential. Key words: Soybean, cultivar description
Goliath crested wheatgrass
Authors: Coulman Bruce
Published: April 2011

Goliath is a colchicine-induced tetraploid cultivar of crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertner]. Relative to other cultivars of crested wheatgrass, Goliath is taller, produces fewer, heavier tillers, and has greater seed weight. It produced higher seed yields than other cultivars and had a higher mean forage dry matter yield than the check cultivar in regional trials conducted in the three Canadian prairie provinces. Key words: Crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertner, colchicine-induced tetraploid, cultivar description
Effects of day-night temperature combinations under constant day length on emergence and early growth of sericea lespedeza genotypes
Authors: Kalburtji K. L. , Mosjidis J. A. , Mamolos A. P.
Published: April 2011

Establishment of sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont de Courset) G. Don.] in southeastern USA is difficult. Seedling emergence may be related to the range of temperatures prevalent during establishment. A growth chamber study was undertaken to measure the effect of temperature on seedling emergence of 56 sericea lespedeza genotypes. Main treatments were: (1) plants grown at three day-night temperature combinations with maximum/minimum temperature difference of 14°C. The temperature combinations were 22/8°C, 27/13°C, and 32/18°C; (2) plants grown at three day-night temperature combinations with maximum/minimum temperature difference of 7°C. This was accomplished by lowering the day temperature and keeping the night temperature the same as above. Emergence was reduced by about 27% with reduction of 7°C in day-night temperature within the range of temperatures used. Plant height, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight and number of branches were very sensitive to temperature combinations. Increases in temperature caused increases in height, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight and number of branches of all genotypes. Further screening of sericea for emergence and growth under low temperature may lead to cultivars with more vigorous seedlings that can be better established early in the season. Key words: Plant growth, temperatures, seedling emergence, Sericea, southern USA
Impact of cultivars and herbicides on weed management in alfalfa
Authors: Moyer J. R. , Acharya S. N.
Published: April 2011

Weeds, especially dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber in F.H. Wigg.), tend to infest a forage alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stand 2 to 4 yr after establishment. To develop better weed management systems, experiments were conducted at Lethbridge, Alberta, from 1995 to 2002 and Creston, British Columbia, from 1998 to 2001, which included the alfalfa cultivars Beaver (standard type) and AC Blue J (Flemish type) and annual applications of metribuzin and hexazinone. These herbicides are registered for weed control in irrigated alfalfa in Alberta and alfalfa grown for seed. In addition, two sulfonylurea herbicides, metsulfuron and sulfosulfuron, and glyphosate were included. All of the herbicides except glyphosate controlled or suppressed dandelion and mustard family weeds. Metsulfuron at 5 g a.i. ha-1 almost completely controlled dandelion at both locations. However, after metsulfuron application at Lethbridge, dandelion was replaced with an infestation of downy brome, which is unpalatable for cattle. None of the herbicides increased total forage (alfalfa + weed) yield, and in some instances herbicides reduced forage quality by causing a shift from a palatable to an unpalatable weed species. However, it was observed that AC Blue J consistently yielded more than Beaver, and weed biomass was consistently less in the higher-yielding cultivar. AC Blue J was developed primarily for the irrigated area in southern Alberta and for southern British Columbia. Therefore, additional experiments should be conducted to determine which alfalfa cultivars have the greatest ability to compete with weeds in other regions of western Canada. Key words: Alfalfa yield, dandelion, forage quality, weed control
Fructan accumulation in wheat stems during kernel filling under varying nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Shiomi N. , Benkeblia N. , Onodera S. , Yoshihira T. , Kosaka S. , Osaki M.
Published: April 2011

The authors studied the accumulation of saccharides (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fructans (1-ketsose, 6-kestose, oligofructosaccharides and polyfructosaccharides) in three different internodes of wheat stems receiving varying nitrogen supply at different stages of growth. Four levels of nitrogen supply, N1 (0, 0 and 100 kg ha-1), N2 (40, 0 and 0 kg ha-1), N3 (40, 120 and 0 kg ha-1) and N4 (40, 60 and 0 kg ha-1, standard fertilization in Hokkaido), were applied before sowing, at the six leaf stage and at the flag leaf stage, respectively. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, 1-kestose, 6-kestose, oligofructosaccharides and polyfructosaccharides were assessed in internodes 1 (upper part), internodes 2 (middle part) and internodes 3 (lower part) of the stems during early milky, middle milky and dough ripe stages. During the dough ripe stage, glucose content decreased in N1 and N2 stems, increased in N3 stems, and varied slightly in N4 stems. Fructose content was lower during the early milky stage and increased significantly during the middle milky and dough ripe stages. Sucrose content of N1 and N2 stems increased significantly during dough ripe stage, while these of N3 and N4 stems did not vary significantly. The levels of 1-kestose and 6-kestose in N1 stems were high compared with N2, N3 and N4 stems. However, their contents decreased during the dough ripe stage for 6-kestose. Oligosaccharides have shown similar variation by decreasing during the dough ripe stage, while polysaccharides decreased in N1 and N2 stems, but varied weakly in N3 and N4 stems. Total fructooligosaccharides (FOS) decreased during the dough ripe stage, particularly in internodes 1, while total FOS of internodes 3 remained quite stable. Comparatively, internodes 1 showed the lowest content compared with internodes 2 and 3. The results showed that fructans accumulated early, while a decreasing gradient was often observed from the bottom to the top of the stems. Results also showed that under N1 nitrogen fertilization rate, wheat plants accumulated high contents of fructans, and this fertilization rate could be applied in the Hokkaido region. Key words: Nitrogen, fertilization, stems, fructans, accumulation, Triticum aestivum