bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of an Early Application of Sulphur or Etephon as Foliar Spray on the Growth and Yield of Spring Barley in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Ramos J. M. , Garcia del Moral L. F. , Molina‐Cano J. L. , Salamanca P. , Roca de Togores F.
Published: April 2008

Leaf area development, biomass production and yield of four spring barley varieties grown in a Mediterranean environment (southern Spain) in response to an early application of foliar sulphur or etephon have been studied. Both sulphur and etephon produced similar results compared to the control. Thus, whereas the maximum leaf area index on untreated plots was reached at the beginning of shooting, the growth of foliar area in the treated ones was extended until anthesis and its decline during maturity was similarly retarded. This led to a significant improvement in the biomass at anthesis (which was closely correlated with grain yield) as well as in the leaf area duration during grain filling. These effects were principally due to variations in the number of leaves per plant, caused by a higher tiller production in the treated plants and not by an increase in the number of leaves per tiller or by leaf size.

An application of sulphur or etephon at tillering increases grain yield by raising both the number of ears per plant and per plot, without modifying the number of grains per ear or 1000‐grain weight. The similarity between the effects of sulphur and etephon may be due to the fact that sulphur absorbed by the leaves results in an increase in methyonine, the biological precursor or ethylene. The positive correlation between biomass at anthesis and number of ears over grain yield suggests that sink capacity and source activity are closely related and both simultaneously limited by the environment.
Effect of Drought Conditions at Boiling Stage on Some Chemical Constituents of Cotton Plant
Authors: Ahmed Fatma M. , Ismail M. S. , Abdel‐Al M. H.
Published: April 2008

The investigation was carried out to study the effect of drought conditions at boiling stage on chloroplast pigments and anthocyanin, in leaves, carbohydrate, phenols and total amino nitrogen content in leaves and roots, oil and protein contents in bolls of different ages. Seeds of cv. Giza 75 cotton were sown during 1987 and 1988 seasons in pots of 30 cm in diameter containing 11 kg of soil; after complete germination, thinning was carried out leaving one plant per pot. Plants were subjected to water stress conditions at boiling stage till the sign of wilting, while the control plants were irrigated regularly at this stage without allowing the plants to reach wilting stage and kept in turgid state. The results obtained can be summarized as follows:

1. Drought conditions decreased reducing sugar, nonreducing sugar, total soluble sugar and total amino nitrogen in leaves, while the reverse was true in roots.

2. Drought conditions reduced total and polyphenols content in leaves while it had no effect on phenols compounds in roots.

3. Drought conditions had no significant effect on pigments except total carotenoid in 1987 season.

4. Oil content in seeds of different boll ages decreased as a result of drought in both seasons.

5. In general drought condition increased protein content in 1987 season while the reverse was true in 1988 season.

6. Leaves and roots of wilted plants had more inhibitors as compared to turgid plants.
Effect of Concentration of Seed Hardening Chemicals on Physiological Characters of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides Stapf and Hubb)
Authors: Shanmugasundaram V. S. , Kannaiyan M.
Published: April 2008

A laboratory study was taken up in the Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore in the year 1986 to fix optimum concentration and to evaluate the efficiency of CCC (2‐chloroethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride), succinic acid and sodium chloride as seed hardening chemicals for pearl millet. The study revealed that CCC 100 ppm, succinic acid 0.15 per cent and sodium chloride 1 per cent concentrations were better in improving the germination per cent, root : shoot ratio and vigour index of pearl millet.
Effect of Lentil Residues on the Yield and Response of Succeeding Rice to Nitrogen
Authors: John P. S. , Prasad R. , Singh S. , George Mercy , Sharma S. N.
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted at the Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 1983‐84 and 1984‐85 to study the effect of lentil residues on the yield and response of succeeding rice to nitrogen. Lentil residues benefitted the succeeding rice and gave longer and heavier panicles, more grains per panicle, higher 1000‐grain weight and higher grain and straw yield of rice as compared to fallow. Rice responded well to applied nitrogen both in the absence and presence of lentil residues. The effect of lentil root residues and root residues plus incorporation of lentil straw was equivalent to 11 and 33 kg N ha−1 when 60 kg N ha−1 was applied to rice; the corresponding values being 54 and 60 kg N ha−1 when 120 kg N ha−1 was applied to rice.
Einfluß des Zeitpunktes der K‐Düngung auf die Dynamik des nach der Gülledüngung spezifisch gebundenen NH4‐N der Tonminerale*
Authors: Scherer H. W.
Published: April 2008

Influence of the time of K fertilization on the dynamics of NH4‐N fixed by clay minerals after slurry application

In a pot experiment with topsoil and subsoil of a luvisol derived from loess the influence of the time of K fertilization on the fixation of NH4‐N supplied with slurry as well as on the leaching and the availability of NH4‐N fixed by clay minerals after slurry application was investigated.

The following results were obtained:

In both soils K fertilization before slurry application resulted in a reduced fixation of the added NH4+.In the topsoil 8 % of the NH4+ supplied with the slurry could be detected in spring as nonexchangeable NH4+ when slurry was added in October and 13 % when slurry was added in January in the treatment K after slurry, when in the treatment K. before slurry the NH4+ fixed after slurry application had been mobilized totally.

In the subsoil 45 % of the NH4+ fixed after slurry application in October were mobilized until spring in the treatment K before slurry and only 20 % in the treatment K after slurry. When slurry was applied in January 30 % and 12 %, respectively, were mobilized.

In spite of the reduced nitrogen leaching in the treatments K after slurry yield and N uptake of grass were lower as compared to the treatments K before slurry.
Paddy (IR 60) Root Behaviour in Submerged Rice Fields as Influenced by Zinc Sources
Authors: Sriramachandrasekharan M. V. , Mathan K. K.
Published: April 2008

A field trial was conducted on clay loam soil (Typic Haplustalf) with rice (Var. IR.60) as the test crop to find out its rooting behaviour under submerged conditions as influenced by zinc sources. Three different zinc sources viz., zinc sulphate, zinc blended urea and zinc blended suphala were applied in different combinations. Root length density was measured at 40, 55, 70 and 85 days after transplanting at 5 cm intervals of depth upto 25 cm. The results revealed that root length density decreased with depth in all the treatments at all the stages. There was progressive increase in root length density with advancing age of the crop. Zinc sulphate applied alone and in combination with NPK had increased the root length density compared to absolute control and NPK alone in the initial stages. Zincated urea provided higher root density compared to 2incated suphala.
Effect of Planting Date on Time and Rate of Nitrogen Accumulation by Maize (Zea mays L.)1
Authors: Olness A. , Benoit G. R. , Van Sickle K. , Rinke J.
Published: April 2008

Effects of environment on time and rate of nutrient accumulation by crops affects fertilizer nutrient use efficiency. The effect of planting date on rate, time and amount of nitrogen (N) accumulated by maize from a Hamerly cl soil (Aeric Calciaquoll) was examined with and without supplemental irrigation. Maize was planted on three dates spaced at 2‐to 3‐week, intervals; the earliest planting date was 1 May in 1984 and 1985. N accumulation was examined as uni‐ and diphasic tanh[k(time)] functions and solved for total N accumulation at harvest, time of maximum N accumulation rate and the time coefficient of N accumulation. A diphasic function, which indicates two periods of intense N accumulation, provided the closest agreement with observed N accumulation. As planting was delayed, time required to reach maximum N accumulation rates, τ (uniphasic) or τ1 and τ2 (diphasic), decreased from an average of nearly 75 to 42 days (uniphasic) and from nearly 65 to 35 days and 100 to 75 days after planting for τ1 and τ2, respectively. Maximum N accumulation rates increase from about 59 to 75 mg N plant−1 day−1 (uniphasic) or 35 to 65 mg N plant−1 day−1 and 20 to 70 mg N plant−1 day−1 for the first and second maxima in the diphasic model, respectively. Average maximum total N accumulation ranged from 2.85 g N plant−1 for early plantings to 1.5 g N plant−1 for plantings made on 25 June. The time coefficient, k (uniphasic) or k1 (diphasic), tended to increase from average values of about 0.04 to > 0.09 day−1 for k and from about 0.04 to > 0.105 day−1 for k1. The second time coefficient, k2, of the diphasic function varied widely between about 0.075 to > 0.12 day−1 and showed complex relationships with planting date. Periods of N accumulation shortened and intensity of N accumulation increased as the time coefficient increased.
Effect of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Irrigation on Carbon‐di‐oxide Evolution in Soils
Authors: Kannan K. , Oblisami G.
Published: April 2008

Pulp and paper mill waste water irrigation increased pH, EC, organic carbon and exchangeable sodium content of soils. The increase in organic matter content of soils accelerated microbial activity and hence accelerated substrate decomposition with the release of CO2. There exhibited a peak followed by a steady‐decline in the rate of CO2 evolution in effluent irrigated soils. The irrigation of pulp and paper mill combined effluent to soils did not affect microbial activity.
Die Ertragsbildung von Dinkel (Triticum spelta L.) und Weizen (Triticum aestivum L.) unter verschiedenen Umweltbedingungen im Freiland
Authors: Rüegger A. , Und H. Winzeler , Nösberger J.
Published: April 2008

Dry Matter Production of Spelt (Triticum spelta L.) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Different Environmental Conditions in the Field

The primary aim of our work was to obtain information regarding the germination characteristics of spelt under different environmental conditions in field experiments, and to trace possible differences between spelt and wheat, with regard to crop production. For the present study two spelt varieties (Ostro/Rouquin) and two wheat varieties (Arina/Probus) were used. In addition the spelt cultivars Altgold, Oberkulmer and Hercule were included in some of the experiments. To obtain information on the influence of the glumes, spelt was planted in the hulled (SP +) and dehulled (SP‐) form.

Field emergence of spelt SP‐ was up to 40 % lower than that of SP+, Under water logged soil, the percentage of germination was higher for spelt SP+ than for wheat.

Spelt produced more tillers per plant than wheat. However, tiller reduction was also higher for spelt so finally both species had similar numbers of ears per plant. Plants with a high tiller production might be more flexible in response to unfavourable growing conditions.

Grain yield of spelt and wheat was developed in different ways. Spelt produced fewer but larger kernels per ear, whereas wheat produced more but smaller kernels. In 1986 grain yield was up to 20 % higher in wheat than in spelt. In 1987, an unfavourable year for cereal crop production in marginal areas, grain yield was higher for spelt than for wheat. For the farmer, the “husked” form of spelt is economically important. This was equal or higher than the grain yield of wheat in both years.

The high germination rate under unfavourable conditions, in combination with a high tillering capacity and the production of large kernels appear to be the major reason for the stable yielding ability of spelt.
Effects of Nitrogen and Plant Density on Growth, Yield and Chemical Composition of Two Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Ellen J.
Published: April 2008

A field study was conducted on the winter wheat cultivars Arminda and Okapi, using two seed rates (80 and 160 kg/ha) and three N applications (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha).

The cultivars did not differ in total dry matter production but did differ in grain yield. The difference in grain yield was mainly attributable to a higher harvest index (HI).

Increased plant density reduced HI; it resulted in more shoots per m2, but in a lower grain yield. The reduction in grain yield was caused by fewer kernels per ear and a lower 1000‐grain weight in both cultivars.

A higher rate of N increased total dry matter production and grain yield, except in Okapi at the high plant density. The number of kernels per ear increased, but 1000‐grain weight fell.

The higher the N applications, the higher the N‐content of the roots was.

Total N yield was greater in Arminda than in Okapi. The cultivars differed in the amount of nitrogen they took up after anthesis.

The content of water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) differed between the cultivars, N treatments and growth stages. Carbohydrate formed before anthesis accounted for 23 % of Arminda's grain yield and for 10 % of Okapi's grain yield.

The content of cell‐wall constituents (CWC) depended on cultivar, growth stage and the rate of the N dressing. Differences in CWC were more pronounced in Arminda than in Okapi. During leaf, stem and ear development there was a strong increase in content and amount of CWC. Concomitantly, WSC decreased. This implies that a large consumption of WSC is necessary for the formation of CWC. The competition for the WSC, necessary for CWC and shoot and ear development influences kernel initiation. Per unit of dry matter Okapi contained more CWC than Arminda. This was not in agreement with differences in straw sturdiness.
Impact of Management Practices on Grain Yield and Grain Protein Relationships in Durum Wheat
Authors: Sah R. N. , Puri Y. P. , Willits N. H.
Published: April 2008

We examined the relationship between grain yield (GY) and grain protein concentration (GPC) in durum wheat (Trticum turgidum L. var. durum) as affected by N application rate, seeding rate, and irrigation levels. Field experiments were conducted for four years with five N rates, five seeding rates, and four Irrigation regimes: A. Only a preplant irrigation; B. A + one irrigation at tillering; C. B + one irrigation at booting stage; and D. C + one irrigation at early soft dough stage. These treatments produced a large variation in GY and GPC which provided the basis for examining the GY‐GPC relationship by all possible correlation analyses and by analysis of variance after partitioning the bivariate responses (GY and GPC) into pairs of univariate responses. The contribution of N, seeding rate, and irrigation on parallel (simultaneous changes in the same direction) and opposite changes in GY and GPC was determined. The effects of N and seeding rate on parallel increase in GY and GPC were significant. For a given level of irrigation, increasing N application resulted in significant parallel increase in GY and GPC to the highest level of N. At low N levels, increase in irrigation level from A to B increased GY and decreased GPC; however, it was not true at higher N levels. For a given N level, GY plateaued at irrigation C, whereas GPC increased up to irrigation D. The overall effects of irrigation treatments on parallel changes (positive correlation) in GY and GPC significantly outweighed their effects on opposite changes (negative correlation) in GY and GPC. Increasing levels of N and irrigation improved the correlation between GY and GPC and the yield‐protein index. This study suggests that with proper management practice it is possible to increase both GY and GPC simultaneously and obtain high protein yield ha−1.
The Influence of Plant Water Stress on Net Photosynthesis and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Human J. J. , Du Toit D. , Bezuidenhout H. D. , De Bruyn L. P.
Published: April 2008

The effect of plant water stress on net photosynthesis, leaf growth, yield and yield‐related components were investigated in a single experiment in order to determine in which way water deficits affect sunflower yields.

Sunflower plants, grown under controlled temperature regimes, were stressed during budding, anthesis and seed filling by withholding water until the leaf water potential reached ‐1600 and ‐2000 kPa. Leaf area of unstressed plants significantly exceeded that of plants under severe stress during all growth stages investigated. The CO2 uptake rate per unit leaf area as well as the total uptake rate per plant, significantly diminished with stress, while this effect drastically increased during the reproductive phase of the plant. Although this resulted in significantly smaller heads and kernels, it did not affect the number of seeds borne in the inflorescence. Severe stress during anthesis and seed filling resulted in more empty kernels. Moderate and severe stress during budding significantly lowered both grain and oil yields while plants that experienced moderate stress during anthesis and seed filling significantly outyielded those under severe stress.
Yield Response of Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) to Planting Density and Row Spacing in a Semi‐arid Tropical Environment
Authors: Yunusa I. A. M. , Ikawelle M. C.
Published: April 2008

Soybean is little grown in the semi‐arid zone of the northern fringes of the Sudan savannah belt of Nigeria despite a seemingly good potential for the early maturing varieties. To explore the potential of the crop in this region a determinate soybean line was sown at 2 sites in 1986 at four planting densities of 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0 plants/m2 in three row spacings of 40, 60 and 75 cm. Both the above‐ground biological and grain yields increased with planting density. Row spacing had significant effect on yield only at the early planted Site 1, where 40 cm row spacing outyielded other rows. The increase in yield at high densities and narrow row was mainly due to increased pod and grain numbers/m2

Onset of competition began to manifest as from flowering and intensified thereafter. However, the post anthesis competition did not affect grain filling and so mean grain weight and harvest index were similar in all treatments. Late planting at Site 2 reduced yield by between 20 and 30 % particularly at high densities and in narrow rows. The results indicate a fairly good potential for soybean in this region, and yield advantage due to moderately high planting densities and narrow spacing.
Einfluß von Hauptbestandsbildner (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium X boucheanum Kunth, Lolium perenne L. und Dactylis glomerata L.), Narbendichte, N‐Düngung und Zeit auf Ertrag, Energiedichte, P/E‐Quotient und Nitratgehalt
Authors: Opitz von Boberfeld W. , Elles S.
Published: April 2008

The influence of main species (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium X boucheanum Kunth, Lolium perenne L. and Dactylis glomerata L.), sward density, nitrogen and time on yield, energy content, crudeprotein/energy ratio and nitrate content

The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of different rates of nitrogen fertilizer and of varied sward density on yield and chemical composition of some non‐perennial (Lolium multiflorum, Lolium X boucheanum) and some perennial species (Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata) in a field experiment.

Excepted 600 kg N ha−l ‐ yr−1 the non‐perennial species produced the highest energy yields. At a fertilization level of 400 kg N ha−1 yr−1 had sward density an influence on energy yield of Lolium multiflorum. It appeared that almost the energy content of the Lolium species was higher than in Dactylis glomerata. In most cases there were little differences between the Lolium species. There was a positive correlation between the NFEcontent and the content of water soluble carbohydrates and the energy content which was depressed by applying increasing rates of fertilizer. Generally at the lowest rate of nitrogen used (200 kg N ha−1 yr−1) there were positive effects on crude protein/energy ratios. The crude protein/energy ratio was higher of Dactylis glomerata than that of the Lolium species. The nitrate content increased to critical values when applying 400 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Dactylis glomerata had the highest and Lolium perenne the lowest nitrate content. At high rate of fertilizer, plots with high sward density sometimes had higher nitrate contents than open swards.

The results of the experiment indicate that there are differences in quality even between species with high performance. Regarding the quality of grass swards, future attention should be focused on the main species and on sward density.
Yield Comparison of Within Row Mixtures, Between Row Mixtures, and Composites of Spring Faba Bean Cultivars
Authors: Tarhuni A. M. , McNeilly T.
Published: April 2008

The performance of three spring faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars Stella, Danas, and Minden in monocultures were compared with mixtures of Stella + Minden, and Danas + Minden sown as within row mixtures, alternate row mixtures, and as composites.

Mixtures of both cultivar combinations, whether mechanical or composites, had net increases in seed yield per plot ranging from 10.5 % to 20 % above the means of the component cultivars grown in monoculture. Cultivars grown in mixtures in alternate rows had slightly greater seed yield than when they were grown alternately within rows. A further yield enhancement was obtained from growing composites.

Data for total plant dry weight were similar to those for seed yield. The number of podded nodes per plant was the major yield component responsible for the increased yields of the component cultivars in mixtures. The ecological aspects of these results are discussed.
Ertragsstruktur alter und neuer Winterweizensorten unter dem Aspekt der Einlagerung und Remobilisation von Fruktanen im Weizenhalm
Authors: Mehrhoff R. , Kühbauch W.
Published: April 2008

Yield components in old and new german winter wheat varieties with respect to the storage and remobilization of fructan in the wheat stem

Yield components and changes in carbohydrate content of four old german winter wheat varieties, bred before 1950, were compared with six new varieties over two years in field trials. In both years the old varieties built up more biomass than the new varieties. In the latter a better harvest‐index (0,56) as compared to the old varieties (0,43) was obtained, resulting in higher grain yields for the new varieties. Changes in water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content were mainly due to variations in fructan content. Maximum of fructan content was mostly reached at the stage of early milk ripeness. In the new varieties a faster and more complete remobilization of fructan occurred; especially in the year with the short grainfilling period.
Some Comments on Gerechte Designs
Authors: Bailey R. A. , Kunert J. , Martin R. J.
Published: April 2008

Gerechte designs are row and column designs which have an additional blocking structure formed by spatially compact regions. In this paper, and a companion paper (Baileyet al. 1990) we consider the correct analysis of these designs. In this paper we discuss the purpose of gerechte designs, and we note that the regions are not orthogonal to the rows and columns. This means that the usual sums of squares for rows, columns and regions are not additive. We show how the correct analysis can be performed, either through the use of appropriate formulae, or by the use of a statistical package. In the companion paper we show that the correct analysis cannot be justified by a randomization argument, and we outline other developments in analysis and design that may be more satisfactory.
Harvest Dates, Fertilizer and Varietal Effects on Yield, Concentration and Molecular Distribution of Fructan in Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)
Authors: Soja G. , Dersch G. , Praznik W.
Published: April 2008

In a pot experiment two varieties of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianths tuberosus L., cv. Topianka and cv. Violet de Rennes) were exposed to different supplies of N, P and K. Nitrogen supply increased tuber yield more than the productivity of aerial parts. Violet de Rennes responded better to N than Topianka. Nutrient regimes without P or K addition but including N to some extent depressed the yields of tubers only (by 8–23 %). Carbohydrate concentrations (78–81 % of d.m.) and molecular fructan distributions were neither influenced by fertilizer regimes nor by mineral concentrations in the tubers.

Genotypic differences were significant for yield, for concentrations of N, P, Ca, S and Cu, and for fructan concentration in the tubers. At harvest time the fructose/glucose ratio in tubers of Violet de Rennes was about 10 % higher than in Topianka and remained on a higher level during storage.

Harvest time had the greatest influence on carbohydrate composition. Depolymerization of fructan proceeded at a high rate in November and slowed down during subsequent storage, accompanied by a decline in polydispersity. Simultaneously osmolanty increased, resulting in a freezing point depression of < 0.5 °C.
Effects of Root‐Zone Temperature on Growth and Development of Roots of Two Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Clones as Influenced by Plant Age, Nutrient Supply, and Light Intensity
Authors: Sattelmacher B. , Marschner H.
Published: April 2008

The effects of supraoptimal root‐zone temperature (30 °C) on growth and development of roots were investigated in water and soil culture with cuttings of two potato clones DTO‐2 (heat tolerant) and LT‐1 (heat sensitive) at different plant ages, with different compositions of the nutrient solution, and different light intensities. It is suggested that the negative relation between cutting age and heat susceptibility observed in our experiments, is a reflection of the decreasing shoot/root dry weight ratio rather than of age. Heat damage of root systems increased with the concentration of the nutrient solution, nitrate being the main factor responsible. The influence of light intensity on temperature mediated restriction of root growth was relatively small. However the roots of plants grown under low light intensity (60 W m−2 PAR) appeared to be less stressed by supraoptimal temperature, i.e. roots appeared brighter, thinner and more ramified than plants growing at high light intensity (190 W m−2).
Cytoplasm Influences the Photosynthetic Efficiency in Brassica carinata
Authors: Uprety D. C. , Prakash Shyam , Tomar V. K.
Published: April 2008

Cytoplasmic effects on the photosynthesis was investigated in experimentally produced Brassica carinatas of reciprocal cytoplasmic origin. These are obtained by hybridizing B. nigra x B. oleracea var. italica (B. carinata 226) and B. oleracea x B. nigra(B. carinata 241). Natural B. carinata and the two parents viz. B. nigra and B. oleracea var. italica were also included in this study. It was observed that the rate of photosynthesis in B. carinata 226 with nigra cytoplasm, and natural B. carinata was higher than that of B. carinata 241 with oleracea cytoplasm. This was substantiated by the diurnal values of photosynthesis among these cultivars. The result indicated that the cytoplasm does affect the rate of photosynthesis in B. carinata and high photosynthetic efficiency in natural B. carinata was due to B. nigra maternal parent.
The Effect of Cyst Nematode Race 3 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum Interactions on Nodulation and Other Agronomic Characters of Three Soybean Genotypes
Authors: Jordan Diann , Pacumbaba R. P. , Floyd M.
Published: April 2008

The effect of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) race 3 and strains of Bradyrhizobium japonkum interactions on nodulation and other agronomic characters of several soybean genotypes was investigated. Nodule weight was reduced in soybean cultivar Ogden treated with SCN plus Bradyrhizobia strains USDA 110 and 6 and on soybean cultivar Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 6. The result was reversed on soybean cultivar Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 110. The nodule number also decreased on soybean cultivars Ogden and Essex treated with SCN plus strains USDA 110 and 6. The fresh root weights of soybean cultivars Ogden and Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 110 were heavier than the fresh root weight of Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 6. Lower nitrogen content of stems and leaves was noted only in cultivar Essex treated with SCN plus strains USDA 110 and 6. Bradyrhizobia strain USDA 110 was more efficient in the initiation of nodules in cultivars Ogden and Essex than strain USDA 6. The nitrogen‐fixing capacity of strain USDA 6 in Ogden was better than strain USDA 110. The differences in the agronomic performances of the various soybean genotypes were due to their degree of susceptibility to SCN and Bradyrhizobia strains and also to their genetic make‐up.
Ein Beitrag zur Stickstoffwirkung nach unterschiedlichen Verfahren stabilisierter Klärschlämme*
Authors: Scherer H. W. , Steffens Do.
Published: April 2008

A distribution to the availability of the nitrogen in sewage sludges stabilized with different processes

In two pot experiments the availability of the nitrogen in sewage sludges stabilized with different processes was investigated. Further it was examined whether the Quantofix‐N‐Volumeter (method for rapid determination of ammonia in slurries) is able to determine the plant available nitrogen in sewage sludge.

The following results were obtained:

In the experiment where same amounts of total N were applied as sewage sludge a highly significant correlation existed between the amount of NH4‐N applied and the N uptake of the plants.

When equal amounts of NH4‐N were applied the N uptake was lowest with the sewage sludges with a high relative part of NH,‐N of the total N (thermophile‐aerob; mesophile‐anaerob). However the reason for this result was not only the lower application rate of total N with these sewage sludges but also the lower efficiency of the organically bound nitrogen.

A very highly significant correlation existed between the application rate of organically bound nitrogen and the N uptake.

The values of nitrogen in sewage sludges measured by the rapid method gave information about the plant available nitrogen in the year of application.

A close quantitative agreement existed between the available nitrogen determined with the rapid method and the values calculated with the formula of Furrer and Bolliger (1978).

In zwei Gefäßversuchen wurde die N‐Wir‐kung nach unterschiedlicher Verfahren stabili‐sierter Klärschlämme untersucht sowie die Brauchbarkeit der volumetrischen Schnellme‐thode (Quantofix‐N‐Volumeter) zur Bestim‐mung des pflanzenverfügbaren Stickstoffs von Klärschlämmen überprüft.

Folgende Ergebnisse wurden erzielt:

Bei Zufuhr gleich hoher Gesamt‐N‐Gaben bestand erwartungsgemäß eine sehr enge Be‐ziehung zwischen der zugeführten Menge an NH4‐N und dem N‐Entzug der Pflanzen.

Bei Verabreichung gleich hoher NH4‐N‐Gaben war der N‐Entzug bei den Klärschlämmen mit einem hohen relativen NH4‐Anteil am Gesamt‐N‐Gehalt (thermophil‐aerob; meso‐phil‐anaerob) am niedrigsten, was aber nicht allein auf eine niedrigere Gesamt‐N‐Zufuhr, sondern auch auf eine geringere Verfügbarkeit des organisch gebundenen Stickstoffs zurück‐zuführen ist.

Zwischen der Menge an zügefuhrtem organisch gebundenen Stickstoff und dem N‐Entzug der Pflanzen bestand eine sehr hoch signi‐fikante Korrelation.

Der mittels Schnellmethode bestimmte Ge‐halt an verfügbarem Stickstoff und der N‐Entzug der Pflanzen korrelierten hoch signifi‐kant.

Der nach der Formel von Furrer und Bolli‐ger (1978) berechnete Gehalt an wirksamem Stickstoff und der mittels Quantofix ermittelte Gehalt an pflanzenverfügbarem Stickstoff korrelierten sehr hoch signifikant.
The Significance of NPK Fertilizers on Yield and Smut Incidence of Corn
Authors: Kostandi S. F. , Soliman M. F.
Published: April 2008

The significance of N, K and P fertilizers on corn yield and smut incidence was evaluated in the field during the seasons 1988 and 1989. Rates of fertilizers were 30, 60 and 90 kg N/acre; 0, 50 and 100 kg K2O/acre and 0 and 30 kg P2O5/acre. The corn plants were artificially inoculated with U. maydis spore suspension at 6‐leaf growth stage. The results showed that N fertilization acted to enhance N content of ear‐leaf and smut index and imposed depressing effects on leaf K. Unlike N, enhanced K‐fertility performed opposite results on leaf N and smut index. A significant N x K interaction was detected on ear‐leaf K and smut index, due to the antagonistic effects between ions. Grain yield data showed positive response to each N, K and P application, but the effect was much greater at the highest application rates. Yield losses were clearly pronounced, along all of the applied nutrient fertilizers, on plants where galls are located above ear than those with galls below ear. On average, the relative losses were 12.8 and 5.9 %, respectively, compared with 3.7 % for the main plot treatment. The 2‐way interaction (except N × P) showed variable effects on yield performance.
The Impact of Temperature on Seedling Root Traits of European and Tropical Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars
Authors: Feil B. , Thiraporn R. , Geisler G. , Stamp P.
Published: April 2008

Twelve European and twelve tropical maize cultivars were grown in polyethylene tubes under three temperature regimes (14/12 °C, 22/20 °C; 30/28 °C). The plants were harvested when the third leaf was fully expanded. The experiments were undertaken in order to: (i) study the general response of root traits of maize seedlings to chilly, temperate and very warm conditions and (ii) find out whether and how the geographical origin of the maize material modifies the results. The results may be summarized as follows:

1. The 22/20 °C temperature regime led to the highest shoot and root dry weight, the greatest total root length, the most apices and the greatest root surface area. However, the optimal temperature for these traits appeared to be either slightly higher or lower than 22/20 °C (optimal temperature for number of apices > shoot dry weight > root surface area > root dry weight).

2. The shoot: root dry weight ratio was almost the same at 14/12 °C and 22/20 °C but increased significantly at 30/28 °C. The root surface area: root dry weight ratio was optimal at 22/20 °C but extremely low at 14/12 °C. The production of apices per unit root dry matter was lowest at 14/12 °C and increased steadily at higher temperatures.

3. The root surface area: shoot dry weight ratio was low both at 14/12 °C and at 30/28 °C. This may indicate that mineral nutrient deficiency, as a result of undersized root systems, is most likely at extremely low and extremely high temperatures.

4. Low temperatures promoted the formation of seminal roots.

5. Temperature affected the dominance of the longest seminal root (= primary root). At 14/12 °C, the primary root was rather short as compared to the seminal roots of higher order. At 30/28 °C, however, the primary root was markedly longer than other seminal roots of higher order.

6. At 14/12 °C, the European cultivars produced more shoot and root dry matter, generated more apices and developed greater root surface area than the tropical cultivars. At 30/28 °C, the situation was reversed. This confirms that the response to different temperatures is modified by the geographical origin of the plant material.
Sickersaft‐Austrag und Stickstoff‐Fracht aus Mistmieten
Authors: Dewes T. , Ahrens E. , Willing O.
Published: April 2008

Leachates and nitrogen leakage from farmyard manure heaps

Leachates from differently covered cattle manure heaps amount to 88.7–117.4 1/m3within 177 days, nitrogen leakage to 89.0–119.0 g, respectively. A total protection against precipitation with plastic foil led to the lowest quantity of leachates indeed, but not to the lowest nitrogen leakage. During the first decomposition period no rain fell, but the quantities of leachates as well as the leakage of nitrogen were highest. After 20 days (11,7% of the experimental period) already 55.0–81.3% of total leachates and 71.2‐87.0% of total nitrogen leakage were found, but only 1.7 % of the precipitate, fallen within 177 days. This clearly shows, that only the covering of manure heaps can not be sufficient either to reduce liquid leaching or nitrogen leakage significantly.
Changes in Content of Glucosinolates and its Accumulation in Siliquae and Seeds of Oilrape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Qinzheng Zhang , Haifu Xi , Xiafua Lan , Xuequn Zhu , Yinhua Liu
Published: April 2008

Rape plants were labelled by applying (NH4)235SO4 to soil. Changes in content of 35S in various constituents in pods and grains were determined during siliquae development to exploit formation and accumulation of glucosinolates in oilseed rape. Content of 35S in glucosinolates expressed as μmol S/g.d.w. and its relative amounts in extractable forms in young siliquae were in constant level within one week after flowering, but either absolute content or relative content of 35S in glucosinolates increased largely by two weeks after flowering, thereafter the distribution of extractable 35S in glucosinolates of siliquae and grains increased linearly as proceeding of its development, 35S in extracts of grains almost was in form of glucosinolates after 8 weeks from flowering. Amounts of both 35S in glucosinolates and dry matter per pod increased linearly with time after flowering. According to the changes of amounts of 35S in other constituents per pod, it could be supposed that glucosinolates accumulated in seeds might be transported from other organs together with nutrients.
Diurnal Changes in Photosynthesis in Wheat Under Different Source‐Sink Relationships
Authors: Ghildival M. C.
Published: April 2008

The effect of alteration in source‐sink ratio by defoliation and ear removal on diurnal changes in photosynthesis was examined in wheat var. Kalyansona. The photosynthesis rate was maximum during initial few hours in the forenoon and decreased towards evening. The increase in sink demand for a particular leaf by excising other sources leaves, sustained higher rate of photosynthesis during the day. On the other hand de‐eared plants where sink demand was decreased by removal of main shoot ears and all the tillers, photosynthesis rate showed a more rapid decline towards evening, although, the photosynthesis rates were more or less similar to control plants in the morning. These results indicate the influence of sink demand on sustenance of photosynthesis during the day.
Proteolysis in Flag Leaves of Wheat as Related to Different Levels and Timing of Nitrogen Supply
Authors: Scalet M. , Miceli F. , Martin M. , Zerbi G.
Published: April 2008

Senescence of wheat leaves is related to the increase of proteolytic activities and to lower photosynthetic performance. A good nitrogen fertilization management generally delays the senescence of the crop photosynthetic tissues; in environments without terminal water‐stress this can improve crop yield and grain quality.

The effects of two N levels, 70 and 210 kg/ha and three side‐dressing timings (at double ridge, stem elongation and anthesis) on proteolytic activities and carbon exchange rate (CER) in the flag leaf were investigated from anthesis to maturity; the cultivar was Saliente, a high quality, bread‐making winter wheat and the site was near Udine, Northern Italy.

With high N level, endoprotease (pH 4.5) and carboxypeptidase (pH 5.5) activities increased up to the last sampling, while with low N these activities dropped earlier. Soluble protein decreased steadily, and its level was influenced by endoproteolytic activities. With high N, total chlorophyll content was degraded later if compared with low N treatment. The latest N side‐dressing initially increased leaf chlorophyll and soluble protein contents, but they did not exceed the levels of second side‐dressing timing. This was related to an increased auto‐proteolytic activity. Leaf carbon exchange rate decreased after anthesis; comparing the two N levels, only at the last measurement the N210 level obtained higher values.
The Effect of Different Planting Dates on the Infestation of Soybean by Heterodera glycines Race 5
Authors: Pacumbaba R. P. , Tadesse W.
Published: April 2008

The effects of different planting dates on infestation of susceptible soybean cvs. Essex and Lee by Heterodera glycines were investigated during three growing seasons. Early planting dates of susceptible soybean cvs. at lower temperatures resulted in smaller nodules, lower nematode populations and field infestations, lower soybean cyst nematode (SCN) disease ratings, taller plants, and higher yields. SCN induced more nodules on soybean roots at 14 May plantings date. The development of SCN race 5 in the field was associated closely with soil temperature. The infestation of susceptible soybean cvs. at early planting dates by H. glycines greatly affected the agronomic performance of these cvs. in the field. Susceptible soybean cvs grown in infested soil with SCN race 5 planted earlier than the recommended planting dates escaped severe infestation of SCN in the field.
Effects of Integrated Rice‐Cum‐Fish Culture and Water Regime on Weed Growth and Development in Irrigated Lowland Rice Fields of Northeast Thailand
Authors: Piepho H. P. , Alkämper J.
Published: April 2008

The presence of the fish species Cyprinus carpio L., Tilapia nilotica L. and Puntius gonionotus Bleeker in irrigated paddy fields resulted in a reduction of the numbers of sedges and broadleaved weeds at low water levels around 5 cm. On the contrary, weed growth was enhanced at higher water levels. Similar results were obtained for the percentage area covered and the species Marsilea crenata. At low water levels the number of uprooted weeds in rice‐fish fields was markedly increased if compared to control fields. This indicates that fish prefer shallow areas of rice fields with more abundant food supplies as a feeding place. In rice‐fish fields the water was turbid on 77.8% of the test plots (1 m2) compared to only 47.4 % on the control fields. The findings are explained by the combined action of a ‘fertilizing effect’ and a ‘feeding effect’, both of which are due to fish.
Studies on Seed Residues Following Carbofuran Application in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) with Reference to Viability
Authors: Ramamoorthy K. , Kannathasan M. , Kalavathi D.
Published: April 2008

Soil application of different formulations of carbofuran at 3.0 and 1.5 g.a.i. metre row−1 did not have any impact on vigour and viability of the resultant seeds of sorghum. Fresh seeds from encecap ‘A’, encecap ‘B’ and furadan treated plots contained higher residues than the permissible limits and in artificially aged seeds the quantities were below the permissible limits. The degradation was evident with the growth and development of seedlings grown from fresh and aged seeds. Residues from lower doses dissipated faster than higher doses. The general decline in percentage germination and vigour could not be attributed to the residual toxicity but only to the ageing phenomena.
Varietal Differences of Wheat and Triticale to Water Stress
Authors: Sapra V. T. , Savage E. , Anaele A. O. , Beyl C. A.
Published: April 2008

Six wheat (Triticurn aestivum L.) and ten triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) cultivars were screened for water stress tolerance during germination and seedling stages in the laboratory and growth chamber, respectively. Germinating seeds and hydroponically‐grown seedlings were subjected to osmotic stresses of –0.3 and –0.6 MPa using polyethylene glycol M. W. 8000. Both species and cultivar differences were found among the tested genotypes for all the parameters analyzed in both germination and seedling tests. Germination stress index was lower for seed exposed to ‐0.6 MPa than for ‐0.3 MPa osmotic stress. A significant relationship was found among plant height, fresh weight and dry weight stress indices evaluated during the seedling test. The cultivars that grew taller under stress conditions had greater dry matter accumulation, as well as higher germination and water uptake stress indices indicating the reliability of height to predict cultivar performance under such conditions. The cultivars Stacy (wheat) and Eu 14/15 (triticale) had higher dry matter accumulation, higher water uptake and leaf water potential, greater height and better germination under stress conditions than the other cultivars tested. Conversely, the cultivars GA 781014 (wheat) and Am 4147 (triticale) performed poorly with respect to all the parameters analyzed. Based on results from germination and seedling tests, the cultivars Stacy and Eu 14/15 were selected for more stress studies in the greenhouse and field.
Water Use and Seed Yield of Horsegram Under Different Moisture Regimes and Mulches in Semi‐Arid Region of Eastern India
Authors: Zaman A. , Mallick S.
Published: April 2008

In a two years field study on effect of irrigation at vegetative and flowering stages occurring at 40 and 60 days after sowing, respectively alongwith straw mulch ca. 5 t/ha were found to have beneficial effect on growth, yield attributes and seed yield of horsegram (Dolichos biflorus Roxb.). Application of mulches significantly increased pods/plants, seeds/pod, test weight and seed yield and maintained better soil moisture during crop growth in semi‐arid lateritic region of Indian sub‐tropics. Mulches proved useful to conserve more moisture in soil profile and thereby increased the water use efficiency of the crop; straw mulch was found superior to leaf mulch.
Irrigation Regimes on Utilization of Nutrients, Yield and Quality of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Subramanian K. S. , Selvakumari G. , Selvaraj K. V. , Chinnaswami K. N.
Published: April 2008

With a view to study the influence of irrigation regimes at critical stages of sugarcane an investigation was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bhavanisagar, India during Mid‐late season (March–April) using Co 6304 as test variety. Treatments consisted of eight irrigation regimes created by imposing two levels of irrigation 0.75 and 0.5 IW/CPE ratio at critical stages (tillering, grand growth and maturity). The results revealed that irrigating sugarcane at 0.75 IW/CPE ratio at tillering and growth and 0.5 IW/CPE at maturity phase recorded highest nutrient uptake, cane yield (139 t/ha) with 10.6 % CCS consuming 1791 mm of water the highest water use efficiency of 77.3 kg/ha mm.
Enlargement Quotient to Estimate Leaf Area in Two Cultivars of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench)
Authors: Abdullahi M. U. , Jasdanwala R. T.
Published: April 2008

Two cultivars of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench) were used to compare the relationship between linear dimensions of leaf and leaf area. Formula A = eL2 (where A = leaf area, e = enlargement quotient and L = midrib length of leaf) determined leaf area more accurately.
Adaptive Responses of Root Systems of Some Native and Cultivated Species to Desert Conditions
Authors: Elhaak M. A. , El‐Shourbagy M. N. , Ayyad M. A.
Published: April 2008

Study of the root systems of the wild species Plantago albicans, Rumex pictus and Cutandia dichotoma and the cultivated species Medicago sativa, Sorghum sudangrass and Hordeum vulgare indicated a maximum penetration to lateral root specialized species from 20 to 50 cm and from 25 to more than 110 cm in tap root specialized species. Root number increased with dryness while root length increased with wet conditions. This leads to low root length density for wild and irrigated cultivated species. Root/shoot ratio increased in the dry season as a result of shoot deterioration by water stress. Magneto tropism was recorded in the secondary branches of Plantago albicans roots.