bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy rates and peripheral progesterone levels following Ovsynch or CIDR ovulation synchronization/timed artificial insemination protocols in postpartum dairy cows
Authors: Aali M. , Pretheeban T. , Giritharan G. , Rajamahendran R.
Published: April 2011

Peripheral progesterone (P4) concentrations as well as pregnancy rates (PR) between cows treated with Ovsynch or CIDR ovulation synchronization/TAI protocols were compared. Two hundred and twenty-seven postpartum lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to Ovsynch (n = 111) or CIDR (n = 116) ovulation synchronization/TAI protocols. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at day 35 after TAI and later confirmed by rectal palpation at day 60 post TAI. Milk samples were taken from the beginning of treatment (day -10) until day 35 after TAI (day 0) for P4 determination. Pregnancy rates for Ovsynch and CIDR groups of cows were 31 and 41%, respectively. The PR of ovulation synchronized cows for Ovsynch and CIDR groups were 49 and 69%, respectively. Progesterone levels during the sampling period were similar (P > 0.05) between Ovsynch and CIDR treated cows. Key words: Pregnancy rate, progesterone, Ovsynch, CIDR, cows
Unfolding the codes of short-term feed appetence in farm and companion animals. A comparative oronasal nutrient sensing biology review
Authors: Roura Eugeni , Humphrey Brooke , Tedó Gemma , Ipharraguerre Ignacio
Published: April 2011

The evolution of the chemical senses has resulted in a sensory apparatus for high taste and smell acuity in mammals and birds to ensure self-nourishment. Such peripheral chemosensory systems function as a code to unfold the nutritional value of feedstuffs. Food ingestion simultaneously evokes odor, taste and thermo-mechanical (somatosensing) sensations. Olfaction represents the capacity to identify feed volatiles that are predominantly derived from essential nutrients in plants. Comparative biology of olfaction shows that primates and chickens have a smaller olfactory epithelium and fewer olfactory receptor (OR) genes than non-primate mammals studied to date including farm and companion animals, such as the pig, the cow, the dog, the cat and the horse. A significant proportion of the total OR genes in mammals and birds have lost their functionality (pseudogenes) in a process that seems to reflect a decrease in the animal’s reliance on the sense of smell, particularly in humans and cows. The taste system allows animals to recognize a diverse repertoire of nutrient (sugars, amino acids, salts, acids and fats) or toxic related chemical entities that provide valuable information about the quality of food. Taste senses non-volatile molecules in the oral cavity through taste receptors (TR). The TR are expressed in the sensory cells forming the taste buds of the tongue’s papillae. Taste cells are linked to a network of solitary chemosensory cells diffused through many non-taste tissues involved in metabolic homeostasis. The number of functional taste receptor genes (TASR) in humans is equivalent to that in other mammals and superior to that in chickens. The TASR family 1 (TAS1R coding for umami and sweet TR) is conserved, in number and type, across the species evaluated, with the exception of the sweet receptor in chicken and feline species. The TASR family 2 (TAS2R coding for bitter TR) shows a strong adaptive capacity to dietary sources and digestive physiology across vertebrates. Pseudogenization (loss of gene functionality) in the TAS2R family seems to be a frequent strategy. The implications of oronasal nutrient sensing related to comparative animal feeding strategies and behaviors such as neophobia, feed refusal and hedonic preferences are discussed. Feed palatability and appetence might be one of the main driving forces in short-term feed consumption. Finally, practical applications relevant to animal production are outlined. Key words: Nutrient sensing, taste, olfaction, somatosensing, feed intake, farm, companion animals
Methane and ammonia emissions from a beef feedlot in western Canada for a twelve-day period in the fall
Authors: van Haarlem R. P. , Desjardins R. L. , Gao Z. , Flesch T. K. , Li X.
Published: April 2011

Commercial feedlot operations are becoming a mainstay in the Canadian beef industry. These large operations that typically raise thousands of animals at a time represent a large localized source of methane (CH4) and of atmospheric pollutants such as ammonia (NH3) and particulate matter. An inverse dispersion model was utilized to calculate CH4 and NH3 emissions from a commercial cattle feedlot and an adjacent runoff retention pond. The feedlot measurements were collected within the interior of the feedlot enabling a near continuous emissions record over the 12 d of the study period. Average daily emission estimates of CH4 and NH3 were 323 and 318 g animal-1 d-1, respectively. The CH4 emissions represent 4% of the gross energy intake (GEI) and NH3 emissions represent 72% of the total N intake. Emissions from the runoff retention pond associated directly with the feedlot operation were approximately 2.7 and 2% of the daily average feedlot emissions of CH4 and NH3, respectively. Key words: Methane, ammonia, inverse dispersion, ruminant livestock, trace gas emissions
Evaluation of sheep genetic resources in North America: Milk production and composition of purebred, crossbred and synthetic populations
Authors: Shrestha J. N. B. , Boylan W. J. , Rempel W. E.
Published: April 2011

Purebreds, crossbreds and synthetic populations of sheep in North America of divergent genetic types produced 47–103 litres of milk for 121–144 d, consistent with "non dairy-type" breeds; however, this was substantially less than the 200–330 kg of milk per lactation characteristic of "dairy" type breeds in Europe and the Middle East countries. Among established breeds, the Suffolk (Su) breed produced significantly more total and daily milk yield, respectively, for a longer lactation (79 litres and 589 mL for 139 d), followed by the Rambouillet (Ra), Targhee (T) and Dorset (D) breeds (60–62 litres and 422–542 mL for 120–132 d), while the Lincoln (L) breed produced significantly less (48 litres and 285 mL for 128 d). Among fecund-type breeds and their crosses, Finnsheep (F) and Romanov (Ro) breeds produced significantly less (50–55 litres and 425–463 mL, for 122–129 d), while Ro × F produced significantly more milk (91 litres and 744 mL for 126 d), followed by F × Ro (60 litres and 505 mL for 128 d). Among other crossbreds, F × Ra produced significantly more milk (66 litres and 434 mL for 136 d) followed by L × Ra, L × D, F × L, F × Ra (49–60 litres and 296–385 mL for 123–136 d), while Ra × D produced significantly less (47 litres and 245 mL for 121 d). Among multiple breed composite populations, the Outaouais (O) and Rideau (R) Arcott breeds and their crosses had the highest milk production, e.g., R and R × O produced significantly more milk (95–103 litres and 754–820 mL for 131–144 d) than O and O × R (74–80 litres and 621–693 mL for 124–142 d). Concurrently, Synthetic I (½ F, ½ L) produced significantly less (58 litres and 494 mL for 134 d), while Synthetic III (¼ F, ¼ L, ¼ D, ¼ Ra) produced significantly more milk (91 litres and 673 mL, P > 0.05, for 130 d), and Synthetic II (½ D, ½ Ra) was intermediate (74.8 litres and 621 mL for 129 d); however, lactation length was consistent. Sheep breeds in North America exhibited diversity that was substantial for milk yield, but negligible for lactation length, as well as fat, protein, lactose and solid-not-fat content. Lack of inherent potential for milk production continues to be a serious constraint towards development of commercial dairy sheep industry. In the absence of "dairy-type" breeds, superior milk production in the Rideau Arcott breed (with East Friesian lineage) and their crosses demonstrates considerable promise for further improvement, thus increasing the efficiency of sheep production. Key words: Milk yield and composition, sheep breeds, synthetic sheep, Arcott breeds
Evaluating the effects of crab meal, Carophyll Red®, and Carophyll Yellow® in laying hen diets on egg yolk pigmentation and production performance
Authors: Anderson Derek M , MacIssac Janice L , Daniel Michelle A , MacKinnon Tara L , Budgell Krista L
Published: April 2011

A total of 480 Babcock White Leghorn hens (65 wk of age) were randomly assigned to one of five diets [wheat-based control (C), 10 g t–1 Carophyll Red® (CR), 20 g t–1 Carophyll Yellow® (CY), 10 g t–1 CR + 20 g t–1 CY (CR + CY), 80 kg t–1 crab meal (CM)] for 60 d. There was no effect of treatment on egg production. There was an increase in red pigmentation (a* score) on day 45 among treatments supplemented with CR, CR + CY and CM when compared with C and CY. The laying hen was capable of depositing the natural carotenoid supplied by the CM into the egg yolk. Key words: Laying hen, crab meal, carotenoids, astaxanthin, yolk pigmentation
Chemical characteristics and in situ ruminal parameters of barley for cattle: Comparison of the malting cultivar AC Metcalfe and five feed cultivars
Authors: Hart Kenton J , Rossnagel Brian G , Yu Peiqiang
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to compare the most widely grown barley cultivar in Canada, AC Metcalfe, a malting type barley, with five feed cultivars. Barley cultivars were grown at one location during 3 consecutive years and barley samples were milled to pass through a 1-mm screen and analysed to determine nutritive value. Additional samples were passed through a roller mill with a gap set at 1.12 mm and incubated ruminally for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h in 3 dry Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannulae. The rate and extent of rumen digestion were estimated. AC Metcalfe had a higher (P < 0.001) concentration of NDF, and lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of non structural carbohydrates, starch, ADF, total digestible nutrients, and fermentable cell wall carbohydrates compared with the mean of the feed cultivars. The malting cultivar had a higher (P < 0.001) soluble DM fraction, lower (P < 0.05) CP and starch degradation rates, and a lower (P < 0.001) ruminally degradable starch concentration compared with the mean of the five feed cultivars. The results demonstrate that there are only small differences in terms of chemical composition and in situ degradation kinetics between the malting cultivar AC Metcalfe and the five feed cultivars of barley reported here. Key words: Barley, energy, protein, ruminants
Nutritional implications of biosolids and paper mulch applications in high density apple orchards
Authors: Neilsen G. H. , Hogue E. J. , Forge T. , Neilsen D. , Kuchta S.
Published: April 2011

A field experiment was designed to assess the effects on tree nutrition of surface application of municipal biosolids and shredded paper mulch, which have previously been reported to improve the performance of high-density apples despite wide differences in nutrient content. The experiment involved four treatments which included two levels (with or without) of two organic amendments, shredded paper mulch and Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) municipal biosolids. Treatments were established over a 2 m wide strip centred on the tree row in a high-density (3700 trees ha-1) Golden Delicious (Malus × domestica Borkh.) orchard in the year of planting (1997) and maintained until 2004. GVRD-biosolids was applied at 40 t ha-1 (DW) in 1997 and 20.3 t ha-1 (DW) in 2001 potentially supplying larger amounts of all plant nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) except Ca than the paper mulch. All trees received standard commercial treatments of drip fertigation of 30 g N tree-1 yr-1 and 20 g P tree-1 in the establishment year. Leaf N concentration was unaffected by biosolids application and decreased, but not to inadequate concentrations, in 3 of 6 yr for trees grown in the high C:N ratio shredded paper mulch. This response indicates the effectiveness of drip fertigated N. Leaf K declined to inadequate concentrations by the end of the experiment, regardless of treatment, but trees in the paper mulch treatment were able to sustain higher leaf K, were more vigourous, had higher yield the first three fruiting seasons and cumulatively after 8 yr despite the low N and K content of the paper. Improved K uptake was attributed to better distribution of soil moisture beneath the mulch but for long-term sustainable production, K fertigation would have been desirable. Biosolids application often raised leaf Zn, Cu and Mn concentration but increases were modest, with concentrations of Zn insufficient to change standard commercial recommendations for annual dormant Zn applications. Key words: Leaf N, K, Zn, Cu and Mn, nutrient additions, organic amendments, vigour, yield
Black medic (Medicago lupulina) germplasm screening for use as a self-regenerating cover crop on the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Entz M. H. , Thiessen Martens J. R. , May W. , Lafond G. P.
Published: April 2011

Self-regenerating legumes such as black medic (Medicago lupulina L.) can play an important role as a low-maintenance cover crop in annual cropping systems, provided they produce a large quantity of seed, regenerate successfully from the seedbank, and produce a significant amount of biomass. Twenty-seven accessions of black medic, including the cultivar George, were grown at two locations and assessed for their potential as self-regenerating cover crops in prairie conditions, based on phenological and morphological characteristics. Five accessions with adequate seed production, survival and growth late in the season, large leaf size, and good ground cover capabilities were identified and will be the focus of further study. Key words: Medicago lupulina, black medic, legume cover crops, self-regenerating cover crops, Canadian prairies, germplasm screening
Influence of pea cultivar and inoculation on the nitrogen budget of a pea-wheat rotation in northwestern Canada
Authors: Soon Y. K. , Lupwayi N. Z.
Published: April 2011

Three field experimentswere conducted in northwestern Alberta to assess the influence of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars on the N economy and the performance of the sequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. Three pea varieties and two levels of Rhizobium inoculant (none and 5 kg ha-1), in factorial combination, were tested at each site; overall, four pea cultivars were tested with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) as the check. All plots were seeded to wheat in the second year. All but one experimental year had below-average growing season rainfall. Dinitrogen fixation decreased in the following order among pea cultivars: Grande > Carerra ≥ Eiffel ≥ Swing, the same order as net productivity: the correlation between fixed N and shoot dry matter at harvest was highly significant (R2 = 0.982; P < 0.001). Only Grande pea resulted in balanced soil N (exported N = fixed N); the deficit in the N balance, in kg N ha-1, was 7–38 for Carrera, 20–37 for Swing and 18–37 for Eiffel. However, even where the soil N balance was negative, wheat follow ng pea mostly had higher seed protein content and yield than wheat following barley due to a high correlation between the yield of the sequent wheat and pea-fixed N. Rhizobium inoculation increased nodule formation and N2 fixation in only one of the experiments; however, it did not affect the yield of the sequent wheat as compared with uninoculated soil. We conclude that selection of a high net productivity pea cultivar should typically result in greater N and yield benefits to the sequent cereal crop than a low net productivity cultivar. Key words: N budget, Rhizobium inoculation, wheat, pea varieties, N2 fixation
Snowhite475 hard white spring wheat
Authors: DePauw R. M. , Knox R. E. , Clarke J. M. , Clarke F. R. , Fernandez M. R. , Salmon D. , McCaig T. N.
Published: April 2011

In 2001–2003, cooperative testing Snowhite475 hard white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yielded grain in the range of the checks and was 3.4 and 3.3 d earlier maturing than AC Vista and AC Crystal, respectively. Snowhite475 had heavier test weight than AC Vista and larger seed size than AC Crystal and AC2000. Snowhite475 had higher protein content than the checks except 5701PR. It yielded more flour and had higher Agtron flour colour values than AC Crystal and AC Vista. Snowhite475 had intermediate kernel hardness, combined with yellow alkaline and white salted noodle colour and textural attributes better than AC Crystal, AC2000 and Snowbird. Key words: Triticum aestivum L., cultivar description, grain yield, maturity, milling properties, noodles
CDC Meadow field pea
Authors: Warkentin Tom , Vandenberg Albert , Tar’an Bunyamin , Barlow Sabine , Ife Scott
Published: April 2011

CDC Meadow, a yellow cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar, was released in 2006 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan for distribution to Select seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Meadow has a semileafless leaf type, good lodging resistance, powdery mildew resistance, medium-sized, round seeds, and good yielding ability. CDC Meadow is adapted to the field pea growing regions of western Canada. Key words: Field pea, Pisum sativum L., cultivar description
Predicting apple leaf emergence from degree-day accumulation during the primary scab period
Authors: Carisse O. , Jobin T. , Bourgeois G.
Published: April 2011

The severity of primary infections of apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is mainly determined by three components: the amount of primary inoculum, climatic conditions, and the amount of unprotected susceptible leaves. Prediction tools are available for the first two components but there are no tools to predict the emergence of apple leaves. The objective of this study was to develop degree-day models to predict emergence of both cluster and terminal shoot leaves during the primary scab period. The number of leaves per shoot was monitored during the primary infection period from 2003 to 2005 on three replicate apple trees of the cultivar Summerland McIntosh grafted on different rootstocks (M.9, MM.111, M.26) at one site and on trees of the cultivars Cortland, Empire, Lobo, McIntosh, Paulared and Spartan at two sites. There were no significant differences in the area under the leaf emergence curve (AULEC) for the different rootstocks and cultivars. The models were thus developed on data pooled over years, sites and cultivars. The rate of change in apple leaf emergence in response to degree-days (base temperature 5°C) accumulated from Apr. 01 was nonlinear with an initial lag phase followed by a linear response reaching a maximum after which the rate remained low or reached zero (no more new leaves). This response was well described by the Richards (R2 = 0.91) and the Weibull (R2 = 0.96) functions for the emergence of cluster and terminal shoot leaves, respectively. The models were tested against data not used for model development and provided an adequate prediction of the number of leaves per shoot (R2= 0.92 and 0.97). This new tool can be used to improve timing of fungicide applications against primary apple scab infections. Key words: Leaf development, phenologymodel, Malus domestica Borkh., Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint
Impact and management of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) in the northern Great Plains
Authors: Vaness B. M. , Wilson S. D.
Published: April 2011

Crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.] invades native prairie and reduces diversity in the northern Great Plains. Here we review the effects of crested wheatgrass on grassland communities and ecosystems, as well as potential strategies for controlling crested wheatgrass. Because of its tussock growth form and C3 photosynthetic pathway, crested wheatgrass is likely to alter native grassland both above- and belowground. Experiments and long-term population projections suggest that both grazing and herbicide applied regularly can greatly decrease its abundance even though established populations may not be eliminated. Key words: Agropyron cristatum; non-native plant species; native grassland; invasion; crested wheatgrass management
Biochemical characterization of enzymatic browning in selected apple genotypes
Authors: Joshi A. P. K. , Rupasinghe H. P. V. , Pitts N. L. , Khanizadeh S.
Published: April 2011

Enzymatic browning in apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) caused by polyphenol oxidases (PPO) is the major factor responsible for the deterioration of quality in processed apple products such as juice, fresh-cut slices, and chips. Selected apple genotypes with a range of low post-cut enzymatic browning were investigated to understand the biochemical mechanisms leading to enzymatic browning. Post-cut enzymatic browning, polyphenolic profiles using LC-MS/MS, PPO activity, vitamin C, total antioxidant capacity using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), and elemental composition were determined in two recently released cultivars [Eden™(also known as SJCA38R6A74) and SuperMac], and one new advanced line (SJCA16) and compared with two commercial cultivars (Empire and Cortland). Eden™ exhibited the least post-cut enzymatic browning as estimated by Whiteness Index. SJCA16 possessed a characteristic yellowish flesh color. Whiteness Index (WI) values were inversely related to chlorogenic acid, catechin and epicatechin contents present in apple slices. Vitamin C content showed a strong positive correlation with WI. Among the mineral elements, the content of copper had a strong positive correlation with PPO activity. Key words: Apple genotypes, enzymatic browning, polyphenoloxidase, polyphenolics, Whiteness Index, total antioxidant capacity
Polyphenol concentrations in apple processing by-products determined using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Vasantha Rupasinghe H. P. , Kean Chris
Published: April 2011

Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) was used to determine the concentrations of polyphenols in apple processing by-products collected from commercial juice and pie manufacturing plants. Apple pomace (cultivar Gravenstein) resulting from juice processing contained a total polyphenol concentration of 43 mg 100 g-1 dry matter (DM), and was mainly constituted of phloridzin and quercetin-3-O-galactoside. The major polyphenolic compound in apple seeds (cultivar Idared) was phloridzin (64 mg 100 g-1 DM), representing 84% of total polyphenols (76 mg 100 g-1 DM). The predominant polyphenolic compounds in apple cores (cultivar Idared) were phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, which represented 77% of the total polyphenols (40 mg 100 g-1 DM). The total polyphenol concentrations in the skin of Northern Spy and Idared were 322 and 401 mg 100 g-1, respectively. The major polyphenol sub-classes detected in apple skins were flavonols (151-154 mg 100 g-1 DM), dihydrochalcones (48-59 mg 100 g-1 DM), flavan-3-ols (32-38 mg 100 g-1 DM), phenolic acids (40-59 mg 100 g-1 DM) and anthocyanins (29-114 mg 100 g-1 DM). Key words: Malus × domestica, apple, polyphenols, flavonoids, by-products, LC-MS/MS
Exploration and characterization of bioactive phytochemicals in native Canadian plants for human health
Authors: Tsao Rong , Liu Zhongying
Published: April 2011

The boundary between medicine and food is not always clear in many ancient cultures. Many plants have traditionally been used in both culinary and healing practices. Herbs, in particular, have shown this dual functionality. Scientific information on herbal medicines has been limited to exotic plants, and only a few herbal plants native to, or grown in, Canada, such as American ginseng, Echinacea, St. John’s wort and feverfew, have been studied. Thorough investigations have not been carried out, and there is a lack of information about native Canadian plants and their potential as medicinal plants, particularly in terms of their chemical composition, biological activity and potential use for disease prevention. Also, from the marketing point of view, many of the existing herbs have only a small niche in the marketplace, so over production and consequent price depression can easily happen, as seen in the ginseng industry. There is obviously a need for multidisciplinary collaboration among herbalists, botanists, chemists and other scientists, since introducing native plants into mass production requires knowledge of environmental impact, genetic variability and the effects of other factors on the bioactive components. This review is intended to introduce the needs, techniques and challenges of such an approach with an emphasis on chemical and biochemical characterizations. Key words: Phytochemicals, native plants, medicinal plants, aboriginal plants
Organic production of vegetables: State of the art and challenges
Authors: Dorais M.
Published: April 2011

In light of the growing concern of Canadians about animal waste, environmental pollution from fertilizers, water quality and greenhouse gas effects, as well as their growing interest in organically grown foods (20% annual growth in North America), the development of sustainable organic production systems for vegetable crops is essential for consumer satisfaction and Canadian grower competitiveness. The target of this paper is to review recent research results on the importance of appropriate soil properties, fertilizers and irrigation management on soil activity, plant growth and environmental health as well as product quality in term of nutritional value and safety issue. Species and cultivar selection, the use of grafting and plant growth promoters will also be discussed. This review will identify new challenges that organic growers have to fulfill in the face of a global market and public awareness of health attributes of food, and then conclude by identifying several prospects for future research with emphasis on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research program. Key words: Horticulture, organic farming, organic vegetable, research
Newdale barley
Authors: Legge W. G. , Haber S. , Harder D. E. , Menzies J. G. , Noll J. S. , Tekauz A. , Thomas P. L. , Turkington T. K. , Bizimungu B.
Published: April 2011

Newdale is a two-row spring malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar widely adapted to western Canada that has performed particularly well in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Developed from a cross made in 1991, Newdale was evaluated in the Western Cooperative Two-row Barley Registration Test (1998-1999) and the Collaborative Malting Barley Trials (1999-2000) conducted by the malting and brewing industry before being registered in 2001. Newdale is a significantly higher yielding cultivar with good agronomic traits, moderate disease resistance and good malting quality. Key words: Malting barley, Hordeum vulgare L., cultivar description, yield, disease resistance, malting quality
The Biology of Invasive Alien Plants in Canada. 10. Nymphoides peltata (S. G. Gmel.) Kuntze
Authors: Darbyshire Stephen J , Francis Ardath
Published: April 2011

The freshwater aquatic species Nymphoides peltata has been introduced to Canada as an ornamental plant and has been found at sites in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. It is currently available through the aquatic nursery trade in Canada and the United States. It may be considered as adventive in Canada since populations readily expand beyond the site of planting, but there is no evidence as yet that it is fully naturalized. In the United States it has naturalized in still or slow-moving waters at widely scattered locations where it replaces native plant communities, changes ecological processes and interferes with human navigation and recreational activities. The short rhizomes over-winter under Canadian conditions, even when complete water drainage results in freezing of the substratum. In its native range, the species has two floral morphs (i.e., is distylous) with a weak incompatibility system, but North American populations usually consist of a single flower morph. A population at Ottawa, ON, has monomorphic flowers with characteristics overlapping between the two Eurasian morphs and has been observed to produce large numbers of viable seeds. Seeds germinate in the spring either on the substratum in shallow water or at the water surface. Seedlings germinating at the water surface may float for several weeks prior to sinking and establishing on the substratum in shallow water. Vigorous stolon production promotes rapid colonization, and vegetative dispersal is readily accomplished through fragmentation of stolons and stems. Key words: Nymphoides peltata, yellow floating-heart, Menyanthaceae, faux nénuphar, NYPPE, weed biology
ANALYSIS OF SPECTRAL DATA FOR COMPARING RANGELAND AND CULTURAL PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Authors: MAJOR D. J. , SMOLIAK S. , ASRAR G. , KANEMASU E. T.
Published: April 2011

Spectral reflectance characteristics of rangeland provide quantitative and qualitative information which can be useful for assessing range condition and phytomass. The data set in this study consisted of phytomass estimates and ground-based reflectance measurements in four wave bands between 0.5 and 1.1 μm taken from eight range improvement treatments near Lethbridge, Alberta from April through July in 1983 and 1984. The treatments consisted of subjecting native range to reseeding with grasses or legumes and fertilizer and herbicide additions. Spectral reflectance was highly correlated (R2 = 0.82 – 0.99) with the seasonal trajectory of phytomass production in spite of low amounts of green vegetation and high amounts of senescent vegetation. The data were analyzed by determining the relationship between accumulated phytomass and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation calculated from canopy reflectance. The regression coefficient of this relationship was an estimate of photochemical efficiency. The estimates of photochemical efficiency (1.09 and 0.76 g MJ−1 in 1983 and 1984, respectively) were lower than those reported in the literature (1.4 g MJ−1), presumably due to moisture stress in both years.Key words: Mixed prairie, short-grass, biomass, phytomass, remote sensing
A METHOD FOR ASSESSING REGIONAL TRIAL DATA WHEN THE TEST CULTIVARS ARE UNBALANCED WITH RESPECT TO LOCATIONS
Authors: LIN C. S. , BINNS M. R.
Published: April 2011

A method for assessing regional trial data when test cultivars are not balanced over all locations is proposed. The method is designed primarily for analyzing Eastern cooperative trial data in which the first year’s cultivars are tested only in the subregion (province) where they were developed. Two parameters are estimated for each cultivar: the superiority measure (P), defined as the mean square distance between the cultivar’s response and the maximum response, averaged over the locations where it was tested; and the projected cultivar mean based over all locations on the regression model for genotype × environment interaction. The first parameter indicates how close the response of a cultivar is to the maximum, and the second parameter estimates what the overall performance would have been had cultivars been balanced over all locations. The selection criterion is the P-value, while the projected mean is supplementary; its function is to check if the estimated P-value is realistic. When the rank of the P-value differs considerably from that of the projected mean, investigation of the data by plotting is necessary.Key words: Unbalanced two-way classification data, cultivar assessment, regional trial, superiority measure
VIRDEN BARLEY
Authors: THERRIEN M. C. , IRVINE R. B. , CAMPBELL K. W. , WOLFE R. I.
Published: April 2011

Virden is a six-row feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) developed at the Agriculture Canada Research Station, Brandon, Manitoba, and is adapted to the western Canadian prairies. This cultivar is late maturing, strong strawed, mid-height to tall, with large, yellow-aleuroned kernels. Virden is resistant to common root rot and stem rust, and is moderately resistant to net blotch, false loose and covered smuts. There is an average 4% increase in yield when compared to Heartland, for all of western Canada, and an average 5 and 8% increase in yield when compared to Heartland and Bedford, respectively, for Manitoba.Key words: Barley (feed) cultivar, Hordeum vulgare
GENETIC MALE STERILITY IN RAPE (Brassica napus L.) CONDITIONED BY INTERACTION OF GENES AT TWO LOCI
Authors: LI  , QIAN Y. , WU Z. , STEFANSSON B. R.
Published: April 2011

Genetic male sterility (GMS) discovered in the rape (Brassica napus L.) cultivar, No.23, is conditioned by genes at two loci. The genes were designated as Ms1 and Ms2. Plants homozygous or heterozygous for the dominant Ms1 allele (Ms1Ms1 or Ms1ms1) and homozygous for the recessive ms2 allele (ms2ms2) were sterile while plants homozygous or heterozygous for the dominant Ms2 allele were fertile regardless of the alleles present at the Ms1 locus. The double recessive was also fertile. This indicates dominance epistasis at the Ms2 locus over the Ms1 locus. This GMS system can be used to produce first generation hybrid rape if the required genotypes have been isolaed. Pollination of the homozygous male sterile, Ms1Ms1ms2ms2 with the pollen from the double recessive fertile, ms1ms1ms2 ms2 will produce a generation of sterile plants. These sterile plants (Ms1ms1ms2ms2) when pollinated with pollen from genotypes homozygous for the Ms2 allele (Ms2Ms2), will produce a generation of fertile plants. The various genotypes which can be isolated from this GMS system are being used to develop hybrid rape at the Research Institute of the Shanghai Academy of Sciences.Key words: Rape, genetic male sterility, hybrids, Brassica napus
AN EVALUATION OF COMMON SPRING WHEAT GERMPLASM FOR TILLERING
Authors: HUCL P. , BAKER R. J.
Published: April 2011

A diverse collection of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm was evaluated for tillering capacity, spikes m−2, and tiller mortality under both space-planted and solid-seeded conditions. Large genotypic differences were observed for these tillering traits over a 3-yr period. Grain yield did not appear to be associated with tillering capacity or mortality.Key words: Wheat (spring) Triticum aestivum L., germplasm, tillering capacity, tiller mortality, grain yield
DEHYDRATION OF DORMANT APPLE BUDS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF COLD ACCLIMATION TO INDUCE CRYOPRESERVABILITY IN DIFFERENT CULTIVARS
Authors: TYLER N. , STUSHNOFF C.
Published: April 2011

Survival in liquid nitrogen of dormant vegetative buds from several cold-hardened apple cultivars was greater with buds which were dehydrated prior to cryopreservation than with nondehydrated buds. Buds collected early in the cold-acclimating period suffered injury as a result of dehydration, but the percent survival of the dehydrated buds, after storage in liquid nitrogen, was greater than that of nondehydrated buds. As cold acclimation progressed, buds became more resistant to the dehydration stress and survival in liquid nitrogen increased following dehydration for all cultivars. Survival in liquid nitrogen of nondehydrated buds increased for LN2-hardy but not for LN2-tender cultivars, as cold acclimation progressed. The magnitude of the dehydration-induced increase in survival in liquid nitrogen was cultivar dependent.Key words: Malus domestica, apple, cryopreservation, gene resources, cold hardiness
Changes in plant density dependence of leaf photosynthesis of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, 1959 to 1988
Authors: Dwyer L. M. , Stewart D. W. , Tollenaar M.
Published: April 2011

Understanding of the physiological basis for increased maize (Zea mays L.) yields over the last three decades may contribute to future genetic improvement. Recent maize production systems have tended to increase plant densities to maximize grain yield. The objective of this field study was to determine if there were changes in the response of leaf photosynthetic rates to increasing plant densities in four hybrids grown in Ontario from 1959 to 1989. The four hybrids, numbered from the oldest to most recent hybrid ((1) Pride 5, (2) United 106, (3) Pioneer 3978 and (4) Pioneer 3902) were grown at 20 000, 80 000 and 130 000 plants ha−1. Leaf photosynthetic response to irradiance (PRI) and crop growth rate (CGR) were measured near silking and during late grainfilling, leaf area index (LAI) was measured near silking and total grain yield was measured after maturity. The LAIs of recent hybrids tended to be larger than for old hybrids at comparable plant densities. Leaf photosynthetic rates declined in all hybrids at increasing densities, but the decline occurred at lower LAIs in the older hybrids. As a result, despite the higher LAIs of recent hybrids, they showed an equal or higher PRI at all plant densities. The higher PRI of recent hybrids was correlated with higher CGRs and grain yields. These results suggest that increases in optimum plant density for grain and increases in yield may be attributable, in part, to higher PRI at elevated LAIs in recent hybrids. Key words: Leaf area index, plant density, leaf photosynthesis, Zea mays L.
Shoot and root dry weight and soil water in wheat, triticale and rye
Authors: Sheng Q. , Hunt L. A.
Published: April 2011

Dry matter distribution between the shoots and root was evaluated for three cereal cultivars, one each of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) and rye (Secale cereale L.). Evaluations were made both indoors and outdoors (the Elora Research Station, 43°39′N 80°25′W) at four growth stages. Volumetric soil water content beneath the three species was also measured in the field. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) among the three species in total plant dry weight indoors and outdoors. Although rye consistently had the greatest total plant dry mass, total root dry weight was not greater than for the other species in many comparisons, especially before anthesis. However, rye root growth surpassed all the others after anthesis, and root dry weight was greater at final harvest. Triticale and rye had greater shoot: root ratios than wheat at the later growth stages. Although there were no consistent differences among species in root dry weight distribution at different soil depths, rye had a relatively larger proportion of root dry weight in the upper soil layer than the other species. Species effects on soil water content were significant (P < 0.05) at depths of 15–45 cm and 45–90 cm during a drought period. Water content in the 45–90 cm layer was lower for the triticale cultivar than for the wheat and rye. Key words: Wheat, triticale, rye, shoot:root ratio, volumetric soil water content
Spatial variation in seed size and seed set on spikes of some Canadian spring wheat cultivars
Authors: Briggs Keith G.
Published: April 2011

The seed size (mass) distribution of grain on individual spikes of four Canadian wheat cultivars (Glenlea, HY320, Pitic 62 and Neepawa, Triticum aestivum L.) was determined on plant samples from two replicates of the 1984 High Yielding Wheat Cooperative trial grown at Ellerslie, Alberta. Specific grain mass was determined for individual floret locations on all spikes of each plant, and sterile floret locations were also determined. For all four cultivars the maximum amount of seed size variation from the samples was attributable to variation at the floret level, accounting for 92% of the seed size variance of Pitic 62, down to 74% for Neepawa. Neepawa differed from the other three cultivars in demonstrating a high (20%) and significant variance in seed size attributable to spikelet position. Pitic 62 was the only cultivar of the four that demonstrated significant variance (12%) due to plant differences within replicates. Consistent with previous literature, approximately 50% of total plant yield was accounted for by the mainstem spike, decreasing to 8 to 15% on the third spike. The mean number of seeds spike−1 on the mainstem was 26.8 (Neepawa), 35.9 (Glenlea), 46.8 (HY320) and 48.6 (Pitic 62), but this number decreased in response to tiller order, as did seed mass and floret fertility. Quadratic functions were calculated fitting seed mass to floret position (1 proximal to 4 distal), and were significant in all cases, with R2 values of 63% for Neepawa, 56% for Glenlea, 82% for Pitic 62 and 89% for HY320. The fitted quadratics suggest an optimization of seed size at floret site 2 for some cultivars, with a rapid decrease in seed size at floret sites 3 and 4, especially for the high-yielding cultivars Glenlea and Pitic 62. Fourth florets of the latter cultivars were shown in frequency distributions to produce seeds smaller than the mean seed size of the Neepawa seed size expected at Florets 1, 2 and 3. Large negative skewnesses for seed size for Glenlea, HY320 and Pitic 62 also underscored the tendency for the high-yielding cultivars to produce relatively large numbers of small seeds. Although determined in only one site-year, these differences in seed size distribution pattern amongst cultivars are of major significance to visual identification systems. Large-seeded, high-yielding wheats in pure stand can be expected to produce a significant number of small-seeded kernels that might be confused by visual inspection with CWRS seed type. Key words: Grain, grading, cultivar registration, seed identification, high-yielding wheats
The biology of Canadian weeds.: 97. Barbarea vulgaris R.Br.
Authors: MacDonald Marilyn A. , Cavers Paul B.
Published: April 2011

Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. is an introduced weed of recently disturbed areas, small-seeded grain crops, roadsides and pastures. It is abundant in southern Ontario, Quebec and the northeastern U.S.A.; frequent in the Maritimes, British Columbia and the northwest coastal U.S.A.; and rare south of 33°N, north of 50°N and across the prairies. The weediness of this species largely results from its prolific seed production, enforced and induced seed dormancy, and its rapid growth under favourable conditions. Key words: Barbarea vulgaris, yellow rocket, weed biology
The potential of mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Coss) as an edible oil crop on the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Woods D. L. , Capcara J. J. , Downey R. K.
Published: April 2011

The performance of mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Coss) was compared with that of canola (B. napus L. and B. rapa L.) on the western prairies. Mustard had a higher yield and protein content and was intermediate in maturity. Improvement in oil content will probably be required. Key words: Mustard, Brassica juncea, edible oil crop
Factors affecting the deterioration of stored flaxseed including the potential of insect infestation
Authors: White N. D. G. , Jayas D. S.
Published: April 2011

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L. 'McGregor') stored at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C and 35, 50, 60, and 70% relative humidity (RH) for up to 12 mo deteriorated in quality in < 1–3 mo at the two highest temperatures, although the seed was stored "dry" (≤ 10% moisture content, MC). Initial fatty acid values (FAV) of 41.1 mg KOH 100 g−1 dry seed (0.51% free fatty acids in oil) rarely increased more than 1.5-fold over 12 mo at 10 or 20 °C and up to 10% MC, or at 30 °C and 7 to 8% MC. Using FAV as a storage quality-loss criterion, flaxseed at 8–9% MC could be stored for 6 mo at 30 °C, 1–2 mo at 40 °C, or a few weeks at 50 °C with less than a 1.5-fold increase. A twofold increase in FAV was correlated to a discoloured or charred appearance of seeds and a rapid loss in seed germination. Seed germination did not decrease during 12 mo at 10 or 20 °C and 70% RH, or at 30 °C and 60% RH. The fungi Aspergillus glaucus group, A. candidus Link, and Penicillium spp. infected seed at some temperatures and relative humidities with low frequency by 6 mo, and A. flavus Link also occurred at 12 mo. Visible microflora were absent after 6 mo on seed at 40 and 50 °C. The beetles Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), O. surinamensis L., Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and T. confusum J. duVal survived and produced some larvae on both whole and ground flaxseed in 2 mo. McGregor was slightly more suitable for insect reproduction than NorMan or NorLin. Five other insect species could not survive. Extensive infestation of flaxseed by stored-product insects is unlikely. Key words: Flaxseed, storage, free fatty acids, germination, microflora, insects
Yield response of semidwarf and conventional height barley cultivars to nitrogen fertilizer under varying moisture conditions
Authors: Grant C. A. , Gauer L. E. , Bailey L. D. , Gehl D. T.
Published: April 2011

A 3-yr field experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of semi-dwarf and conventional height barley cultivars to N fertility. Six spring barley cultivars (one conventional height malting type, and two semidwarf, two conventional height, and one short feed type) were grown at three sites with nitrogen applications ranging from 0 to 200 kg ha−1. The 9 site-years of data were divided into three classes, low, moderate, and high, based on estimated moisture supply. Under low moisture conditions, grain yield response to applied N was low, but yield increased with applications to 200 kg ha−. Under moderate conditions, grain yield response to applied N was greater, but yield did not increase above 80 kg ha−1 of fertilizer N. No interaction was observed between barley cultivar and grain yield response to nitrogen under low or moderate moisture supply, although yields of Virden were higher than those of the other cultivars at most nitrogen levels. Under high moisture conditions, the feed barley cultivars showed a higher grain yield response to applied N than did the malting barley cultivar, Bonanza. The short-strawed cultivar, Heartland had a greater increase in yield with N application than the other cultivars. With a high moisture supply, yield of Bonanza did not increase with fertilizer N applications above 120 kg ha−1, while yield of the other cultivars was still increasing with application of 200 kg N ha−1. Differences among cultivars in grain response to N applications were largely due to differences in the harvest index. Key words: Nitrogen, barley (Hordeum vulgare), cultivar × N interaction, moisture
An EMS-induced low-linolenic-acid mutant in McGregor flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)
Authors: Rowland G. G.
Published: April 2011

McGregor flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seed was treated with ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) and the resulting M1, M2, M3 and M4 progeny were screened for linolenic acid mutants, using the half-seed technique. A stable low-linolenic acid (2%) mutant was found in the M4. The low linolenic character is controlled by recessive alleles at two independent loci, apparently the result of a rare double mutation. Key words: EMS, mutation, flax, Linum usitatissimum, fatty acid
Diquat residues in lentil following preharvest treatment
Authors: Cessna Allan
Published: April 2011

In a 2-yr study, residues of diquat were spectrophotometrically determined in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seed and straw/chaff following preharvest treatment using 0.56 kg ha−1 at three crop growth stages. Diquat residues ranged from 12.9 to 17.3 mg kg−1 in the lentil straw/chaff one day after application and decreased to 1.1 to 6.0 mg kg−1 2 wk later. Diquat residues in the seed were in the order of 0.05 mg kg−1 or less regardless of time of sampling after spraying or growth stage of the crop at application. The limit of quantification of the analytical method was 0.04 mg kg−1, and recoveries of diquat from fortified seed and straw were in the order of 70%. Key words: Diquat, lentil, residues, spectrophotometric determination