bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrates in alfalfa-timothy mixtures predicted with near infrared reflectance spectroscopy equations developed for single species
Authors: Nie Z. , Tremblay G F , Bélanger G. , Berthiaume R. , Castonguay Y. , Bertrand A. , Michaud R. , Allard G. , Han J.
Published: March 2010

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) equations previously developed with a calibration set that included samples of both timothy and alfalfa to predict carbohydrate fractions in mixed samples of both species. Timothy and alfalfa mixed samples were prepared with the alfalfa proportion ranging from 0 to 100%, with increments of 4%. With previously developed NIRS equations based on samples of single species of timothy and alfalfa, concentrations of total ethanol soluble carbohydrates (TESC), starch, and neutral detergent soluble carbohydrates (NDSC) of the mixed samples were predicted successfully, but concentrations of organic acids (OA) and neutral detergent soluble fiber (NDSF) were unsuccessfully predicted. Adding 13 mixed samples to the initial calibration set of around 110 samples of pure timothy and alfalfa samples improved the accuracy of already successful predictions for TESC, starch, and NDSC, and resulted in a successful prediction for NDSF in timothy and alfalfa mixtures.Key words: Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy, sugars, Phleum pratense, Medicago sativa
Ontogeny of belly nosing in pigs weaned at 14 days of age: A study from weaning to 13 weeks of age
Authors: Bench C J , Gonyou H W
Published: March 2010

As weaning age decreases, belly nosing tends to increase, and can have lasting effects on growth, as well as the frequency of nosing and chewing penmates into the grow-finish phase of development. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of belly nosing and sucking in early-weaned pigs as these behaviours relate to other oral-nasal behaviours, such as tail biting. Piglets sired by Duroc (n = 120) and Large White (n = 122) boars were weaned at 14 d of age and observed at 18, 23, 28, 50, 63 and 91 d of age for nosing and sucking behaviours during nursery and grow-finish. Continuous observations at 21 and 35 d of age were used to determine mean belly nosing and sucking bout lengths. Belly nosing commenced within 4 d of weaning, peaked in incidence at 23-28 d of age and gradually decreased thereafter (P < 0.001). Belly sucking gradually increased with age (P < 0.001). Belly nosing and sucking bout durations also increased with age (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), with belly nosing bouts lasting an average of 17.5 (21 d) to 27.3 (35 d) s compared with mean belly sucking bouts of 22.6 (21 d) to 58.1 (35 d) ss. The results suggest that vices associated with belly nosing continue to present a welfare concern in latter stages of developmentKey words: Behaviour, ontogeny, pigs, belly nosing, early weaned
Gastrointestinal ecology response of piglets’ diets containing non-starch polysaccharide hydrolysis products and egg yolk antibodies following an oral challenge with Escherichia coli (k88)
Authors: Kiarie E , Slominski B A , Krause D O , Nyachoti C M
Published: March 2010

The gastrointestinal ecology (GE) of piglets fed diets containing non-starch polysaccharide hydrolysis products (HP) and egg yolk antibodies against K88 fimbriae (EYA) following oral challenge with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC) was investigated. The HP were products of incubating feedstuffs with a blend of carbohydrase enzymes. Forty, 21-d-old pigs (two pigs/pen) were assigned to four diets to give five pens per diet. The diets were: a control fed without or with 5 g kg-1 of HP and EYA either singly or in combination forming a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Following a 9-d adaptation period, all pigs were orally challenged with ETEC and killed at 24 and 48 h post-challenge (one pig/pen on each occasion). Feeding HP increased pre-challenge average daily gain (252 vs. 207 g d-1; P = 0.01). An interaction (P < 0.10) between EYA and HP was observed such that when fed in combination they resulted in higher ileal digesta lactic acid and cecal DM contents and lower ileal digesta ammonia. The main effects (P < 0.05) were such that pigs fed EYA-diets had shorter intestinal crypt whilst pigs fed HP-diets showed low gastric pH and high ileal mucosal adherent lactobacilli counts. In conclusion, HP and EYA influenced indices of fermentative characteristics and intestinal morphology in the gastrointestinal ecology of piglets orally challenged with enterotoxigenic E. coli (k88).Key words: Egg yolk antibodies, ETEC, gastrointestinal ecology, non-starch polysaccharides hydrolysis products, piglet
Effect of dietary oregano essential oil supplementation for an extensive fattening period on growth performance and breast meat quality of female medium-growing broilers
Authors: Symeon G K , Zintilas C , Ayoutanti A , Bizelis J A , Deligeorgis S G
Published: March 2010

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary oregano essential oil supplementation on growth and breast meat quality of female broilers. Experimental groups consisted of controls (M, n = 30) and two levels of supplemented diet (R1 = 100 mg kg-1, n = 30 and R2 = 250 mg kg-1, n = 30). Live weight and feed conversion ratio were not affected. There was a partial effect on the R2 group color, shear values and cooking loss at 9, 12 and 15 wk of age. A consumer panel failed to detect differences on the acceptability of samples. Different inclusion levels should be investigated, and interactions with rearing conditions and/or diets cannot be ignored.Key words: Broiler, oregano, growth performance, meat quality
Effects of presynchronization and postinsemination treatments on pregnancy rates to a timed breeding Ovsynch protocol in dairy cows and heifers
Authors: Gordon M B , Dinn N , Rajamahendran R
Published: March 2010

This study examined two strategies to improve pregnancy rate (PR) following Ovsynch timed artificial insemination (TAI) for lactating dairy cows (n = 225) and nulliparous heifers (n = 87). Animals were assigned randomly to receive one of three treatments: Ovsynch protocol (GnRH 7 d before and 48 h after one PGF2α treatment), Presynch + Ovsynch (two treatments of PGF2α 14 d apart followed by Ovsynch 14 d later), or Ovsynch + Post-AI GnRH (GnRH 6 d after Ovsynch TAI) for first service breeding. Pregnancy rates among treatments were not different in lactating cows (42.5, 48.0, and 44.9%) or heifers (65.5, 58.6, and 58.6%) for Ovsynch, Presynch + Ovsynch, and Ovsynch + Post-AI, respectively. Cows treated with Ovsynch had lower PR when bred < 76 d in milk (DIM) compared with Presynch + Ovsynch or Ovsynch + Post-AI treatments. In addition, cows and heifers that received Post-AI GnRH had greater progesterone (P4) concentrations on day 21 and day 28 post-TAI than the Ovsynch group. Animals with higher P4 concentrations at initiation of Ovsynch had better PR than those with low P4 concentrations. Presynch animals had a greater proportion of animals with P4 values above 1 ng mL-1 at the initiation of Ovsynch than those animals in the Ovsynch group (74.5 vs. 59.4%). Heifers had lower PR if they were <14.6 mo of age (48.9 vs. 75%) or weighed <380 kg (47.4 vs. 70.8%). Although no significance differences in PR were observed between treatments in cows or heifers, DIM in cows and age and weight in heifers affected PR.Key words: Ovsynch, presynchronization, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, dairy heifer, dairy cow, timed artificial insemination
Effects of presynchronization and eCG on pregnancy rates to GnRH-based, fixed-time artificial insemination in beef heifers
Authors: Small J A , Colazo M G , Kastelic J P , Erickson N E , Mapletoft R J
Published: March 2010

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of presynchronization and treatment with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on corpus luteum (CL) and ovarian follicular development, plasma progesterone concentrations, and pregnancy rates in beef heifers subjected to a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-based, fixed-timed AI (TAI) protocol. All heifers were given GnRH on day 0, prostaglandin F2α (PGF) on day 7, and a second GnRH on day 9 concurrent with TAI (54 h after PGF). In exp. 1 (N = 148), presynchronization with PGF (days -22 and -11) decreased the percentage of heifers with non-luteal plasma progesterone concentrations on day 0 (5.4 vs 29.7%) and day 7 (0 vs 11.6%; P < 0.05), but not on day 9 (74.3 vs. 66.2%; P > 0.20), and reduced the number of heifers in estrus and bred before TAI (P < 0.05). Although presynchronization reduced preovulatory follicle diameter (12.9 ± 0.3 vs. 14.9 ± 0.3 mm; mean ± SEM; P < 0.01), it did not affect TAI pregnancy rates (36.5 vs. 29.7%; P > 0.20). In exp. 2, heifers (N = 128) were presynchronized with melengestrol acetate (MGA) (days -27 to -12), and received a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) on day 0; on day 7, half were given 300 IU of eCG at CIDR removal. Treatment with eCG tended to increase preovulatory follicle diameter in heifers that did not ovulate to GnRH on day 0 (P = 0.06), but did not affect the percentage of heifers with non-luteal plasma progesterone concentrations on day 9 (57.8 vs. 57.8%) or TAI pregnancy rates (48.4 vs. 53.1%; P > 0.20). Experiment 3 was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of presynchronization (PGF concurrent with a CIDR on day -7) and eCG treatments (on day 7) applied to heifers in three herds (A, N = 150, B, N = 260 and C, N = 40). All heifers had a once-used CIDR from days 0 to 7. Presynchronization increased the percentage of heifers (Herd A) with low-luteal plasma progesterone concentrations on day 0 (70.7 vs. 22.7%) and day 7 (90.7 vs. 53.3%; P < 0.01), but did not affect the percentage of heifers with non-luteal concentrations of progesterone on day 9 (97.3 vs. 93.3%; P > 0.20). Combined for all herds, presynchronization reduced the prevalence of a CL on day 0 (23.5 vs. 73.7%; P < 0.01), and increased the prevalence of follicles ≥ 10 mm on day 7 (96.8 vs. 86.7%; P < 0.01); however, TAI pregnancy rates (195/439 = 44.4%) were not improved by either presynchronization or eCG treatment (P > 0.20).Key words: Presynchronization, equine chorionic gonadotropin, GnRH, fixed-time artificial insemination, progesterone
Effects of replacing barley grain with triticale-based dried distillers’ grains with solubles on nutrient digestibility, lamb growth performance and carcass traits
Authors: McKeown L E , Chaves A V , Oba M , Dugan M E.R. , Okine E , McAllister T A
Published: March 2010

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of increasing proportions of triticale-based dried distillers’ grains with solubles (TDDGS) in the diet on nutrient digestibility, growth and carcass traits of lambs. The control diet contained 72.5% barley grain, 10.0% beet pulp, 9.0% sunflower hulls, 3.0% alfalfa meal and 5.5% mixed supplement, which contained molasses, calcium carbonate, minerals and vitamins. Treatment diets contained TDDGS in place of barley grain at 20, 40 or 60% of diet dry matter (DM). In a growth study, 60 weaned lambs stratified by live weight (26.6 ± 3.6 kg) were fed one of the four diets to slaughter weight. Additionally, a digestibility study using these diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design was conducted using 12 ram lambs. Increasing dietary allocation of TDDGS in the diet did not affect (P > 0.12) DM intake, average daily gain or feed efficiency (feed:gain). At slaughter, cold carcass weight and grade rule scores responded quadratically (P = 0.04) to increasing TDDGS in the diets. Feeding TDDGS did not affect other carcass traits (P > 0.22). Total saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat were unaffected by TDDGS, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids increased linearly (P = 0.03). Concentration of t10, c12-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in carcass fat increased linearly (P = 0.02) with increasing TDDGS, but there was no effect (P ≥ 0.20) on concentrations of c9, t11-CLA or t11-18:1. In the digestibility study, DM intake increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing TDDGS in the diet, whereas digestibility of DM, crude protein and fat responded quadratically (P < 0.01). Starch digestibility decreased and ADF digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.01), but there was no treatment effect on NDF digestibility (P > 0.29). Total nitrogen, total phosphorus and soluble phosphorus excretion increased (P < 0.01) with increasing TDDGS. In conclusion, TDDGS can be fed in place of barley grain at levels up to 60% in diets for lambs without adverse affects on growth performance or carcass traits, but this practice will lead to an increase in N and P excretion into the environment.Key words: Lamb, digestibility, triticale distillers grains, performance, carcass characteristics
Effects of corn-, wheat- or triticale dry distillers’ grains with solubles on in vitro fermentation, growth performance and carcass traits of lambs
Authors: McKeown L E , Chaves A V , Oba M , Dugan M E.R. , Okine E , McAllister T A
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing a mixture of canola meal and barley grain with corn-, wheat- or triticale dry distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) at 20% of dietary dry matter (DM) on in vitro ruminal fermentation in bovine ruminal fluid and on growth performance and carcass characteristics of lambs. Sixty ram lambs (22.6 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments and given individual ad libitum access to feed until they attained slaughter weight. The control diet consisted (DM basis) of 54% barley grain, 16% sunflower hulls, 11.5% beet pulp, 10% canola meal, 2.5% canola oil and 6.0% molasses, vitamins and minerals mixture. For the three DDGS dietary treatments, 10% barley grain and 10% canola meal were replaced with 20% corn-, wheat-or triticale-DDGS. The source of DDGS did not influence (P > 0.51) dry matter intake (DMI) or average daily gain (ADG). Feed conversion (feed:gain) of lambs fed wheat DDGS was approx. 12% poorer (P < 0.05) than that of lambs fed control or corn DDGS diets. In vitro data suggest that the inefficient gain may have been attributable to greater (P < 0.05) ammonia concentration at 24 h and lower digestibility of wheat DDGS. Carcass traits, including hot carcass weight, body wall thickness and saleable meat yield, were not affected (P > 0.60) by dietary treatment. Total saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat were also not affected by DGGS source (P ≥ 0.13). There was no treatment effect (P = 0.33) on concentrations of t11-18:1, but feeding triticale DDGS increased the concentration (P = 0.04) of c9, t11-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In conclusion, DDGS from corn, wheat or triticale can replace a mixture of barley grain and canola meal at 20% of dietary DM without adversely affecting DMI, ADG or carcass characteristics of growing lambs, although wheat DDGS may reduce feed conversion ratio (feed:gain). Including triticale DDGS may also improve the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat.Key words: Lamb, corn, wheat, triticale, distillers’ grains, performance, carcass characteristics
Dietary vitamin E inhibits the trans 10-18:1 shift in beef backfat
Authors: Juárez M , Dugan M E.R. , Aalhus J L , Aldai N. , Basarab J A , Baron V S , McAllister T A
Published: March 2010

Forty feedlot steers were fed a barley-grain-based finishing diet typical for western Canada, with two levels of supplementary vitamin E (468 or 1069 IU head-1 d-1) and the effect on backfat trans-18:1 isomeric profile was determined. Feeding 1068 IU vitamin E reduced the total trans-18:1 content in backfat (P < 0.01), as well as the percentage of trans 10-18:1 (P < 0.001), which are related to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, trans 11-18:1 (vaccenic acid) the precursor for cis 9,trans 11-18:2 (rumenic acid), which have several purported health benefits, increased (P < 0.01). Vitamin E could, therefore, be used to decrease trans-18:1 in beef and improve its isomeric profile.Key words: Beef, trans fatty acid, vaccenic acid, vitamin E
A study of scab resistance in 16 apple progenies using parents with partial scab resistance
Authors: Hampson C R , Quamme H A , Sholberg P L
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to examine the inheritance of partial resistance to apple scab [Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint.] using as parents a set of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cultivars that show a range of field resistance to the disease, but are not known to carry any major-gene resistance. Akane, Alkmene, Antonovka, Carola, Chehalis, Goldgelbe, Katja and Summerred were used as pollen parents, and Spartan and an unnamed selection of Splendour × Gala parentage were used as seed parents in a factorial 2 × 8 mating design. One hundred seedlings of each family were planted in a randomized complete block design at a site with heavy annual natural scab infections. Each seedling was rated for infection severity for 3 consecutive years using a six-point categorical scale. A χ2 procedure was used to estimate the contribution of each parent to field resistance (analogous to general combining ability, GCA) and the contribution of the particular male-female combination (analogous to specific combining ability, SCA). Infection severity tended to increase over the 3 yr of the study. Antonovka and Chehalis had the highest analogous GCA for resistance (defined here as absence of sporulating lesions). Specific combining ability was present in 2 of 3 yr, but was small in magnitude relative to GCA. The field resistance of a given parent tended to be a poor predictor of its breeding value. However, 13 of the 16 families had at least 30% of seedlings with a potentially useful degree of partial resistance (low severity of infection). The results are discussed in the context of breeding apples with durable scab resistance.Key words: Fruit breeding, Malus, partial resistance, Venturia inaequalis
Rhizome sectioning and fertilization increase the productivity of cloudberry in natural peatlands
Authors: Bellemare M. , Rochefort L. , Lapointe L.
Published: March 2010

The effects of combining rhizome sectioning and in-depth mineral fertilization on cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) growth and production in a natural peat bog were determined over four growing seasons. Observed enhancements of growth and fruit production included: increases in the density of ramets and leaves from the second year; increased flower density from the third year; and increased fruit density from the fourth year. No effect on fruit size was observed. These results demonstrate that it is possible to stimulate growth and productivity of cloudberry by cultural treatments applied to natural mires.Key words: Wild berry, Rubus chamaemorus, fruit yield, rhizome sectioning, mineral fertilization, cloudberry
Fungal populations in subcrown internodes and crowns of oat crops in Saskatchewan
Authors: Fernandez M. R. , Holzgang G.
Published: March 2010

Discoloration of subcrown internodes (SIs) and crowns/lower culms (CLCs) of 87 oat crops across Saskatchewan in 1998-1999 and of SIs in 31 oat crops in eastern Saskatchewan (Black Soil Zone) in 2000-2001 was evaluated. Fungi in discolored tissue were isolated, identified and quantified, and the percentage of fields from which each fungus was isolated at least once (occurrence) and their relative percentage isolation levels were determined. In the 1998-1999 survey, discoloration severity varied more between years than among soil zones. Fusarium was the most common genus present, and F. culmorum the most common species. This was followed by F. equiseti, Microdochium bolleyi, Cochliobolus sativus, and F. avenaceum. Levels of C. sativus were lower in oat than those reported for wheat and barley in parallel province-wide surveys. Percentage isolation of F. culmorum was higher in the Brown than in the Black/Dark Gray Soil Zone, whereas the percentage occurrence of F. avenaceum was highest in the Black/Dark Gray Soil Zone. In 2000-2001, in eastern Saskatchewan, M. bolleyi, F. avenaceum, C. sativus, F. equiseti, Alternaria spp., and Pyrenophora avenae were the most common fungi isolated from discolored oat SIs. Similar to reports from wheat and barley, F. graminearum was isolated from SIs in eastern Saskatchewan at low levels. For the most part, neither previous crop nor tillage system affected fungal levels in SIs. P. avenae levels increased when the previous crop was another oat rather than wheat or barley. We conclude that oat could maintain or increase inoculum levels of Fusarium pathogens that cause damage to cereal crops in Saskatchewan. This is supported by results from a crop residue study in eastern Saskatchewan that showed that F. avenaceum, F. culmorum and F. graminearum occurred at similar or higher levels in oat fields than in fields of wheat or barley. Key words: Oat, root rot, crown rot, crop rotation, tillage system, Fusarium head blight, Fusarium spp., Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum, Cochliobolus sativus, Pyrenophora avenae
Optimal seeding rate for organic production of field pea in the northern Great Plains
Authors: Baird J. M. , Walley F. L. , Shirtliffe S. J.
Published: March 2010

Seeding rates have not been established for organic production of field pea in the northern Great Plains and producers must rely upon a recommended target stand of 88 plants m-2 for conventional production of this crop. This seeding rate may not be suitable as the two systems differ in the use of inputs and in pest management. The objective of this study was to determine an optimal seeding rate for organic production of field pea considering a number of agronomic factors and profitability. Field sites were established using a randomized complete block design with increasing seeding rates, summerfallow and green manure treatments. Seed yield increased up to 1725 kg ha-1 with increasing seeding rate. Weed biomass decreased with increasing seeding rate by up to 68%. Post-harvest soil phosphorus levels and soil water storage did not change consistently between treatments. Post-harvest soil inorganic nitrogen (N), however, was higher for the summerfallow and green manure treatments than for the seeding rate treatments. Field pea reached a maximum economic return at a seeding rate of 200 seeds m-2 and an actual plant density of 120 plants m-2. Organic farmers should increase the seeding rate of field pea to increase returns and provide better weed suppression. Key words: Pea (field), organic, seeding rate, weed suppression, profit, soil N
Effects of plant-growth-promoting bacteria on growth and yield of pepper under limited nitrogen supply
Authors: Del Amor F. M. , Porras I.
Published: March 2010

The influence of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and Pantoea dispersa) on sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) under limited N supply was studied. Inoculation did not affect leaf CO2 assimilation, Ci/Ca (the ratio of the intercellular to the ambient CO2 concentration), concentration of chlorophylls, chlorophyll fluorescence (maximum quantum efficiency of PSII) or SPAD readings. Total plant dry weight was significantly reduced in both inoculated and non-inoculated plants when the N supply was reduced from 12 (control) to 7 mM, whilst the NO3− and total-N concentrations in the leaves were not significantly affected by inoculation. Inoculation did not affect marketable fruit yield or the pigments (chlorophylls, lycopene and β-carotene) and carbohydrate (sucrose, glucose and fructose) contents in the fruits but flavonoids and anthocyanins were increased significantly by the addition of the bacteria, relative to non-inoculated plants under limited N supply. Key words: Plant-growth-promoting bacteria, Capsicum annuum L., soilless, photosynthesis, chlorophylls, flavonoids
Fertilizer N response and canola yield in the semiarid Canadian prairies
Authors: Cutforth H. , McConkey B. , Brandt S. , Gan Y. , Lafond G. , Angadi S. , Judiesch D.
Published: March 2010

Canola is a viable crop when grown under fallow in the semiarid prairie, but is also grown in longer rotations, most often no-till seeded into standing stubble. Selecting the proper N fertilizer rate is a very challenging production decision, but most of the available nitrogen response for canola has been derived for the more subhumid parts of the Canadian prairies. We developed simple quadratic equations to describe the yield relationship for stubble-seeded open-pollinated and hybrid canola in the semiarid Canadian prairie. These relationships indicate that hybrid canola produced higher grain yields at all fertilizer rates and had optimum N fertilizer rates about 50% higher than those for open-pollinated canola. Key words: Canola, fertilizer N, grain yield, water use, semiarid prairie
Association of biomass production and canopy spectral reflectance indices in winter wheat
Authors: Prasad B. , Babar M. A. , Carver B. F. , Raun W. R. , Klatt A. R.
Published: March 2010

Increased biomass production could be an important criterion for future grain yield improvement in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Quick assessment of genetic variations for biomass production may become a useful tool for wheat breeders. The potential of using canopy spectral reflectance indices (SRI) to assess genetic variation for biomass production in winter wheat was evaluated. Three experiments were conducted for 2 yr (2003-2004 and 2004-2005) at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. The first experiment consisted of 25 winter wheat cultivars, and the other two experiments contained two sets of 25 F4:6 and F4:7 recombinant inbred lines from two crosses developed by breeding programs in the great plains of the United States of America. Three groups of SRI (vegetation-based, pigment-based, and water-based) were tested for their ability to assess biomass production at three growth stages (booting, heading, and grainfilling). The water index and the normalized water indices gave stronger genetic correlations (P < 0.01) and linear relationship for biomass production compared with the vegetation-based and pigment-based indices. The strong association of water-based indices with biomass was related to the canopy water content of the genotypes. Canopy water content was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with biomass production. A strong positive association (P < 0.05) of grain yield and dry biomass was observed at the heading and grainfilling stages. Our study demonstrated the potential of using water-based SRI as a breeding tool to estimate genetic variability and identify genotypes with higher biomass production, and could eventually help to achieve higher grain yield in winter wheat. Key words: Wheat; biomass; grain yield; spectral reflectance index
Identification of wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium alien disomic addition lines conferring resistance to stripe rust
Authors: Lin F. , Sun Q. , Xu S. , Chen X. , Zhang L. , Zhang C. , Xu Y. , Miao Q. , Qu B. , Li N. , Zhai Q.
Published: March 2010

Thinopyrum intermedium carries many useful traits for wheat genetic improvement. To identify genes conferring resistance to stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in Zhong4, one of the Zhong series of partial amphiploids from the hybrids of common wheat × Th. intermedium, a cross was made between Zhong4 and a Chinese Spring ph1b mutant (CS-ph1b). The parents, F1, F2 plants and F5 lines of the cross were tested with Chinese predominant race CYR31 of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici in the seedling stage under controlled greenhouse conditions. Of 201 F2 seedlings tested with race CYR31, 149 were resistant and 52 were susceptible. The segregation fit a 3 resistant:1 susceptible ratio, indicating that a single dominant gene conferred resistance to the race CYR31. This result was further confirmed by the segregation of F5 lines into 1:1 ratio (P = 0.77). Using the Schiff dyeing method, the chromosome number in the root-tip cells of 10 F5 resistant lines (total 42 plants) was determined. Two alien addition lines (5-1-2-1-1-5, 5-1-2-1-1-6) with the smallest chromosome number (2n = 42 + II) were identified. A total of 105 pollen mother cells were examined at metaphase 1 (PMCs MI) for meiotic chromosome pairing. The lines 5-1-2-1-1-5 and 5-1-2-1-1-6 showed regular meiosis, exhibiting 22 ring or rod bivalents (2n = 22 II). The GISH results indicated that lines 5-1-2-1-1-5 and 5-1-2-1-1-6 were wheat-Th. intermedium alien disomic addition lines with 21 pairs of wheat chromosomes and one pair of Th. intermedium chromosomes. These two lines were all resistant to stripe rust, suggesting that they can be used as donors of stripe rust resistance genes and have great potential to play important roles in wheat stripe rust resistance breeding programs in China and the world.Key words: Wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium, stripe rust, GISH, cytological identification
Impacts of agronomic practices on the leaf spotting complex of common wheat in eastern Saskatchewan
Authors: Fernandez M R , Pearse P G , Holzgang G , Basnyat P , Zentner R P
Published: March 2010

A survey of commercial common wheat crops was conducted in eastern Saskatchewan (2000 to 2002) to determine the effects of agronomic practices on the leaf spot (LS) disease complex and causal pathogens, and to determine the impact of LS on crop productivity. Leaf spots had a negative impact on grain yield, but did not affect market grade consistently. There was little effect of agronomic practices on LS severity, but cropping sequence and tillage system affected the mean percentage fungal isolation (MPI), whereas only tillage affected the percentage fungal occurrence. A previous noncereal crop, which had in most cases been preceded by a cereal, resulted in a higher MPI of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr), the most common pathogen, and a lower MPI of the septoria leaf blotch fungi Mycosphaerella graminicola (Mg) and Phaeosphaeria nodorum (Pn). Levels of Ptr tended to be lower after 2 yr of noncereals, grown mostly under zero tillage. Overall, the MPI of Ptr increased with a reduction in tillage, being most common under zero tillage, whereas the septoria leaf blotch fungi were least common under zero tillage, and Cochliobolus sativus (Cs) was most prevalent under conventional tillage. The highest MPI of Cs occurred after summerfallow under conventional tillage. Tillage effects also varied with cropping sequence, being most pronounced after another cereal. Pyrenophora tritici-repentis was also associated with recommended or high seeding rates and with high N fertilizer input, although these factors might have been confounded by tillage system and cropping sequence, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate that in eastern Saskatchewan Ptr infection of common wheat prevailed in high-yielding and high N systems that included previously grown noncereals grown under zero tillage and seeded at recommended to high rates, whereas Pn, Mg and Cs occurred the most in lower-yielding and lower N systems preceded by another cereal crop or summerfallow under conventional tillage. However, LS severity was not significantly or consistently affected by any agronomic practice, which was attributed to the presence of all the most common LS pathogens in the region and years this study was conducted. Key words: Wheat, oilseed, pulse, summerfallow, leaf spots, tan spot
AC Pennant, AC Base and Andante yellow condiment mustard cultivars
Authors: Rakow G. , Raney J. P. , Relf-Eckstein J. , Rode D.
Published: March 2010

Yellow condiment mustard (Sinapis alba L.) occupies about 50% of the total acreage of condiment mustard grown in western Canada. Breeding efforts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Saskatoon (AAFC) from 1987 to 2001 resulted in the registration of three new cultivars. AC Pennant, AC Base and Andante had 8, 7 and 6% higher grain yield, respectively, than the check cultivar Ochre, on average over 28 location years in 3 yr of condiment mustard Co-op tests 1999–2001. All three cultivars had similar maturity and plant height to Ochre. Andante had lower fixed oil than Ochre while AC Base had lower protein content. Andante had much greater seed weight than Ochre. AC Pennant had greater seed mucilage content than Ochre, while the seed mucilage content of Andante was highly significantly improved over Ochre (by about 50%). The seed colour of AC Base and Andante was a darker yellow than that of Ochre (a high negative number indicates a brighter yellow colour). Seed glucosinolate and chlorophyll content of AC Pennant, AC Base and Andante were not different from Ochre. Since its registration in 2002, Andante has become the predominant condiment yellow mustard cultivar in western Canada because of its increased grain yield and superior seed quality. AC Pennant has been the official check cultivar since 2002. All three cultivars are well adapted to the mustard growing areas of the Canadian prairies. Key words: Sinapis alba L., cultivar descriptions, grain yield, seed quality
AC Vulcan oriental condiment mustard
Authors: Rakow G. , Rode D.
Published: March 2010

AC Vulcan oriental condiment mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] was developed from landraces of oriental mustard grown at Lethbridge, AB, in the 1960s. Lethbridge 22A registered in 1974 was the first true yellow breeding oriental mustard cultivar, followed by Domo in 1977, from which Cutlass was selected. AC Vulcan is a single plant selection from Cutlass. Data on the cultivar Forge (not a check cultivar) are provided for comparison because Forge was the predominant cultivar of oriental mustard in western Canada at the time when Cutlass and AC Vulcan were developed. Forge was developed by Mr. John Hemingway of Colman's Food, Norwich, UK. AC Vulcan yielded 3.0% less grain than the check cultivar Cutlass, on average, over 81 station years in 9 yr of condiment Co-op tests 1999–2007, and was well adapted to the mustard-growing areas of the Canadian prairies. AC Vulcan was one day later in maturity than Cutlass and one day earlier than Forge. It was similar in height to Cutlass. It had 0.5% lower fixed oil than Cutlass and 0.3% greater protein content. Forge had very low fixed oil content at 38.9%. AC Vulcan had increased seed weight (2.82 g per 1000 seed) compared with Cutlass (2.73 g per 1000 seed). Forge had low seed weight (2.49 g) per 1000 seed. AC Vulcan had 12.04 mg g seed-1 of allyl glucosinolate; 0.96 mg g seed-1 greater than Cutlass. Green seed counts varied from 0.65% for Forge to 0.84% for AC Vulcan, statistically not different from each other; this was reflected in seed chlorophyll contents. AC Vulcan and Cutlass were resistant to white rust [Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze] race 2a, but highly susceptible to race 2v. Forge was highly susceptible to both white rust races. All three oriental mustard cultivars were highly resistant to blackleg disease [Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces. et de Not.]. Major goals in oriental mustard breeding are further reductions in fixed oil content and increases in grain yield. Key words: Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., cultivar descriptions, grain yield, seed quality
Assessment of agronomic performance and heterosis for agronomic traits in hybrid high erucic acid rapeseed (HEAR)
Authors: Cuthbert R. D. , Crow G. , McVetty P. B. E.
Published: March 2010

Twelve genetically diverse and geographically distinct high erucic acid rapeseed (HEAR) Brassica napus L. cultivars/lines were selected and crossed by hand emasculation in a topcross design to produce 45 F1 hybrid combinations. Seven of the twelve parents were HEAR cultivars/lines developed by the University of Manitoba (UM) and the remaining five parents were proprietary European (EU) HEAR cultivars/lines. Adequate seed was produced to evaluate the hybrids and parents in replicated yield trials in six environments in Manitoba during 2004 and 2005. Vigor, days to first flower, days to maturity, lodging, plant height, and seed yield were assessed. The hybrids were generally more vigorous, taller and more lodging resistant than their parents with similar days to first flower and days to maturity as their earlier parents. The best hybrids in this study displayed high parent heterosis for seed yield of up to 143% and commercial heterosis for seed yield of up to 99%. These hybrids were from the most genetically diverse UM × EU crosses. HEAR hybrids appear very promising approach to increase seed yields in this crop. Key words: Brassica napus L., HEAR, heterosis, hybrids, genetic diversity
Perturbation of lignin biosynthesis pathway in Brassica napus (canola) plants using RNAi
Authors: Bhinu V. -S. , Li R. , Huang J. , Kaminskyj S. , Sharpe A. , Hannoufa A.
Published: March 2010

Brassica napus meal contains high levels of lignin, which is one of the most important compositional factors affecting feed utilization by ruminants. We attempted to modify the concentration and composition of lignin in B. napus plants using the RNAi approach. Four genes were targeted for silencing by this approach either independently or in combination; caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H); coumarate 3-hydroxylase (C3H); ferulic acid 5-hydroxylase (F5H). We successfully developed transgenic B. napus lines expressing CaMV35S:C3H-C4H RNAi, CaMV35S:F5H-COMT RNAi, and Cruciferin:COMT RNAi that contained up to 40% less seed lignin in the transgenic seeds compared to the control. Despite successfully achieving suppression of these lignin biosynthesis genes and reduction in lignin content in B. napus seeds, we observed minor phenotypic effects on the transgenic plants. In lines carrying the cruciferin:COMT RNAi construct we observed a decrease in lignin content (40%) in the seed and anatomical variations when stem sections were examined. While our silencing had no major negative effect on plant growth it resulted in deformation of vessel elements, and minor changes in S-units. Taken together, these results clearly show that by employing RNAi strategy, it is possible to alter seed lignin content and composition in a manner non-detrimental to B. napus plants.Key words: Brassica napus, cruciferin, lignin, COMT, RNAi
Influence of alternative management methods on the economics of flax production in the Black Soil Zone
Authors: Khakbazan M , Grant C A , Irvine R B , Mohr R M , McLaren D L , Monreal M
Published: March 2010

Studies were conducted at two locations on two Orthic Black Chernozemic soils over 4 yr to evaluate the economic effects of tillage system, preceding crop, phosphorus (P) fertilization of the preceding crop, and P fertilizer application on flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) production. Canola (Brassica napus L.), a non-mycorrhizal crop, and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a mycorrhizal crop, were grown as the preceding crops under conventional (CT) and reduced tillage (RT) systems, with 0, 11 and 22 kg P ha-1 applied as monoammonium phosphate (MAP). The following year, flax was planted with application of 0 or 11 kg P ha-1 as MAP side-banded at seeding. Tillage method had no impact on the net revenue of wheat or canola at either location when averaged over the 2 yr of study. Net revenue of flax was higher ($32 ha-1 to $95 ha-1) when preceded by wheat compared to canola regardless of tillage system or location. Net revenue averaged across the complete crop sequences was higher ($36 ha-1 to $62 ha-1) under RT than CT. Lower net revenue variability was also associated with use of RT management, and when wheat was the preceding crop. Changes in commodity prices and input costs had little effect on the relative rankings of the treatments. Flax production with wheat as a preceding crop together with RT and lesser use of P application was the most economical treatment under current input and output prices. Key words: Preceding crops, tillage, p fertilizer, net revenue
13N0770 (Stardust™) sweet cherry
Authors: Kappel F , MacDonald R A , Cliff M , Mckenzie D -L
Published: March 2010

13N0770 (Stardust™) is a late-maturing blush sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) that has been released by the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC-Summerland), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Summerland, BC. The release is part of the on-going sweet cherry breeding program that began in 1936 (Kappel and Lay 1997). Stardust™ is the latest-maturing blush or bi-colored cultivar released from PARC-Summerland and has very good fruit size, firmness, and is self-fertile. It was released to growers for wide scale commercial testing in 2002.Key words: Prunus avium, fruit breeding, cultivar description
Relationship between seeding rate and plant density of hulled and hull-less barley as influenced by seeding depth in a no-tillage system
Authors: O’Donovan J T , Clayton G W , Harker K N , Turkington T K , Lupwayi N Z
Published: March 2010

Field experiments were conducted under no-tillage at three locations in Alberta, Canada over 3 yr to quantify the relationship between barley seeding rate and plant density in a hulled (AC Harper) and hull-less (Peregrine) variety seeded at two depths (2.5 and 6.25 cm). Regression analysis indicated that barley emergence was consistently better with the hulled variety and at the shallower depth. Predictive equations can help determine appropriate hulled and hull-less barley seeding rates required to obtain desired plant densities.Key words: Hordeum vulgare, hulled barley, hull-less barley, predictive equation.
Optimal seeding rate for organic production of lentil in the northern Great Plains
Authors: Baird J M , Shirtliffe S J , Walley F L
Published: March 2010

Organic lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) producers must rely upon the recommended rate for conventional production of 130 plants m-2, but this seeding rate may not be suitable, as organic and conventional production systems differ in management and inputs. The objective of this study was to determine an optimal seeding rate for organic production of lentil considering a number of factors, including yield, weed suppression, soil nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, plant uptake of phosphorus, and economic return. A field experiment was conducted for 4 site-years at locations near Saskatoon, SK. Treatments included seeding rates of 15, 38, 94, 235 and 375 seeds m-2. Seed yield increased with increasing seeding rate up to 1290 kg ha-1. Weed biomass was reduced by 59% at the highest seeding rate as compared with the lowest seeding rate. Post-harvest soil phosphorus and nitrogen levels were similar between seeding rate treatments. Economic return was maximized at $952 ha-1 at the highest density of 229 plants m-2, achieved with a seeding rate of 375 seeds m-2. Organic farmers should increase the seeding rate of lentil to achieve a plant density of 229 plants m-2 to increase profitability and provide better weed suppression.Key words: Lentil, organic, seeding rate, weed suppression, economic return
Rutin synthase in fava d’anta: purification and influence of stressors
Authors: Lucci N , Mazzafera P
Published: March 2010

The flavonoid rutin is synthesized in plants from quercetin, via a process in which isoquercitrin is an intermediary metabolite. In this work, the activities of isoquercitrin synthase and rutin synthase, and the quercetin, isoquercitrin and rutin contents of fava d’anta plants stressed for water (drought and flooding) and salt (NaCl) were studied. In general, stress increased the contents of the three compounds and both enzyme activities. Semi-purified rutin synthase and isoquercitrin synthase showed Km values of 1.816 and 2.10 µM, respectively, with optimum reaction pHs of 5 and 7, respectively, and an optimum reaction temperature of 35°C. Rutin synthase was purified from leaf buds and showed an apparent molecular mass of 39 KDa by SDS-PAGE. Mass spectrometry analysis of the purified protein did not reveal any similarity to the few known sequenced glycosyltransferases.Key words: Dimorphandra mollis, faveiro, flavonoid, isoquercitrin, quercetin.
Sadash soft white spring wheat
Authors: Sadasivaiah R S , Graf R J , Randhawa H S , Beres B L , Perkovic S M , Virginillo M
Published: March 2010

Sadash is a soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that meets the end-use quality specifications of the Canada Western Soft White Spring class. Sadash is well-adapted to the wheat-growing regions of southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan. Based on data from the Western Soft White Spring Wheat Cooperative Registration Test from 2003 to 2005, Sadash exhibited high grain yield, mid-season maturity, semi-dwarf stature with very strong straw, and good resistance to shattering. Sadash expressed resistance to the prevalent races of stem rust and powdery mildew, intermediate resistance to loose smut, moderate susceptibility to leaf rust and common bunt, and susceptibility to Fusarium head blight. Based on end-use quality analysis performed at the Grain Research Laboratory of the Canadian Grain Commission, Sadash had improved test weight over the check cultivars AC Reed and AC Phil and similar milling and baking performance.Key words: Triticum aestivum L., cultivar description, wheat (soft white spring), grain yield, quality, disease resistance
Effects of wheat, triticale and rye plant extracts on germination of navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and selected weed species
Authors: Flood H E , Entz M H
Published: March 2010

This study compared allelopathic effects of three winter cereals, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), winter rye (Secale cereale) and winter triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.) on seed germination of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), green foxtail (Setaria viridis) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Extracts from field- and greenhouse-grown rye significantly inhibited germination of redroot pigweed and green foxtail, yet had no effect on the navy bean cultivar Envoy. In a second study, rye, wheat and triticale provided similar inhibition of weed seed germination; however, effects on bean germination differed between cereals. Bean seed germination was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by winter wheat and winter triticale, but unaffected by rye. Key words: Weed seed germination, bean, weed management, cover crops
Palmolive® detergent controls apple, cherry, and grape powdery mildew
Authors: Sholberg P L , Boulé J
Published: March 2010

Palmolive® detergent applied in water was compared with the standard fungicide treatment for control of powdery mildew on apple [Podosphaera leucotricha (Ell. & Ev.) E.S. Salmon], cherry [P. clandestina (Wall.:Fr.) Lév.], and grape [Erysiphe necator (Schw.) Burrill]. Initial tests in the greenhouse with apple and grape seedlings showed that Palmolive® was as effective as myclobutanil in preventing powdery mildew on leaves. In apple orchard trials conducted in 2004, 2005 and 2006 Palmolive® detergent prevented powdery mildew on leaves, but caused fruit russetting when used at a rate higher than 5 mL L-1 through the growing season. The 10 mL L-1 rate reduced foliar powdery mildew in an apple and cherry nursery and in Pinot noir grapes, but caused russetting on grape berries. Further studies to determine optimum rates and spray timing will be required before it can be used safely on grapes. Studies on activity of Palmolive® detergent on Cameo apple leaves showed that it had protectant, eradicant, and antisporulant properties comparable with myclobutanil if applied within 1 d before or after inoculation with P. leucotricha and had superior antisporulant properties when applied to 7-d-old lesions. Palmolive® detergent, if used appropriately, could be an important component of an IPM strategy for control of powdery mildew on apple, cherry, and grape because it presents very little risk for the development of fungicide resistance. Key words: Pest management, plant disease, orchard, vineyard