bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foliar Diagnosis of Nutrient Deficiencies in Mauritius Sugar Cane I. Changes in Optimum Leaf Nitrogen with Ecological Conditions
Authors: Nababsing P. , Halais P. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe response of six cane varieties to nitrogen fertilization (0, 70 and 140 kg. N/ha.) has been studied. Results of three ratoon crops from 23 trials on representative sites throughout Mauritius indicate that optimum fertilization is around 70 kg. N/ha. Three levels for optimum nitrogen in the third leaf blade have been established, namely 1·93, 2·05 and 2·22 per cent corresponding roughly to the sub-humid, humid and super-humid areas of Mauritius.
Variability in Leaf Area of Rice
Authors: Gomez K. A. , Palaniswamy K. M. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYSources of variation in the leaf area of rice were examined from 11,356 sample leaves. The three major sources of variability, in decreasing order, were variation among leaves within tillers, variation among tillers within hills, and variation among hills within plots. Within the same tiller upper leaves were larger than the lower ones, except for the flag leaf. Larger leaves were also associated with the taller tillers in a hill. For assessing leaf areas of rice in experimental plots, it is suggested that all leaves from the middle tiller of each sample hill be measured. Furthermore, to avoid border effects, at least two outermost rows on each side of a plot should be excluded from leaf area determinations.
Improving the Quality of a Groundnut Population in Zambia by Bulk Selection of Seed
Authors: Thomas R. L. , Prior A. J. , Grafius J. E. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYSubstantial improvement is reported in a quality measure, large seed size, after only one generation of mass selection from a bulk ‘Chalimbana’ population of Zambian land races of the inbred species Arachis hypogaea L. There were large positive correlations between seed size as planted and the subsequent mean size harvested. Large seed also tended to produce an increased proportion of 2- rather than 3-seeded pods, further improving both crop uniformity and quality. Total yield was unaffected, or possibly even slightly enhanced, by planting larger kernels. The circumstantial advantages of mass as opposed to pedigree selection methods are discussed.
Boron Deficiency in Cotton in Northern Nigeria I. Factors Influencing Occurrence and Methods of Correction
Authors: Heathcote R. G. , Smithson J. B. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYBoron deficiency in cotton occurs widely in northern Nigeria, where its extent and severity appear to be increasing, particularly under intensive agriculture. The deficiency may be aggravated by fertilizer application, specially nitrogen. Soil boron status varies greatly but is generally very low and often less than is considered necessary elsewhere. Superphosphate containing added boron corrects deficiency safely and satisfactorily.
Use of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Leaf Tips as Vegetables II. Evaluation of Yield and Nutritive Quality
Authors: Villareal R. L. , Tsou S. C. S. , Lin S. K. , Chiu S. C. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYYields of sweet potato tips varied from 10 to 16 t/ha in weight and 61 to 352/m2 in number, whilst yields of marketable roots varied from 1 to 16 t/ha. Cultivar differences in dry matter, fibre, ash, vitamin B2 and oxalate were also observed. The tips appeared to provide an excellent source of vitamin B2 which is important for Asian diets deficient in this vitamin. Application of 120 kg N/ha gave higher tip yields than no nitrogen, primarily due to increases in their number and size. Among the leaf types evaluated, Kinangkong (a fine leaf cultivar) produced the highest yield, and had the highest amount of protein, lowest oxalate, and fairly high dry matter, which makes it a very desirable leafy vegetable.
Use of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Leaf Tips as Vegetables III. Organoleptic Evaluation
Authors: Villareal R. L. , Tsou S. C. , Chiu S. C. , Lai S. H. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYBlanched leaf tips of ten sweet potato cultivars were evaluated for eating qualities such as tenderness, flavour, stem and leaf colour, and hairiness to determine selection criteria. Some cultivars compared favourably with the control in most quality attributes, with a general agreement on the acceptability ranking of three cultivars. Stepwise multiple regression analysis suggested that all the quality attributes studied are important in predicting general acceptability of blanched tips, but the use of stem colour and hairiness for initial selection should be sufficient to reduce the number of lines prior to further evaluation.
Effects of Mulching Previous Crops or Fallow on Dryland Maize and Wheat
Authors: Prihar S. S. , Singh Ranjodh , Singh Nathu , Sandhu K. S. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYIn dryland areas, where rains recede much earlier than the time of sowing of crops, moisture in the seed zone becomes limiting for stand establishment. Mulches are known to conserve moisture in the upper soil layers, so we studied the effect of mulching a standing maize or fallow on the yield of the maize and on following wheat. Mulching maize with green twigs of ‘basooti’ a few weeks before harvest increased its yield by 16%. Both in maize and on fallow mulching increased water storage, particularly in the upper soil layers, and increased wheat yields from 19.0 to 22.5 q/ha after maize and 29.1 to 33.3 q/ha after fallow. It also led to increased water use and water use efficiency of wheat.
Storage of Fresh Cassava (Manihot esculenta) III. Preserving Chipped Roots Before and During Sun-Drying
Authors: Booth R. H. , Dhiauddin M. N. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe potential was demonstrated of using sodium chloride and sodium metabisulphite as chemical preservatives during pre-drying storage of wet cassava chips, and during slow sun-drying under adverse weather conditions. Both chemicals permitted chips to maintain a good colour and texture and prevented gross microbial deterioration.
Effects of Variety, Fertilizer and Environment on Fire-cured Tobacco in Malawi
Authors: Abington J. B. , Tanton T. W. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYFive fire-cured tobacco varieties were grown under different fertilizer levels and environments, to investigate their effects upon quality of the cured leaf. Environment exerted the greatest effect, and the best quality of leaf was produced from virgin soils. Fertilizer responses were greatest in environments where traditional agricultural methods operated, but even heavy applications of fertilizer under these conditions did not compensate for lack of good initial soil conditions. Although variety affected the style of tobacco produced, varietal differences were small compared with the effects of environment and fertilizer.
Irrigation Effects on Roots and Shoots of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides)
Authors: Gregory P. J. , Squire G. R. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYIrrigated and unirrigated crops of pearl millet were grown in Hyderabad, India, during the post-monsoon season of 1977. Irrigation increased both the dry weight of roots and the number of root axes, but because the additional axes were thick and unbranched the total length of roots was unaffected. However, irrigation did cause more of the root length to be in the top 20 cm of soil. Yield of the irrigated crop was higher than that of the dry crop, mainly because more tillers survived to produce grain. Grain growth of the dry crop occurred when the net growth of the crop was zero, probably because of movement of assimilate from stems to panicles. Possible strategies for improving yields are examined in the light of the growth data.
Effects of Potassium on Buoyancy of Banana Fruit
Authors: Johnson T. J. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYBanana packing systems rely on floating the fruit in water in order to remove latex produced at the cut surfaces of the crown. At some periods of the year up to 5% of the fruit sinks and rolls along the bottom of the tanks, resulting in heavy scarring of the peel. Potassium content of buoyant fruit exceeded 1·3% dry weight in the pulp and 6·0% in the peel, but in one investigation the sinker fruit had 36 and 20% less than these levels respectively. Application of potassium fertilizer in the field greatly reduced the amount of sinker fruit.
Economic Importance of Rice Stem-borer (Diopsis macrophthalma) in Malawi
Authors: Feijen H. R. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYExperiments were carried out in which injuries caused by Diopsis macrophthalma larvae were simulated. The results show that these larvae can have negative or positive effects on rice (number of stems, height, maturation time, number of ears and yield), depending on time and level of attack, growing conditions and variety. The results suggest that under normal conditions the effect on number of stems, height, number of ears and yield is positive, and only becomes negative if poor growing conditions are combined with a late, heavy attack. An experiment with Diopsids was carried out to evaluate the simulation experiments.
Some Factors Limiting Yields of Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Tanton T. W. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYMeasurements indicate that the tea crop—which consists of young shoots—is sink-limited and that the plucking of immature shoots, essential for quality tea, is a major factor limiting yields of the crop. The importance of this aspect in selecting for high-yielding plant material is discussed.
Yields and Responses to Lime and Potassium Fertilizer in Different Cropping Years in Uganda
Authors: Foster H. L. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYTrials on ferrallitic soils in Uganda showed that crops responded to lime after the first year of cropping on soils which had a pH up to 6·0, and to potassium on soils which had an extractable K level up to 18 mg 100 g−1. Soil and leaf analyses indicated that responses to lime on soils of pH above 5·2 were due to an increase in phosphate availability. Low yields at several sites in the first year were apparently due to immobilization of nutrients during rapid mineralization of soil organic matter. In later years soil organic matter did not decline appreciably, and yields dropped only at sites where potassium or minor element deficiencies apparently developed.
Effect of Plot Shape on Variability in Smith's Variance Law
Authors: Reddy M. Narayana , Chetty C. K. Ramanatha 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYFairfield Smith's variance law is extended to study simultaneously the effect of plot size and its rectangularity (which quantifies shape) on variance. This model is fitted to two seasons' data on sorghum grain yield generated from uniformity trials under rainfed conditions. Some implications of the fitted model are discussed.
Historical Data as a Guide to Selecting Systems for Intercropping Two Species
Authors: Pearce S. C. , Edmondson R. N. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYA small farmer in the tropics often grows a range of crops to protect himself against failure in a bad season. It is suggested that guidance on the choice of species, and the proportions between them, can be gained by studying past cropping figures, such as those collected for FAO purposes. Two cases are distinguished for systems using two species, (a) when the crops serve much the same purpose and are interchangeable in use, and (b) when they serve different purposes and a certain minimum is required of each. Special attention is given to intercropping, in which the two species are grown in close association.
Growth and Development of Upland Rice at Three Altitudes in the Highlands of Northern Thailand
Authors: Chamberlin R. J. , Insomphun Songchao 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYA number of upland rice varieties were grown in the highlands of northern Thailand at altitudes of 800, 1200, and 1450 m in 1978 and 1979. Growth rate declined and growth duration was extended as altitude increased. At the 1200 and 1450 m sites yield was severely restricted by spikelet sterility, probably induced by cool temperatures. Some varieties were completely sterile at the highest altitude, where yields ranged up to 2.6 t ha−1. At 800 m several varieties yielded more than 5 t ha−1 in 1978, but yields at this lower site were reduced by about 20% in 1979. Translocation to the grain of assimilates stored in the vegetative parts appeared to have been restricted. Lodging was a problem at all sites.
Consistency and Convenience in the Choice of Units for Agricultural Science
Authors: Monteith J. L. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe Système International d'Unités (SI) provides a consistent and coherent set of units for specifying the magnitude of physical quantities. Use of SI is recommended by most scientific journals and in many, includingExperimental Agriculture, it is now mandatory. Multiples and sub-multiples of units should be chosen to minimize the repetition of zeros before or after the decimal point. Several units related to SI (e.g. tonne and hectare) are convenient in speech as well as in writing but should be avoided in analysis to minimize the risk of numerical errors. Units common in agricultural science are discussed with special reference to the need for compromise between consistency and convenience.
An Assessment of Different Techniques for Inoculating Phaseolus vulgaris with Rhizobium
Authors: Rawsthorne S. , Summerfield R. J. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYA technique to better ensure reliable nodulation of pot-grown, P. vulgaris plants with cultured strains of Rhizobium is described. Nodulation, dinitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) activity and growth of 28-day-old plants were all stimulated markedly when seeds had been inoculated with cultured Rhizobium phaseoli suspended in alginate gel (Agrigel) rather than in sucrose solution. Nodulation attributes of plants inoculated with R. phaseoli strain RCR 3644 which had been sub-cultured repeatedly on yeast mannitol agar slopes were consistently inferior to those recorded for the same strain but recently cultured from a freeze-dried sample. Some of the potential problems with open pot culture of nodule-dependent legumes are discussed.
An Evaluation of the Oil Concentration in Sesame Seeds in Relation to Developmental Stage, Node Position and Capsule Age
Authors: Saha S. N. , Bhargava S. C. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYWeekly measurements were made of the seed oil concentration (% dry weight) in five sesame genotypes (Sesamum indicum) from flowering to maturity. During early but not late development the oil concentration of main shoot capsules was less variable than that in capsules taken from branches. The oil concentration of seeds from capsules at different nodes decreased from 67 to 22% between the lowest (oldest) capsule at node 8 and the youngest one at the uppermost node (25) in 1976, and from 65 to 19% for the same nodes in 1977. Variations in oil accumulation in relation to capsule age revealed that oil formation begins within 5 days after fertilization and maximum accumulation (52% oil) was achieved after 30 days. The implications of these findings for the assessment of oil yield potential are discussed.
Control of Water Use by Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides)
Authors: Squire G. R. , Gregory P. J. , Monteith J. L. , Russell M. B. , Singh Piara 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYAt Hyderabad, India, stands of pearl millet were grown after the monsoon (a) with no irrigation after establishment and (b) with irrigation as needed to avoid stress. Increases of dry matter and leaf area were determined by regular harvesting. The interception of radiation by the foliage, uptake of water from the soil and stomatal conductance were monitored. Before anthesis at 42 days after sowing (DAS), the rate of dry matter production and the transpiration rate in the unirrigated stand were about 80% of the corresponding rates for the irrigated control, mainly because of a smaller stomatal conductance from 30 DAS. After anthesis, the unirrigated stand grew little and used only 10% of the water transpired by the control. This large difference was partitioned between loss of leaf area and smaller stomatal conductance in the ratio of approximately 2:1. Radiation intercepted by foliage in the irrigated stand produced 2.0 g of dry matter per MJ compared with 2.5 g MJ−1for the same variety growing in the monsoon, a difference consistent with a smaller stomatal conductance in drier air.
Studies on Transpiration Suppressants on Spring Sorghum in North-Western India in Relation to Soil Moisture Regimes. I. Effect on Yield and Water Use Efficiency
Authors: Babu D. Boobathi , Singh S. P. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe results of field experiments conducted in the spring seasons (February/March to June) of 1980 and 1981 indicate that grain yields of sorghum increased with increase in frequency of irrigation. Crops sprayed with atrazine or CCC yielded more than the unsprayed control; maximum yields were obtained by the application of atrazine at 200 g ha−1. Water use efficiency decreased with increase in irrigation but increased as a result of spraying crops with either chemical. Irrigation water can be saved by the spraying of atrazine or CCC onto spring-sown sorghum.
Studies on Transpiration Suppressants on Spring Sorghum in North-Western India in Relation to Soil Moisture Regimes. II. Effect on Growth and Nutrient Uptake
Authors: Babu D. Boobathi , Singh S. P. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe effects of irrigation and spraying of transpiration suppressants on growth and nutrient uptake by spring sorghum (CSH 6) have been investigated. Crop growth, measured by plant-height, leaf area index and dry matter production, and uptake of N, P and K increased with more frequent irrigation and in response to the spraying of transpiration suppressants. Foliar applications of atrazine at 200 g ha−1 and CCC at 300 ml ha−1 proved to be the best in this NW Indian location.
Insect Pest Control for Cowpea in Crop Mixtures
Authors: Fisher N. M. , Raheja A. K. , Elemo K. A. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYIn 1981 and 1982, three crop protection regimes were compared with an unsprayed control for cowpea grown alone and in mixtures with maize, sorghum and cotton. Unsprayed cowpea in mixtures with maize had yields which suggested some pest escape in 1981 but not in 1982. When sprayed, only the maize–cowpea mixture showed much yield advantage over sole crops. For maize–cowpea in 1983, a very dry year, only the alternate row mixtures showed a yield advantage and three spray applications gave cowpea yields as good as those resulting from six applications. The late, photosensitive cowpea variety Acq 1696 had better yields than the medium maturity TVx1948·01 F in the mixed crop but was greatly inferior as a sole crop.
Relative Sowing Time and Density of Component Crops in a Maize/Cowpea Intercrop System
Authors: Ofori Francis , Stern W. R. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe effect of variations in the relative sowing time and density of component crops in a maize/cowpea intercrop were examined in two experiments. In the first experiment, maize and cowpea were sown together, and either 10 or 21 days before or after each other. Maize yield was reduced when sown at the same time or after cowpea; intercrop cowpea yields were less than sole cowpea yields at all sowings. In the second experiment, maize densities of 35, 50 and 70 × 103plants ha−1were combined with cowpea densities of 70, 100 and 140 × 103plants ha−1. Increasing the density of either crop in the mixture resulted in increases in total yield. Maize reduced cowpea yields more than the effect of cowpea on maize yields. In terms of LER and total seed protein yield, there was no advantage of either staggered sowings over simultaneous sowing or of the various intercrop density combinations, except between the lowest and the highest densities of either maize or cowpea. The LERs appeared to follow the trends in cowpea yields and total seed protein yields the trends in maize yields.
Response of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata) to Spacing in the Savanna and Rainforest Zones of Nigeria: Response Surface Analysis
Authors: Odulaja A. , Kayode G. O. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYA re-analysis of a two-year study designed to investigate the effect of spacing on the yield of two cowpea cultivars in the savanna and rainforest zones of Nigeria confirms plant density and spacing recommendations for the savanna zone while contradicting all but intra-row spacing recommendations for the forest zone. An inter-row spacing of 60 cm and intra-row spacing of 9 cm or closer could be used for improved seed yield in the savanna zone, while a plant density between 120 000 and 166 666 plants ha−1with an inter-row spacing of 30 cm would be optimum for cowpea production in the forest zone.
The Effect of High Yielding Perennial Herbage Crops on Biological Degradation and Nitrate Accumulation in Peat Soil
Authors: Levanon D. , Levin I. , Kipnis T. , Cohen U. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYPerennial crops, guinea grass and alfalfa, and annual crops, wheat and cotton, were grown in the reclaimed Hula Valley swamp. The aim was to find ways to preserve the peat soil from aerobic oxidation, wind and water erosion; to minimize nitrate accumulation, which causes pollution of the waters draining into the Kinneret Lake (Sea of Galilee); and to select high yielding crops that both fulfilled these needs and ensured a good income for the farmers. Our results showed that high dry matter yields of guinea grass and alfalfa could be obtained. A significant decrease in peat soil erosion and nitrate accumulation was also recorded under these perennial crops, so growing them has both economic and ecological advantages.
Techniques for Planting Sugarbeet to Advance the Harvest Date in North Indian Conditions
Authors: Narang R. S. , Bains B. S. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYResults of a two-year field study show that even under hot northern Indian conditions, sugar-beet planting dates can be advanced to 20 September to permit an early harvest from mid-March onwards. Seeding the crop on the northern side of east-west ridges gave root yields of 45–50 t ha−1 with a sucrose content of 12–14%. Transplanting gave the highest tonnage but led to a high incidence of branched tap roots. For timely planting during October, direct seeding in north–south rows was also satisfactory. Such staggered seeding and harvest schedules could help extend the milling period to 90–100 days as against the present 45–50 days.
The IBSNAT Project and Agricultural Experimentation in Developing Countries
Authors: Harrison S. R. , Thornton P. K. , Dent J. B. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe International Benchmark Sites Network for Agrotechnology Transfer (IBSNAT) project has established an international network of co-operating farming systems researchers. A decision support system that includes a number of crop models and databases has been developed to assist in the evaluation of new agrotechnology packages in the tropics and sub-tropics. Standards have been established for the recording of ‘minumum data sets’ from field experiments to allow the crop models to be validated for specific sites. The decision support system, still under active development, has the potential to reduce substantially the time and cost of field experimentation necessary for adequate evaluation of new cultivars and new crop management systems.
Response of Beans to Fertilizer and Seed Treatment in Central Province, Zambia
Authors: Bezuneh M. , Olsen F. J. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYOn-farm research was conducted in Zambia between 1984 and 1987 to examine the performance of an imported bean variety and identify management practices that could result in higher and more stable yields and to examine their economic feasibility for risk averse smallholder farmers. Results showed that the Brazilian bean variety Carioca was superior to the local variety tested in terms of yield, net economic returns and reliability of performance, especially when used in combination with fertilizer and insecticide.