D. R. Tottman

Bio: D. R. Tottman is an academic researcher from Suffolk University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hordeum vulgare & Decimal. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 644 citations.

The decimal code for the growth stages of cereals, with illustrations

Abstract: SUMMARY The decimal code for the growth stages of cereals, devised by Zadoks, Chang & Konzak (1974), is reproduced with stylised drawings of selected stages of wheat, barley and oat plants Expanded definitions of some of the descriptive phrases are designed to assist the application of the code to agrochemical research, development and use in the UK

A uniform decimal code for growth stages of crops and weeds

Abstract: Summary A universal scale (to be known as the BBCH scale) using a decimal code for the description of the growth stages of most agricultural crops and weeds is proposed. The scale and codes are based on the well-known Zadoks code for cereals. Developmentally similar growth stages of different crops are given the same codes. The general scale provides a framework within which more specific scales for individual crops may be constructed. The uniformity of the scale makes it easy to remember and use in agricultural practice and simplifies storage and retrieval in a computer system. A description of the general scale is given followed by specific scales for cereals, rice, maize, oilseed rape, field beans, peas and sunflower. Comparisons with scales currently in use are given where appropriate.

Physiological processes associated with wheat yield progress in the UK

Abstract: Knowledge of the changes in physiological traits associated with genetic gains in yield potential is essential to improve understanding of yield-limiting factors and to inform future breeding strategies. Our objective was to identify physiological traits associated with genetic gains in grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the UK. The growth and development of eight representative cultivars introduced from 1972 to 1995 (one tall rht-D1b cultivar and seven Rht-D1b, formerly Rht2, semidwarf cultivars) was examined in field experiments at Sutton Bonington in 1996-1997, 1997-1998, and 1998-1999. A linear genetic gain in grain yield of 0.12 Mg ha(-1) yr(-1) (1.2% yr(-1)) was positively correlated with both harvest index (HI) and aboveground biomass; a quadratic function fitted to the data showed that progress in HI was most apparent during the earlier phase of the 23-yr period, whereas biomass contributed most since about 1983. There was a linear increase across time of 217 grains m(-2) yr(-1), but no change in grain weight. Significant genetic changes across time and correlations with grain yield were also found for preanthesis radiation-use efficiency (RUE, 0.012 g MJ(-1) yr(-1)) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content of stems and leaf sheaths at anthesis (4.6 g m(-2) yr(-1)). Our results suggest that recent genetic gains in grain yield have been based on a combination of improved growth rate in the preanthesis period, which has driven increases in number of grains per square meter, and a larger source for grain filling through increases in stem soluble carbohydrate reserves.