Showing papers on "Sowing published in 1974"

Effect of seed inoculation with Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces griseus on the growth of cereals and carrots

Abstract: The effect of Bacillus subtilis A13 and Streptomyces griseus 2-A24 on the yield of cereals and carrots was studied. The organisms, both antagonistic to Rhizoctonia solani, were applied individually to barley, oats and wheat for sowing at three sites with a known incidence of R. solani. Root disease was not effectively controlled, yet the seed treatments increased grain yield and dry matter production at one site, advanced time of heading at another site and increased tiller number at two sites. Evidence was obtained that the organisms persisted on pericarps in soil for 5 weeks after sowing. In subsequent trials application of B. subtilis and S. griseus in combination with a pellet treatment increased marketable yields of carrots by 48% and 15% respectively over controls. Addition of the organisms to seed without pelleting increased yields by 17% over controls. These results indicate a non-specific effect of B. subtilis and S. griseus, since they increased growth of plants belonging to two different families, the Gramineae and Umbelliferae, in different soils.

Morphophysiological determinants of yield in rapeseed (Brassica campestris and Brassica napus). I. Growth and morphological characters

Abstract: Variation in sowing date was found to have a marked effect on the seed yield and different morphological and growth characteristics of spring cultivars of the oilseed rape species Brassica campestris and Brassica napus. The two species differed appreciably, however, in their responses to successive delays in sowing date. In B. napus, there was a significant and continuous decline in seed yield with later sowings. This decline in seed yield was associated primarily with a reduction in the total dry weight of the plant at the final harvest which, in turn, was most closely correlated with the duration of the vegetative phase of growth. The total dry weight of the plant and the seed yield were greatest in the first sowing where flowering was substantially later than in either of the later sowings. Since earlier-flowering cultivars of B. napus would be better adapted to Western Australian conditions, where there is a rapid decline in soil moisture reserves during the spring, significant improvements in seed yield could depend largely on increasing the rate of pre-anthesis growth. In this experiment, however, no significant variation in the relative rate of growth prior to flowering was observed because of the marked negative association between net assimilation rate and leaf area ratio. Further studies of the variation in growth amongst a far wider range of genotypes will, nevertheless, be necessary to properly assess the feasibility of increasing relative growth rates by selection. The seed yield of B. campestris was substantially greater in the second sowing than in either the first or third sowings. Although seed yield was significantly correlated with both total dry weight of the plant at final harvest and the harvest index, the latter appeared to be the most important determinant of seed yield in this species. By contrast with B. napus, most of the dry weight of the plant at the final harvest was accumulated during the post-anthesis phase of growth. Accordingly, the character leaf area duration between anthesis and final harvest was found to be the most significant determinant of the total dry weight of the plant in B. campestris. The leaf weight ratio of the plant at anthesis also contributed significantly to total dry weight at the final harvest; this indicates that the pattern of dry matter distribution in the plant during the vegetative phase could prove a useful criterion for selecting potentially high-yielding strains of this species.

The sowing of germinating vegetable seeds using a fluid drill

Abstract: SUMMARY Carrot seeds which had been imbibed or germinated and were then sown in a gel extruded through standard coulters emerged five days earlier than dry seeds sown with a conventional drill and gave higher yields after 64 days although not after 77 days. There was no difference in mean time to emergence or in final plant stand between lettuces grown from dry seeds and those from seeds imbibed for 24 h and sown in a gel, but the duration of the emergence period of the latter was halved in one of the two experiments. Celery seeds, the light requirements of which had been satisfied during germination in optimum conditions in the laboratory before they were sown in the field in a gel, gave a 60% plant stand as compared with a stand of 2% from dry seeds.

Time of sowing and wheat yield in northern New South Wales

Abstract: The influence of variation in time of sowing on grain yield in five wheat cultivars has been studied in the North West Slopes of New South Wales over the period 1967 to 1971. Highest grain yields were obtained when wheat was sown at the end of June so as to flower at the end of the first week in October. Reductions in relative grain yield of 5 to 7 per cent were recorded for each week that sowing was delayed after the end of June, or 9 to 13.5 per cent for each week that flowering was delayed after the first week in October. Lower grain yields from late sown crops were associated with lower leaf area duration after flowering which could account for 69 per cent of the variation in grain yield. Lower grain yields in early sown crops were associated with lower ear numbers which could be ascribed in part to the influence of frosts.

Effects of dolomitic limestone, gypsum, and potassium on yield and seed quality of peanuts

Abstract: The interactive effects of dolomitic limestone, gypsum, and potassium on yield and seed quality of a Virginia-type peanut was investigated. Responses were assessed in field experiments using a split-plot design with varying rates and combinations of dolomitic limestone and gypsum as the main plots. Two rates of potassium applied at planting were used as the split plots. Treatment effects were measured by changes in soil mineral composition, mineral content of the plant and fruit, yield, seed maturity, and seed quality. Applications of dolomitic limestone increased soil pH and soil calcium levels, but did not improve seed quality or increase yields or kernel content of the fruits. Applications of gypsum improved seed germination, seedling survival, seedling vigor, and root growth. Dark plumule abnormality was reduced by addition of gypsum. Soil pH was reduced and chemical composition of peanut leaves, hulls, and seed was influenced more by gypsum than by either dolomitic limestone or potassium. Po...

Effect of ammonium and nitrate forms of fertilizer-N and their time of application on utilization of N by wheat

Abstract: A hypothesis was tested: that NH₄⁺-N applied early and NO₃⁻-N applied later would be a beneficial cultural practice for wheat production. It is generally agreed that cereals prefer NH₄⁺-N during early growth. One growth chamber and three field experiments were conducted with wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Manitou) using ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) and nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) sources of fertilizer-N applied either at sowing or as the heads emerged or at both times. A nitrification inhibitor was used with ammonium sulphate to supply NH₄⁺-N and untreated calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate were used as sources of NO₃⁻-N. Levels of nonassimilated mineral-N (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N) in the green leaves and stems of wheat varied widely according to the source of N applied and its time of application. High levels of NO₃⁻-N in the plant at flowering led to high percentages of N in the grain. Consequently, fertilizer-N applied as NO₃⁻-N as the heads emerged (‘boot’ stage) increased the percent N (protein) in the grain more than NH₄⁺-N. Split applications of fertilizer-N, with NH₄⁺-N applied at sowing (with a nitrification inhibitor) to give maximum leaf and stem growth and NO₃⁻-N applied at the ‘boot’ stage to increase grain protein levels, may be worth considering as an agronomic practice for wheat production, particularly if new cultivars could be developed to use effectively the increased leaf area to produce more grain. Also, manipulating the nitrogen metabolism of the wheat plants affected the uptake of other nutrients, for example, applying NH₄⁺-N increased P and Zn uptake.

Effects of temperature and photoperiod on flowering and yield components of lupin genotypes in the field

Abstract: The effects of photoperiod and temperature and/or insolation on flowering and yield components were measured for 24 genotypes of five Lupinus species in the field. Environmental factors were varied by sowing on three dates (April 2, May 17, and July 1) and by extending natural photoperiod with artificial light. Lack of vernalizing temperature (<10¦C) following early April sowing retarded flower initiation substantially in the midseason to late genotypes of Lupinus angustifolius and L. pilosus and to a lesser degree other species. Genotypes with no vernalization requirement flowered fastest following April sowing. Flowering of all genotypes was accelerated considerably by 24-hour photoperiod, L. luteus being the most responsive species. Number of flowers per primary inflorescence was reduced, and percentage of flowers setting pods increased, by treatments that led to earlier flowering. Number of seeds per pod and 20-seed weight were not affected by the treatments, except that higher temperatures increased 20-seed weight significantly in L. luteus and L. cosentini. Number of flowers, percentage flower set, and 20-seed weight were found to be the most important yield components in the primary inflorescences of lupins.

Response of soya beans to planting date in south-eastern Queensland. II.* Vegetative and reproductive development

Abstract: Vegetative and reproductive development of a range of soya bean cultivars was studied over a series of planting dates in both hill plots and row culture at Redland Bay, Qld. Responses in the extent of vegetative and reproductive development were related to changes in the phasic developmental patterns. The duration and extent of vegetative development for the various cultivar-planting date combinations were closely associated with the length of the period from planting to the cessation of flowering. Thus, vegetative growth was greatest for those planting dates which resulted in a delay in flowering and/or extended the flowering phase. Similarly, genetic lateness of maturity among cultivars was associated with more extensive vegetative development. Seed yield per unit area increased within each cultivar as the length of the growing period was extended until sufficient vegetative growth occurred to allow the formation of closed canopies under the particular agronomic conditions imposed. Further increases in the length of the period of vegetative growth failed to increase seed yield, and in some cases seed yields were actually reduced. Biological efficiency of seed production (BE) was negatively correlated with the length of the vegetative growth period. Differences in BE among cultivar-planting date combinations were large. It is suggested that maximization of seed yield will necessitate an optimum compromise between the degree of vegetative development and BE. Optimum plant arrangement will therefore vary, depending on the particular cultivar-planting date combination. ___________________ \*Part I, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 24: 67 (1973).

Seed planter for individual seeds

Abstract: An improved seed planter; improvements in planting devices adapted to plant individual seeds one by one, at spaced intervals in a prepared furrow; improved mechanism for individually receiving seeds one by one each in a moving receptacle, retaining each seed in its receptacle as it is moved to planting position and then ejecting the seeds from the receptacles one by one in timed and spaced sequence; improved seed feeding apparatus for continuously receiving seeds for planting from a source (i.e. a hopper), arranging them individually in sequence and feeding them in sequence to individual receptacles of a planting device; an improved seed planter module incorporating a furrow cutter, seed storing, feeding and planting apparatus, furrow closing apparatus and furrow tamping apparatus.

Thermodormancy Release of Celery Seed by Gibberellins, 6-Benzylaminopurine, and Ethephon Applied in Organic Solvent to Dry Seeds

Abstract: The emergence of celery (Apium graveolens L. cv. Utah 52-70) seeds was promoted by growth regulators when exposed to high temperatures during the germination period. The growth regulators were applied to dry seeds prior to sowing, by means of the organic solvent dichloro methane (DCM). A mixture of gibberellins A4 and A7 (GA^) strongly enhanced emergence at a high day-time temperature of 35 °C alternating with night temperatures of 20 °C and 25 °C ; however, emergence was very poor when the night temperature was raised to 30 °C. Under the latter regime, only mixtures of GAi/7 with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or with 2-chloro phosphonic acid (ethephon) promoted seed emergence. However, BA and ethephon applied separately or in combination were much less effective in enhancing seed emergence without the addition of GA4/7, under all the temperature regimes.

Management for yield and protein of field peas in saskatchewan

Abstract: In experimental plots, the yields of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars averaged 25 q/ha and the protein contents varied between 25 and 31% over a wide range of management conditions. These values greatly exceeded the Saskatchewan provincial average yield of 13.5 q/ha and a protein range of 16–27% among farm samples in 1970. In the plot experiments, the commercial cultivars showed little variation in protein content but one strain from the world collection was high in protein content and seed yield. Seed inoculation, early planting, intermediate seeding rates and narrow row spacings favored high seed yields and did not adversely affect the protein content of field peas. Phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers increased protein content, and irrigation did not decrease the protein level when these fertilizers were applied.

Effect of planting time on growth and seed yield of lupins, peas and vetches on the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia

Abstract: The effect of planting time on dry matter production and seed yield in yellow lupin cv. Weiko III, narrow-leafed lupin cv. Uniharvest and cv. Unicrop, field pea cv. Collegian and vetch cv. Blanchefleur was studied near Perth, Western Australia. Planting dates were March 19, April 16, May 14 and June 11. In the lupins and vetch, May and June plantings resulted in delayed emergence (yellow lupin and vetch only) and nodulation, and reductions in dry matter and seed yield. Yields of field peas were increased with later planting. Lupins produced most dry matter, seed and seed protein at the first three plantings but were no better than peas in the June planting. No significant differences in seed yields were found between the lupin cultivars, though in Unicrop seedling growth rates were consistently higher and seed yield tended to be less affected by delays in planting. A sharp drop in seed yield of lupins between the April and May plantings was associated with the production of fewer pods on the lateral axes. The reasons for this are discussed.

The Purity of Prehistoric Crops

Abstract: One aspect of prehistoric crop agriculture which has received little attention is the purity of the crops when ready for either storage or consumption. For two reasons, this topic deserves consideration. First, the number of weed seeds and other impurities in a fully-processed crop is an indication of the efficiency of the prevailing technology for grain cleaning. There are several reasons why it would have been desirable to remove as many weeds as possible from a crop. Many for example are poisonous and should be removed from a crop before it is eaten. The sowing of a pure seed is also one way of controlling the growth of weeds, and thus maintaining economic crop yields. One pound of herbage seed for example, containing 1 per cent by weight of the seeds of mouse-eared chick-weed ( Cerastium arvense L.) could result in as many as 43,360 plants of chick-weed per acre and cause severe reduction in the yield of the main crop (Gill and Vear 1958). Barley yields in one experiment were reduced from 21½ to 7½ bushels per acre through the growth of bind-weed (Leonard and Martin 1967). Since the artefactual evidence for prehistoric grain cleaning is meagre, the composition of the crops themselves must be our chief source of evidence. A second reason why the composition of prehistoric crops when ready for storage or consumption deserves study is that it affords a way of knowing whether crops consisted of one or several cultigens at a given period.

Seed planting unit

Abstract: A seed planting unit carries a seed planter that dispenses a predetermined amount of seed into the ground at predetermined intervals in response to the coupling between a ground engaging wheel supporting the unit and the drive means of the seed planter. A film dispenser is also carried by the unit for laying film on the ground over the planted seeds; and a transmission is provided for synchronizing the perforating of the film before it is laid with the dispensing of the seeds by the seed planter so that the apertures in the film are aligned with the seeds deposited in the ground.

Cereals for winter grazing on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales

Abstract: In field experiments conducted over three years at Armidale, New South Wales, the total winter forage production by barley, oats, wheat and rye was similar. However, barley and rye tended to outyield wheat and oats at early harvests, the reverse applying at late harvests. It is suggested that these characteristics of the cereals could be exploited to meet specific seasonal requirements for dry matter production more effectively than is possible with a single species. Response to high seeding rates in forage production was similar in all cereals and was confined to a late sowing. Significant differences in in vitro digestibility over the winter period were recorded and differences were also apparent in subsequent grain yield.

Emergence and yield of six range grasses planted on four dates using natural and treated seed.

Abstract: Highlight: Six range grasses were compared by sowing natural and treated seed at four dates. Seedlings from treated seeds emerged sooner in all species except Russian wildrye for the first three planting dates. The fourth planting was a failure for both treated and natural seeds. The advantages of faster emergence from treated seeds did not result in more plants at 35-46 days nor in higher yield. Intermediate wheatgrass emerged first, followed by Russian wildrye and Siberian, crested, beardless, and fairway wheatgrasses. Intermediate wheatgrass yielded most, followed by crested, Siberian, and fairway wheatgrasses, Russian wildrye, and beardless wheatgrass.

Effects of pasture and cereal sowing rates on production of undersown barrel medic and wheat covercrop in western New South Wales

Abstract: The effects of different sowing rates of barrel medic (0-18 kg ha-1) and wheat (0-59 kg ha-1) on the dry matter and pod production of undersown medic and the dry matter and grain yields of wheat cover crop were examined in central western New South Wales. Regressions of pasture dry matter and pod yield on medic and wheat plant densities showed that when the plant density of medic was increased, more dry matter and pod were produced but grain yields of the cover crop were reduced. The greater the quantity of pod produced in the sowing year, the greater the density of medic seedlings in the following year. Greater plant densities of wheat increased wheat dry matter production and grain yields but lowered the yields of undersown medic. Wheat and medic sowing rates for establishing medic pasture are suggested.

Seedling Emergence and Survival from Different Seasons and Rates of Seeding Mountain Rangelands

Abstract: Highlight: At a mountain rangeland site in southeastern Idaho, a mixture of five grasses was drilled at 10 and 2.5 lb facre at six seasons each year for 4 years. The 2.5lb rate produced significantly more seedlings than the I O-lb rate, but 10 lb was slightly more efficient in producing seedlings. Seedling survival was best from seeding in June, followed closely by July 1 and then November 1, October 1, September 1, and August 1. As an average of both seeding rates, per 100 seeds of the mixture planted in June, 12 plants emerged, five were alive at the end of 1 year, and two at the end of 3 years. At each planting time, intermediate wheatgrass seed was placed between nylon strips in the soil to determine the fate of the seeds. For 100 seeds of intermediate wheatgrass in nylon strips in June, 84 germinated, 30 plants emerged, and 12 were alive at the end of 1 year.

Method and apparatus for processing soil for planting

Abstract: A method and apparatus which in one single pass can take cleared acreage whether or not previously farmed, and leave the soil with improved texture, substantially free of all harmful weed seeds, insects, insect eggs and larvae and other harmful living matter, and in condition for planting. This is accomplished without the use of herbicides, insecticides or the like. A layer of topsoil of predetermined depth is peeled from the surface and vigorously worked by milling, crushing and other means. Liquid or solid fertilizer may, if desired, be blended into the soil. Seeds may be planted, and the treated soil redistributed to cover them to a preselected depth, all in the one pass.

Effect of N Rate and Application on Spanish Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Yield and Seed Grade, N and Oil. 1

Abstract: Due to conflicting results of previous studies, experiments were conducted to study the effect of rate and time of application of N on the yield of fruit and on seed grade, percent N and oil content of Spanish peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). Rates and times of application of N had no significant effect on yield, grade or percent N in seed of Starr peanuts grown on three different soil types. Application of 134.4 kg of N/ha to Fuquay soil 6 weeks after planting decreased oil content in the seed. When the same rate of N was split into two applications (1/2 at planting and 1/2 at 6 weeks), the oil content was significantly higher than when all the N was applied 6 weeks after planting. On Tifton soil, split applications of N (1/2 at 6 weeks and 1/2 at 12 weeks) tend to reduce the oil content of seeds as the N rates increased. The 134.4 kg/ha rate of N applied by this method produced a significantly lower oil content than where all the N was applied at planting or 6 weeks after planting.

Onion varieties, honeybee visitations, and seed yield

Abstract: Onion seed plants, Allium cepa L., exhibited varietal differences regarding honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) visitation; incidence of pink root disease, Pyrenochaeta terrestris Hansen) Gorenz, Walker, and Larson; numbers of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) present; and seed yields. Results from an isolated onion planting showed that the male sterile, Code 2 hybrid, adjacent to a pollen-parent, was significantly more attractive to honeybees and produced significantly more seed than a second comparable hybrid.

The effect of nematicides, applied to the seed rows in spring, on growth and yield of sugar beet in Docking‐disorder‐affected fields

Abstract: SUMMARY Both Trichodorus spp. and Longidorus spp. damage roots of sugar-beet seedlings in sandy soil, causing Docking disorder. Trials in infested fields between 1969 and 1972 tested the effects of fumigation along the rows with different amounts of D-D or Telone applied either two weeks before sowing or immediately before sowing, application of the systemic nematicide aldicarb (Temik) in the furrow with the seed during sowing, and top-dressing with nitrogen. Seedling establishment was often decreased by fumigation immediately before sowing, especially when followed by excessive rainfall, but only rarely by earlier fumigation or by aldicarb; differences in numbers of roots harvested were smaller because hand-singling removed excess seedlings. There was usually little difference between the yield increases given by the most effective treatments, which were aldicarb at 1·12 kg active ingredient/ha and 2·2–6·6 ml D-D or Telone/m of row at either time of application. Nitrogen top-dressing never affected sugar yield significantly. Longidorus spp. and Trichodorus spp. were both controlled well in the fumigated row but much less well at 13 cm, and not at all at 25 cm from the row (i.e. mid-way between two treated rows).

The effect of heavy dressings of slurry on forage maize production

Abstract: ABSTACT Cow slony was incorporated into land at levels equivalent to 0, 125, 250 or 500 t/ha (0, 50, 100 or 200 tons/ac) shortly before sowing maize (INRA 200). Quantity and quality determinations were made on the crop at 73, 93, 115 and 137 days after plant emergence. The slurry dressings delayed the emergence of maize plants. The 250 t/ha (100 tons/ac) treatment gave a significant increase in DM yield at the final harvest, but 500 t/ha (200 tons/ac) tended to depress yields of the whole crop and of the ear. There was no significant effect on the percentage DM of the crop. Slurry applications increased the level of E and nitrate-N in the plants, but depressed Mg. Crude protein and in vitro digestibility were not affected.

Effect of time of sowing on flowering and growth of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis)

Abstract: A midseason maturity type of Townsville stylo sown at monthly intervals throughout a year in a glasshouse in Brisbane (27¦30' south) started flowering from 42 to 76 days after sowing between February and September, with dry matter yields at flowering ranging from 0.05 to 5.82 g/per plant. Sowings between October and January resulted in flowering after 98 to 157 days, with yields ranging from 26.41 to 54.75 g/per plant. Flowering was mainly determined by daylength, although low temperatures during winter delayed inflorescence elongation. Growth after onset of flowering was measured in plants sown in winter, spring and late summer. Plant weights increased after flowering in all sowings. In the spring sowing this consisted entirely of stem and inflorescence, but in the other sowings leaf was formed after onset of flowering as well. Winter and spring sowings gave the highest, late summer sowing the lowest final yields. The main agronomic implication is that sowing early in the growing season is necessary for obtaining a good first year's yield, but that seed production is little affected by sowing date, ensuring good regeneration even in years with a late start of the growing season.