scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers on "Sowing published in 2009"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Under low oxygen stress, tolerant genotypes germinate, grow faster and more seedlings survive and maintain their ability to use stored starch reserves through higher amylase activity and anaerobic respiration.

309 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Chuan Liu1, S.L. Jin, Li-Min Zhou1, Yu Jia1, Feng-Min Li1, You-Cai Xiong1, Xiao Gang Li1 
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of mulching time for double furrows and ridges using plastic film on soil water status, grain yield of maize, soil quality, and economic benefits were determined.

305 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of field management regimes on thermal status at an upland site; and soil water and wheat production in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system at upland, terrace land and bottom land sites on the Loess Plateau, China.
Abstract: Soil management can notably influence crop production under dryland farming in semiarid areas. Field experiments were conducted, from October 2001 to September 2004, with an attempt to evaluate the effects of field management regimes on thermal status at an upland site; and soil water and wheat production in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system at upland, terrace land and bottom land sites on the Loess Plateau, China. The field management regimes tested were: (i) the conventional practice (winter wheat followed by a ploughed summer bare fallow); (ii) conventional management, but a catch crop growing for certain time during fallow period used as green manure (after the wheat harvest, a catch crop were directly sown, instead of ploughing, and then incorporated into the soil roughly one month before wheat sowing); and (iii) wheat straw mulch (0.8 kg m−2), covering the soil throughout the year during the experimental period (no summer ploughing, straw was removed during wheat sowing). Soil temperature under catch cropping was lower during certain period of its growing by about 2 °C, slightly higher for short spells after incorporation and before wheat harvest, no observed effects during the rest time of a year relative to conventional practice at the upland site. Moreover, soil water storage levels under catch cropping were comparable with those of the conventional practice for all three years, but wheat yield substantially declined in the last year. Mulching showed different responses for the three land sites. At the upland site, daily mean soil temperatures under mulching at 10 cm depth were decreased in the warmer period by 0–4 °C, and increased in the colder period by 0–2 °C when compared to those of non-mulched soil. At upland and bottom land sites, mulching conserved an average of 28 and 20 mm more water in the upper 100 cm soil layer at the time of wheat sowing, respectively, than conventional practice. However, at the terrace, mulching had little effect on soil water storage, nor on wheat grain yield, relative to conventional practice. Therefore, considering the limited availability of mulch material in this region and the economic benefits, it is recommended that mulching may be beneficial to upland or bottom land, but not to terraced land. In addition, the application of catch cropping in this study did not show positive effects, the more comprehensive evaluation of this approach would be further needed.

233 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a 3-year field experiment was conducted in the Loess Plateau of China to investigate the effects of mulching, N fertilizer application rate and plant density on wheat yield, N uptake by wheat and residual soil nitrate in a winter wheat fallow system.
Abstract: Understanding mulching influences on nitrogen (N) activities in soil is important for developing N management strategies in dryland. A 3 year field experiment was conducted in the Loess Plateau of China to investigate the effects of mulching, N fertilizer application rate and plant density on winter wheat yield, N uptake by wheat and residual soil nitrate in a winter wheat-fallow system. The split plot design included four mulching methods (CK, no mulch; SM, straw mulch; FM, plastic film mulch; CM, combined mulch with plastic film and straw) as main plot treatments. Three N fertilizer rates (N0, 0 kg N ha−1; N120, 120 kg N ha−1; N240, 240 kg N ha−1) were sub-plot treatments and two wheat sowing densities (LD, low density, seeding rate = 180 kg ha−1; HD, high density, seeding rate = 225 kg ha−1) were sub-subplot treatments. The results showed that wheat yield, N uptake, and N use efficiency (NUE) were higher for FM and CM compared to CK. However, soil nitrate-N contents in the 0–200 cm soil profile were also higher for FM and CM compared to CK after the 3 year experiment. Wheat grain yields were higher for SM compared to CK only when high levels of nitrogen or high planting density were applied. Mulching did not have a significant effect on wheat yield, nitrogen uptake and NUE when soil water content at planting was much high. Wheat yield, N uptake, and residual nitrate in 0–200 cm were significantly higher for N240 compared to N120 and N0. Wheat yield and N uptake were also significantly higher for HD compared to LD. When 0 or 120 kg N ha−1 was applied, HD had more residual nitrate than LD while the reverse was true when 240 kg N ha−1 was applied. After 3 years, residual nitrate-N in 0–200 cm soil averaged 170 kg ha−1, which was equivalent to ~40% of the total N uptake by wheat in the three growing seasons.

144 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Predicting when cereal rye can be successfully controlled using a roller/crimper along with the use of the thermalbased phenological model should aid growers in decision-making regarding cereal rye planting and termination dates.
Abstract: Adoption of reduced tillage practices have been driven by the need to enhance soil quality, minimize fi eld labor time, and scale up farm size. However, concerns about increased reliance on herbicides and demand for organically grown foods call for adoption of production practices that can reduce both tillage and herbicide use. Th is research study assessed the infl uence of planting and termination dates on mechanical cover crop control effi cacy to limit tillage and herbicide use using a roller/crimper. A thermal-based phenological model using growing degree days (GDD; base 4.4°C) was developed to predict cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) growth stage. Mechanical control of cereal rye increased as rye matured. Variations in cereal rye cultivar growth rates were observed; however, they responded similarly to rolling when terminated at the same growth stage. Consistent control was achieved at a Zadoks growth stage 61 (rye anthesis). A thermal-based phenological model separating the eff ects of heat units accumulated in the fall (Fall GDD ) from those accumulated in the spring (Spring GDD ) best predicted the phenological development of cereal rye. Predicting when cereal rye can be successfully controlled using a roller/crimper along with the use of the thermalbased phenological model should aid growers in decision-making regarding cereal rye planting and termination dates.

135 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results support the view that WUE can be used as an indirect selection criterion for seed yield in genotypesic selection in genotypic selection.

120 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The simulation results showed that sowing wheat before December can result in higher yields in the absence of waterlogging, however, the high frequency of water logging on the clay soils, showed no average yield advantage of sowing before December.

111 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: P. aurantiaca SR1 was formulated as an inoculant in order to evaluate its growth promotion effect in the field when applied on maize and wheat seeds at the sowing time and it showed a significant plant growth-promoting effect that was reflected in the yield.
Abstract: Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), rice ( Oryza sativa ) and maize ( Zea mays L.) are the most important cereals worldwide. However, in the last few years, soil has been submitted to both use and handling pressures due to the increase in agricultural practices, which are leading to its degradation. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as inoculants constitutes a biological alternative for sustainable production. Pseudomonas aurantiaca SR1 was formulated as an inoculant in order to evaluate its growth promotion effect in the field when applied on maize and wheat seeds at the sowing time. P and N fertilization treatments were also included in the assays. P. aurantiaca SR1 colonized the root system of both crops and it persisted at appropriate population densities. It also showed a significant plant growth-promoting effect that was reflected in the yield. Another relevant finding was that both crops, when inoculated with P. aurantiaca SR1, presented higher yields with fertilization doses lower than those conventionally applied. This indicated its potential use as a reasonable alternative for crop production, with a minimization of the ecological impact.

105 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Out of ten wheat genotypes, three were characterized as high temperature tolerant based on their relative performance in yield components, grain yield and heat susceptibility index, and green leaf area and productive tillers/plant were drastically reduced in time under high temperature.
Abstract: High temperature stress during grain-filling period is one of the major environmental constraints limiting the grain yield of wheat in Bangladesh. Crop growth response and relative performance of yield components of ten wheat genotypes were studied in two temperature conditions in glass rooms in a Phytotron to identify the genotype tolerant to high temperature stress. A favourable day/night temperatures of 15/10, 20/15, and 25/20°C were maintained from sowing to 60 days after sowing (DAS), 61 to 80 DAS and 81 DAS to maturity, respectively, in one glass room (G 1 ); whereas day/night temperatures in another glass room (G 2 ) was always maintained at 5°C higher than that of G 1 . Green leaf area and number of tillers in different times, number of days for the occurrence of major crop growth stages, relative performance in yield components, grain yield and heat susceptibility index were estimated following the standard methods. The higher temperature enhanced plant growth, flowering, and maturation. Thus the number of days to booting, heading, anthesis, and maturity of wheat were significantly decreased that varied among the genotypes. Green leaf area and productive tillers/plant were drastically reduced in time under high temperature. The reduced number of grains/spike and smaller grain size resulted from drastic reduction in growth duration were responsible for the yield loss of wheat at high temperature. Out of ten wheat genotypes, three were characterized as high temperature tolerant based on their relative performance in yield components, grain yield and heat susceptibility index. Key Words: High-temperature tolerance, wheat genotype, growth and yield components. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i3.3961 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(3) : 361-372, September 2009

104 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that maize production can be maximized through high plant density and high N split application, and delayed in the phenological characteristics while increasing the number of leaves and seeds plant−1, and number of ears 100 plants−1 through high rate and split application of N results in maximum yield of maize at Peshawar.
Abstract: Nitrogen (N) and plant density are considered some of the most important factors affecting crop phenology (days to tasseling, silking, and maturity), morphology (leaves plant−1, seeds ear−1, ears 100 plants−1) and grain yield. The effects of plant density and N on phenology, morphology, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) at Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan were evaluated during 2002 to 2004. The 2 × 3 × 6 factorial experiment was designed having two plant densities (60,000 and 100,000 plants ha−1) and three N levels (60, 120, and 180 kg N ha−1) applied to main plots, while six split application of N in different proportions were applied to subplots in two equal, three equal, three unequal, four equal, five equal and five unequal splits at sowing and with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th irrigation at two week intervals. All the phenological characteristics were significantly affected by year, plant density, rate and timing of nitrogen application. Year and plant density had no significant effect while rates...

102 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of straw incorporation in the preceding rice season and no-tillage prior to wheat sowing on nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions during the non-rice period of a typical rice-wheat rotation in the Yangtze River Delta were studied.
Abstract: Field operations of tillage and residue incorporation could have potentially important influences on N-trace gas fluxes, though poorly quantified. Here we studied the effects of straw incorporation in the preceding rice season and no-tillage prior to wheat sowing on nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions during the non-rice period of a typical rice-wheat rotation in the Yangtze River Delta. Compared to conventional management practice (no straw incorporation along with rotary harrowing tillage to 10 cm before wheat sowing), straw incorporation alone decreased cumulative N2O emissions over the entire non-rice period by 32% (1.53 vs. 2.24 kg N ha-1, P

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of reduced water potential (ψ) in NaCl and pre-osmopriming in PEG, on seed germination and early radicle growth at different temperatures were assessed in the laboratory for sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cv. Roce.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The chemical analysis of dust, plant samples, bee samples, fresh pollen and bee bread confirmed the poisoning by clothianidin originating from treated maize seeds, and no correlation with any bee pathogens was detected.
Abstract: contribution to session V Honey bee poisoning incidents and monitoring schemes In spring 2008 a high number of bee poisoning incidents was recorded during sowing of maize in the Upper Rhine valley and in South Bavaria near Passau. More than 11.500 honey bee colonies from about 700 beekeepers in the Upper Rhine valley showed symptoms of insecticide poisoning. The reason for the poisoning was the abrasion of dust from maize seeds treated with the insecticide Poncho Pro (a.s. clothianidin) during the sowing process and blowing out of this dust containing the active substance into the environment with pneumatic sowing machines, resulting in contamination of nectar and pollen. The poisonings occurred in areas in southern Germany in which an eradication program for the quarantine pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera was active and where clothianidin was used at a high rate (125 g a.s. /ha) on a large scale. An exceptionally high amount of dust of up to 80 g per 100.000 kernels of maize was detected in some of the maize seed batches. The chemical analysis of dust, plant samples, bee samples, fresh pollen and bee bread confirmed the poisoning by clothianidin originating from treated maize seeds. No correlation with any bee pathogens was detected. Keywords: seed treatment, drilling machines, neonicotinoid, clothianidin, dust, maize, drift, bee poisoning, honey bees

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the impacts of nitrogen (N) rate and its time of application on leaf area, plant height and biomass yield of maize (Zea mays L., cv. Azam) planted at low and high density were investigated.
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at the New Developmental Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during 2002-03 and 2003-04 to investigate the impacts of nitrogen (N) rate and its time of application on leaf area, plant height and biomass yield of maize (Zea mays L., cv. Azam) planted at low and high density. Factorial experimental treatments comprising two plant densities (P1 = 60,000 and P2 = 100,000 plants ha -1 ) and three nitrogen rates (N1 = 60, N2 = 120 and N3 = 180 kg N ha -1 ) were kept in main plots, while six split application for N in different proportions were kept in subplots at different growth stages of maize in two equal (S1), three equal (S2), three unequal (S3), four equal (S4), five equal (S5) and five unequal splits (S6) at sowing and with 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th irrigation at two weeks intervals. Mean single leaf area (MSLA), and plant height was significantly higher in 2002-03 than in the 2003-04. Maize produced significantly taller plant and ear heights as well as biomass yield at high than at low density. MSLA and leaf area per plant (LAPP), plant and ear heights as well as biomass yield showed a remarkable increase with increasing N rate and number of N split applications. It is concluded that growing maize at high density with application of 50% higher N rate (180 kg ha -1 ) than the recommended rate of N (120 kg ha -1 ) in four to five splits can increase leaf area and plant height that could result in maximum biomass yield of maize and hence increase productivity of maize crop.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the APSIM-Wheat model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of three common management options such as early sowing, changing N application rate and use of different wheat cultivars derived in the model package in dealing with the projected negative impacts for Keith, South Australia.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Planting in April or early May is an effective management strategy to increase soybean yield in Indiana and path analysis revealed that pods m -2 had the greatest impact on yield, but seed mass was also an important constituent.
Abstract: A trend toward early planting of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in Indiana results in higher yield, but the limit to which a positive response to early planting occurs has not been evaluated. Our objective was to determine how early planting affects yield components and seed composition of indeterminate soybean planted in late March through early June in Indiana. Three cultivars (Pioneer brand 92M61, Becks brand 321NRR, and Becks brand 367NRR) were sown at six planting dates (late March through early June) in West Lafayette, IN, in 2006 and 2007. Across cultivars, yield in 2006 ranged between 4.24 to 4.43 Mg ha -1 at the planting dates from late March to mid-May, and decreased to 3.36 and 3.56 Mg ha -1 at later planting dates. In 2007, yield ranged from 4.21 to 4.44 Mg ha -1 for the 10 April, 30 April, and 9 May planting dates. Yield was reduced at the late March and early June plantings and ranged from 3.85 to 3.99 Mg ha -1 . Path analysis revealed that pods m -2 had the greatest impact on yield, but seed mass was also an important constituent. Mean oil concentration decreased approximately 12 g kg -1 as planting was delayed in both years. In 2006, average seed protein concentration varied by planting date. In 2007, mean protein concentration increased 14 g kg -1 as planting was delayed. Delaying planting until late May or early June altered seed composition slightly, but significantly reduced yield. Planting in April or early May is an effective management strategy to increase soybean yield in Indiana.

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In the wake of the day-to-day increasing cost of labor and shortage of water, direct seeding approaches in rice cropping systems are the subject of intensive investigation throughout the world and offer an attractive alternative to traditional rice production systems.
Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) provides about 55–80% of the total calories for people in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Elsewhere, it represents a high-value commodity crop. Change in the method of crop establishment from traditional manual transplantation of seedlings to direct seeding has been adopted in many Asian countries in the last two decades, in view of rising production costs, especially for labor and water. Seed invigoration is ascribed to beneficial treatments, applied to the seeds after harvest but prior to sowing, that improve germination or seedling growth or facilitate the delivery of seeds and other materials required at the time of sowing. Many seed invigoration treatments are being employed in a number of field crops, including rice, to improve seedling establishment under normal and stressful conditions. The treatments used to invigorate rice seed include hydropriming, seed hardening, on-farm priming, osmopriming, osmohardening, humidification, matripriming, priming with plant growth regulators, polyamines, ascorbate, salicylicate, ethanol, osmolytes, coating technologies, and more recently presowing dry heat treatments. In the wake of the day-to-day increasing cost of labor and shortage of water, direct seeding approaches in rice cropping systems are the subject of intensive investigation throughout the world and offer an attractive alternative to traditional rice production systems. In this regard, seed invigoration techniques are pragmatic approaches to achieving proper stand establishment in the new rice culture. They help in breaking dormancy and improving seedling density per unit area under optimal and adverse soil conditions. Induction and de novo synthesis of hydrolases, such as amylases, lipases, proteases; and antioxidants such as catalases, superoxide dismutase and peroxidases are reported to be the basis of improved performance using these techniques. The rice seed priming can be performed by soaking simply in water, a solution of salts, hormones, osmoprotectants, matric strain-producing materials, and other nonconventional means. Despite certain limitations, such as water potential, oxygen and temperature, rice seed invigoration has been worthwhile in improving rice yield and quality. Nevertheless, in-depth studies are imperative for understanding the physiological and molecular basis of rice seed priming.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Exogenous application of proline as a pre-sowing seed treatment improved shoot and root fresh and dry weights, shoot length and grain yield under both non-stress and stress conditions and total leaf area per plant only under stress conditions.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of exogenous application of proline as a presowing seed treatment on morpho-physiological and yield attributes of 5 wheat cultivars viz., SARC-I, Inqlab-91, MH-97, Bhakkar and S-24 under well watered or water deficit conditions. Plants of the 5 wheat cultivars raised from proline (control, 20 mM and 40 mM) treated seeds were subjected to water stress i.e. well watered and 60% field capacity for 63 days. Water stress reduced shoot and root fresh and dry weights, shoot length, total leaf area per plant, grain yield and gas exchange characteristics and increased shoot P contents. However, the effect of pre-sowing proline on shoot K + and Ca 2+ and root N, Ca 2+ and K + was not-significant. Exogenous application of proline as a pre-sowing seed treatment improved shoot and root fresh and dry weights, shoot length and grain yield under both non-stress and stress conditions and total leaf area per plant only under stress conditions. Proline level, 20 mM was effective for Inqlab-91 and MH-97, while for others, 40 mM proline was more effective in promoting plant growth and other related attributes under water deficit conditions. Performance of Bhakkar and MH-97 was poor as compared to the other cultivars under drought stress conditions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Grain yields in competition with weeds in field experiments in two seasons significantly correlated with rice seedling biomass at 12 DAS in greenhouse experiments, which has potential to be used as an indirect tool for mass screening of rice for competitiveness against weeds.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used linear regression to determine predictive relationships between dryland corn yield and available soil water at planting time and, if such a relationship exists, to use it to assess the risk in obtaining profitable yields.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was concluded that weeds could be controlled effectively by sowing cover crops after planting main crops in organic farming systems in a snowy-cold region and this growth inhibition was alleviated when cover crops were sown after the establishment of main crops.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Great intervarietal variation in seed-flooding tolerance as evaluated by germination rate (GR) and normal seedling rate (NS) is revealed and pigmented seed coat and small seed weight tended to give a positive effect on seed-Floodingolerance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A grid planting pattern provided no consistent benefit but planting rye at higher seeding rates maximizes early season rye DM production and minimizes weed growth.
Abstract: Weed growth in winter cover crops in warm climates may contribute to weed management costs in subsequent crops. A 2-yr experiment was conducted on an organic vegetable farm in Salinas, California, to determine the impact of seeding rate and planting arrangement on rye (Secale cereale L. 'Merced') cover crop growth and weed suppression. Each year, rye was planted in October at three rates (90, 180, and 270 kg ha -1 ) and two planting arrangements (one-way versus grid pattern). Averaged across years, rye population densities were 322, 572, and 857 plants m -2 at the 90, 180, and 270 kg ha -1 seeding rates, respectively. Early season rye ground cover increased with seeding rate and was higher in the grid than one-way arrangement in Year 1; however, rye ground cover was not affected by rate and was higher in the one-way arrangement in Year 2. Aboveground dry matter (DM) of rye increased with seeding rate at the first two harvests but not at the final one. Planting arrangement did not affect rye aboveground DM in Year 1, but rye DM was higher in the grid pattern at the first and final harvests in Year 2. Weed emergence was not affected by seeding rate or planting arrangement. Weed biomass decreased with increased seeding rate and was also lower in the grid than in the one-way arrangement in Year 2. A grid planting pattern provided no consistent benefit but planting rye at higher seeding rates maximizes early season rye DM production and minimizes weed growth.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: After two growing seasons, planting date and site preparation affected height growth rate positively, whereas relative diameter growth rate of surviving seedlings was affected by planting date only, suggesting a correct selection of the planting dateand soil treatment plays an important role in the expression of seedling quality in terms of survival and growth.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The extra-early maturing cultivar, 95 TZEE-W, produced highest dry matter, harvest index, and grain yield at all planting dates suggesting that this cultivar is the most suitable in both locations.
Abstract: Corn (Zea mays L.) production is gradually spreading into the Sudan savanna zone of West Africa where production is limited by erratic and inadequate rainfall. To increase corn production, production practices should be properly designed to minimize the effects of low precipitation and high temperatures that characterize the zone. A study, to determine the performance of late (120 d), early (90 d), and extra-early maturing (80 d) corn cultivars over a range of planting dates, was performed in the Sudan savannas of northeast Nigeria. Delaying planting generally increased days to flowering and the anthesis-silking interval (ASI) and reduced dry matter production and yield and yield components. In Azir, planting of corn on 13 July reduced grain yield by 42% in 2006 because of a dry spell during crop establishment. Delaying planting to 21 and 28 July also reduced grain yield by 19 and 28.5%, respectively over the 2 yr. Averaged over the 2-yr yield reduction was 29.5 and 42% when corn was planted on 21 and 28 July, respectively in Damboa. There was no interaction between planting date and corn cultivar for days to silking, ASI, and grain yield suggesting that the cultivars responded similarly to planting date. The extra-early maturing cultivar, 95 TZEE-W, produced highest dry matter, harvest index, and grain yield at all planting dates suggesting that this cultivar is the most suitable in both locations. To reduce risk of drought stress, extra-early maturing corn cultivars should be planted in the Sudan savanna between the last week of June and the first week of July.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The effects of faba bean, lupin, pea and oat crops, with and without an undersown grass-clover mixture as a nitrogen (N) catch crop, on subsequent spring wheat followed by winter triticale crops were determined by aboveground dry matter (DM) harvests, nitrate (NO3) leaching measurements and soil N balances.
Abstract: The effects of faba bean, lupin, pea and oat crops, with and without an undersown grass-clover mixture as a nitrogen (N) catch crop, on subsequent spring wheat followed by winter triticale crops were determined by aboveground dry matter (DM) harvests, nitrate (NO3) leaching measurements and soil N balances. A 2½-year lysimeter experiment was carried out on a temperate sandy loam soil. Crops were not fertilized in the experimental period and the natural 15N abundance technique was used to determine grain legume N2 fixation. Faba bean total aboveground DM production was significantly higher (1,300 g m−2) compared to lupin (950 g m−2), pea (850 g m−2) and oat (1,100 g m−2) independent of the catch crop strategy. Faba bean derived more than 90% of its N from N2 fixation, which was unusually high as compared to lupin (70–75%) and pea (50–60%). No effect of preceding crop was observed on the subsequent spring wheat or winter triticale DM production. Nitrate leaching following grain legumes was significantly reduced with catch crops compared to without catch crops during autumn and winter before sowing subsequent spring wheat. Soil N balances were calculated from monitored N leaching from the lysimeters, and measured N-accumulation from the leguminous species, as N-fixation minus N removed in grains including total N accumulation belowground according to Mayer et al. (2003a). Negative soil N balances for pea, lupin and oat indicated soil N depletion, but a positive faba bean soil N balance (11 g N m−2) after harvest indicated that more soil mineral N may have been available for subsequent cereals. However, the plant available N may have been taken up by the grass dominated grass-clover catch crop which together with microbial N immobilization and N losses could leave limited amounts of available N for uptake by the subsequent two cereal crops.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This asymbiotic seed germination protocol for C. punctatum will facilitate future reintroduction projects involving this endangered species and help secure its survival in the wild.
Abstract: Cyrtopodium punctatum Lindley is an endangered epiphytic orchid restricted in the United States to southern Florida. Due to its ornamental value, the species was extensively collected from the wild during the past 100 years. Today, only a few plants remain in protected areas. As part of a conservation plan for the species, procedures for asymbiotic seed germination were developed. Five asymbiotic orchid seed germination media (PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium, Knudson C, Malmgren Modified Terrestrial Orchid Medium, Vacin & Went Modified Orchid Medium, and ½-strengh Murashige & Skoog) were examined for their effectiveness in promoting seed germination and protocorm development under a 16/8 h L/D photoperiod and dark (0/24 h L/D). The influence of photoperiod on growth and development was also examined. Seeds were germinated under a 16/8 h, 12/12 h, 8/16 h L/D photoperiod, at 25 ± 3°C and allowed to develop in vitro for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, developing seedlings were transferred to Sigma Phytatrays and returned to their assigned photoperiod treatments for continued seedling development for an additional 15 weeks. Highest germination occurred in 0/24 h L/D on PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium and seedlings displayed more advanced development when cultured under 16/8 h L/D photoperiod after 15 weeks in Phytatrays. Thirty-five week old seedlings potted in coconut husk growing medium exhibited 90% survival following 5 weeks acclimatization to greenhouse conditions. This asymbiotic seed germination protocol for C. punctatum will facilitate future reintroduction projects involving this endangered species.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The present study suggests that KNO 3 and secondly GA 3 treatments may improve rapid and uniform seedling emergence and plant development in nurseries and/or in greenhouses, which is easily applicable by nursery workers with economic profits.
Abstract: 3 treatment reduced plant growth of both species. The present study suggests that KNO 3 and secondly GA 3 treatments may improve rapid and uniform seedling emergence and plant development in nurseries and/or in greenhouses, which is easily applicable by nursery workers with economic profits.

01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In a field experiment at Faisalabad, Pakistan conducted during winter 2005-06, the effect of three sowing dates December 1, 15 and 30 on three wheat cultivars Inqlab-91, AS-2002 and Bhakkar-2002 was studied.
Abstract: In a field experiment at Faisalabad, Pakistan conducted during winter 2005-06, the effect of three sowing dates December 1, 15 and 30 on three wheat cultivars Inqlab-91, AS-2002 and Bhakkar-2002 was studied. Sowing dates and varieties both significantly affected the number of fertile tillers m, plant height, number of spikelets per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. In case of sowing dates significantly maximum grain yield (4289.54 kg ha) was obtained when crop was sown on 1 December against the minimum grain yield (2109.50 kg ha ) in case of late sowing i.e. 30 December. Among of varieties Inqlab-91 gave significantly maximum yield (3550.44 kg ha) while minimum yield (2932.59 kg ha) was obtained by AS-2002.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate yield and yield components of saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) in response to production system (PS) (irrigated vs. non-irriated); corm size (CS) (medium −2.25 to 3.3 cm diameter vs. small corms −2 vs. 69corms−m −2 ).