Beginning Of Flowering Stage Research Articles

Response of maize grain yield and components to foliar iron nanoparticle application

During the spring season of 2021, a field experiment was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad (Abi Ghraib location). To investigate the impact of nano iron concentrations and their application dates on the yield and its components of maize. A factorial experiment was carried out in a split-plot arrangement. The main plots occupied the spraying dates (beginning of the male flowering stage, 50% female flowering and completion of female flowering) and symbolized in sequence. At the same time, the iron concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg. L-1) occupied sub-plots according to RCBD with three replicates. The results revealed that the dates of spraying nano iron substantially influenced most of the features tested. The early date (beginning of the male flowering stage) gave the highest average length of the ear (16.374 cm), the number of rows per ear (16.3 row ear-1), and the number of grains per ear (563.4 grain ear-1) and the total grain yield of 6.096 tons ha.-1. The results also showed that the concentrations of nano iron 300 mg L-1were superior in all the characteristics of the yield components and the grain yield, as it produced the most significant average for ear length, number of rows, number of grains per row, number of grains in the ear, weight of 500 grains, and total grain yield. It is concluded from this study that spraying at the beginning of the flowering stage is the most responsive to spraying the nano iron element, especially at the concentration of 300 mg L-1. Keywords: Nano iron; flowering stage; ear length; grain yield

Water stress effect on durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) advanced lines at flowering stage under controlled conditions

Drought stress is a key factor affecting Morocco's agricultural productivity. In order to adapt to climate change, it is crucial to select new genotypes which may be slightly but not significantly less efficient. Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is one of the most important and cereal crops that are impacted by drought. The objective of this research was to assess the performance of 16 durum wheat genotypes to drought stress. From the beginning of flowering stage until the beginning of seed maturity, three levels of water treatment were applied, corresponding to 100%, 66% and 33% of field capacity. Three agro-morphological, five physiological and three biochemical traits were investigated in those genotypes grown under controlled greenhouse conditions over two years (2020 and 2021), by following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The results showed that stomatal conductance, relative water content, leaf area, leaf temperature, SPAD values, proline, soluble sugars, glycine betaine and yield traits were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the water treatment. In all the genotypes, three advanced lines had the highest seed yield, namely, DYT1TAZI (12.75 g) with a 16.2% decrease from the control, DYT11TAZI (12.74 g, down 17.5%) and DYT5TAZI (12.26 g, down 19.24%), were found to be the most drought-tolerant, stable and productive having exhibited their highest performance in the absence and presence of drought stress. They had the best seed yield per plant (>12 g; p < 0.001) associated with the highest relative water content RWC (>50%; p < 0.001), chlorophyll content (>50 SPAD; p < 0.001), proline content (400μg/100 mg MF; P < 0.001), soluble sugars content (500μg/100 mg MF; P < 0.001), and stomatal conductance (>0.6 mol m-2s-1; p < 0.001). Therefore, these lines could be selected as relevant and valuable germplasms to be used in durum wheat breeding programs aiming to develop drought-tolerant and high-yielding varieties. High relative water content and stomatal conductance along with low leaf temperature can be taken as selection indices in this breeding program.

Seasonal variation of Thymus piperella L. essential oil composition. Relationship among γ-terpinene, p-cymene and carvacrol

ABSTRACT A wild population of Thymus piperella L. was monitored for two years in order to correlate phenological stages and meteorological data with yield and, essential oil (EO) composition. The plant material was extracted by hydrodistillation and the EO was submitted to GC-MS and GC-FID analysis. To achieve reliable quantification, relative response factors were applied. The results showed a progressive increase in the proportion of carvacrol according to the sunlight duration and temperature increase, until reaching a maximum at the beginning of flowering stage (52.9 % and 41.0 % in 2018 and 2019, respectively). A simultaneous decrease was found in the amount of p-cymene (8.2 % and 12.8 % respectively) in the same stage, whereas -terpinene showed a similar evolution to that observed for carvacrol but with lower values (3.3 % - 14.6 %). From statistical analysis, significant changes in the relative proportions of carvacrol and its metabolic precursors: γ-terpinene and p-cymene were found. They have been explained based on the proposed metabolic pathways in the literature. On the other hand, when relating the changes in the EO profiles with rainfall data, a strong influence of the water supply on the evolution of the chemical composition was observed.

Defoliation impacts on morpho-physiological attributes and yield of tomato

The experiment was conducted under sub-tropical condition during two successive seasons (November-March) of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to investigate the effect of defoliations on morpho- physiological attributes and yield of tomato. The experiment comprised of five levels of defoliation viz., 0 (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 leaves defoliation from the base out of 17 leaves at the beginning of flowering stage and two widely cultivated varieties viz., TM-110 and TM-135. The plant characters such as leaf area, plant height, number of leaves plant-1, straw weight plant-1, absolute growth rate, number of fruits plant-1, individual fruit weight and fruit yield were not affected up to 6 leaves defoliation irrespective of seasons and genotypes. Interestingly, photosynthesis, nitrate reductase and reproductive efficiency increased with increasing defoliation levels. Morpho-physiological parameters and yield attributes were better in 3 and 6 leaves defoliated plants over the control with being the highest in 6 leaves defoliated plant, which resulting the highest fruit yield. Heavy defoliation not only reduced source sizes but also decreased total sink (fruits) causing lower fruit yields. The lowest morpho-physiological attributes and fruit yield was recorded in 12 leaves defoliated plants. These results indicate that tomato plants can tolerate one-third leaf loss during reproductive stage and the knowledge of which might be essential for maintaining better quality tompato production. SAARC J. Agric., 20(1): 87-96 (2022)

Biochemical Assessment of Peas Pisum sativum Varieties

Seven peas (Pisum sativum L.) varieties different originated, i.e, X07P54, X06PWY, NDPO80138-B-2, CA1P, L020140, Wt6803 and Mir were studied. Biochemical assessment of fresh aboveground biomass and seeds of peas varieties were done. At the beginning of flowering stage the NDPO80138-B-2 and X07P54 were reported high levels for crude protein (22.33% and 21.87%), crude fibre (25.94% and 25.76%) and crude ash (10.39% and 9.47%). In technical maturity with high crude protein and crude fibre contents NDPO80138-B-2 (21.59% and 21.38%), X06PWY (19.95% and 21.36%), X07P54 (19.78% and 20.57%) and CA1P (19.60% and 22.53%) were distinguished; by calcium CA1P (2.09%), and by phosphorus Wt6803 (0.54%). More significant variability in phosphorus content (21.27%) and Ca:P ratio (25.65%) in fresh biomass was observed. The lowest coefficient of variation was found for crude fibre (5.43%), crude ash (7.81%) and crude protein content (9.00%). The variability of parameters in technical maturity was found low and ranges from 2.34% for crude protein to 9.27 for phosphorus. The green mass yield is positively correlated with the calcium content (r = 0.581), phosphorus (r = 0.316) and crude ash (r = 0.077) and the seed yield positive correlated with calcium content (r = 0.79). The relationships found between qualitative indicators could be used in the breeding programs of peas.

Comparative biological characteristics of pea (Pisum sativum) varieties

Some basic quantitative signs and phenological indicators were analyzed for samples of seven forage peas (Pisum sativum L.) of different origins. Plant material from both, aboveground and root biomass was analyzed: i) in the beginning of flowering stage: plant height (cm), fresh stem weight (g), dry stem weight (g), root length (cm), fresh root mass weight (g), dry root mass weight (g), nodules per plant and nodule weight per plant (g); in the technological maturity of seeds stage: number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant (g), number of seeds per pod and seed weight per pod (g). Broad sense heritability (Hbs) was calculated. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied for the grouping of genotypes by similarity and correlation analysis for the finding the relationships between the signs and their variability. Specimens which meet the highest plant length requirements, green mass yield root length, number and weight of nodules were shown. They are considered as suitable for inclusion as parent components in future breeding programs. Some correlations were found, i.e. between the fresh stem weight and the nodules (r = +0.951), between the nodule number and the root length (r = +0.949) and between the weight and the number of seeds (r = +0.950). The findings could be of use for the breeding process in peas.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts of &lt;em&gt;Bituminaria&lt;/em&gt; sp. genotypes at different growth stages&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Plants have secondary metabolites that play a role in defense mechanism are known to have effects on microorganisms. These metabolites and their amounts vary depending upon various factors. Here, we studied the antimicrobial effect of secondary metabolites of Bituminaria sp. genotypes and explored whether this effect changes with different growing stages of the plant. The results show that extracts obtained from 12 B. bituminosa genotypes were not significantly effective on Gram-negative bacteria but highly effective on Gram-positive bacteria and eukaryotic yeast. Of these genotypes, 9 and 12 genotype were more effective than the rest. Observations suggest that the extracts from the plants are more effective during the beginning of flowering stage than the growth and budding stages for the bacteria studied. It could be due to the differences in the nature of the metabolites and their quantity.

Responses of photosynthesis and P/Fe traits to P application in soybean under stress of low Fe.

We examined the effects of phosphorus (P) levels on photosynthetic and P/Fe traits of soybean under the stress of low Fe and their genotypic differences, to provide a theoretical basis for rational application of P and Fe fertilizer. Six P-efficient and six P-inefficient soybean varieties screened in the early stage were used as experimental materials. Four treatments of P:Fe ratio were set, including 0:30, 30:30, 150:30 and 300:30 (μmol·L-1). We measured chlorophyll fluorescence traits and P-Fe utilization efficiency in soybean. A stepwise regression equation was established with seed weight per plant. Pathway analysis was performed, with the response of P-efficient and P-inefficient soybean genotypes to different P:Fe treatments being comprehensively evaluated by factor scores. The results showed significant main and interactive effects of genotype and P:Fe on the relative electron transfer rate of photosystem Ⅱ (ETR) at beginning of flowering stage (R1), the proportion of the energy absorbed by photosystem Ⅱ dissipated into heat (NPQ) at R1 stage, and proportion of energy absorbed by photosystem Ⅱ devoted to the photochemical reaction (qL) at R1 stage. Results of canonical correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between P utilization efficiency of seed at full maturity stage (R8) and photosynthetic rate at R1 stage of P-efficient genotypes. Seed Fe utilization efficiency of P-inefficient genotypes at R8 stage was positively correlated with NPQ at R1 stage, but negatively correlated with qL at R1 stage. The actual photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ (ΦPSⅡ) at R1 stage was negatively correlated with P-efficient genotypes, but positively correlated with P-inefficient genotypes, which indicated that ΦPSⅡ at R1 stage was an important indicator for identifying soybean genotypes with different P efficiency under stress of low Fe. The comprehensive performance of P-efficient soybean genotypes decreased first and then increased with P level, while P-inefficient soybean genotypes increased first and then decreased. The inflection point of both genotypes appeared in P:Fe of 30:30. Thus, P:Fe ratio of 30:30 could be used as a threshold to identify soybean genotypes with different P efficiency under stress of low Fe. In conclusion, P fertilizer application should be equal to or greater than 1:1 (P:Fe) when planting P-efficient soybean genotypes in low Fe area, while P fertilizer application should not exceed 1:1 (P:Fe) when planting P-inefficient soybean genotypes.

Genotype Environment Interaction and Stability of Quantitative Traits in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Varieties

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate genotype × environment interactions and stability parameters of seven pea varieties by basic quantitative traits and to determine their suitability as initial material for future breeding programmes.Research Method: Both, above ground and root biomass of plants were analysed. Following characteristics were assessed in the beginning of flowering stage: plant height (cm), leaf fresh weight (g), stem fresh weight (g), root fresh weight (g), nodule number per plant, nodule weight per plant (g). Biometric measurements were made to 10 plants of each variety. Regression analysis, analysis of variance, non-parametrical analyses were used. All experimental data were processed statistically using the computer software GENES 2009.7.0 for Windows XP.Findings: Wt6803 variety could be selected as the most promising selection material in terms of plant height and number of nodules, but in terms of leaf fresh weight and stem fresh weight NDPO80138-B-2 and Mir varieties, respectively.Value: Pea varieties of breeding interest with regard to the both, genotype environment interaction and stability of quantitative traits were shown. They could be actively used in the creation of new varieties with increased general adaptability.

Study of Initial Material of Vetch

The study was conducted in the experimental field of the Institute of Forage Crops – Pleven, Bulgaria for a three-year period. Ten vetch specimens (varieties and populations) different originated were examined – Bulgarian population (Vicia sativa); Bulgarian population (Vicia pannonica ssp. striata; Detenicka Panonska (Vicia pannonica) and Asko 1; Kowatschite, K- 25 331, K- 29 800, K- 30 553, K- 30 574, K- 30 671 from Vicia villosa. The main quantitative characteristics were analyzed: plant height (cm), height of the first pod (cm), number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of seeds per plant (g) and indicators: beginning of flowering stage (days) and duration of the growing season (days). Two-way ANOVA and variance analysis were used for statistical data processing. High values ​​of variation coefficient were found for seed weight (107.87%), number of seeds per plant (88.80%), height of first pod (30.78%), number of pods per plant (37.97%) and number of seeds per pod (27.45), and average variation for plant height (15.97%), respectively. The varieties of Vicia pannonica can be characterized as early ripening with a growing season duration of 244-246 days, the population of Vicia sativa as medium ripening (242-252 days), and from Vicia villosa (except K-29 800, Kowatschite and Asko 1) as late maturing (242-256 days). The varieties of the species Vicia villosa K-30 671, Asko and 1 K-25 331, which are well leafed and form long stems (142-151 cm), are suitable as parental components in the combinational selection in the direction for forage. The Bulgarian population of Vicia sativa was found to form the largest number of both, pods (87) and seeds (351). For other the numbers, the seeds per plant trait was between 116 (K-30 574) and 133 (K-30 553). In the direction of seed production the Bulgarian population of Vicia sativa can be emitted.

Photophysical Chracterization of Galanthus elwesii Hook

The investigation of photophysical properties of the Galanthus elwesii Hook different plant organs (root, leaf, flower and bulb) at different growing stages (start and after flowering, fruit ripening) has been carried out via UV-Vis spectrophotometre, fluorescence spectrometer and the cyclic voltammetry analysis. Polyphenol contents are a group of natural compounds for drug discovery. The correlation of their potential to act as biologically activity (depend on polyphenolic content) and photophysical properties have been investigated. Fruit ripening and beginning of flowering stage was observed highest emision value, beginning of flowering bulb is highest florescence quantum yield. The quantum yields were calculated and as a result, the highest value belongs to after flowering leaf and bulb.

Ecological sustainability and stability of quantitative signs in vetch (Vicia villosa) varieties

Ecological sustainability and stability by basic quantitative signs of winter vetch genotypes (Vicia villosa) has been assessed. The experiment was conducted in three environments in the central northern Bulgaria during 2014-16 cropping seasons. The following characteristics have been assessed: i) in the beginning of flowering stage – above ground fresh weight (leaves + stems), root length, root fresh weight, nodule number per plant, nodule weight per plant ii) in the technical maturity of seeds stage - seed weight per plant. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for the GE (genotype-environment) interaction for most of the signs indicating the possibility of selection for stable entries. Suitable varieties in the direction of both, fresh biomass productivity and ecological plasticity were found. Some of them were considered suitable for growing in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Morphological characterization of Grass pea (&lt;em&gt;Lathyrus sativus L.&lt;/em&gt;) Varieties

Purpose: The maintenance of grass pea varieties and a comparative assessment of their biological characteristics, which will serve as a basis for future breeding work is required. The purpose of the study is to assess the biological potential of grass pea varieties in productivity and productivity components.Research Method: Both, above ground and root biomass of plants was analyzed at the beginning of flowering stage and at the technical maturity of seeds. The coefficient of earliness was determined. The statistical methods viz hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to group the genotypes by similarity. Relationships between the characteristics tested and their variability were established by correlation analysis.Findings: According to the coefficient of earliness the varieties studied were grouped as follows: LA5108- early variety; LAT4362 and BGE027129 - middle-early varieties, and LAT5038 and GE015741 - late varieties. Variety BGE027129 showed a high level of biological abilities on most of the characteristics. BGE025277 is distinguished with high productivity of seed weight (4.26 g/plant). BGE015741 was characterized by high both, number of nodules (25.27 nodules per plant) and weight of nodules (0.59 g per plant), the best specific nodulating ability (0.62) as well the highest seed weight productivity (5.52g/plant). The nodule weight was positive correlated with the plant weight (r = 0.517). High coefficient of inheritance in a broad sense was found for the root weight (99.24%) and root length (92.65%) at the technical maturity stage, for the seed weight (77.94%) and number of branches per plant (72.32%), root weight (59.67%) and root length (48.09%) in the flowering stage.Original Value: Grass pea varieties of breeding interest in regard to the both nodulating ability andseed productivity were shown.

Performance of Legumes-Turnip Mixtures with Different Seed Rates

This study aimed to investigate appropriate seed rates for legume-turnip intercrops under different harvest stages. Turnip (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa) was sown with common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) and pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L. Poir) in 2014 with four different combinations (100% legume, 75% legume + 25% turnip, 50% legume + 50% turnip, 100% turnip) and catted in two different times when the beginning and end of the flowering of turnip. The study was conducted in Yozgat-Turkey with three replicates. Hay yield, protein yield, ADF, NDF, Ca, Mg, P, K, Land Equivalent Ratio, Competitive Ratio and Aggressivity characteristics were determined in view of the combinations. The results of this study, 50%HV + 50%T and sole pea harvested turnip was at the beginning of flowering stage were the best treatments. On the other hand, when harvest was done at end of the flowering of turnip 50%P + 50%T, 75%P + 25%T and 50%HV + 50%T intercropping were the high yielding treatment.

Validation of reference genes for gene expression analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in pea lines (Pisum sativum) with different lodging susceptibility

AbstractReal‐time PCR data from every gene expression analysis experiment have to be normalised with appropriate reference genes, which are uniformly expressed in a sample set being analysed. Reference genes have to be tested independently for each experimental set. We estimated the gene expression of five potential reference genes (Phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A, histone H3, β‐tubulin, transcription factor IIA and actin) in 33 pea (Pisum sativum L.) samples. Plant material comprised stem fragments from four pea accessions (three cultivars with different lodging susceptibility and stem stiffness and one wild‐type accession). Different phenological development stages of plants and environmental conditions were tested under three sample subsets. Phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A and β‐tubulin were the most stable genes in the subset of 30‐day plants, grown in the greenhouse. Plants at the beginning of flowering stage were grown in the greenhouse and in the field. Phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A and transcription factor IIA exhibited the most stable expression under field conditions, while histone H3 and β‐tubulin were the most stable under greenhouse conditions. Phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A and β‐tubulin were also the most stable genes among all the tested samples. We have identified stably expressed genes, which may be used as a reference for normalisation of real‐time PCR data in our sample subset. Our research is a good starting point for other studies of gene expression in pea stem tissue. This is the first step to perform gene expression studies connected with lodging resistance of pea.

Trichoderma harzianum and some antioxidants for suppressing faba bean chocolate spot incidence under natural field infection

Chocolate spot is one of the most important diseases affecting faba bean in Egypt. The field experiment was conducted for two cropping seasons with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of 'Trichoderma harzianum' and five antioxidant agents, i.e. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, VitaMax Plus against Chocolate spot disease incidence and severity under field conditions. Field study was performed during two successive growing seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) using the bioagent T. harzianum and antioxidants individually or in combinations. All treatments were applied as faba bean foliar spray three times with 15 days interval starting at the beginning of flowering stage. Percentages of disease incidence and severity were measured for each growing season and their mean was calculated. Results showed that all applied treatments could reduce chocolate spot disease incidence at a range of 66.6 to 92.2% compared to the fungicide Diathane M45 (39.0%). Meanwhile, disease severity followed similar trend. It was reduced by a range of 38.7 up to 75.1% and 20.9% relatively to control at applied treatments of antioxidants individually or combined with 'T. harzianum' and the fungicide, respectively. Combined treatments showed that when 'T. harzianum' combined with either one or all of the used antioxidants, they had superior effect for reducing disease incidence and severity on faba bean plants compared to fungicide and the control. Meanwhile, all of the antioxidants in combination showed lesser suppression effect on disease incidence and severity than individual treatment. The present findings demonstrate that bio-agent 'T. harzianum' integrated with antioxidant as foliar spray treatment can be recommended for the future use in a commercial scale for effective management of Chocolate spot on faba bean.

Elevated temperature intensity, timing, and duration of exposure affect soybean internode elongation, mainstem node number, and pod number per plant

A study was conducted in four compartments of a polycarbonate greenhouse at Gainesville, FL, USA to investigate how a soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) cultivar, Maverick (maturity group III, indeterminate), responded to three elevated temperatures, ELT, (day/night of 34/26 °C, 38/30 °C, and 42/34 °C) in comparison to a control growth temperature (30/22 °C). Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration was maintained at 700 μmol mol−1 in each compartment by a processor controlled air-sampling and CO2-injection system. Three sequential experiments were conducted at different times of year (summer, autumn, and early spring) to investigate the effect of intensity, timing, and duration of ELT on soybean node number, internode elongation, mainstem length, and number of pods set per plant. At the control temperature, the soybean plants grown in the polycarbonate greenhouse were taller than field-grown plants. When plants were grown under continuous ELT applied soon after sowing or at initial flowering, the number of nodes increased with increasing ELT intensity, whereas the length of individual internodes decreased. When ELT treatment was applied during the beginning of flowering stage (R1–R2) or earlier, more nodes were produced and the length of affected internodes was decreased. When the ELT was imposed later at reproductive stage R5+ just before the beginning of seed filling, effects on node numbers and internode lengths were negligible. Short-term (10-day) duration of ELT applied at four stages from V3 to R5+ did not significantly affect final mean numbers of nodes or mean mainstem lengths. Possible mechanisms of elevated temperature effects on soybean internode elongation and node number (internode number) are discussed. Total pod numbers per plant increased linearly with mainstem node numbers and mainstem length. Furthermore, total pod numbers per plant were greatest at 34/26 °C rather than at the control temperature of 30/22 °C (and remained high at 38/30 °C). Mild increases in temperature might not threaten, but actually increase, yields of soybean in northerly zones where this crop is currently grown at slightly suboptimal temperatures. However, a sustained increase in ambient temperature would likely threaten soybean yields.

Effect of flowering time on floral sexual durations and phenotypic gender in dichogamous Aconitum gymnandrum

The flowering time plays an important role in the mating opportunities of male and female functions and final reproductive success in plants. The mating environment hypothesis predicts that the differences of flowering time in protandrous species can change individual's phenotypic gender and the mating environment within a population, finally affect the optimal allocation of resources to sexual functions. To determine the effect of flowering time on sexual durations and phenotypic gender in protandrous plants, we recorded the male and female phase durations of all flowers in protandrous Aconitum gymnandrum (Ranunculaceae), and examined the relationships of flowering phenology and floral sexual durations and phenotypic gender. The results showed that the late flowers (top) had longer male duration versus female duration compared to early those (basal) within a inflorescence, showing temporally male-biased allocation. The relatively temporal allocations to both sexual durations also presented a similar trend among plants with different flowering time. Relatively longer male duration vs. female duration in the later flowers or late-flowering individuals, showed temporally male-biased allocation. Furthermore, individual's variation in flowering time affected floral sex ratio within population and the dynamics of phenotypic gender of individuals. It showed a shift from male-biased to female-biased gender during flowering season in A. gymnandrum population, because most of the individuals had only male-phase flowers at the beginning of flowering stage and only female- phase flowers at the end. Therefore, mean phenotypic gender of individuals shifted from femaleness to maleness with flowering time. Our results support the mating environment hypothesis, i.e. male-biased floral sexual ratio (mating environment) early in protandrous A. gymnandrum population leads to female-biased phenotypic gender of individuals flowered early and thus female-biased temporal sex allocation in early-flowering individuals and early flowers within inflorescences in comparison with the late-flowering individuals and late flowers.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Nitrogen Accumulation, Translocation and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.)

In this study, five conventional oilseed rape varieties with different oil contents, including Yangyou 6(YY6), Suyou 211(SY211), Ningyou 20(NY20), Zhongshuang 11(ZS11), and Zheyou 50(ZY50) were grown under three N(nitrogen) fertilizer levels: 120(N1), 240(N2), and 360 kg N ha-1(N3) from 2010 to 2012. The effects of N application on N accumulation, N translocation rate and N use efficiency were studied through plant sampling, picking deciduous leaf and measuring dry matter weight, N content and oil content. The results showed that with increasing N application rates yield and total N amount in whole plant increased, and N harvest index(NHI) and N use efficiency for grain production(NUEg) decreased. The N translocation rate in leaf ranged from 76.6% to 80.2%, and there were no significant differences among different N fertilizer levels. The nitrogen translocation rate in stem ranged from 36.0% to 57.6%, and decreased with increasing N application rates. The N proportion of deciduous leaf to whole plant ranged from 14.9% to 20.3%, and increased with increasing N application rates. The N proportion of the beginning of flowering stage to ripening stage was from 75.5% to 90.5%, and increased with increasing N application rates. The effect of N amount at the beginning of flowering stage on yield is significant. N application at earlier stage promotes flower bud differentiation and increases effective pods, resulting in higher yield.

10.5937/ratpov51-5571 = Effect of genotype and applied management on alfalfa yield and quality

It is essential to apply advanced management for successful production of alfalfa hay with premium quality (high content of protein and minerals). The maximum yield and the best quality of alfalfa in Serbia can be obtained by cutting four or five times per year. In alfalfa stands, use of cutting system with three cuts per year is inefficient and does not allow full exploitation of cultivar genetic potential and environmental conditions. It is possible, and economically beneficial to grow alfalfa on pseudoglay soils after application of lime and organic manure, with recommended rates 2.5 t ha-1 lime and 30 t ha-1 manure. Cutting alfalfa at the beginning of flowering stage (5 cuts per year) provides hay with better quality - higher content of crude protein and lower portion of fibre fractions (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin), and there is no reduction in dry matter yield. There is no differences in alfalfa quality after application of lower (2.5 t ha-1) and higher dose (5.0 t ha-1) of lime + 30 t ha-1 of organic manure, but there is significant increase of dry matter yield and protein yield per hectare followed by higher level of metabolic energy per unit area. Upon the results of this study, base of successful alfalfa production would be to develop management system and cultivars for different environments that would maximize hay yields without significant loses of quality.