Consistent Yield Differences Research Articles

Are awns truly relevant for wheat yields? A study of performance of awned/awnless isogenic lines and their response to source–sink manipulations

The introgression of awns as a source of photoassimilates during grain filling has received has long been of particular attention in wheat. Although the benefits for average grain weight (AGW) seem consistent, those for yield still remain unclear, and the causes for the improved AGW have not been examined. In this study we carried out three field experiments. In two of them, one in CIMMYT (Mexico) and the other in Lleida (Spain), we compared awned-awnless near isogenic lines (NILs) subjected to defoliation and degraining during the effective period of grain filling, whilst in another experiment we analysed the responses of modern cultivars to awn detachment 10 days after anthesis under two nitrogen levels. There were not consistent differences in yield between the awned-awnless NILs neither across the locations nor across genetic backgrounds. This lack of effect on yield was associated with a compensatory effect of the presence of awns on decreasing grain number while increasing AGW. The manipulation treatments did not consistently affect AGW neither in the NILs nor in the modern cultivars. Focusing on the responses of the NILs, firstly there were some statistically significant responses in AGW but they were both mostly very small and inconsistent between defoliation and degraining treatments as well as between genetic backgrounds. Secondly these responses failed to be consistently more noticeable in the awnless than in the awned lines (as expected if the presence of awns increases AGW through increasing photosynthetic capacity during grain filling). The increase on AGW due to the presence of awns seemed ascribed to both an indirect and a direct effect. The former would simply reflect the consequence of awns reducing grain number: this would naturally be the consequence of an increased failure of distal florets to become fertile which would have reduced the proportion of grains constitutively smaller as well. A direct true effect on the capacity of the grains to grow also emerged with the analysis of individual size of each particular grain for the awned-awnless NILs revealing a constitutively higher potential size in the awned NILs, even for the largest grains.

Responses to phosphorus among barley genotypes

Genetic improvement in phosphorus (P) use efficiency (i.e. the ratio of biomass or yield at nil P to that at a given rate of application) is an important goal to improve P recovery and P efficiency of farming systems. Experiments were conducted at three sites in South Australia between 2009 and 2011 to characterise genetic variation in yield with no applied P and in the response to P fertiliser among a diverse range of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes. In each experiment, 39–54 genotypes were grown at 0 or 30 kg P/ha. Responses to P were measured near the beginning of stem elongation by using normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and by harvesting the grain. Rhizosheath size was also measured on seedlings. Consistent differences in growth and yield at 0 kg P/ha were measured among the genotypes. By contrast, there were large environmental effects on responses to P, but some genotypes showed consistent responses. Measurements of growth, yield and P uptake on a subset of genotypes showed that most of the variation in biomass and yield could be attributed to variation in P-uptake efficiency (net total P uptake per unit available P) rather than to P-utilisation efficiency (biomass or yield per unit total P uptake). The size of the rhizosheath made a small contribution to variation in NDVI but not grain yield, suggesting that rhizosheath size may be of some benefit to early growth but that this does not persist through to yield. Genetic correlations between NDVI and yield were often weak but were generally positive at 0 kg P/ha. Correlations between responses in NDVI and responses in grain yield were low and often negative. The study identified several barley genotypes that showed consistent differences in yield at low P and responses to P; however, selection for P efficiency based solely on responses in vegetative growth may not be appropriate. Variation in P uptake appeared to be more important than P-utilisation efficiency for P efficiency in barley.

Nitrate loss in subsurface drainage and corn yield as affected by timing of sidedress nitrogen

Using chlorophyll meters, crop sensors, or aerial photography to fine-tune sidedress N application rates have been proposed for optimizing and perhaps reducing overall N fertilizer use on corn (Zea mays L.) and thereby improving water quality by reducing NO3 losses to surface and ground waters. However, numerous studies have shown that a range of sensors are unable to detect nitrogen deficiencies until at least the middle of and often late in the growing season. Sidedressing N early in the growing season has proven to be a sound strategy for optimizing yields and minimizing nitrate losses in tile drains. However, delaying sidedressing until mid-season (just before reproductive growth) has been shown to negate much of the yield and nitrate leaching loss benefits. For four years in an Iowa production field (2006–2009), we measured the crop yield and nitrate leaching losses to subsurface drain pipes in a corn–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation when N fertilizer was sidedressed to corn at three different crop development stages. The first treatment had all of the N fertilizer applied when the corn was at the 2 leaf stage (V2). The other two treatments split the N fertilizer application equally between the V2 stage and when six corn leaves were fully extended (V6) or when 12 corn leaves were fully extended (V12). Waiting until the V12 stage to sidedress the remaining N is a compromise between when plant sensors may be sensitive to N deficiencies and when sidedressing may still provide a water quality benefit without a detrimental impact on corn yield. We found no consistent yield differences for corn among the three treatments with significantly decreasing corn yields in the order of V12>V2>V6 in 2008 but no differences in 2006 or when averaged over both years. Similarly, none of the N treatments affected soybean yields grown the following year. When averaged over all years, there were no significant differences in nitrate concentration or leaching losses in subsurface drains among the treatments. Thus, if crop sensors can provide N rate information for sidedressing by the V12 growth stage, optimization of N fertilizer rates for crop yield and minimization of nitrate leaching may be possible.

Wheat Cultivar Performance on Certified Organic Fields in Minnesota and North Dakota

Synthetic agrichemicals are used to minimize nutrient deficiencies and pests when developing and selecting modern small‐grain cultivars. Some farmers believe that modern cultivars are not adapted to environments without these inputs, and old cultivars should be grown. Our objective was to determine the adaptability of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars for production in certified organic environments. A single seed lot for 15 cultivars and two seed lots each for two others were used to establish 19 treatments evaluated for grain yield, protein content, kernel and volume weight, along with phenotypical growth traits on four certified organic fields in Minnesota and North Dakota in 2003 and 2004. The cultivars represented different development eras, but 11 were released since 1995. Interactions between environments and cultivars existed for the four grain parameters (P < 0.05), but some modern cultivars ranked high consistently for yield, protein content, and volume weight. For example, the modern cultivar Walworth produced an average of 500 kg ha−1 more grain than the highest yielding cultivar developed before 1970. Seedling vigor and other phenotypical growth traits did not explain consistent yield differences between cultivars. These results suggest that modern spring wheat cultivars are adapted to certified organic environments. The phenotypical growth traits considered in this study are not suited as primary selection criterion for cultivars in certified organic environments.

EFFECT OF RESIDUE MANAGEMENT METHODS ON NO-TILL DRILL PERFORMANCE

Excessive crop residue on the soil surface impedes drill performance and subsequent crop production inconservation tillage systems. To address this issue, 10 different residue management strategies were evaluated to determinetheir effect on no-till drill performance in terms of seedling establishment, early plant vigor, and crop yield. Field conditionswere characterized by size, concentration, and distribution of residue. Residue management strategies included leaving tallstanding stubble, using various chopping and spreading devices, and removing the residue by baling. Experiments wereconducted in northeastern Oregon fields that had been previously seeded to winter wheat and produced 9.8 and 10.5 t/ha ofresidue in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Winter and spring wheat plots were seeded with a hoe-type no-till drill. For the residuemanagement methods used in this study, stand establishment and seedling dry weight were reduced by 20% to 58% and 22%to 46%, respectively, when the full quantity of residue was left on the soil surface as compared to those where the residueconcentration was reduced by baling. Seeding into high concentrations of residue left by non-uniform residue distributionsystems also caused reductions in stand establishment and early plant growth. Long standing stubble and high concentrationsof loose straw greater than 18 cm in length caused unacceptable drill plugging. Successful drill operation was achieved incrop residues exceeding 9.8 t/ha when stubble height was less than or equal to row spacing and the majority of cut straw wascut into pieces less than 18 cm long. Although consistent yield differences were not found, the results of this study showedthat residue concentration and size have an important influence on no-till crop yield potential and drill operation.

Influence of Bt Transgenes on Cell Wall Lignification and Digestibility of Maize Stover for Silage

There have been inconsistent reports that maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry1 Ab transgene contain more lignin than non‐Bt hybrids of similar genetic background. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the cry1 Ab transgene on lignin concentration (using three different assays), yield, and forage quality traits of maize. Replicated trials were conducted at four locations in Minnesota with 12 commercial hybrids (three MON810 and three Bt11 cry1 Ab transgene event hybrids, and respective near‐isogenic controls). Whole plants and the fourth elongated, above‐ground internodes were harvested at silage maturity. Samples were analyzed for crude protein, starch, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber, 24‐ and 96‐h in vitro ruminal NDF digestibility, and lignin (acid detergent, Klason, and acetyl bromide). European corn borers (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) were not controlled and damage was limited to the non‐Bt hybrids, averaging 1.5 internodes plant−1 with tunnels. Environment and environment × hybrid interactions affected all measures of maize performance and quality, but comparisons of non‐Bt/Bt hybrid pairs, for both whole plants and internodes, found no consistent differences in yield, nutrient content, in vitro ruminal NDF digestibility, or lignin concentration. Differences in lignin concentration were infrequent, small in magnitude, and inconsistent between a few non‐Bt/Bt hybrid pairs at individual locations. Two non‐Bt/Bt hybrid pairs did not differ in lignin concentration at any location. Contrary to some earlier reports, presence of the cry1 Ab transgene did not alter lignin concentration or other forage quality traits of maize stover in commercial maize hybrids.

Shifts in Pest Resistance, Fall Dormancy, and Yield in 12‐, 24‐, and 120‐Parent Grazing Tolerant Synthetics Derived from CUF 101 Alfalfa

Selection for grazing tolerance has been reported to be accompanied by changes in resistance to blue alfalfa aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji) and fall dormancy in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). This study was conducted to determine changes in pest resistance, fall dormancy, grazing tolerance, and yield between ‘CUF 101’ alfalfa and three experimental, grazing tolerant synthetics. A 120 parent experimental synthetic was derived from CUF 101 after two cycles of selection for grazing tolerance. Two synthetics composed of 12 and 24 parents were selected from the 120 grazing tolerant parents on the basis of the genetic dissimilarity of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. There were no significant differences between the three experimental synthetics for grazing tolerance; however, all experimental synthetics were more grazing tolerant than CUF 101. All experimental synthetics had lower levels of resistance to blue alfalfa aphid, but generally higher levels of resistance to five other diseases in comparison to CUF 101. All experimental synthetics were more fall dormant than CUF 101. No consistent differences in yield were documented among the synthetics at testing locations in Georgia or California. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for further evaluation, after selection for grazing tolerance, to document fall dormancy and blue alfalfa aphid resistance ratings and to practice reselection for these traits if necessary.

MICROIRRIGATION OF ALMONDS

A large scale field trial was conducted at the Nickels Soils Laboratory in the Sacramento Valley of California to evaluate three microirrigation systems; Surface Drip, Subsurface Drip (SDI) and Micro-jet on four cultivars of almonds, ’Nonpareil’, ’Butte’, ’Carmel’ and ‘Monterey’ (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb.). Ten years of evaluation has shown that high commercial yields (2500 kg/ha) of high quality almonds can be produced using all three types of microirrigation. Micro-jet irrigated trees tended to outyield drip irrigated trees by about 10% in some years for some cultivars. No consistent yield differences were found. Tree growth under SDI, as measured by trunk size, was comparable to surface drip irrigation but slightly smaller than micro-jet irrigated trees when equal amounts of irrigation water were applied. Root development was more extensive under micro-jet irrigated trees compared to both single hose drip systems. No significant root intrusion was found in trifluralin impregnated SDI emitters but standard SDI emitters were plugged by almond root growth after five years of field operation. Minor root pinching was evident on the buried flexible supply hoses in both SDI and surface drip systems. Micro-jet irrigation increased system maintenance and resulted in higher herbicide use to control vegetation on the orchard floor.

Applications of Mixtures of Copper Fungicides and Chlorothalonil for Management of Peanut Leaf Spot Diseases

Management of early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) and late leaf spot (Cercosporidium personatum) of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in the southeastern U.S. is dependent upon multiple applications of foliar fungicides. Field experiments were conducted from 1997 to 2000 to compare the efficacy of mixtures of copper hydroxide or copper oxychloride and reduced rates of chlorothalonil with that of full rates of chlorothalonil alone or chlorothalonil + propiconazole. In all tests, rates per ha of 0.70 kg of chlorothalonil + 0.70 kg of copper oxychloride or higher provided leaf spot control that was similar (P > 0.05) to that achieved with standard rates of chlorothalonil (0.84 kg/ha) + propiconazole (0.063 kg/ha). Application of chlorothalonil at 0.56 kg/ha + copper oxychloride at 0.56 kg/ha controlled leaf spot as well as (P > 0.05) chlorothalonil alone at 1.26 kg/ha in five of six tests in which that treatment was evaluated. In three of four tests in 1998 and 1999, application of chlorothalonil at 0.63 kg/ha + copper hydroxide at 0.63 kg/ha controlled leaf spot as well as chlorothalonil alone at 1.26 kg/ha. In both tests in 2000, application of chlorothalonil at 0.84 kg/ha + copper hydroxide at 0.63 kg/ha controlled leaf spot as well as chlorothalonil alone at 1.26 kg/ha. There were no consistent yield differences among the chlorothalonil, chlorothalonil + propiconazole, or chlorothalonil + copper treatments. Accepted for publication 8 November 2001. Published 16 November 2001.

Effects of cultivar and cutting frequency on dynamics of stolon growth and leaf appearance in white clover grown in mixed swards

AbstractThe hypothesis that dynamics of growth, branching of stolons and appearance of leaves are important for the persistence of white clover (Trifolium repens) in mixed swards was tested. The effect of cutting frequency and white clover cultivar on stolon and leaf dynamics was studied throughout the growing season in a field experiment. Mixtures of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover cultivars with different leaf sizes, cvs. Alice, Gwenda and Retor, were evaluated for white clover persistence at two cutting frequencies. Stolon dynamics, stolon survival, leaf and node appearance rate, branching, flowering and stolon elongation rate were analysed and related to white clover content and yield.There were clear seasonal fluctuations in stolon and leaf characteristics. Stolon elongation rate and appearance rates of nodes, leaves and branches declined in autumn. Temperature and irradiation explained a major part of the variation of stolon elongation rate and leaf appearance rate and 25% of the variation in stolon branching rate.Significant and consistent differences in yield and botanical composition were found between mixtures. Mixtures with cv. Alice had the highest total and white clover yield and the highest white clover content, whereas mixtures with cv. Retor had the lowest yield and the lowest white clover content. Stolon elongation rate and stolon internode length were significantly higher in cv. Alice than in the other white clover cultivars, whereas cv. Retor had a significantly higher percentage of leaves with damage caused by insects and slugs than the other cultivars. Little support was found for the hypothesis that branching characteristics are a key component of competitive success in mixed pasture, as most measured branching characteristics were not associated with differences in white clover yield between cultivars and cutting regimes.

The effect of common root rot on the yield of resistant and susceptible wheat

The impact of common root rot, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, on the yield of mixtures of resistant and susceptible backcross-6 derivative lines of Neepawa and Chester wheat was examined in field tests at three locations between 1991 and 1994. Different blends consisting of all 25% incremental combinations of resistant and susceptible back-cross lines within each cultivar were evaluated for disease severity and yield at root rot nurseries and disease-free sites. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in yield were often detected among cultivars. However, within cultivars, no consistent yield differences were observed among blends of resistant and susceptible lines of the same cultivar regardless of root rot severity. Key words:Cochliobolus sativus, common root rot, yield, wheat

Effects of tall wheatgrass windbreaks on hay production of three alfalfa varieties at a semiarid location in Saskatchewan

Soil water limits alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth in semi-arid southwest Saskatchewan. The dry matter yields of three alfalfa varieties with contrasting growth habits were compared when grown between tall wheatgrass [Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D.H. Dewey] windbreaks spaced on 15-m centres, and when grown without windbreaks. Over a 7-yr period, and including the area occupied by the windbreaks, alfalfa yields were 2110 kg ha−1 dry matter on average. This was 40% more dry matter than from alfalfa grown outside the windbreaks. There were no consistent yield differences between the three varieties, but Beaver, a branch-rooted variety, produced more dry matter than Angus, a tap-rooted variety with fast regrowth potential, and Rangelander, a creeping-rooted variety, in the years when differences reached significance, and on average over the 7-yr period. Alfalfa regrowth was sufficient for a second cut in 3 of 7 yr. Cultivating to a depth of 35 cm with a Paraplow subsoiler prior to seeding had no effect on hay yields. Key words:Medicago sativa, dry matter yield, snow management

Evaluation of Weed Control Practices during Spring and Summer Alfalfa Establishment

Weed management during alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) establishment is a major concern for producers in the northeast USA. The objectives of this research were to determine the yield, quality, and economic consequences of controlling weeds during the establishment of spring- and summer-seeded alfalfa. Alfalfa was band-seeded during spring (April and May) and late summer (August and September) into a conventionally tilled seedbed of Hagerstown silt loam (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalfs) at Landisville, PA, in 1991 and Murrill silt loam (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludult) at Rock Springs, PA, in 1991 and 1992. Weed control treatments for the spring seedings included: (i) no herbicide or nurse crop (no weed control); (ii) oat (Avena sativa L.) nurse crop; (iii) benefin preplant incorporated; and (iv) sethoxydim and 2,4-DB postemergence. Weed control treatments for late-summer seedings were the same as those in the spring except that the nurse crop was replaced with a paraquat application to dormant alfalfa. Seeding alfalfa later, compared with earlier, in the spring tended to increase weed and decrease alfalfa dry matter (DM) yield but did not affect total DM yield or forage quality during the seeding year. For spring-seeded alfalfa, weed control treatment effects on alfalfa and weed DM yield during the seeding-year were sporadic, however, net economic return per acre was generally greatest when no weed control was used. Neither time of spring seeding nor weed control treatments produced consistent differences in yield, quality, or net economic return per acre after the seeding year. Delaying alfalfa seeding in the summer reduced first harvest alfalfa yield (704 Ib/acre less) and season total alfalfa yield (1121 Ib/acre less) compared with early seedings. Generally, weed control treatments in summer-seeded alfalfa did not improve alfalfa or total DM yield, forage quality, or net economic return per acre compared with no weed control. We conclude that when alfalfa is either spring or summer seeded, the weed control practices used in this study were not economically beneficial and may actually reduce net return per acre because of associated additional costs compared with seeding alfalfa with no companion crop or herbicide.

Soil properties and crop yield among four tillage systems in a wheat-pea rotation

Tillage systems that address soil conservation and sustainable crop yield need to be developed. Research was conducted on a Walla Walla silt loam (Typic Haploxeroll) to determine the long-term (19 years) effect of four tillage systems on soil properties and crop yield in a green pea ( Pisum sativum L.)—winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) rotation that was started in 1968. The experimental design was a split plot with four replications. Wheat and peas were grown each season. The primary tillage systems were: (T1) fall moldboard plow after wheat and after peas (control); (T2) fall rototill after wheat and fall sweep after peas; (T3) spring moldboard plow after wheat and fall moldboard plow after peas; (T4) no tillage after wheat and fall sweep after peas. Soil measurements included bulk density, pH, organic carbon, penetration resistance, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Profiles of bulk density, penetration resistance and pH revealed unique differences among treatments. However, there were no consistent differences in yield among the four tillage systems, in either green peas or wheat. From a crop production viewpoint, changes in soil properties on these tillage plots were inconsequential. From a soil erosion viewpoint, spring plowing (T3) and conservation tillage (T4) have an advantage over T2 and T1 because surface cover is maintained during the first winter following wheat harvest. Results show the importance of testing tillage systems over long periods of time and that the traditional system of fall moldboard plowing after wheat and after peas can be replaced by conservation systems without yield loss.

Effect of Rust on Yield and Digestibility of Pearl Millet Forage

The effects of infection by Puccinia substriata var. indica on yield and digestibility of pearl millet forage was examined in 1988 and 1989. Dwarf hybrids Tifleaf 1 (susceptible) and Tifleaf 2 (resistant), and tall hybrids Gahi 3 (susceptible) and Tift 85DA×186 (experimental cultivar Gahi 4, resistant) were inoculated or treated with fungicide after the first harvest to establish different levels of disease. For both dwarf and tall hybrids, there were no consistent differences in yield or digestibility between the disease-free plots of susceptible and resistant cultivars (...)

Uniformity among virus-free clones of ten potato cultivars

Heat therapy and meristem tip propagation were used to develop two or three virus-free clones of 10 cultivars from the following sources: Epicure from British Columbia and Scotland; Katahdin, Kennebec, Keswick, Red Pontiac and Sebago from British Columbia and New Brunswick; Norchip from Alberta, Quebec and Washington; Norland from Alberta, British Columbia and North Dakota; Red La Soda from British Columbia, Nebraska and North Dakota; and White Rose from British Columbia and North Dakota. Tests prior to treatment showed that all but one of the stocks were infected with potato virus X and/or potato virus S but in only five of the ten cultivars were all clones infected with the same virus or viruses. Field trials with the virus-free clones, which extended over four years, showed that one of the Norchip clones produced fewer tubers per plant than two other clones in three years of the four years, but no consistent differences in yield or specific gravity of tubers were found among the clones of any of the 10 cultivars.

Moisture‐Stress Effects on the Yield Components of Two Soybean Cultivars1

AbstractLimited soil moisture influences field crop performance by reducing plant height, the size of the assimilating leaf area, and the size and number of potential storage sites for produced dry matter. The effect of moisture stress on plants is complex and very dependent on the stage of development. Therefore, soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars ‘Hark’ and ‘Rampage’ were in grown in the field in large potometers filled with the top 15 cm of a Nicollet loam (Aquic Hapludolls, fineloamy mixed mesic). The plants were subjected to four independent moisture stress periods during critical reproductive stages of growth. Soil moisture was controlled by hand watering and the use of an automatic weather shelter, which covered the plots during periods of rainfall. Soil moisture was measured with a neutron soil‐moisture probe, and frequent leaf‐water potential and leaf diffusive resistance measurements were collected to document moisture stress. Final seed yield and components of yield were determined at maturity for all experimental units.Moisture stress significantly affected most components for both cultivars during the four stress periods, but important cultivar moisture stress interactions were difficult to identify. Although these two cultivars differed greatly in some specific components of yield (Le., seed number, seed size, etc.), compensation between the different yield components resulted in no consistent yield differences between these two cultivars.

Some effects of growing winter wheat continuously

SummaryAn experiment comparing the yield at various stages of continuous wheat growing on heavy land, using two varieties and two rates of application of nitrogenous fertilizer, is described and the results from 1963 to 1974 discussed.The yield of the second wheat crop was substantially less than that of the first following oats which followed beans, but there were no consistent yield differences between the second and later crops.The major disease present was eyespot, but the differences in yield between Cappelle-Desprez and Hybrid 46 were little affected as wheat growing continued.Increasing nitrogen application from 63 to 126 kg N/ha did not reduce the differences between first and later wheat crops.

Turnip Root Production Studies in Regard to Different Cultural Practices1

Abstract Field experiments with turnips (Brassica rapa L.) from 1963 to 1968 compared fertilizer placement methods, seeding rates, boron sources, and different methods of precision seeding on Tifton loamy sand. No consistent yield differences were found among the 4 methods of fertilizer placement. Yield was reduced as spacing was reduced from 6 to 3 inches within the rows. Borate 65 was not phytotoxic and was better than borax in controlling brown heart of roots. It was equally effective as a control measure whether applied at seeding time or sidedressed 30 days after seeding. Among methods of precision seeding the Keystone seed tape was most precise in controlling spacing and resulted in 2 days earlier emergence.

Turnip Root Production Studies in Regard to Different Cultural Practices1

Abstract Field experiments with turnips (Brassica rapa L.) from 1963 to 1968 compared fertilizer placement methods, seeding rates, boron sources, and different methods of precision seeding on Tifton loamy sand. No consistent yield differences were found among the 4 methods of fertilizer placement. Yield was reduced as spacing was reduced from 6 to 3 inches within the rows. Borate 65 was not phytotoxic and was better than borax in controlling brown heart of roots. It was equally effective as a control measure whether applied at seeding time or sidedressed 30 days after seeding. Among methods of precision seeding the Keystone seed tape was most precise in controlling spacing and resulted in 2 days earlier emergence.