Dry Matter Weight Research Articles

High-yield factors in the new soybean cultivar ‘Soramizuki’ derived from a US parent cultivar

ABSTRACT A new soybean cultivar, ‘Soramizuki,’ was developed by crossing ‘Fukuyutaka A1 gou’ with ‘UA4805’ to integrate the high-yield characteristics of a US cultivar into a Japanese cultivar. While the high yield and yield stability of ‘Soramizuki’ have been confirmed, the specific high-yielding factors were previously unknown. This study compared the yield and yield components of ‘Soramizuki,’ ‘UA4805,’ and ‘Sachiyutaka A1 gou’ in experimental fields during 2021 and 2023. In these two-year experiments, ‘Soramizuki’ demonstrated a significantly higher yield than ‘Sachiyutaka A1 gou.’ Despite a significant yield decrease in ‘UA4805’ in 2023 due to stink bug damage, it showed the highest yield among the three cultivars in 2021. Both ‘Soramizuki’ and ‘UA4805’ exhibited more total nodes, pods per node, and seeds per pod compared to ‘Sachiyutaka A1 gou.’ These differences were attributed to a higher node increase rate, a larger number of blooms per node, and a higher ratio of pods with three seed cavities. Additionally, ‘Soramizuki’ and ‘UA4805’ had greater dry matter weight per plant than ‘Sachiyutaka A1 gou,’ though there were no variations in the harvest index. The light interception ratio per leaf area in the upper canopy was lower in both ‘Soramizuki’ and ‘UA4805.’ These results suggest that the high-yielding traits of ‘Soramizuki’ are derived from the US cultivar ‘UA4805.’

Optimizing Irrigation Regimes for Peanuts in Water-Scarce Regions: A Case Study in Western Liaoning, China

Scientific irrigation scheduling is crucial for conserving agricultural water resources, as excessive irrigation diminishes crop yield and imprecise water application can equally reduce water use efficiency (WUE). In Western Liaoning Province, China, where water scarcity is critical, traditional irrigation regimes are commonly used for peanut cultivation, with local farmers applying water without considering actual crop water demands, thereby reducing water efficiency and yield. In this study, field experiments on peanuts were conducted from May to October during 2021 and 2022 in Heishan County, Western Liaoning Province, China. Four irrigation regime treatments for micro-sprinkler irrigation, with different lower limits of soil water content, were applied: T1 (55% field capacity), T2 (65% field capacity), T3 (75% field capacity), and T4 (85% field capacity). The plant height, stem thickness, root length, dry matter weight, yield, WUE, and net return were measured. Different irrigation regimes had significant effects on peanut growth. The yield was highest in the T3 treatment in 2021 at 5574 kg·hm−2. Moderate irrigation could improve the yield, but it was difficult to simultaneously achieve a high WUE. The WUE of the T3 treatment was 5% lower than that of the T2 treatment in 2022, where the WUE was the highest at 1.62 kg·m−3. The highest net return was observed in the T3 treatment at 27,307 yuan·hm−2. The T3 treatment, with the highest similarity degree of 0.83 as determined with the entropy value and TOPSIS method, was evaluated as the optimal irrigation regime. This regime not only exhibited a favorable balance of water use efficiency and yield but also maximized economic benefits, making it a recommendable practice for local peanut irrigation.

Evaluating Different Supplements on the Growth Performance and Bioconversion Efficiency of Kitchen Waste by Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) convert kitchen waste into high-quality insect feed. However, the optimal amount of auxiliary materials needed to improve the physical and chemical properties of kitchen waste and enhance BSFL bioconversion efficiency remains unresolved. In this study, maize stover and BSFL frass were added to kitchen waste (in groups G2 and G3, respectively) to explore their effects on the growth performance and bioconversion efficiency of BSFL. The group with only kitchen waste, without the addition of maize stover or BSF frass, was used as the control group and labeled as G1. On the 5th day, the body length of the BSFL in the G2 group was significantly greater than that in G1 and G3 (p < 0.05). The dry matter weight loss rate in the G3 group was significantly lower compared to that of G1 and G2 (p < 0.05), and the feed conversion rate (FCR) of G1 was significantly lower than that of G2 and G3 (p < 0.01). In summary, adding maize stover and BSFL frass increased BSFL feed intake and improved body weight gain. However, these additives did not significantly enhance BSFL bioconversion efficiency. The organic matter in maize stover and BSFL frass was utilized by the BSFL, and the heavy metal levels in each group of BSFL did not exceed standard limits.

Effect of Chemical Weed Control on Growth, Herb Yield and Oil Content of Mentha (Mentha arvensis L.) Across Northern Eastern and Central Highlands of India

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2015 at Crop Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad to study the effect of various weed management options on weed dynamics and production of mentha. In the experiment six treatments namely, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 50 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 62.5 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha, hand weeding and un-weeded control were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that a significantly lower weed density and weed dry matter weight, weed index and higher weed control efficiency were recorded under hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. The higher plant height, herbage yield (21.8 t/ha) and dry matter yield (6.00 t/ha) and oil yield (136.9 l/ha) of mentha were also obtained with hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha also resulted in the most effective herbicide against grassy weed and generated maximum net return (Rs. 92303/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.30) followed by propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha.

Assessing the impact of salinity stress on some morpho-physiological traits of two chickpea genotypes under hydroponic conditions

Evaluating the performance of crop species to salinity stress is considered an intricate task due to differences in performance, response and susceptibility at different phenological stages of chickpea crop. Assessment of the performance of chickpea genotypes in response to NaCl-induced salinity stress at the initial vegetative phase is of great importance to have a crystal idea about the threshold level of tolerance. An experiment was carried out under hydroponic conditions to evaluate the performance of two chickpea genotypes (ELMO and ORION), in response to different salinity levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl) as factorial arrangement under completely randomized design with three replications. The average of shoot and root dry matter weight was significantly higher for the ELMO genotype at the control treatment (1.143, 0.4133 g respectively), while it was significantly lower in the two genotypes ORION and ELMO at the highest salinity level (0.267 and 0.2700; 0.0433 and 0.0533 g respectively). The root to shoot ratio was significantly higher in both genotypes in the control and the lowest salt level (25 mM NaCl), without significant differences among them (47.98, 43.30, 37.10 and 36.25% respectively). The relative water content and stomatal conductance were significantly higher in the ORION genotype (88.01%; 335.40 mmol m-2 s-1) compared to ELMO (84.09%; 299.10 mmol m-2 s-1), and increasing salinity level caused a proportional decline in both traits, where they were significantly lower at the highest salt level (75Mm) (77.45%; 87.50 mmol m-2 s-1). Results indicate genotypic variability in response to NaCl-induced salinity stress under hydroponic conditions and the physiological traits are more expressive and reliable as selection criteria than morphological ones.

EFFECT OF ALBIT AND NPK ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea Mays. L) IN MUBI NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA

The study determined the Effect of Albit and Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on the growth and yield of maize (zea mays L) in mubi northern guinea savannah of Nigeria. To investigate the critical effect of albit and N.P.K on the growth and yield of maize, a field experiment was carried out at the Adamawa State University Research farm Mubi in the rainy seasons of 2023. The effect of Albit and N.P.K were evaluated. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were taken on nine parameters; plant height, plant leaves, stem girth, dry matter weight, length of cob, diameter of cob, 100 seed weight, days to 50% tasseling, and yield per plot. Results were obtained after subjecting the data to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results shows that the application of Albit + NPK produced a significant higher grain yield of 2.74 t/ha. Maize with Albit alone gave 2.4 t/ha and maize planted with NPK 2.4 t/ha which show no significant difference. In-terms of growth, application of Albit alone shows a promising result where it shows the same result with the application of NPK on plant and showed maize plant has more resistant ability to drought and plant viguor compared to NPK fertilizer. The research concludes that the planting of maize + Albit should be adopted in the northern guinea savannah region of Nigeria.

PH-sensitive intelligent packaging films from Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) starch and gum tragacanth incorporated with beetroot peel extract for monitoring shrimp freshness

This study aims to develop intelligent pH-sensitive food packaging films based on kodo millet starch (KMS), gum tragacanth (GT), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNP) incorporated with betalain-rich beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) peel extract (BPE). The physical, mechanical, optical, microstructural, thermal, barrier, and functional properties of films with different BPE concentrations (50, 100, and 200 % of dry matter weight) were studied. The results proved betalain to be the major component in the BPE, which showed significant color change under alkaline conditions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated good compatibility among the film constituents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested hydrogen bonding interactions between the betalain-BPE and KMS/GT/ZNP-based film matrix. Incorporating the extract at different concentrations enhanced the ultraviolet-visible light barrier, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial properties. The betalain-rich films showed color variation from pink in an acidic medium to yellow in an alkaline medium. The film with a 200 % concentration of BPE represented the highest color change when exposed to ammonia compared to other films. During the freshness indicator study of shrimp, the total volatile basic nitrogen concentration increased. The film with a 200 % concentration of betalain extract showed visible color changes from pink to pale yellow. Overall, our results suggest that the film containing a 200 % extract concentration can be used as an active pH-responsive packaging in the food industry.

Energy Deficiency and Misdistribution Leads to Disrupted Formation in Grain Yield and Rice Quality.

With the progress of society and the improvement of agricultural scientific technology, the single focus on high yield for rice production has gradually shifted to high quality. Coordinated development of grain yield and rice quality has become a core issue for researchers, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be solved. Two varieties, Zhongzheyou1 (ZZY1) and Zhongzheyou8 (ZZY8), were used as study materials under field conditions. The yield of ZZY1 was higher than that of ZZY8, which was mainly characterized by a higher seed-setting rate and grain weight. The rice quality of ZZY8 was better than that of ZZY1, primarily due to lower chalkiness and a higher head rice rate. The total dry matter weight of ZZY1 was lower than that of ZZY8, but the proportion of panicle dry matter weight or nonstructural carbohydrate to the total in the former was higher than that of the latter. The maximum grain-filling rate, average grain-filling rate, and key enzyme activities of ZZY1 were significantly higher than those of ZZY8, while the active grain-filling period was shorter than that of ZZY8. Furthermore, the ATP/ATPase content and energy charge values in the grains of ZZY1 were higher than those of ZZY8 at the early grain-filling stage. Transcriptome analysis showed that carbohydrate and energy metabolism were the main ways affecting the yield and quality of the two varieties. The energy production of ZZY1 was insufficient to simultaneously supply the needs thus leading to the discordant formation in its grain yield and rice quality formation.

Evaluation of Ratoon Potential and Yield of Some Sorghum Varieties (Sorghum bicolor L)

Sorghum production needs to be increased to meet food or feed needs because sorghum grain has nutritional qualities that are comparable to other grains such as corn. One of the advantages of the sorghum plant is the growth of new shoots from the base of the harvested stem which produces new plants, ratoon, that grow until they can be harvested. This experiment examines the ratoon potential of 5 sorghum varieties, Bioguma, Samurai, Pahat, Suri4, and the local Gando Keta variety so that we can utilize ratoon technology on these sorghum varieties. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a Completely Randomized Design. It can be confirmed from this experiment that the dry matter weight of the main plants is higher compared to the ratoon plants' dry matter weight, however, the yield of the ratoon was higher than that of the main plants. Seed size contributes to the higher yield of the ratoon plants. Among all the varieties tested, Suri4 and Pahat show the best ratoon potential. Gando Keta, the local variety, has the lowest grain yield of main and ratoon compared to the other varieties.

Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer for improved root growth, nitrogen utilization, and yield of cotton under mulched drip irrigation in southern Xinjiang, China

The root system plays a crucial role in water and nutrient absorption, making it a significant factor affected by nitrogen (N) availability in the soil. However, the intricate dynamics and distribution patterns of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) root density and N nutrient under varying N supplies in Southern Xinjiang, China, have not been thoroughly understood. A two-year experiment (2021 and 2022) was conducted to determine the effects of five N rates (0, 150, 225, 300, and 450 kg N ha−1) on the root system, shoot growth, N uptake and distribution, and cotton yield. Compared to the N0 treatment (0 kg N ha−1), the application of N fertilizer at a rate of 300 kg N ha−1 resulted in consistent and higher seed cotton yields of 5875 kg ha−1 and 6815 kg ha−1 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This N fertilization also led to a significant improvement in dry matter weight and N uptake by 32.4% and 53.7%, respectively. Furthermore, applying N fertilizer at a rate of 225 kg N ha−1 significantly increased root length density (RLD), root surface density (RSD), and root volume density (RVD) by 49.6–113.3%, 29.1–95.1%, and 42.2–64.4%, respectively, compared to the treatment without N fertilization (0 kg N ha−1). Notably, the roots in the 0–20 cm soil layers exhibited a stronger response to N fertilization compared to the roots distributed in the 20–40 cm soil layers. The root morphology parameters (RLD, RSD, and RVD) at specific soil depths (0–10 cm in the seedling stage, 10–25 cm in the bud stage, and 20–40 cm in the peak boll stage) were significantly associated with N uptake and seed cotton yield. Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer supply within the range of 225–300 kg N ha−1 can enhance root foraging, thereby promoting the interaction between roots and shoots and ultimately improving cotton production in arid areas.

Effects of different cold-resistant agents and application methods on yield and cold-resistance of machine-transplanted early rice.

Cold stress is a critical factor affecting rice production worldwide. The application of cold-resistant agents may improve the cold resistance and yield of crops. To screen for suitable cold-resistant agents for machine-transplanted early rice, the effects of uniconazole, abscisic acid, and zinc-amino acids chelate and their spraying times (seed soaking stage, one leaf and one heart stage, two leaves and one heart stage, 7 days before the transplanting stage, and regreening stage) on the yield and cold resistance of machine-transplanted early rice were investigated. Moreover, the application method (spraying amount: 750 and 1125g ha-1; spraying time: 7 days before the transplanting stage, transplanting stage, regreening stage, and transplanting stage and regreening stage) for the most suitable cold-resistant agent was optimized. The zinc-amino acids chelate was better than the other two cold-resistant agents for promoting rice tillering and increasing the leaf area index, dry matter weight, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD) and yield (i.e., 9.22% and 7.14% higher than uniconazole and abscisic acid, respectively), especially when it was applied in the regreening stage. The examination of spraying amounts and times indicated that the zinc-amino acids chelate dosage had no significant effect on the yield and cold resistance of early rice. However, the rice yield and antioxidant enzyme activities were highest when samples were sprayed once in the transplanting stage and the regreening stage. On the basis of the study results, 750g ha-1 zinc-amino acids chelate applications in the transplanting and regreening stages of machine-transplanted early rice plants may be ideal for increasing cold stress resistance and yield.

Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilizer Supply and Soil Nitrate Thresholds for High Yields of Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet is an important cereal crop in the North China Plain. However, excessive nitrogen fertilizer application over the years has led to declining yield and soil quality. This study investigated nutrient management strategies for foxtail millet based on crop yield levels and soil nutrient availability. In a field where targeted fertilization was conducted over six seasons, nitrogen fertilization effects and the dynamics of soil-available nitrogen were monitored continuously for two consecutive years (2022–2023) across five different foxtail millet varieties with varying yield levels. The study aimed to determine the optimal nitrogen application rate for achieving a high yield of foxtail millet, the minimum soil nitrate threshold required to maintain soil fertility, and the effective nitrogen application rate range for sustaining soil-available nitrate levels. Results showed that fertilization significantly affected dry matter weight during flowering, while variety affected dry matter weight at maturity. The average nitrogen application rate for achieving high yield across all five millet varieties was 141.3 kg·ha−1. Specifically, the average nitrogen application rate of nitrogen-efficient varieties achieving high yield (5607.32–5637.19 kg·ha−1) was 151.5 kg·ha−1, while the average nitrogen application rate of nitrogen-inefficient varieties achieving high yield (4749.77–4847.74 kg·ha−1) was 134.5 kg·ha−1. Soil NH4+-N and NO3−-N content increased when nitrogen application rate exceeded 360 kg·ha−1, posing environmental risks. To achieve high yield, soil nitrate levels would be maintained at an average of 17.23 mg·kg−1 (before sowing) and 9.75 mg·kg−1 (at maturity). A relationship between soil nitrate and nitrogen application rate was established: y = 867.5 − 50z (where y represents the optimal nitrogen application rate for high yield (kg·ha−1), and z represents soil NO3−-N content in the 0–20 cm layer before sowing, ranging from 10.0 to 17.35 mg·kg−1), which provided a practical method for nitrogen fertilization to achieve high yield of foxtail millet. In this study, the fertilization strategy was optimized according to soil nutrient level and yield targets, and the nitrogen application rate was controlled within 360 kg·ha−1 based on the soil nitrate nitrogen content, which will be instructive for reducing fertilizer use, maximizing fertilizer efficiency, and increasing yield.

Soil Enzyme Responses and Crop Productivity Indices Assessment in Agricultural Soil Impacted with Heavy Metals

The present study assessed the productivity of cultivated garden vegetable among other ecological assessments in soil samples impacted with heavy metals. Assay of soil enzyme responses showed the activity of: catalase, peroxidase, lipase and ureasewith corresponding OD reading of 0.750, 2.05, 0.22 and 1.704 respectively. There were noticeable increases in the activity of ureaseandperoxidasewhilecatalaseandlipaseactivitywererelativelylowinthesampledsoil. Out of the 321g of the vegetable seedstested for viability, 45% representing 144.45g was used for the planting and further experiment. After three days of cultivation, germination process was recorded faster in the <i>T. oleifera </i>potted ridge while <i>Amaranthus </i>and <i>Solanum </i>sp seed took 3-4 day for break full dormancy. Determination of total chlorophyll a and b in the selected vegetables showed a correlative increase in chlorophyll a and b in soils contaminated with Zn, Cu and Fe in all the cultivated vegetables: T<i>. oleifera</i>, <i>Amaranthus </i>and <i>Solanum </i>sp, respectively. There are significant increase in total cholorphyl a (0.9mg/g) and b (0.8mg/g) contents from the results when compared with the control experiment as other soil contaminated with heavy metals such as: Pb, and As repressed the selected vegetables cultivated in the soil samples. However total chlorophyll a was seems lightly higher than cholophyl b in all the selected vegetable cultivated in soil. Analysis on the impact of heavy metals on the shootlength of the cultivated vegetables analysed for thirty-one days showed regressive increase in the shootlength of the cultivated vegetables as the period of harvest increases from 0-31 when compared with the control experiment. However Cd and As had the most estimated impact on the vegetables in all the cultivated soils and its impact progresses as the period of harvest increases. Dry matter weight contents of the cultivated vegetables cultivated in the polluted soils were analysed; also the same index was assessed in the vegetables from the unpolluted soils. There was a significant increase in the dry matter contents of the cultivated vegetables in soil polluted with Cu, Fe and Zn respectively. However, dry matter contents were seen progressively low in vegetables cultivated in soils polluted with Cd, As and Pb. When compared with the control experiment. The results from the present study have shown the vulnerability of agricultural soil and cultivated vegetables to effluent from industrial bias sources used for irrigation and its impact on agricultural productivity.

Growth, Phenology and Yield Attributes of A White Maize Genotype Sauwmopmdt273 Under Different Planting Configurations

A field experiment was carried out at the agronomy field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, during the period from July to October, 2018 with fifteen planting configurations viz., T1 (40 cm × 15 cm), T2 (40 cm × 20 cm), T3 (40 cm × 25 cm), T4 (45 cm × 15 cm), T5 (45 cm × 20 cm), T6 (45 cm × 25 cm), T7 (50 cm × 15 cm), T8 (50 cm × 20 cm), T9 (50 cm × 25 cm), T10 (55 cm × 15 cm), T11 (55 cm × 20 cm), T12 (55 cm × 25 cm), T13 (60 cm × 15 cm), T14 (60 cm × 20 cm), and T15 (60 cm × 25 cm) to study the growth, phenology, yield attributes and yield of a white maize genotype SAUWMOPMDT273. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Regarding growth and yield parameters, the treatment 60 cm × 25 cm showed significantly the maximum plant height, tassel length and leaf area at silking, grain filling and at harvest. The highest area of an individual leaf 477.9, 879.3, and 496.3 cm2 as well as stem dry matter weight of 28.73, 21.35, and 27.40 g plant-1 respectively, below cob-node, at cob-node and above the cob-node during silking obtained from treatment 60 cm × 25 cm. The treatment 55 cm × 25 cm showed maximum biological yield (14.64 t ha−1) and 60 cm × 20 cm showed significantly the highest cob length (15.94 cm) and number of grains row−1 (20.00), but the highest number of grains cob−1 (231.50), 100 seed weight (29.99 g), grain weight cob−1 (59.81 g) were recorded from 55 cm × 25 cm. Sparser configuration (60×20 cm) requiring less seed rate, this configuration may be followed. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 67-76

Exploration of Biomass-related Genes in the FOX-superroot Lines of Lotus corniculatus and its Impact on Agronomic Traits

Background: Identifying biomass-related genes to meet the increasing demand for food supply is important approach for agricultural and scientific efforts. In this study, we employed the Full-length cDNA Over-eXpressing gene hunting system (FOX hunting system) to identify biomass-related genes through ectopic expression of Arabidopsis thaliana full-length cDNA in bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Methods: A total of 66 FOX superroot lines (FSLs) from Lotus corniculatus cv. Viking were transferred in vermiculite after two weeks in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. These FSLs were then grown in a growth chamber for four weeks, during which their plant length and root length were measured. High biomass lines were selected from this group. FSL #83 and #121 were then grown for an additional four months in a greenhouse until they reached maturity, at which point they were evaluated for their agronomic traits. Result: Out of the 66 analyzed FSLs, 15 displayed superior growth characteristics in plant length and total root length. Arabidopsis cDNA, categorized into genes related to various functions such as membrane transport, photosystems, phytohormone synthesis, amino acid synthesis and unknown genes, was introduced into these lines. Two lines were grown to maturity in the greenhouse and their agronomic traits were analyzed in detail. FSL #83 expressed brassinosteroid biosynthetic pathway gene (CPD) led to significant differences in internode length, number of stems, number of flowers and above-ground dry matter weight compared to non-transgenic Super-growing roots (SR). On the other hand, FSL #121 expressed Asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (SYNC1) gene exhibited increases in plant length and the number of stem nodes.

Productivity and quality parameters of Allium fistulosum L.

ABSTRACT The growing demand for non-traditional plant products encourages research into new plant species and cultivars. Allium fistulosum is the earliest leafy plant cultivated in the open field in Lithuania. Therefore, it is important to study plant cultivars and determine the harvesting time to obtain quality products. The study was conducted in the experimental vegetable field of the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2022–2023. The phenological stages of two different cultivars, morphological characteristics, productivity, and the plant's winter hardiness were observed. Measurements were performed and harvest was done three times: in spring, summer, and autumn. The results showed that genetic origin and harvesting time influenced differences in the morphometric parameters, productivity, and ascorbic acid accumulation of A. fistulosum cultivars. Cultivar ‘Bajkal’ is distinguished with longer and wider foliage, the highest productivity rate, and better adaptivity. This cultivar's most intensive plant growth was determined in autumn, but the highest weight of the plant reaching 0.5 kg was determined in spring. Cultivar ‘Marozka’ is distinguished by the higher ability of ascorbic acid accumulation compared with the cultivar ‘Bajkal’. The content of ascorbic acids reached 34.9 mg g−1 of cultivar ‘Marozka’ during the spring harvesting and up to 8,8 mg g−1 of ‘Bajkal’, respectively. The total sugar amount and weight of dry matter were more intensive in spring for both cultivars. In the cultivars ‘Marozka’ and ‘Bajkal’ leaves were found a higher amount of nitrates at 45.7 and 50.9 mg kg −1 in autumn.

Effect of Pinus halepensis Mill. Reforestation on the Above-Ground Biomass and Internode Elongation and Leaf Size of Native Species in Morroco

This study aims to determine the effect of the reforestation of Pinus halepensis Mill. on the above-ground biomass and morphological characteristics of native species (internode elongation and leaf size) in the Beni Sohane forest. Plant biomass of the herbaceous layer was harvested on randomly selected 2 m2 quadrats in reforested plots of ± 12, ± 25, and ± 45-year-old, and native forest controls. The internode length and leaf size (length and width) were measured on plants randomly selected belonging to four native species Quercus ilex L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., and Cistus creticus L.. The results showed that P. halepensis reforestation had no significant effect on the above-ground biomass and the leaves and internodes dimensions in the young plantations ± 12-year-old. However, as the pine trees mature, the average dry matter weight decreases, especially in stands 45 years old, where this weight was significantly lower than that of natural forests. This fact has led to herders abandoning important pastures previously used by their cattle. In addition, the fast growth of P. halepensis trees formed a canopy above all indigenous species resulting in changes in the dimensions of internodes and leaves. For the two oldest plantations, the internode length, leaf width, and length of the 4 species have been significantly increased. However, the leaf length-to-width ratio decreased significantly, with leaves in reforested plots being larger rather than longer compared to control samples in native forests. Planting P. halepensis can negatively impact the long-term growth of native plants, so we recommend periodically removing some of the pines (thinning) to restore the balance of these ecosystems. Thus, species selection for reforestation should consider maximizing rather than destroying ecological and socioeconomic services.

Effect of Pinus halepensis Mill. Reforestation on the Above-Ground Biomass and Internode Elongation and Leaf Size of Native Species in Morroco

This study aims to determine the effect of the reforestation of Pinus halepensis Mill. on the above-ground biomass and morphological characteristics of native species (internode elongation and leaf size) in the Beni Sohane forest. Plant biomass of the herbaceous layer was harvested on randomly selected 2 m2 quadrats in reforested plots of ± 12, ± 25, and ± 45-year-old, and native forest controls. The internode length and leaf size (length and width) were measured on plants randomly selected belonging to four native species Quercus ilex L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., and Cistus creticus L.. The results showed that P. halepensis reforestation had no significant effect on the above-ground biomass and the leaves and internodes dimensions in the young plantations ± 12-year-old. However, as the pine trees mature, the average dry matter weight decreases, especially in stands 45 years old, where this weight was significantly lower than that of natural forests. This fact has led to herders abandoning important pastures previously used by their cattle. In addition, the fast growth of P. halepensis trees formed a canopy above all indigenous species resulting in changes in the dimensions of internodes and leaves. For the two oldest plantations, the internode length, leaf width, and length of the 4 species have been significantly increased. However, the leaf length-to-width ratio decreased significantly, with leaves in reforested plots being larger rather than longer compared to control samples in native forests. Planting P. halepensis can negatively impact the long-term growth of native plants, so we recommend periodically removing some of the pines (thinning) to restore the balance of these ecosystems. Thus, species selection for reforestation should consider maximizing rather than destroying ecological and socioeconomic services.

Optimal nitrogen management for high yield and N use efficiency of ratoon sorghum

Sorghum ratooning, a time and labor-saving cultivation practice, is increasingly being adopted by farmers in Southwest China as an alternative. Efficient N fertilizer management is critical for economical production of sorghum and the long-term protection of the environment. To investigate the impact of N management on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs) of ratoon sorghum system, a three-year field experiment was conducted for Jinyunuo3 (a hybrid cultivar) and Guojiaohong1 (an inbred cultivar) using 12 combinations of N rates and splitting ratios. The results showed that increasing N rate and splitting application times led to improvements in various growth parameters such as dry matter weight, crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI), and photosynthetic potential (PP). The main, ratoon, and annual yields increased with N rate increase, but there was no significant difference between 225 and 150 kg N ha−1 in the ratoon and annual yields. Splitting the application of N fertilizer enhanced grain yield compared to a single dose application method, especially three-split applications yielded higher than two-split applications. Compared with N rates of 225 and 150 kg ha−1, N rate of 75 kg ha−1 increased apparent recovery rate of applied nitrogen (REN), agronomic efficiency of applied nitrogen (AEN), and partial factor productivity from applied nitrogen (PFPN) in both main season and whole year. But through splitting application methods at high N rates could achieve similar or even higher levels of NUEs compared to all applied as basal fertilizer at low N rates. Therefore, it could be recommended that applying 150 kg N ha−1 with a basal-jointing-heading fertilizer ratio of 2:4:4 represented an efficient N management practice to synchronously obtain high grain yield and NUEs in ratoon sorghum system in Southwest China.

Digestive characterization and its relationship with digestibility, performance traits of local breed Mexican Cuino mini-pigs

The effect of sex on the characteristics of the digestive tract and its relationship with the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and performance traits was studied in 14 Mexican Cuino (MC) mini-pigs averaging 57.2 ± 8.1 kg, fed ad libitum a diet based on sorghum and soybean meal. Nitrogen ATTD was significantly better in females than in castrated male pigs. A trend was found for the relative weight of the entire digestive tract to be heavier in castrated males than in female pigs. Large intestine contribution to total digestive tract weight was relatively high in both sexes, 48.7 and 50.8%, respectively, for castrated males and females. A significant, though not strong relationship between large intestine relative weight and ATTD of dry matter (DM) was observed. These results indicate that sex would appear to be a factor influencing digestive processes in MC mini-pigs.