Dual-purpose Crop Research Articles

Untargeted metabolomics reveal rhizosphere metabolites mechanisms on continuous ramie cropping.

Ramie is an important fiber feed dual-purpose crop in China and plays an important role in the national economy. However, ramie yield and quality can be reduced after many years of continuous cultivation. Currently, relatively little research has been conducted on rhizosphere metabolites and their pathways in continuous ramie cropping. Therefore, a healthy group (CK) and obstacle groups (XZQG, JZ, DJY, and GXD) with 8 years of continuous cultivation were selected for the study. LC-MS and GC-MS untargeted metabolomics were used to explore and analyze ramie rhizosphere metabolites and pathways. The results revealed that significant differences in the agronomic traits of ramie occurred after 8 years of continuous cultivation, with dwarfed plants and decreased yields in the obstacle groups. Metabolomic analysis identified 49 and 19 rhizosphere metabolites, including lipids, organic acids, phenols, and amino acids. In addition, four differential metabolic pathways (phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism) were elucidated. It was also clarified that sinapic acid, jasmonic acid, glutamine, and inositol might be the main metabolites affecting ramie continuous-cropping obstacle groups, and they were significantly correlated with ramie agronomic traits and physiological indicators. This provided important insights into the mechanisms affecting continuous ramie cropping. Accordingly, it is expected that the increase or decrease of sinapic acid, jasmonic acid, glutamine, and inositol in the soil will alleviate obstacles to continuous ramie cropping and promote the healthy development of the ramie industry in the future.

Dual‐purpose crops for grain and fodder to improve nutrition security in semi‐arid sub‐Saharan Africa: A review

AbstractAddressing the challenge of food and nutrition insecurity in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) will require innovative agriculture production systems that support multiple objectives. In recent years, several high‐yielding, and nutrient‐dense varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) have been developed purposely as dual‐purpose (DP) varieties in SSA to meet human nutrition and livestock feed needs. This review synthesized published data on DP varieties from cowpea, pearl millet, and sorghum. Findings showed that DP crops and varieties were largely grown by smallholder farmers in a variety of soil and climatic conditions with production systems characterized by large gaps between attainable and actual crop yields which varied significantly among regions. While the grain and fodder yield of traditional varieties (TV) of cowpea averaged 700 kg ha−1 and 860 kg ha−1, respectively, the reported grain yield of DP varieties was 1100 kg ha−1 and 2150 kg ha−1 for fodder. The average grain yield of TV millet varieties was 750 kg ha−1 and 2500 kg ha−1 for fodder. Similarly, average grain yield for DP millet varieties was 2000 kg ha−1 and 4200 kg ha−1 fodder. Dual‐purpose sorghum varieties yielded greater grain (>3000 kg ha−1) and fodder (3500 kg ha−1) compared to TV. Little data were obtained on the nutritive qualities of cowpea, millet, and sorghum DP varieties. However, DP millet varieties were reported to be more digestible than TV varieties. Furthermore, adoption of DP varieties improves fertilizer use efficiency, profitability, environmental sustainability, and resilience of the whole farm system compared to TV. Considering fertilizer's high prices, availability, and quality in semi‐arid countries in addition to farmer poverty level, economic evaluation and environmental impact assessment are critical before wide dissemination.

Rye Production under Acid Soils and Drought Conditions: An Alternative for the Sustainability of High Andean Livestock Farming in Peru

The rye (Secale cereale L.) crop shows a high potential to contribute to the sustainability of high Andean livestock because it supports the agroclimatic conditions and acid soils in the Peruvian Andes. The production of green forage, hay, and grain from the rye crop in acid soils was studied with the use of different levels of phosphorus and potassium fertilization in four local rye ecotypes (CBI-001, CSM-001, CJS-001, and CCE-001). The green forage yield (GFY) ranged from 32.35 to 53.62 t ha−1, dry matter from 6.05 to 8.56 t ha−1, and hay from 7.0 to 10.36 t ha−1; nutritional levels ranged from 9.02% to 13.56% protein and 6.50% to 7.75% ash levels, mainly with differences between ecotypes (p < 0.05). No differences existed between fertilization levels for the number of stems per plant, spikes per plant, and grains per ear (p > 0.05). Also, CBI-001 and CCE-001 were superior with 1868.4 and 1797.8 kg ha−1 of grain, respectively (p = 0.0072); the use of 60 kg ha of nitrogen, 120 kg ha−1 of P2O5, and 80 kg ha−1 of K2O gave higher grain and residue yields. The high nutritional value and yield of the rye ecotypes studied in acid soil conditions and without irrigation can be an alternative for livestock feeding and grain production in the rainy season in the Andes as a dual-purpose crop.

Comparing the economics of hemp (Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa) cultivation for fiber and seed yield as influenced by spacing and nutrition

Hemp is dual purpose crop, where fibers and seeds have found its place in textile and food industry due to its strong fiber and nutrition content in seed. The cultivation of hemp is a new venture in India where farmers get dual income by both fibers and seeds hence, optimizing spacing and nutrient management to harness maximum yield of fiber and seed can double the income of farmers. The present investigation on economics of hemp cultivation revealed that the, maximum gross returns (Rs. 5,74,000/ ha) were obtained from plants grown at 10 cm × 5 cm spacing and supplied with 125 per cent RDF plus PGPR consortia but highest B:C ratio of 4.68 was observed in plants grown at spacing of 20 cm × 10 cm and nourished with 100 per cent of RDF plus PGPR consortia for fiber purposes. Upon considering seed economics maximum gross returns (Rs. 12,58,200/ ha) was recorded in the treatment combination of 10 cm × 10 cm spacing and supplied with 125 per cent RDF plus PGPR consortia while, maximum B:C ratio of 13.17 was noted from plots where plants were spaced at 15 cm × 10 cm and supplied with nutrition of 100 per cent RDF plus PGPR consortia for seed purposes.

Response of Fertilization of Nitrogen on Agronomical Attributes of Soybean

Soybean also known golden bean is a dual purpose crop grown to meet the requirement of both high protein and oil content. Fertilizers are one of the important components of farming system due to their requirement to provide essential nutrients to crop. The current research work was done to study the effect of the different rates of nitrogen fertilization on the growth and yield of soybean were studied. Field experiments were conducted at Instructional Research Farm, Krishi Nagar, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India during kharif season in the month of July to October in the year 2019‒2020. This research has been conducted in order to examine the beneficial effects of additional application of nitrogen at grain development stage on yield attributes and yield of soybean. The experimental material was early maturing variety of soybean JS 20-34. Treatments were given in 12 combinations in the split plot design. Plant samples were collected at R1 and R3 for dry matter yield and nitrogen determination. Grain yields were determined and grain samples were collected at harvest. A positive grain yield in response to nitrogen fertilizer was observed in different treatments. These imply that additional nitrogen applications are important for getting higher yields. In the current research we came to the conclusion that additional nitrogen fertilizer application to soybean crop has positive impact on several agronomical attributes of the crop.

112 Herbage Mass, Nutritive Value, and Grain Yield of four Wheat Varieties Managed as a Dual-Purpose Crop

Abstract Dual-purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) systems increase farm sustainability by diversifying on-farm income. While these systems are common in the Southern Great Plains of the U.S., they are not often utilized in the Southeast. This study aimed to evaluate pre- and post-grazing herbage mass (HM) of four winter wheat varieties managed under a dual-purpose grazing and grain production system. The wheat varieties evaluated were generic feed-type wheat (unknown variety blend, Feed), seed-type wheat ‘GA Gore’ (Seed) and two forage-type varieties, ‘AGS 2024’ (AGS) and ‘Pioneer 26R41’ (Pioneer). The experiment was a randomized complete block design (n = 4) conducted during the winter of 2021 and 2022. Three grazing frequencies were utilized: an ungrazed control (NG), low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) grazing schedule. Low frequency plots received monthly grazing in January and February while HF treatments received a third grazing in March. Plots were grazed with 20 cow-calf pairs (Bos taurus) until an even defoliation height of 10 cm was achieved. Herbage mass was determined using three 0.1m2-quadrats per plot and clipped to a 10 cm stubble height before (PreG) and after (PostG) each grazing event. Forage samples were then dried at 45°C for 72 h. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Inst., Cary, NC) with forage sample date as a repeated measure. Differences were declared at P < 0.05. Final biomass, including stems, chaff, and grain, was greatest for Pioneer but was not different from AGS or Feed (4,112 kg/ha and 4,003 kg/ha; P ≤ 0.94). Before grazing, AGS herbage mass (2,646 kg/ha) was greater (P ≤ 0.03) than all other varieties. There was an interaction (P ≤ 0.01) of variety and grazing frequency for Pre-G herbage mass. Compared with all other varieties, AGS had greater ADF (24.93%; P < 0.01) and least TDN (72.49%: P < 0.01). Forage nitrate-nitrogen was not different (P ≥ 0.49) among all varieties or grazing frequencies (157.73 ppm). Across grazing frequencies, Pioneer had greater final grain yield (3,619.43 kg/ha; P < 0.01) with Seed having the least (1,272.12 kg/ha; P < 0.01). These results indicate that common Southeastern wheat varieties can be successfully utilized in a dual-purpose management system; however, grazing frequency should be monitored to prevent grain yield losses.

Nutritional and yield potential of oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes in dual-purpose crop system

Nutritional and yield potential of oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes in dual-purpose crop system

VARIABILITY OF AMPLIFIED PROFILES GENERATED BY BBAP IN AVENA SATIVA L.

Avena sativa L. is a very common specie for human consumption that provide different health benefits. As a dual purpose crop, oat provide a source of protein, fiber and minerals. Here, homologs of Bet v 1 allergen genes were used as DNA markers to analyse their utilization for genomic variability of oat varieties. The presence of Bet v 1 homologues in seven oat varieties were examined and their length polymorphism was analysed. Bet v 1 based amplified profile – BBAP- was used to obtain the polymorphic profiles for the used oat varieties by a combination of specific and degenerated primer pair. This method was reported to be universal in plants for screening of variability of coding regions. Using the primer pair Bet v 1 forward and degenerated Bet v 1 reverse 49 amplicons were amplified in a total. The length of the amplicons varied from 265 base pairs to 1929 base pairs. All analysed oat varieties generated unique amplicons, but there was not a size of amplicon that all cultivars shared. Constructed dendrogram based on hierarchical cluster analysis using UPGMA algorithm grouped the analysed varieties genotypes into three main clusters – Black Beauty and Zvolen varieties, Valentín and Earl and Vendelín varieties and Floron and Dagles varieties. BBAP technique provide a high polymorphism in the Bet v 1 isoforms present in oat and all of the analysed varieties were distinguished what showed the utility of this marker technique for analysis of genetic diversity and genotype identification of oat varieties.

Nutrient management in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

As a primary dual-purpose crop, pearl millet serves as both food for humans and animal fodder. Its ability to resist high temperatures surpasses that of all other cereals, making it a crop with exceptional climate resilience. The average yield of pearl millet is low when compared to its potential yields because of insufficient soil fertility, a lack of effective soil nutrient replenishment procedures, erratic rainfall patterns, and other factors. Farmers in dry regions are unable to afford the expensive fertilisers because of their poor economic conditions. Additionally, the continuous and exclusive use of chemical fertilisers has given rise to a number of issues; therefore, nutrient management which has been suggested as a possible approach to overcoming such difficulties, helps in resolving these concerns. To preserve a healthy soil’s physical and chemical environment and to act as an energy source for the biomass of soil-microbial organisms, it is crucial to utilise organic, inorganic and biofertilizers in moderation.

Integrating dual-purpose crops mitigates feedbase risk and facilitates improved lamb production systems across environments: a whole-farm modelling analysis

Context The winter feed gap is a common problem for livestock grazing systems worldwide, and changes to climate have made these deficits more unpredictable and extreme. Dual-purpose crops are an important tool in many southern Australian mixed crop–livestock systems to help fill the winter feed gap. Providing more reliable feed over winter can remove feed constraints and allow for earlier lambing in autumn with potential whole-farm system benefits. Aims We simulated a whole-farm livestock enterprise in the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) to examine the implications of spring- and autumn-lambing systems relying on a standard pasture-only feedbase compared with a farm where 25% of its grazed area is allocated to dual-purpose crops. Methods Twelve simulations were run across four locations in New South Wales, Australia, that varied in climatic conditions (both rainfall total and distribution) including two lambing systems (spring vs autumn) × two feedbase types (100% pasture vs 75% pasture and 25% dual-purpose crops) × three stocking densities. Key results For autumn-lambing systems, integrating dual-purpose crops helped to fill the winter feed gap and reduced supplement demand on average by ~28% compared with a pasture-only system. Compared with the standard pasture-only spring-lambing system, integrating dual-purpose crops into spring- and autumn-lambing systems more than doubled gross margin returns due to economic grain yield and lower supplement demand. A shift from spring- to autumn-lambing facilitated by dual-purpose crops also led to better reproductive performance of ewes in the subsequent year. In higher-rainfall, cooler environments, autumn-lambing systems with dual-purpose crops had the highest system gross margins, lowest economic risk and allowed for a safe increase in stocking density. In lower-rainfall, warmer environments, integration of dual-purpose crops into spring-lambing systems returned marginally higher gross margins than for the autumn-lambing system, but differences were less apparent at high stocking density. In lower-rainfall environments, dual-purpose crops helped to mitigate some of the economic risk, but the benefits were less clear. Conclusions We show dual-purpose crops can help fill the winter feed gap and support earlier lambing in autumn across a range of environments, especially in higher-rainfall cooler environments, with significant improvements in total farm gross margins. Implications Integrating dual-purpose crops will enable farmers to change their livestock system to mitigate their risks, reduce supplementary feeding and capitalise on other potential benefits, such as improved marketing and avoiding animal health problems.

Production Potential of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) as a Dual-Purpose Crop

Production Potential of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) as a Dual-Purpose Crop

Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Climate Smart Agricultural Practices for Improved Food and Climate Security

The grand challenge of increasing production and access to nutritious and safe food to meet growing populations under threat to climate change and climate variability requires systems and transdisciplinary approaches towards agri-food systems. Sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) focuses on increasing agricultural production from existing farmland without any adverse environmental impacts. There are three major components of SAI which include: (i) genetic intensification (e.g., focused on improving yields, resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to abiotic stresses, increasing nutritional quality of food products, and using precision breeding, genetics, and genomics tools); (ii) ecological intensification (e.g., focused increasing diversification, farming, cropping and agroforestry systems, resource use efficiency, integrated water, nutrient and pest management); and (iii) socio-economic intensification (e.g., focused on markets, value addition, income generation, policy, creating enabling environment, and building social capital). Climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices emphasize greenhouse gas emissions, water footprint, and focus on both adaptation and mitigation strategies. Few selected SAI and CSA practices include minimum and no-tillage; cover crops; crop diversity and genotypes selection for effective water use and stress tolerance; diversification (crop mixtures and rotations; perennials, agroforestry systems; forage crops; dual purpose crops); and nutrient recycling from livestock. Overall, developing adoption and scaling of these practices will require convergence of biophysical and social sciences, participatory approaches, public and private sector engagement and commitment of resources from all donor agencies for research and development, human and institutional capacity building.

Phenotypic analysis of Longya-10 × pale flax hybrid progeny and identification of candidate genes regulating prostrate/erect growth in flax plants.

Flax is a dual-purpose crop that is important for oil and fiber production. The growth habit is one of the crucial targets of selection during flax domestication. Wild hybridization between cultivated flax and wild flax can produce superior germplasms for flax breeding and facilitate the study of the genetic mechanism underlying agronomically important traits. In this study, we used pale flax, Linum grandiflorum, and L. perenne to pollinate Longya-10. Only pale flax interspecific hybrids were obtained, and the trait analysis of the F1 and F2 generations showed that the traits analyzed in this study exhibited disparate genetic characteristics. In the F1 generation, only one trait, i.e., the number of capsules per plant (140) showed significant heterosis, while the characteristics of other traits were closely associated with those of the parents or a decline in hybrid phenotypes. The traits of the F2 generation were widely separated, and the variation coefficient ranged from 9.96% to 146.15%. The quantitative trait locus underlying growth habit was preliminarily found to be situated on chromosome 2 through Bulked-segregant analysis sequencing. Then linkage mapping analysis was performed to fine-map GH2.1 to a 23.5-kb interval containing 4 genes. Among them, L.us.o.m.scaffold22.109 and L.us.o.m.scaffold22.112 contained nonsynonymous SNPs with Δindex=1. Combined with the qRT-PCR results, the two genes might be possible candidate genes for GH2.1. This study will contribute to the development of important germplasms for flax breeding, which would facilitate the elucidation of the genetic mechanisms regulating the growth habit and development of an ideal architecture for the flax plant.

Rewiring of the seed metabolome during Tartary buckwheat domestication.

Crop domestication usually leads to the narrowing genetic diversity. However, human selection mainly focuses on visible traits, such as yield and plant morphology, with most metabolic changes being invisible to the naked eye. Buckwheat accumulates abundant bioactive substances, making it a dual-purpose crop with excellent nutritional and medical value. Therefore, examining the wiring of these invisible metabolites during domestication is of major importance. The comprehensive profiling of 200 Tartary buckwheat accessions exhibits 540 metabolites modified as a consequence of human selection. Metabolic genome-wide association study illustrates 384 mGWAS signals for 336 metabolites are under selection. Further analysis showed that an R2R3-MYB transcription factor FtMYB43 positively regulates the synthesis of procyanidin. Glycoside hydrolase gene FtSAGH1 is characterized as responsible for the release of active salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin and indispensably in plant defence. UDP-glucosyltransferase gene FtUGT74L2 is characterized as involved in the glycosylation of emodin, a major medicinal component specific in Polygonaceae. The lower expression of FtSAGH1 and FtUGT74L2 were associated with the reduction of salicylic acid and soluble EmG owing to domestication. This first large-scale metabolome profiling in Tartary buckwheat will facilitate genetic improvement of medicinal properties and disease resistance in Tartary buckwheat.

A comprehensive review on Kenaf seeds and leaves for medicine

Kenaf plant is a valuable industrial crop from Malvaceae family. It’s considered as dual purpose crop, in which its best and core fibers used in paper, pulp industry and livestock feed. Recently, kenaf seeds and leaves used in medicine because of their beneficial chemical composition that include phenolic compounds, antioxidants, phytosterols, fatty acids, steroid, flavonoid and kaempferol which have many health benefits. Therefore, this review aims in determining possible medicinal uses of kenaf seeds and leaves. The oil of kenaf seeds were reported by several studies which used as anti-oxidant activity, anti-cancer activity, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic activity and anti-hyper-cholesterolemic activity. As well as, kenaf leaves can be used as freshly or dried leaves as tea for treating blood, bilious, coughs, diabetes, throat problems and lowering blood pressure. Kenaf leave extract can also be used in cosmetic as lotion for skin as anti-aging, dryness of skin, pigmentation, skin whitening and hair damage. Kenaf seeds and leaves have other uses including biofuel, lubricants, edible oil, making breads, cakes, etc. There are few researches on kenaf leaves furthermore studies is required for examining kenaf leaves health impacts.

Dual-purpose production of forage and seeds in maize by detopping and defoliation

Maize is one of the most productive crops whose seeds are used in the poultry sector as one of the main ingredients in their diet. It is also important forage for ruminants as silage. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of defoliation and detopping on dual-purpose maize production in field (Kermanshah, Iran, Mediterranean climate conditions) and laboratory experiments. The study included a control (intact plant), removal of leaves at the top of the ear, removal of leaves under the ear, removal of all leaves, detopping stem removal at the top of the ear, and detopping including removal of leaves under the ear. In the laboratory experiment, germination traits were assessed in seeds obtained from the mother plants in the field experiment. The field and laboratory experiments were conducted with a randomized complete block design and completely randomized design. The data were analyzed using a general linear model. The removal of leaves under the ear produced an increased seed number per row compared to the removal of leaves at the top of the ear. Intact plants (control) and the plants defoliated under the ear had a higher 100-seed weight than other treatments. There was no difference between detopping and control plants in seed yield. Removal of leaves under the ear of mother plants produced a lower seed germination percentage (83%), radicle length (11.3 cm), and seed vigor than in other treatments. The results show that maize can be cultivated as a dual-purpose crop for forage and seed production.

Suitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties for dual purpose under varying seed rate and fertilizer levels

To meet the demand of grain and fodder, dual purpose crops can be a good alternative that can also reduce burden on the land. A field study was carried out during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19 on research farm of Agronomy, CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana, to evaluate the performance of dual purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. It comprised two varieties (C 306 and WH 1105) along with cut management in main plots, and two seed rates (100 kg/ha and 125 kg/ha) with three levels of fertilizer, viz. RDF, 115% of RDF and 130% of RDF in sub-plots. The findings revealed that significantly higher crop growth rate (CGR) up to 60 DAS was observed in C 306 over WH 1105, whereas, after 60 DAS, higher CGR was observed in WH 1105 over C 306. Maximum tillers/m2, dry matter accumulation, effective tillers, grain and biological yield, crude protein were obtained in WH 1105 without cut, closely followed by C 306 without cut. Among, seed and fertilizer rate combinations, significantly higher CGR, protein and crude protein content other growth parameters were observed in 125 kg/ha seed rate +130% RDF and 100 kg/ha seed rate + 130% RDF. It was concluded that C 306 may be a good choice for dual purpose wheat which can provide fodder in lean period without affecting its yield if supplied with slightly higher dose of fertilizers

Management Systems for Biannual Seed Crop of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Grown at Various Nitrogen Fertilization: II. Second-Production Year Characterized by Considerable Crop Lodging and Limited Seed Shattering before Direct Combine-Harvesting

Multiyear production of Italian ryegrass seed crop is of interest. The impact of management systems on the second-production year of biannual crop was evaluated at various nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha−1). Management systems of single-purpose crops were with (SeedPGR-crop) and without (Seed-crop) plant growth regulator (PGR) application. The dual-purpose crops incorporated early (EF-seed-crop) and late (LF-seed-crop) spring forage cut followed by seed harvest. The Seed-crop obtained a maximum yield (1631 kg ha−1) at 120 kg N ha−1, which decreased by 23% at the highest fertilization. This yield loss was associated with early (before heading) and severe lodging that brought about reduced aboveground biomass and lower harvest index due to the increased growth of vegetative tillers. The single-purpose crops had a similar number of reproductive tillers, seed weight, and seed shed; however, the SeedPGR-crops produced larger yields than the Seed-crops at all fertilization levels indicating the positive impact of PGR application on harvest index regardless of lodging intensity. Despite less lodging and lower seed shattering, the dual-purpose crops yielded less than the single-purpose crops primarily due to the reduction in the number of spikelets per ear and florets per spikelet in various ear sections of early- and late-formed ears. Seed yields of the dual-purpose crops were maximized (around 1200 kg ha−1) at 180 kg N ha−1. The LF-seed-crop had the lightest seeds and the smallest seed germination, but fertilization tended to improve these quality traits. The SeedPGR-crop was the best performing management system yielding above 2200 kg ha−1 at the two highest N levels, allowing greater flexibility in fertilization.

Role of Integrated Nutrient Management on Oat: A Review

Food security and environmental safety are the two important areas receiving major setback with the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable food supply in response to population demand urges for a paradigm shift from chemical-based agriculture to some eco-friendly approaches. Integrated nutrient management or combined approach of using different sources of nutrients is relevant in this context as it optimisez profitable crop production and improves soil health without deteriorating environment further. Food supply not only comes from agriculture but also from livestock sector. Therefore, cultivation of dual purpose (food and fodder) crop like oat is gaining importance day by day. Adequate nutrition to oat directly reflects on livestock and human nutrition. Researches around the globe indicate that integrated nutrient management in oat is now gaining momentum as it holds good promise as a successful replacement of sole chemical fertilizer. However, poor extension service and lack of policies make this technology to remain as a dormant. Therefore, further research works regarding integrated nutrient management on oat and its true transfusion to farming community are the needs of the hour to protect livestock and human food security and to free the environment from clutches of chemical hazards in coming days.

20 Forage Production and Nutritive Quality of Dual-purpose Wheat Managed Under Three Different Grazing Frequencies in the Southeastern United States

Abstract Grazing of dual-purpose wheat is an established management system in the Great Plains regions of the United States. Varietal and climatic differences between regions has limited use of dual-purpose systems in the Southeast. The objective of this study was to evaluate four wheat varieties, [feed wheat (mixed variety, Feed), seed wheat (‘GA Gore’) and two forage varieties, ‘AGS 2024’ (AGS) and ‘Pioneer 26R41’ (Pioneer)], under three grazing treatments [no-grazing (NG), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF)]. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (n = 4) using mob-grazing. Forage samples were taken using three 0.1m2-quadrats before (Pre) and after (Post) each grazing event. Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined on all Pre samples. Wheat grain yield was determined at the end of the season. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Inst., Cary, NC), a < 0.05. Pre-grazed, AGS seasonal forage production was greater (P < 0.01) than all other varieties (1,517 kg/ha vs 1,031 kg/ha, respectively). Post-grazing biomass from AGS and Pioneer was greater than GA Gore (817 vs 512 kg DM/ha, respectively; P = 0.04). Pre-grazing, Feed, GA Gore and Pioneer had greater (P < 0.01) CP than AGS (31.6 vs. 30.1%, respectively). The concentration of NDF was greatest for AGS (39.1%) compared with all other varieties (34.9%, P < 0.01). Grazing frequency did not affect CP (P = 0.67). The NG plots had greater NDF and ADF than LF and HF (37.5 vs. 35.2% and 19.8 vs. 18.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Pioneer had the greatest grain yield but was not different from AGS (57.6 and 52.4 kg/ha, respectively; P = 0.41). Management of wheat as a dual-purpose crop is feasible in the Southeast. More information is needed to determine the economic impact of this management practice.