Number Of Ears Research Articles

Study of heritability estimates and their genetic variability for yield traits and its components in yellow maize (Zea mays L.)

The experiment was conducted in one of the farmers' fields affiliated with the Kirkuk Irrigation Project for the agricultural season (2022-2023). Ten genetic materials (Gimbson , Saganto,DK6050, Agr-183, ZM47W, CML494, IK58, ZP505, ZP670, ZP197) of yellow maize (Zea mays L.) were used in this study. These materials were involved in diallel crosses and were planted in a farmer's field in Kirkuk province using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded for traits such as number of ears per plant, ear length, ear diameter, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row, number of kernels per ear, 300-kernel weight, and individual plant yield. The results showed that the general combining ability variance components were more significant than one for all the studied traits. There were significant effects of general combining ability in the desired direction for parent (8) for all studied traits. Meanwhile, significant effects of specific combining ability in the desired direction were observed in the crosses (1×3), (1×8), (1×10), (2×5), (2×6), (7×10), and (9×10) for most of the traits. These crosses can be utilized to select individuals who combine the desired traits in segregating generations.

HETEROSIS AND GENE ACTION FOR YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS AND Maize (Zea mays L.), USING HALF DIALLEL CROSSES.

Experiment of half diallel cross among eight maize inbred lines was carried out during spring 2021.The varietal traits for F1 cross and parents with local hybrid were conducted during autumn 2021 Field of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences , University of Duhok, using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications .The results were revealed that the analysis of variance for genotypes and general and specific combining ability were significant effect on studied traits , also the ratio of degree of dominance is less then one for all traits . The cross 7x8 gave the heighest value ( 219.35g) for grain yield per plant and the same cross gave positive significant heterosis over mid parent , best parent and local hybrid .The heritability were high for number of ear per plant and ear diameter with value( 0.55) and( 0.45) respectively, the expected genetic advance was low for yield and yield components.

Row Configuration and Soil Amendment Affect Performance of Popcorn (Zea mays L. var. Everta) in Semi-Arid South Africa

Appropriate plant spacing is vital to maximizing marginal field and expediting equitable distribution of applied plant nutrients for improved popcorn yield. Two field experiments were carried out during the summer seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 at the North-West University (NWU) research farm, Mafikeng campus. The study investigated the response of popcorn to different rates of compost and NPK 20-7-3 fertilizer and plant spacing in the semi-arid region of South Africa. The trial consisted of twenty treatments laid out as a split-plot in a randomized complete block design (r=3). The main plot and subplot effects were amendment rates (4 and 8 t/ha compost, 90 and 180 kg N/ha, while the unamended field served as the control); and four intra-row spacing (cm): 15×15 (SP1), 20×20 (SP2), 25×25 (SP3), and 30×30 (SP4). Data were collected on growth and yield components. Results showed that popcorn had the highest number of leaves (12.75) in plots fertilized with 8 t/ha compost under SP4, while the tallest plant (205.64 cm) was recorded in plots intra-spaced at SP2 and fertilized with 8 t/ha compost. The leaf area index was highest (5.1) in plots amended with 90 kg N/ha under SP4. The chlorophyll content of popcorn in plots supplied with 90 kg N/ha under SP3 was significantly higher, with 56.1% more than the leaf chlorophyll from unfertilized plots under SP1. Biomass (178.33 g/plant) and ear number (2.08) were highest in plots treated with 180 kg N/ha under SP3. The kernel yield of 3.28 t/ha and harvest index of 0.32 were lowest in unfertilized plots under SP1. Popcorn yield improved in plots amended with 8 t/ha compost at SP2 plant spacing, similar to the observations in plant configured at SP2 and fertilized with 90 kg N/ha mineral fertilizer. Nevertheless, the provision of balanced nutrients and the eco-friendliness of applying organic fertilizer favoured the preference for the use of compost for promoting increased popcorn production.

Assessing grain yield of quality protein maize under low soil nitrogen through associated agronomic traits

The study was conducted to improve a quality protein maize (QPM) population, ART/98/ILE 1-OB, for tolerance to low soil nitrogen, and to investigate the agronomic characters that are linked to grain yield of QPM in low soil nitrogen environments. S1 lines were selected in the maize population at cycle one (C1) in a recurrent selection programme, for evaluation to move to cycle 2 (C2). Data were collected on agronomic traits, stay-green ability (SGR) and grain yield (GY) and analysed using SAS. SGR rating at 8 weeks after planting (8WAP) was moderate under low nitrogen (3.09). GY was slightly higher under low nitrogen (LN) (2.19 tons/ha) than under high nitrogen (HN) condition (1.98 tons/ha). There were notable negative phenotypic and genotypic correlations between grain yield (GY) and traits such as days to 50% anthesis and silking, stay green rating (SGR), ear aspect (EA), and plant aspect (PA). In contrast, positive correlations were observed with plant height (PH) and number of ears per plant (EPP). In stepwise regression, EPP emerged as the most significant character under LN (R2 = 45%), with EA, SGR at 8WAP (SGR8), and PH following closely. EPP showed the highest positive direct effect on grain yield, followed by SGR8. EA had the highest negative direct effect. PC1 alone, which was mostly linked to PH, accounted for 96.5% of the overall variation. These findings underscore the importance of EPP, EA, SGR8 and PH as selection criteria in enhancing QPM productivity under LN conditions.

Effects of Time and Rate of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Phenology, Growth and Yield of Maize at Jimma, Southwestern Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia in general and in the Jimma area in particular. However, its productivity is low due to the inadequate management of nitrogen fertilizer rates and inappropriate timing of fertilizer applications. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during the 2020-2022 main cropping seasons to determine the effect of different rates and times of nitrogen applications on phenology, growth, yield, and yield components of maize and to estimate the most economical rate and time of nitrogen fertilizer application. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment consisted of five rates of nitrogen (0, 46, 92,138 and 184kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>) and three times of application (Full at planting, 1/2 at planting +1/2 at the 5-leave stage, and 1/3 at planting+1/3 at 5-leave stage + 1/3 at booting). The result revealed that days to 50% tasseling, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, ear height, stem diameter, numbers of ears per plant, grain yield, above-ground dry biomass, and harvest index were significantly affected by either the main effects of N fertilizer rate or time of N application. The interaction of rates and time of nitrogen application affected considerably days to 50% silking. The highest mean grain yield (8355.60 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) was recorded with applied N in three splits (1/3 at planting, 1/3 at the 5-leave stage, and 1/3 at booting) and the highest grain yield (9213.5 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) was obtained from 184kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. Grain yield was positively and /highly/ significantly association with days to maturity (r=35), height (r=0.30), ear height (r=0.24), girth (r=0.55), number of ears per plant (r=0.62), biomass yield (r=0.91), harvest index (r=0.35) while grain yield was negatively and/highly/ significantly association with days to tasseling (r=0.20) and days to silking (r=0.23). Partial budget analysis revealed that N in three split applications and 184kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> rate realized the maximum net benefit of 208,311.10 Birr ha<sup>-1</sup> and 226,380.2 Birr respectively. Therefore, based on the highest net benefit applying N in three splits (1/3 at planting, 1/3 at 5-leave stage, and 1/3 at booting) and 184kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> application an economic yield response and also acceptable for farmers of study areas and similar agroecology.

Research on a Panoramic Image Stitching Method for Images of Corn Ears, Based on Video Streaming

Background: Corn is the main grain crop grown in China, and the ear shape index of corn is an important parameter for breeding new varieties, including ear length, diameter, row number of ears, row number of grains per ear, and so on. Objective: In order to solve the problem of limited field of view associated with computer detection of the corn ear shape index against a complex background, this paper proposes a panoramic splicing method for corn ears against a complex background, which can splice 10 corn ear panoramic images at the same time, to improve information collection efficiency, display comprehensive information, and support data analysis, so as to realize automatic corn seed examination. Methods: A summary of corn ear panoramic stitching methods under complex backgrounds is presented as follows: 1. a perceptual hash algorithm and histogram equalization were used to extract video frames; 2. the U-Net image segmentation model based on transfer learning was used to predict corn labels; 3. a mask preprocessing algorithm was designed; 4. a corn ear splicing positioning algorithm was designed; 5. an algorithm for irregular surface expansion was designed; 6. an image stitching method based on template matching was adopted to assemble the video frames. Results: The experimental results showed that the proposed corn ear panoramic stitching method could effectively solve the problems of virtual stitching, obvious stitching seams, and too-high similarity between multiple images. The success rate of stitching was as high as 100%, and the speed of single-corn-ear panoramic stitching was about 9.4 s, indicating important reference value for corn breeding and disease and insect detection. Discussions: Although the experimental results demonstrated the significant advantages of the panoramic splicing method for corn ear images proposed in this paper in terms of improving information collection efficiency and automating corn assessment, the method still faces certain challenges. Future research will focus on the following points: 1. addressing the issue of environmental interference caused by diseases, pests, and plant nutritional status on the measurement of corn ear parameters in order to enhance the stability and accuracy of the algorithm; 2. expanding the dataset for the U-Net model to include a wider range of corn ears with complex backgrounds, different growth stages, and various environmental conditions to improve the model’s segmentation recognition rate and precision. Recently, our panoramic splicing algorithm has been deployed in practical applications with satisfactory results. We plan to continue optimizing the algorithm and more broadly promote its use in fields such as corn breeding and pest and disease detection in an effort to advance the development of agricultural automation technology.

Selection and phenotypic stability of M4 mutants of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) derived from gamma rays induced mutagenesis in Niger

Gamma irradiation mutagenesis is an approach that offers a wide range of possibilities for varietal selection. In the simultaneous induction of multiple mutations to modify several plant traits. The aim of the present study was to select seed lots for four mutants of the M4 generation. An experiment was carried out in an experimental plot to purify drought-tolerant M4 genotypes based on morphological characteristics. Potential mutants MI 02/82, MI 13/63, MI 12/72, and MI 10/54 were tested in a randomized complete block design. The parameters measured were: the number of tillers, stem height, number of internodes, number and length of ears, stem and spike diameters, and cycle duration. A dendrogram was first generated to identify the homogenous subgroups. Then an analysis of variance ANOVA was conducted between individuals of the same subgroups to evaluate the variance. On morphological parameters, results showed that MI 13/63 and MI 10/54 genotypes have a homogeneous population from M4 onwards. MI 12/72 can be classified into two different subgroups according to ear length. MI 02/82, on the other hand, showed a high degree of variability at M4. These results will contribute to the selected new varieties adapted to the needs of rural producers in order to improve the productivity of pearl millet in Niger.

Understanding the Physiological and Molecular Basis for Differences in Nitrogen Use Efficiency in the Parents of a Winter Wheat MAGIC Population.

The need to improve both the cost of food production and lower the environmental impact of food production is key to being able to sustainably feed the projected growth of the human population. To attempt to understand how to improve yields under lower nitrogen (N) inputs, a diverse set of UK winter wheats encompassing ~80% of the genetic diversity in current winter wheats in the UK were grown under a range of N levels and their performance measured under various levels of N. This population has parents which encompass all four end-use categories to understand how breeding for differences in NUE may change across different end-use types of wheat. The growth of the eight parents of a MAGIC population showed significant differences in biomass per plant, ear number, yield and protein content of the grain when grown with differing levels of N. No consistent response to N was seen for the lines tested for all of the traits measured. However, the underlying difference in response to N was not due to N uptake or N translocation, as short-term 15N uptake and translocation showed no significant differences in the lines tested. RNASeq was then performed on two different bread-making varieties grown under low-N conditions to identify putative genes controlling the underlying differences seen in biomass production when grown on low N. This led to the identification of the genes involved in growth and C/N signaling and metabolism, which may explain the differences in growth and biomass production seen between the parents of this population.

Wheat Yield, Biomass, and Radiation Interception and Utilization Under Conservation Tillage: Greater Response to Drip Fertigation Compared to Intensive Tillage

Conservation tillage, particularly no tillage (NT), has been recognized as an efficient farming practice, particularly in dryland agriculture, as it significantly enhances crop yields, improves soil health, and contributes to environmental sustainability. However, the influence of NT on winter wheat radiation interception and utilization, biomass, and yield under NT in irrigated fields, especially under drip fertigation, is unclear. A field experiment was carried out for two growing seasons in Shandong province, China, using a split-plot design with the tillage method as the main plot (no tillage, NT; rotary tillage, RT; and first plowing the soil and then conducting rotary tillage, PRT), and water–nitrogen management as the sub-plot (N fertilizer broadcasting and flood irrigation, BF and drip fertigation, DF). Our results showed that DF increased yield by 11.0–28.5%, but the yield response to DF depended on the tillage methods. NT had the highest response in yield of 26.3–28.5%, followed by RT of 14.6–15.1% and PRT of 11.0–11.9%. Both increased grains per ear and ear number, a result of the greater maximum stems number donating to the yield gain by DF under NT. This gain was also due to the substantially promoted post-anthesis biomass (36.7–47.3%), which resulted from the increased interception of solar radiation and radiation use efficiency after anthesis. In addition, the extended post-anthesis duration also benefited biomass and yield. To conclude, our findings underscore the critical need to optimize water and nitrogen management strategies to maximize yield under conservation tillage systems.

Combining ability of new maize lines according to grain productivity and its components

The most important indicator of the initial material’s value in breeding for heterosis is its combining ability. The purpose of the current work was to study the combining ability of new self-pollinated maize lines according to grain productivity and its main components. The study was conducted at the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy”, located in the southern part of the Rostov region with unstable moisture, in 2021–2023. The objects of the studies were 9 new constant self-pollinated maize lines and the line ‘RD 329’, used as a standard. The objects of the studies were also 3 testers, simple maize hybrids ‘Kros 1’, ‘Kros 2’, ‘Kros 3’ and 30 new test-cross hybrids of maize. There have been identified new highly heterotic maize hybrids of practical interest ‘Kros1×Sl 303’ (5.05 t/ha), ‘Kros1×Sl 308’ (4.75 t/ha), ‘Kros1×Sl 309’ (4.84 t/ha). There have been identified new self-pollinated lines ‘Sl 303’ (gi = 0.56), ‘Sl 308’ (gi = 0.43) and ‘Sl 309’ (gi = 0.47) with high combining ability according to the trait ‘grain productivity’ and are recommended for use in programs of hybridization. Self-pollinated lines with high GCA according to grain productivity, as a rule, had higher GCA for such productivity traits as ‘a number of grains per ear’, ‘one ear weight’ and ‘a number of ears per plant’. This contributed to the formation of a large number of grains per ear in test-cross maize hybrids (623–655 pcs.), the formation of ears with a large weight (131–147 g), and the absence of sterile plants in dry conditions. The combining ability according to the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ had no effect on productivity of test-cross hybrids in dry conditions. The use of self-pollinated lines with high values of productivity traits and transmitting high values to hybrids made it possible to develop new productive hybrid combinations.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS ON CORN PRODUCTIVITY IN SOILS WITH MEDIUM PHOSPHORUS LEVELS

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different phosphate fertilizers (conventional 05-36-00, polymer-coated, and organic biological) on maize productivity in soils with medium phosphorus levels. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Terrena Agronegócios Ltda., where agronomic parameters such as plant height, number of ears per plant, thousand-grain weight, and total yield were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that controlled-release fertilizers, especially polymer-coated ones, performed better in terms of gradual phosphorus availability and yield. It was concluded that proper management of phosphate fertilization, adjusting doses and sources according to soil conditions, is essential to optimize maize crop productivity.

HETEROSIS AND GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN MAIZE USING HALF DIALLEL CROSS

The study was aimed to determine heterosis, GCA, SCA and some genetic parameters in maize (Zea mays L.). Seeds for half diallel crosses among eight inbred lines Planted in spring season 2021 during fall season 2021, the eight parents and 28 hybrids were sowing (10/7/2021) using Randomize Complete Block Design with three replications at the field of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok. The results revealed that the mean square for all genotypes was highly significant effects in all studied traits except number of ears per plant. The (Un44052) line was superior in number of rows per ear and grain yield per plant, while the cross (Zp-505 x Un44052) was superior in number ear per plant and number of rows per ear. Six crosses exhibited significant positive heterosis, the crosses Dkc-f-59 x Dk-17, Dkc-f-59 x Un44052, Dkc-f-59 x Zp-430, Zp-505 x Un44052, Zp-607 x Zp-505 and Zp-179 x Un44052. The heritability in broad sense was higher than the heritability narrow sense in studied traits, between 0.33 and 0.97 for number of ear per plant and grain yield per plant. The average degree of dominance was higher than one in studied traits.

Mean Performance and Heterotic Pattern of Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines Adapted to Sub-humid Central Highland of Ethiopia

In spite of abiotic and biotic stresses and low availability of high-yielding cultivars restrict potential production of maize, it is a major food crop in Africa. To overcome this production barrier, promising germplasm must be chosen, combining ability must be understood, and heterotic groups must be formed in order to generate high-yielding maize varieties. The study set out to evaluate plant height, ear height, ear diameter, thousand seed weight, kernel per row, kernel row per ear, and number of ear per plant in order to assess the performance evaluation and heterotic pattern of inbred lines. In 2019, twenty-six inbred lines and two single cross testers were crossed using a line by tester mating design to create fifty-two three way cross F1 hybrids. The experiment, which used an alpha lattice design with two replications, was conducted at the Ambo and Kulumsa Agricultural Research Centers during the 2020 cropping season. Analyses of variance revealed that among the parameters with significant mean squares arising from crosses and lines both within and across locations were grain yield, anthesis date, silking date, plant height, ear height, kernel row per ear, and number of ears per plant. Because of the lines, testers, and crossings for grain yield, anthesis date, silking date, plant height, ear height, kernel row per ear, and number of ear per plant, the line x tester ANOVA results revealed significant mean squares. Due to line x site, line x tester, tester x site, and line x tester x site, there was a noticeable difference in plant height, ear height, and the number of ears per plant. This proved that different environment have different selection criteria for materials and different performance levels. This genetic study Categorized, L1, L22, and L24 under heterotic group A (CEL08008/CEL08047), while L8, L10, L14, L17, L20, and L26 were placed under heterotic group-B (CEL08024/CML561).

Agrophysiological responses of bread wheat to raised-bed planting and irrigation level

ABSTRACT To investigate the response of wheat to drought stress under different plantation systems, two field experiments were carried out in 2021/22 and 2022/23 in Arsanjan, Iran. The main plot was three different plantation systems (flat planting, 60, and 120 cm raised beds) and the sub plots were irrigation levels at 100% (control), 80% (medium stress), and 60% (severe stress) of crop evapotranspiration. Raised bed planting increased grain yield by 24% compared to flat cultivation. This increase for biological yield was about 17%, the number of ears was 7%, and the number of seeds per ear was 21%. Drought stress caused a significant decrease in grain yield (46.4%), number of ears (20.5%), seed number (30.3%), biological yield (45.9%), chlorophyll a (31.8%), chlorophyll b (28.1%) and relative water content (5.3%) and increased, proline content (24.3%) and ion leakage (147.3%). Water use efficiency was increased in raised bed planting and deficit irrigation treatments. The decrease in yield due to drought stress was moderated to some extent in the raised bed system and therefore cultivation on raised beds is suggested as a suitable planting pattern to improve yield and WUE in wheat under conditions similar to the experimental area, especially under water shortage conditions.

Effect of Crop Geometry and Weed Management Practices on Yield and Yield Attributes of Spring Maize in Banke, Nepal

The experiment was conducted in Banke, Nepal, from February 2021 to May 2021 to find suitable spacing and weed management practices for spring maize. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design in which main plots consisting of two spacings (S1:60 cm × 25 cm and S2:60 cm × 30 cm) and subplots consisting of five weed management practices as, W1: weedy check, W2: weed free, W3: atrazine @ 2 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence herbicide, W4: atrazine as pre-emergence herbicide followed by single-hand weeding at 30 DAS, and W5: straw mulch. Observations were taken for different parameters, that are, cob length, cob circumference, number of grains per cob, number of ears per hectare, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield. Based on spacing non-significant variations were found for all traits except for the number of ears per hectare. The highest number of ears per hectare (61667 ears ha-1) was found in S1 (60 cm × 25 cm). Based on weed management practices all the traits were significantly different, except the number of ears per hectare and thousand grain weight. The highest value of grain yield (6.15 mt ha-1) was found in straw mulch, and the lowest grain yield (3.72 mt ha-1) was found in the weedy check. A positive correlation was observed between yield and different weed management practices (WEM) (r = 0.5**) and other yield-attributing traits, that are, number of ears per hectare (NE) (r = 0.62**), the number of grains per cob (NK) (r = 0.82**), cob length (CL) (r = 0.47**), cob diameter (CD) (r = 0.68**), and total grain weight (TGW) (r = 0.52**). A negative correlation was observed between yield and spacing (S) (r = -0.41*).

Productivity of Alternative Barley Genotypes under Variable Intraspecific Competition Resulting from Increasing Sowing Density

Sowing density and row spacing of barley affect the crop efficiency, resource use and final yield, with different genotypes likely to respond differently to this agrotechnical factor. The effect of sowing density on the barley yield, as shaped by structural yield elements such as the number of ears, number of grains per ears and thousand grain weight, depends on the interaction of this factor with the genotype and the growing conditions. Two spring barley genotypes with a black grain color (H. vulgare L. var. nigricans and H. vulgare L. var. rimpaui), differing in ear structure and affiliation to the original wild forms, were studied. Two independent, two-year field experiments were conducted in 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 at two locations with contrasting soil conditions. The effects of genotype and sowing density interactions on the yield, harvest index and structural elements of the yield were assessed. The arley yield was dependent on the interaction of genotype and sowing density but also varied by location. H. v. var. nigricans yielded better at higher densities, while H. v. var. rimpaui showed greater tillering potential at low densities. Environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature and soil composition affected the number of fertile ears, number of grains per ear and thousand grain weight.

Winter Wheat Experiments to Optimize Sowing Dates and Densities in a High-Yielding Environment in New Zealand: Field Experiments and AgMIP-Wheat Multi-Model Simulations

This paper describes the data set that was used to test the accuracy of twenty-nine crop models in simulating the effect of changing sowing dates and sowing densities on wheat productivity for a high-yielding environment in New Zealand. The data includes one winter wheat cultivar (Wakanui) grown during six consecutive years, from 2012-2013 to 2017-2018, at two farms located in Leeston and Wakanui in Canterbury, New Zealand. The simulations were carried out in the framework of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project for wheat (AgMIP-Wheat). Data include local daily weather data, soil profile characteristics and initial conditions, crop measurements at maturity (grain, stem, chaff and leaf dry weight, ear number and grain number, grain unit dry weight), and at stem elongation and anthesis (total above ground dry biomass, leaf number per stem and leaf area index). Several in-season measurements of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR) are also available. The crop model simulations include both daily in-season and end-of-season results from twenty-nine wheat models.

Planting Geometry May Be Used to Optimize Plant Density and Yields without Changing Yield Potential per Plant in Sweet Corn.

Planting geometry is one of the most important management practices that determine plant growth and yield of corn. The effects of eight planting geometries (35 × 23 cm, 40 × 21 cm, 45 × 19 cm, 50 × 18 cm, 55 × 17 cm, 60 × 16 cm, 65 × 15 cm, 70 × 15 cm) on plant growth and yields of three sweet corn hybrids (Argos F1, Challenger F1, Khan F1) were investigated under Erzurum, Türkiye conditions in 2022 and 2023 years. Variance analysis of the main factors shows a highly significant effect on whole traits but in two-way interactions some of the traits were significant and in the three-way interactions, it was insignificant. As an average of years, the number of plants per hectare at the harvest varied between 92,307 (35 × 23 cm) and 120,444 (70 × 15 cm) according to the planting geometries. The highest marketable ear number per hectare (107,456), marketable ear yield (24,887 kg ha-1), and fresh kernel yield (19,493 kg ha-1) were obtained from the 40 × 21 cm planting geometry. The results showed that the variety Khan F1 grown at 40 × 21 cm planting geometry obtained the highest marketable ear number (112,472), marketable ear yield (29,788 kg ha-1), and fresh kernel yield (22,432 kg ha-1). The plant density was positively correlated with marketable ear number (r = 0.904 **), marketable ear yield (r = 0.853 **), and fresh kernel yield (r = 0.801 **). The differences among the varieties were significant for the studied traits, except for plant density and kernel number per ear. In conclusion, the variety Khan F1 should be grown at the 40 × 21 cm planting geometry to maximize yields under study area conditions without water and nutrient limitations.

A study of the influence of the T2DL.2DS-2SS translocation and the 5S(5D) substitution from Aegilops speltoides on breeding-valuable traits of common wheat.

The use of the gene pool of wild relatives for expanding the genetic diversity of common wheat is an important task of breeding programs. However, the practical application of common wheat lines with alien genetic material is constrained by the lack of information on chromosomal rearrangements and the negative impact of the transferred material on agronomically important traits. This research is aimed at studying 14 introgression lines with the T2DL.2DS-2SS translocation and the 5S(5D) substitution from Aegilops speltoides obtained from crossing common wheat varieties (Aurora, Krasnodarskaya 99, Nika Kubani) with the genome-substituted form Avrodes (BBAASS). Hybrid lines with different combinations of T2DL.2DS-2SS and T1BL.1RS translocations and 5S(5D) substitution were characterized by resistance to leaf and yellow rusts, productivity components and technological qualities of grain. The assessment of the varieties' resistance to rust diseases showed that Krasnodarskaya 99, Nika Kubani and the Aurora variety, which is a carrier of the T1BL.1RS translocation, are highly susceptible to diseases, while the presence of the T2DL.2DS-2SS translocation and the 5S(5D) substitution, both together and separately, provides resistance to fungal pathogens. The analysis of the lines using markers designed for known resistance genes of Ae. speltoides did not reveal the presence of the Lr28, Lr35 and Lr51 genes in the lines. The results suggest that the genetic material of Ae. speltoides transferred to chromosomes 2D and 5D contains new resistance genes. To determine the effect of the T2DL.2DS-2SS translocation and the 5S(5D) substitution on the productivity and technological qualities of grain, the lines were assessed by weight of 1000 grains, grain weight and number of ears per 1 m2, by protein and gluten content, gluten quality and general baking evaluation. A positive effect was determined upon the weight of 1000 grains, protein and gluten content. There were no significant differences in other characteristics. The T2DL.2DS-2SS translocation and the 5S(5D) substitution did not have a negative effect on the productivity and technological quality of grain, and are of interest for breeding practice.

Azospirillum brasilense and jasmonic acid as mitigators of water stress in creole corn plants

The aim of this research was to evaluate the action of Azospirillum brasilense and jasmonic acid as mitigators of water stress caused by various irrigation levels in Creole corn crops. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a completely randomized factorial design consisting of 2 levels of A. brasilense (absence and presence) x 3 doses of jasmonic acid x 3 irrigation depths determined by three evapotranspiration (ET0) multipliers (0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 of the evapotranspiration measured in the crop area). The design included 4 replicates, totaling 72 experimental units. Evaluations were carried out at the R6 physiological maturity stage for number of tassels, tassel branch number, number of leaves on the corn cob, and number of ears per plant. Analysis of variance showed significant difference among the variables studied. The irrigation depth of 0.8 of the evapotranspiration showed significant interactions between A. brasilense and jasmonic acid in reducing water stress in creole corn plants. The results for the irrigation depth 0.6 of the evapotranspiration, with the use of mitigators, showed smaller reductions in stress (11.91% reduction compared to 0.8 of the ET0). The treatment of 10 μmol L-1 jasmonic acid was the most favorable for reducing stress and consequently increasing the productivity of creole corn plants, coming closest to the estimated optimal dosage.