First Year Of Establishment Research Articles

Issue of Financial Management Practices among SMMEs: A Case Study of Former Transkei Homelands in Eastern Cape Province South Africa

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The goal of this study was to investigate the financial management practices of SMMEs operating in under developed regions as a challenge facing SMMEs operating in underdeveloped regions using former Transkei Homelands in Eastern Cape Province as a case study. Background......................................................................................................................................................................................................... In South Africa, the works of Cameron and Miller (2008) highlights that South Africa is ranked among top countries in the world with high failure rates of SMMEs during the first year of establishment. This calls for continues research works to identify factors that could be impeding the progress of SMMEs in South Africa. According to Jayansankaran, (1999) proper financial management practices are among the key deciding factors when it comes to the survival of SMMEs. Mostly SMMEs in underdeveloped regions are owned and managed by one person, the lack of financial management competence on the side of the SMMEs owners or managers in turn could bring serious consequences to the financial stability and grow of the SMMEs. It is against this background that this study focuses on financial management practices among SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in former Transkei Homelands where survival of SMMEs are critical for economic development of the region. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... The researcher in this study uses both quantitative and purposive sampling approaches to design an exploratory study to sample 68 SMMEs owners/managers based in the various towns of the selected region. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about identifying factors that may be impeding survival of SMMEs. Findings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The major findings of the study revealed that 95.59% of the owners/managers have no financial management/accounting skills as well as 58.82% of the internal system of recording financial transactions are not audited. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. In view of the findings it is recommended that agencies charged with looking after SMMEs provide training in the area of financial management skills for the SMMEs owners/managers. Recommendation for Researchers.................................................................................................................................................................... Future studies can include the other four principles of financial management principles highlighted by Armstrong (2001). Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist to highlight to funders of SMMEs, policy makers and business support agencies the need for educating SMMEs entrepreneurs especially those operating their businesses in underdeveloped regions in proper financial management practices in order to curve the problem of cash flow faced by SMMEs which leads to SMMEs failure. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Exploring the skills of the SMMEs entrepreneurs’ to prepare, understand and interpretation of financial statements are critical in this context.

Methane Yield Potential of Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deuter)) Established under Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study reports on the effects of two rhizome-based establishment procedures ‘miscanthus under maize’ (MUM) and ‘reference’ (REF) on the methane yield per hectare (MYH) of miscanthus in a field trial in southwest Germany. The dry matter yield (DMY) of aboveground biomass was determined each year in autumn over four years (2016–2019). A biogas batch experiment and a fiber analysis were conducted using plant samples from 2016–2018. Overall, MUM outperformed REF due to a high MYH of maize in 2016 (7211 m3N CH4 ha−1). The MYH of miscanthus in MUM was significantly lower compared to REF in 2016 and 2017 due to a lower DMY. Earlier maturation of miscanthus in MUM caused higher ash and lignin contents compared with REF. However, the mean substrate-specific methane yield of miscanthus was similar across the treatments (281.2 and 276.2 lN kg−1 volatile solid−1). Non-significant differences in MYH 2018 (1624 and 1957 m3N CH4 ha−1) and in DMY 2019 (15.6 and 21.7 Mg ha−1) between MUM and REF indicate, that MUM recovered from biotic and abiotic stress during 2016. Consequently, MUM could be a promising approach to close the methane yield gap of miscanthus cultivation in the first year of establishment.

Impact of newly introduced perennial bioenergy crops on soil quality parameters at three different locations in W‐Germany

AbstractThe land areas used for bioenergy crop cultivation are increasing across Europe. For several years now, various perennial crops have been cultivated, including Miscanthus, switchgrass and reed canary grass, and the newly introduced cup plant, giant knotweed, tall wheatgrass, virginia mallow, and wild plant mixtures. We investigated the impact that many of these perennial bioenergy crops (PECs) have on the soil organic C and N pools, microbial properties, and earthworm activity at three different study sites in W‐Germany with varying soil conditions after an experimental period of five years. Silage maize (Zea maize) in rotation with green rye (Cecale cereale) or Triticale was used for comparison (= annual energy crops; AEC). The overall intention of this study was to gain insights into the future trends of soil quality with changes in land‐use towards bioenergy production. Our results emphasized that in general, soil quality was improved through the cultivation of perennials. For example, after five years of investigation, the mean soil organic carbon contents increased, on average, by 1–2% at two of the three study sites, the soil microbial biomass increased from 13% (virginia mallow) to 27% (tall wheatgrass) (p < 0.05) compared to AEC treatment and the mean earthworm activity (cast production) was significantly improved in PECs compared to AEC. These trends were mainly found in silty to loamy soils, but the results were slightly different in sandy soils and dry climate conditions. We suggest that this might be traced back to unfavourable growing conditions for perennial crops during the first years of establishment. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive field investigation of the impact of these newly introduced perennial crops on soil quality indicators that considers various site‐ and soil‐specific growth conditions.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions following Conversion of a Reclaimed Minesoil to Bioenergy Crop Production

AbstractThis study provides a comparative assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when converting a reclaimed minesoil that was previously under meadow to miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and maize (Zea mays L.) land uses in Ohio, USA. Additionally, effluent from an anaerobic digester at rates of 0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N ha−1 rates was also assessed for C and nutrient fertilization. Results from the study show that land use conversion to maize had the highest net release of GHG equivalent of 6·6 Mg CO2equ ha−1 y−1, on average, across effluent application rates. Under miscanthus land use with no and high effluent application rates, net GHG equivalent on average was 4·3 Mg CO2equ ha−1 y−1, which was larger when compared with that under the meadow land use (1·6 Mg CO2equ ha−1 y−1). Miscanthus land use under medium rates of effluent application had similar net GHG equivalent (7·1 Mg CO2equ ha−1 y−1) to the maize land use. The application of effluent did increase CO2–C and N2O–N emissions; but increases in above‐ground–below‐ground biomass production (1·6 Mg C ha−1) in the meadow land use and C input from effluent retained in the soil in the miscanthus and maize land uses offset most of the effluent‐induced GHG equivalent emissions. Contribution of cumulative N2O–N to GHG equivalent emissions in general was 11% when no effluent was applied and 22% when effluent was applied across land uses. Findings from this study show that land use changes from antecedent meadow to maize and miscanthus during the first year of establishment would result in net increase of GHG emissions. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA

Agroforestry in Bolivia: opportunities and challenges in the context of food security and food sovereignty

SUMMARYAgroforestry systems have long been implemented in Bolivia, but little is known about their overall current status. Interviews with farmers, policymakers and members of civil society organizations about the challenges and opportunities that agroforestry faces, as well as field visits to agroforestry projects revealed a wide range of agroforestry initiatives in Bolivia that provide ecosystem services, food and income to local families. All interviewees attributed a high potential to agroforestry, for example, to promote biodiversity, water conservation, food sovereignty and adaptation to climate change impacts. However, agroforestry initiatives lacked support because government incentives were channelled to cattle rearing and large-scale monocultures rather than diversified farming systems, and agroforestry initiatives tended to be small and isolated. A nationwide policy is needed which is coordinated with civil society organizations and individual farmers and strategically and efficiently supports agroforestry initiatives – especially in the most vulnerable first years of establishment – through extension services and access to materials, markets, knowledge and financial resources.

Музеи Императорского Томского университета: первые годы создания и деятельности

Музеи Императорского Томского университета: первые годы создания и деятельности

Inducing competition: intensive grassland seeding to control Ambrosia artemisiifolia

SummaryThe invasion of Ambrosia artemisiifolia across European countries has been favoured by its ecological amplitude and by its ability to colonise and dominate disturbed/ruderal areas that have lost competition from native species. We supposed that a strong competition for habitat resources may inhibit A. artemisiifolia growth, generating a negative feedback to its establishment. Based on this hypothesis, in this study, we undertook a 1‐year field experiment to assess the effect of mixtures of grassland species on A. artemisiifolia growth and fitness in bare soils. We applied three different treatments within an abandoned quarry area invaded by A. artemisiifolia: (i) spontaneous succession, (ii) hayseed and (iii) a commercial seed mixture. Within plots, we recorded vegetation parameters, A. artemisiifolia abundance and traits. Results obtained after one growing season showed that the commercial seed resulted in the strongest reduction of A. artemisiifolia growth rate in terms of plant height, lateral spread and leaf size. This was ascribed to higher density of plants that play a key role in reducing biomass and fitness of A. artemisiifolia. However, hayseed should be preferred, as it preserves local biodiversity. Seeding mixtures of grassland species can successfully suppress A. artemisiifolia in the first year of establishment on a vegetation‐free soil derived from quarry activities. This study indicated that inducing dominance of different native species in a newly developing plant community should enhance competition for resources, reducing the success of early coloniser non‐native species.

Impact of Hybrid Bluegrass and Tall Fescue Seeding Combinations on Brown Patch Severity and Weed Encroachment

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and hybrid bluegrass (Poa pratensis L. × Poa arachnifera) can both be successfully grown in the transition zone of the United States. However, each grass has limitations. Tall fescue is susceptible to the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, whereas slow establishment and susceptibility to weed infestations limit hybrid bluegrass. Previous studies have shown the benefits of combining kentucky bluegrass with tall fescue in seeding mixtures. Research was conducted to evaluate the impact of two seeding combinations of hybrid bluegrass and tall fescue (one combination seeded at a 1.9:1 seed count ratio favoring tall fescue, the other combination seeded at a 1:1.8 seed count ratio favoring hybrid bluegrass) as well as monocultures of the species on turfgrass cover, weed species infestation, brown patch disease severity caused by R. solani, sod strength and species ecology. The seeding combinations had lower weed density during establishment and greater turf cover than the monoculture of hybrid bluegrass. The monoculture of tall fescue was subjected to more brown patch disease than the seeding combinations during and after the first year of establishment. Brown patch infestations likely reduced tall fescue cover and led to a species shift favoring hybrid bluegrass in the seeding combinations based on tiller count and weight data. Seeding combinations of tall fescue and hybrid bluegrass are beneficial from an epidemiological perspective because they reduce disease and weed infestations compared with monocultures of either species. From an agronomic perspective, the seeding combination favoring tall fescue provided the densest turf, whereas the seeding combination favoring hybrid had the greatest sod strength. Chemical name used: clopyralid (3,6 dichloropyridine-2 carboxylic acid)

ACI Alliance – The American Cochlear Implant Alliance Foundation

ACI Alliance – The American Cochlear Implant Alliance Foundation

Rooting in a Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green in Response to Spring and Summer Coring

Understanding root growth response of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) to coring will help golf course superintendents maintain high quality putting green turf. The objective of this field study was to examine the effects of coring on summer rooting in young creeping bentgrass grown on a sand‐based root zone and maintained as a putting green. The study was initiated on 7‐mo‐old ‘Providence' creeping bentgrass in 2006 and compared spring (SP) only coring, spring plus three summer (SU) corings (SP + SU) and a noncored control through 2007. The minirhizotron imagining technique was used to measure total root count (TRC) and total root length (TRL) from late spring to late summer. The percentage of the TRC in the surface 0‐ to 6‐cm root zone depth averaged over measurement dates was 48 to 53% and 33 to 44% among all treatments in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Greater TRC were observed in 2006 with 28, 51, and 50% lower TRC's found in SP + SU, SP only, and noncored plots in 2007, respectively. Spring + SU coring generally reduced TRC and TRL at various root zone depths and dates during the first year of establishment. In 2007, greater TRC and TRL were observed throughout the 0‐ to 24‐cm root zone in SP + SU cored compared to SP only and noncored plots. Thus, SP + SU coring in the second study year promoted creeping bentgrass root growth and/or longevity, but coring during the first summer of establishment reduced rooting.

Ten years primary succession on a newly created landfill at a lagoon of the Mediterranean Sea (Lake Burullus RAMSAR site)

This study was carried out on the transported bed soil dredged from the outlet of Lake Burullus to the Mediterranean Sea and deposited nearby, forming by this way new land that underwent a primary plant succession. The multi-methodological approach comprised floristic inventories, vegetation sampling and soil composition analyses of the study site in order to detect the crucial parameters controlling the plant resettlement on recently deposited soil as related to time, local micro-topography and substrate characteristics. Floristic composition was assessed for the first 10 years of primary succession (2001–2010) on 18 stands of the area, distributed on basement, slope stands and plateau of the landfill, respectively. Vegetation surveys were the basis of multivariate analyses of the vegetation and soil data using TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA. Relationships between the edaphic gradients, floristic composition and species diversity were assessed.Forty-one species were identified (22 annuals and 19 perennials) after ten years development compared with 7 species at the first year. After application of TWINSPAN and DCA on the data of the first year of establishment, two simple vegetation groups were recognized and named after their dominant species, Senecio glaucus and Bassia indica. In comparison, the multivariate analysis of the last year (i.e. after 10 years of succession) led to identify 4 more advanced vegetation groups: Senecio glaucus–Cakile maritima–Zygophyllum album, Bassia indica–Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Phragmites australis–Limbarda crithmoides. These plant communities are comparable to the other communities in the same region, showing the tendency to establish the climax vegetation of Mediterranean coastal areas. The notable edaphic variables that affect the succession of the vegetation groups in the study area were moisture, salinity, organic matter, minerals (Ca, Na, K, Cl, SO4), soil texture and human disturbance.

Preliminary Findings on the Correlation between Water-soluble Carbohydrate Content in Stolons and First Year Green-up of Seeded Bermudagrass Cultivars

Warm-season grasses are not widely accepted in Mediterranean countries because they lose color during the winter months. A study was conducted at the University of Padova (Padova, Italy) to determine whether fall and spring water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in stolons of seeded bermudagrass cultivars (Cynodon dactylon) influenced spring green-up in the first year of establishment. Nine bermudagrass cultivars (La Paloma, Mohawk, NuMex Sahara, Princess 77, Riviera, SR 9554, Barbados, Contessa, and Yukon) were seeded in July 2005, and dry weight and WSC content in stolons were measured in Fall 2005 and again in Spring 2006. The percentage of green cover and days needed to achieve 80% green cover (D80) were regressed against November and March values of stolon dry weight and WSC content to determine if they were good predictors of D80. ‘Yukon’ showed earliest spring green-up by end of April, and ‘Princess 77’ and ‘Riviera’ were slowest, needing 43 to 46 days more than ‘Yukon’ to reach D80. There was a significant inverse relationship between November (r2 = 0.57) and March (r2 = 0.77) WSC content in stolons and D80 for all nine bermudagrass cultivars. These results suggest that bermudagrass cultivars with high WSC in stolons recover more rapidly from dormancy during establishment than those with low WSC content.

Evaluation of Glyphosate-Tolerant and Conventional Alfalfa Weed Control Systems during the First Year of Establishment

A field trial was conducted for 3 yr (2005 through 2007) near Scottsbluff, NE, to examine weed control, crop safety, forage production, and economics of glyphosate-tolerant and conventional alfalfa establishment systems. Glyphosate applied to alfalfa at the unifoliate growth stage provided 67% weed control and was similar to imazamox applied at the two-trifoliate leaf stage. Delaying glyphosate application until alfalfa had reached the two-trifoliate growth stage improved weed control to 83%, and weed control was similar to imazamox plus 2,4-DB and imazethapyr plus 2,4-DB. Imazamox and imazethapyr caused minor crop injury, and the addition of bromoxynil or 2,4-DB to both herbicides further decreased crop safety. Weeds were most competitive with the first forage harvest and reduced relative feed value, crude protein, and value (dollars per t) of forage compared to forage that had been treated with herbicides. The total forage yield for the season consisted of three forage harvests and was greatest when no herbicides were applied. The total forage yield of plots treated with glyphosate at the two-trifoliate growth stage was greater than that of plots treated with imazamox or imazethapyr in combination with bromoxynil. When glyphosate was applied at the two-trifoliate growth stage, seasonal forage yield was similar to forage treated with imazamox, imazethapyr, or both herbicides in combination with 2,4-DB. When herbicide was applied to alfalfa at the two-trifoliate growth stage, the net return from using glyphosate with a glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa variety or utilizing imazamox with a conventional alfalfa variety were similar at $742 and $743/ha, respectively.

Provenance variation in germination and seedling growth of Abies guatemalensis Rehder

The Guatemalan fir, Abies guatemalensis (Rehder), is an endangered conifer from Central America listed within CITES. Illegal harvest of branches from natural forests for Christmas tree production is one of the main threats, and thus plantations are recommended as suitable conservation strategy. Currently, plantation trees suffer from insufficient quality which could be improved by selecting more suitable provenances. This paper analyses differences among nine seed provenances of A. guatemalensis for a set of traits important for seedling production; source populations were selected from montane natural forests at 2600–3400 m a.s.l. The provenances were evaluated during the first year of establishment in one nursery and two common gardens within the natural altitudinal range at the centre of the distribution range in Guatemala. Time-to-germination, germination percentage, seedling survival, height, flushing and number of secondary branches were examined. There were significant differences among provenances for all traits. Two provenances showed superior germination and growth characteristics; one had the highest germination percentage and the densest distribution of secondary branches, and the other produced tallest seedlings. In contrast, all provenances from the edge of the distribution range in Guatemala had delayed time-to-germination, and reduced germination and growth. The results indicate considerable variation among provenances for germination and seedling characteristics. The traits investigated in this study should be included for appropriate provenance selection to improve seedling quality for Christmas tree plantations. We recommend a number of contrasting seed sources to maintain conservation interest in various natural forests for seed production.

Effect of defoliation management, based on leaf stage, on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) under dryland conditions. 1. Regrowth, tillering and water‐soluble carbohydrate concentration

AbstractA field study was undertaken between April 2003 and May 2004 in southern Tasmania, Australia to quantify and compare changes in herbage productivity and water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentration of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) under a defoliation regime based on leaf regrowth stage. Defoliation interval was based on the time taken for two, three or four leaves per tiller to fully expand. Dry‐matter (DM) production and botanical composition were measured at every defoliation event; plant density, DM production per tiller, tiller numbers per plant and WSC concentration were measured bimonthly; and tiller initiation and death rates were monitored every 3 weeks. Species and defoliation interval had a significant effect (P < 0·05) on seasonal DM production. Prairie grass produced significantly more (P < 0·001) DM than cocksfoot and ryegrass (5·7 vs. 4·1 and 4·3 t DM ha−1 respectively). Plants defoliated at the two‐leaf stage of regrowth produced significantly less DM than plants defoliated at the three‐ and four‐leaf stages, irrespective of species. Defoliation interval had no effect on plant persistence of any species during the first year of establishment, as measured by plant density and tiller number. However, more frequent defoliation was detrimental to the productivity of all species, most likely because of decreased WSC reserves. Results from this study confirmed that to maximize rates of regrowth, the recommended defoliation interval for prairie grass and cocksfoot is the four‐leaf stage, and for perennial ryegrass between the two and three‐leaf stages.

Seeded Zoysiagrass Establishment in a Perennial Ryegrass Sward

Many golf course superintendents in the transition zone of the USA are interested in converting their perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) fairways to warm‐season grasses to reduce irrigation and fungicide expenses. This research was conducted to identify strategies for converting perennial ryegrass swards maintained under golf course fairway conditions to seeded ‘Zenith’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steudel). An experiment was initiated in 1999 (Study I) at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center at Manhattan, KS, to evaluate the influence of traffic, plant growth regulator (PGR), or glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl) glycine] application to perennial ryegrass and perennial ryegrass scalping on zoysiagrass emergence and coverage. In 2000, a second experiment (Study II) was initiated to evaluate zoysiagrass coverage response after perennial ryegrass was treated with glyphosate or scalping, as in Study I, and a zoysiagrass strip‐seeding technique was also evaluated. Each study was evaluated for three consecutive years. Before seeding zoysiagrass at 42 kg pure live seed (PLS) ha−1 in mid June, plots in all treatments were aerified and verticut. Trafficking turf with a smooth power roller in Study I reduced turfgrass quality during the first year of establishment and reduced zoysiagrass seedling emergence 6 wk after seeding and coverage in each of three evaluation years. Plant growth regulators applied to perennial ryegrass before seeding in Study I did not enhance zoysiagrass seedling emergence or coverage. Perennial ryegrass treated with glyphosate or scalped during the first 6 wk after seeding exhibited greater zoysiagrass seedling emergence than PGR‐treated or untreated turf in Study I. Zoysiagrass coverage in glyphosate‐treated perennial ryegrass was 75 and 84% by October of the first year in Studies I and II, respectively. Scalping perennial ryegrass resulted in 75% (Study I) and 40% (Study II) zoysiagrass coverage by the end of the third season of establishment. Strip seeding zoysiagrass at 84 kg PLS ha−1 into 7.6‐cm wide glyphosate‐treated strips, spaced 33 cm apart, resulted in 73% coverage by the end of the third season of establishment in Study II. In general, the treatments that resulted in greatest perennial ryegrass suppression resulted in the largest percentage of zoysiagrass coverage 3 yr after seeding.

Appearance and development of tillers in herbage grass species 2. Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)

AbstractThe persistence of timothy in grasslands was investigated in the present study. Seeds were sown in August and October 1999 and March 2000. Following transplantation in September and November 1999 and April 2000, plant length and dry matter weight of each organ were measured in every tiller every three months.The results were obtained under the limited conditions of uninterrupted growth of timothy plants in the sward. The seasonal changes in plant lengths of the first year of establishment differed with the sowing times. In the second year, the tillers were divided into two by means of seasonal changes in plant length: some tillers increasing rapidly during the growing season from spring to late spring and the others gradually from autumn to winter. In the second year, the seasonal changes in the total tiller numbers of differing sowing times showed almost the same pattern, and secondary and tertiary tillers alternating with the main culm and primary tiller predominated. The changes in dry matter weight of each organ, especially the changes of the haplocorms, corresponded with the alternations of generations of tillers. That is, the parental tillers provided nutrients to haplocorms until the main tillers bore ears and developed. The parental tillers suppressed the appearance of tillers of the next generation to avoid competition. The tillers of the next generation began to emerge after the parental tillers died. The mechanism of the harmonious alternation of tiller generations composed of several tiller order groups was inferred to be one of the factors allowing the persistence of the timothy sward.

Allometric biomass equations for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings during the first years of establishment in dense natural regeneration

A dense natural regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) exhibits a considerable biomass build-up in the first four years, with amounts of 7.03 Mg ha -1 for aboveground biomass, and 0.88 Mg ha -1 for coarse root biomass (> 1 mm). Power equations were developed, which relate collar diameter (ranging from 0.3 to 2.7 cm) and height to total aboveground and coarse root biomass of two, three and four-year- old seedlings in a regeneration of 16 seedlings m -2 at one site in Belgium. During the first years of establishment, seedling allometry changes with age, whilst the density remains constant. Biomass equations developed for one of the three ages can produce biased predictions for the other ages. Even when an equation is based on data for all ages and information on height is included, age still has to be considered as a potential predictor variable. For pooled ages, linear regression after logarithmic transformation of the power equation, selected other predictors than weighted non-linear regression. The former approach indicated significant interactions between predictors, while the latter does not reveal interactions.

Potential of Trees, Grasses, and Turf Legumes for Restoring Eroded Soils

The performance and development potential of seven trees, two grasses and five turf legumes were evaluated in three highly eroded landscapes of Puerto Rico. Species development during the first year of establishment was adequate at the Corozal site, intermediate in Vega Baja and poor at the Orocovis location. Tree species Albicia procera and Leucaena leucocephala K 636 grew particularly well at Corozal and Vega Baja. At the Corozal site, grasses and turf legumes were significantly better for reducing soil erosion than trees and bare ground. Brachiaria decumbens did not allow sediment losses during a highly rainy period at this locale; it was significantly (P<0.01) superior to all tree species, one cover legume and bare ground. Soil dissolved organic carbon (SDOC) estimates were significantly (P<0.01) higher for ground cover species than for tree species and bare ground. Soil chemical composition of all eroded soil sites under consideration did not explain the changes in performance and development of the evaluated germplasm.

Fungi Associated with Esca and Young Grapevine Decline in Greece

In the period 1998–2001 significant numbers of vine samples of different varieties, grafted onto different rootstocks, ready for out-planting or planted and declined a few months or years later, were collected or sent to our laboratory to investigate the presence of phytopathogenic fungi. Three hundred eighty rooted cuttings ready for outplanting, 1250 young vines planted and exhibiting decline symptoms in the first year of establishment, 82 vines two to nine years old and 27 old vines exhibiting the classical esca symptoms were examined. Isolations yielded the fungi Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Fomitiporia punctata and Stereum hirsutum, as well as other fungi of the genera Phaeoacremonium, Cylindrocarpon and Botryosphaeria. The low incidence of these fungi isolated in a low percentage of samples suggested that they could not by themselves be the cause of young grapevine decline. Abiotic causes, such as lesions from improperly healed rootstock disbudding sites and graft unions made in the nursery, as well as improper storage and transportation conditions of the propagated material must also have played a role and made the decline more acute. The occurrence of the isolated fungi as endophytes and their role in the outbreak of grapevine decline remain to be investigated.