Grain Yield Of Oats Research Articles

Grain yield stability analysis using parametric and nonparametric statistics in oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes in Ethiopia

AbstractBackgroundThe performance of oat genotypes differs across environments due to variations in biotic and abiotic factors. Thus, evaluation of oat genotypes across diverse environments is very important to identify superior and stable genotypes for yield improvement.MethodsThe study aimed to assess the interaction (genotype‐by‐environment interaction; GEI) effect and determine the stability of grain yield in oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes in Ethiopia using parametric and nonparametric stability statistics. Twenty‐four oat genotypes were evaluated in nine environments using a randomized complete block design replicated three times.ResultsThe pooled analysis of the variance of grain yield showed significant variations among genotypes, environments, and their interaction effects. Significant GEI revealed the rank order change of genotypes across environments. The environment main effect captured 44.62% of the total grain yield variance, while genotype and GEI effects explained 28.84% and 26.54% of the total grain yield variance, respectively. The grain yield stability was assessed based on 12 parametric and two nonparametric stability statistics. The results indicated that genotypes with superior grain yield‐ showed stable performance on the basis of the stability parameters of the genotypic superiority index (Pi), the Perkins and Jinks adjusted linear regression coefficient (Bi), and the yield stability index (YSI), indicating that selection using these stability parameters would be efficient for grain yield enhancement in oat genotypes. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients also showed that the stability parameters of Pi, Bi, and YSI had a significant positive association with grain yield. However, grain yield had an inverse correlation with the stability parameters of standard deviation, deviation from regression , the Hernandez desirability index (Dji), Wricke ecovalence (Wi), the Shukla stability variance (σi2), the AMMI stability value (ASV), and environmental variance , indicating that oat genotype selection using these stability parameters would not be efficient for yield enhancement because these stability parameters favor low‐yielding genotypes more, compared to high‐yielding ones.ConclusionsTherefore, G5, G8, G11, G12, G14, G16, G17, G19, and G22 genotypes were adaptable in all nine environments based on stability parameters of Pi, Bi, and YSI, and selection of these superior genotypes would improve grain yield in oat genotypes. However, the validity of this result should be confirmed by repeating the experiment in the same environments over two or more years.

Negative relationship between topsoil root production and grain yield in oat and barley

Production and maintenance of vegetative organs is costly for cereal crops, and thus it should be advantageous for crop production to produce no more roots and shoots than necessary to ensure maximum output. Excessive growth of vegetative organs may be genetically determined or triggered by resource deficiency or competition. While aboveground structures have received much attention from breeders, the same is not true of roots, which are not so readily observable. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between collective crop yield and vegetative growth parameters under favourable abiotic conditions in densely sown monocultures of oat and barley, with specific focus on root traits in the topsoil. A diverse set of existing varieties, as well as original crosses within both species were sown as monoculture patches in the field. Significant negative relationships were found between several root length-related traits and grain or protein yield in both species. Among oat crosses, we found a significant negative relationship between topsoil root length density and both grain and protein yield. In barley, the negative relationship between root length and yield was tied to shoot biomass - plants that grew longer roots per unit shoot biomass (root length ratio) produced lower grain yields. The results indicate that plants produced longer roots in the topsoil than necessary for maximum yield. While we cannot state with certainty the cause of the observed negative relationships between root growth and yield parameters, the results still suggest that root growth redundancy exists in cereals.

Divergent response of hay and grain yield of oat: effects of environmental factors and sowing rate.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is recognized for its impressive productivity in marginal environments, and the sowing rate is an important crop management practice that potentially enhances oat productivity. Previous studies have reported the effect of sowing rate on oat yield; however, the results from such studies are inconsistent. Thus, based on 43 studies across eight countries, this study aimed to assess changes in hay and grain yields in response to sowing rate and, in combination with a boosted regression tree, to evaluate and rank the dominant factors (e.g. climate conditions, soil conditions, and sowing rate) affecting changes in hay and grain yields of oat. The results revealed that increasing the sowing rate significantly increased the response ratio of grain yields and hay yields by averages of 7.3% and 7.9% respectively. However, the response ratios of grain yields and hay yields in response to changes in sowing rate were affected by different factors. Climate condition and mean annual precipitation primarily affected the response ratios of hay yields, whereas the sowing rate dominated changes in the response ratios of grain yields, with the response ratios of grain yields peaking at a sowing rate of 85 kg ha-1 . Optimizing the sowing rate with site-specific environmental conditions could be a potential strategy for profitable oat production, given that oat can be produced under marginal environments (e.g. cool-wet climates and soil with low fertility). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Growth and Productivity of Oats (Avena sativa L.) as Influenced by Fly Ash and Phosphorous Levels in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Background: Dairy farming is one of the oldest and well established subsidiary occupation and most widely adopted by all over farming community of Punjab state. Every farmer, if wish to start any entrepreneurship along with agriculture-First Think upon Dairy Farming. The latest training, new techniques and research work help in making this business work better. There is a need for substantial increase in the current yield of green fodder to provide complete and good quality feed to the animals. The current study aimed to study the effect of fly ash and phosphorous on the growth and fodder and grain yields of dual purpose oats. Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda to study the effect of different levels of fly ash and phosphorous on growth and productivity of oats during rabi seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The trial was laid out in split plot design with three levels of fly ash (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) in main plot and four phosphorous levels (0, 10, 20 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) in sub plot, replicated thrice. Result: Fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 recorded highest plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, number of effective tillers/m row length, number of seeds/spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield than control and 5 t ha-1. The per cent increase of grain yield in fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 was 8.69 and 18.11 over 5 t fly ash ha-1 and control, respectively. Phosphorous @ 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted in higher growth characters, yield attributing characters and productivity of oats. Phosphorous @ 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 (21.35 q ha-1) and 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 (20.87 q ha-1) treatments produced statistically similar grain yield of oats. Phosphorous @ 20 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded 20.29 and 23.05% higher grain yield than 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, respectively. Application of P2O5 @ 40 kg ha-1 along with application of fly ash @ 5 and 10 t ha-1 produced statistically similar fodder yield of oats. The highest grain yield (22.97 q ha-1) was recorded in plots treated with the application of P2O5 @ 40 kg ha-1 along with the application of fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 and it was statistically at par with 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and application of fly ash @ 10 t ha-1. The highest grain yield (22.97 q ha-1) was recorded in plots applied with P2O5 @ 40 kg ha-1 along with fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 and it was statistically at par with 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and fly ash @ 10 t ha-1.

EFFICIENCY OF USING NON-TRADITIONAL TYPES OF FERTILIZERS OF MELIORANTS ON RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED SOILS

When organizing agricultural production in territories where the contamination of products does not lead to exceeding the limits of individual radiation doses, the collective criterion is the collective dose of population exposure. In such cases, the optimization of the structure of agricultural production is aimed at achieving a minimum flow of radioactive cesium into the body of the population with food. In the distant post-аccident period, the challenge is to ensure the costeffective production of agricultural products with the lowest possible concentration of radionuclides in specific envirоnmental conditions. Measures to reduce the concentration of radionuclides in products below the established standards are taken taking into account their economic feasibility. It is possible to achieve reduction of the radionuclide migration intensity through the implementation of nature conservation measures, maintenance of soil-protective systems of agriculture with contour-reclamation organization of the territory, use of machines and technologies that enhance the barrier function of naturallandscapes. he article shows the influence of local raw materials (phosphorites, limestone, glauconite, sapropel), as fertilizers and ameliorants, on the grain yield of oats and lupine. It is proved that the use of non-traditional types of fertilizers and ameliorants contribute to increasing the bio-productivity of soddy-weakly podzolic sandy soil, as well as reduce the content of radionuclides in grain. According to the results of the studies, it can be concluded that the use of local raw materials (phosphorites, glauconite sands, limestone, sapropel) as ameliorants and fertilizers for growing crops is an effective agricultural method, especially on radioactivelycontaminated lands. In addition, it should be noted that the use of ameliorants is cost-effective, which provides a cost recovery.

Effect of foliar application of humic acid on fodder and grain yield of oat (Avena sativa L.)

An experiment was carried out at the farm of Field Crops Department, Agriculture College, University of Basrah, Iraq during two winter seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18 to study the effect of spraying humic acids (0, 3, 6 and 9 g/l) at two growth stages (Tillering and 50% flowering stage) on the fodder and grain yield of oat cv. Shaffaa. Split plot design arranged by RCBD was used with three replications, stage of spraying was placed in the main plots, while foliar humic acid concentrations in the sub-plots. The best concentration of humic acid was 6 g/l which achieved the highest green fodder yield (50.6 and 54.4 t/ha), dry fodder yield (16.9 and 18.6 t/ha) and grain yield (6.19 and 5.97 t/ha) for both the growing seasons. Spraying at tillering stage was more efficient for increasing fodder and grain yield as compared to spraying at 50% flowering stage. The interaction was significant, plants that sprayed at tillering stage with concentration of 6 g/l of the humic acid were more potential for most studied characteristics. Therefore, humic acid @ 6 g/l during tillering growth stage proved most suitable for obtaining optimum yield of oat.

Relationship between Flag Leaf Characteristics and Main Yield Components in Oat (Avena sativa L.)

The objective of this study was to investigate relationships between leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll concentration, yield components and grain yield in oat (Avena sativa L.). Ten oat varieties were analyzed in field conditions regarding those traits. Flag leaf chlorophyll concentration range between 451.51 and 747.79 units of μmol of chlorophyll per m2. Also, leaf area index range between 13.68 to 32.84 cm2. Significant correlation indices were highlighted between yield components and leaf area index, yield/yield components and chlorophyll concentration of flag leaf.

Spatial variability of selected soil properties and its impact on the grain yield of oats (Avena sativa L.) in small fields

To investigate spatial variability in topsoil (0–20 cm) pH, available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), total nitrogen (N), and soil organic matter (SOM) of small fields (∼2 ha), and to determine the impact of soil heterogeneity on the spatial variability of crop yield two fields were cropped with spring oats and one with winter wheat under humid-temperate conditions. In the two oat fields, some of the measured soil properties (P, K) and the grain yield varied considerably, and strong spatial trends were recorded for most of the soil traits. In the third field, soil properties showed only a moderate spatial variation, and no spatial trends were found. The spatial distribution of SOM and total N in the topsoil had some influence on the spatial pattern of the oat grain yield in the field of Gränichen; however, spatial relationships between soil chemical properties and grain yield were rather weak in our study.

Effect of different tree leaf litters on yield and nutrient uptake of clusterbean-oat rotation in arid region of Rajasthan

The study was conducted at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Bikaner to study the effect of tree leaf litters on yield and nutrient uptake of clusterbean-oat rotation during 2010-11 and 2011-2012. Leaf litters of seven tree species viz. Mopane: Colophospermum mopane, Gum acacia: (Acacia senegal) , Umbrella tree: (Acacia tortilis) , Indian rosewood: (Dalbergia sissoo), Sour lime: (Citrus aurantifolia), Assyrian plum: (Cordia myxa) and Bengal quince: (Aegle marmeloswere) applied in microplots of 2 x 2 meter @ 2.5 t/ha. Chemical fertilizers were used as per recommendations of individual crop. The result showed that maximum grain yield of clusterbean was obtained with the application of leaf litter treatments of Citrus aurantifolia. The increase in grain yield was in the order of leaf litter treatments of Citrus aurantifolia, Dalbergia sissoo and Aegle marmelos, respectively. The residual effect of leaf litters of Citrus aurantifolia, Dalbergia sissoo and Aegle marmelos increased the grain yield of oat by 13.3-16.0 percentage in 2010-11 and 14.8-16.1 percentage in 2011-12, respectively. There was no significant effect of leaf litters of Cordia myxa and Acacia senegal on grain yield of clusterbean and oat. Litter addition had significant effect on nutrient uptake also. The mean uptake of nutrients was significantly higher in Citrus aurantifolia, Dalbergia sissoo and Aegle marmelos treatments as compared to control. The two years average data showed that the total uptake of N in clusterbean increased from 21.3 kg/ha in control to 32.2, 28.5 and 30.8 kg/ha in Citrus aurantifolia, Dalbergia sissoo and Aegle marmelos treatments, respectively. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake was non-significant in the treatments Colophospermum mopane, Cordia myxa, Acacia tortilis and Acacia senegal

Study on Genotype × Environment Interactions for Grain Yield of Oats Genotypes using AMMI Model

Study on Genotype × Environment Interactions for Grain Yield of Oats Genotypes using AMMI Model

Spatial variability of soil properties and cereal yield in a cultivated field on sandy soil

Sandy soils are used in agriculture in different regions of the world. In Poland soils derived from sands occupy about 50% of agricultural area. Productivity of the soils depend on the soil properties that vary in the scale of field. This study aimed at determining and mapping the within-field variation of soil physical and chemical properties and grain yield of oats, rye, oats and triticale in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2015, respectively. The experiment was set up in a field (200×50m) on sandy soil in Trzebieszów (region Podlasie, Poland). The soil measurements included sand, silt, clay, and organic carbon (SOC) contents, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH in the topsoil (0–10cm) and subsoil (30–40cm) layers in 2001, and water content and bulk density in the topsoil layer in spring and summer 2002–2003. The yields of oats were assessed in 2001 and 2003 and those of rye and triticale in 2002 and 2015, respectively. The soil properties and cereal yields were determined at 33–55 points in a grid evenly covering the whole field area. The results were analyzed using classic statistics and geostatistics by constructing semivariograms and 2D mapping by Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). The cereal grain yields were significantly positively correlated with the topsoil water content (SWC) (r=0.295–0.711), clay content (r=0.081–0.174), and SOC in the subsoil (r=0.208–0.271) and CEC in both layers (r=0.123–0.298) and negatively correlated with bulk density (BD) (r=–0.065 to −0.279). The spatial dependence determined by the “nugget-to-sill” ratio was moderate or weak for the silt and clay content, CEC, and pH (29–79%) and strong for SOC, BD, SWC, and crop yield (0.2–13.2%). The effective range of the spatial dependence for all studied quantities varied from 9.9 to 120m. The cereal yields were positively and significantly correlated between all study years (r=0.141–0.734), which indicates inter-annual similarity in their spatial distribution. The 2D maps based on the IDW allowed assessing how gradual or sharp the changes in the studied quantities from one place to another are. Similar spatial patterns of the SWC, SOC and CEC, and crop yields were observed. This is of importance in precise and sustainable field management aimed at increasing and aligning spatial crop productivity of the studied low-productivity sandy soils that will have to be used in crop production due to the current shortage of land resources and food supplies on a global scale.

RESPONSE OF THREE OAT FORMS TO SPRINKLING IRRIGATION AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sprinkling irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content (SPAD), grain quality, as well as grain yield and yield components in three oat forms (tall husked, dwarf husked and hulles). Field trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009 on the fields of the Experimental and Teaching Station in Gorzyn (the branch in Zlotniki), which belongs to the Poznan University of Life Sciences. Sprinkling irrigation increased the grain yield of oat by 1.45 t ha-1 , (51.8%). The highest grain yield was recorded for the tall husked form (STH 8007). Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased the oat grain yield as the increase in the rate of nitrogen application to 100 kg N ha-1 was observed. The greatest contents of protein and fat, as well as the highest SPAD value and chlorophyll content were found in the hulless oat form. The best quality sowing material was produced by the tall husked form. It was manifested with a higher germination energy and germination capacity as well as lower shares of healthy non-germinating and abnormally germinating kernels.

Biomass and grain yield of oats by growth regulator

ABSTRACT The use of growth regulator in oats can reduce plant lodging with reflections in biomass and grain yield. The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility and efficiency of using Trinexapac-Ethyl regulator in the growth of white oat under different conditions of N-fertilizer and years favorable and unfavorable for cultivation. In this study, two experiments were conducted in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, one for quantifying biomass production rate and the other for the determination of grain yield and lodging. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replicates, in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme, for growth regulator doses (0, 200, 400 and 600 mL ha-1) and nitrogen doses (30, 90 and 150 kg ha-1), respectively. There is a linear reduction of biomass rate with the increase in the growth regulator dose in oat, regardless of the condition of year and use of N-fertilizer. The growth regulator dose of 495 mL ha-1 efficiently reduces lodging with reduced, high and very high use of N-fertilizer, without reducing the yield of oat grains, in favorable, intermediate or unfavorable year for cultivation.

English

Nitrogen fertilizer management modifies oat (Avena sativa) panicle components and its grain yield. The work aims to study the potential of the variables of oat (A. sativa) panicle with N-fertilizer, and to simulatate its grain yield using multiple linear regression in succession systems of high and reduced N-residual release. The study was done in 2013 and 2014. The experiment was done in a complete randomized block of 4×2 factorial design, with four replications. The treatments include: nitrogen fertilizer of four doses (0, 30, 60 and 120 kg ha-1), oat (A. sativa) cultivars at two levels (Barbarasul and Brisasul) and succession system at two levels (soybean/oat (A. sativa) and corn/oat (A. sativa). The multiple linear models were efficient in the harvest index of panicle of soybean/oat (A. sativa) system, regardless of the dose evaluated. However, at high doses, the number of grain per panicle was included. In the corn/oat (Avena sativa) system, the harvest index of panicle, the number of grains and spikelets panicle were adjusted based on the model. The multiple linear regression efficiently simulates N-fertilizer to affect the grain yield of oat (Avena sativa) and one or more potential variables of panicle in the succession systems. Key words: Inflorescence, succession system, stepwise, multiple linear regression.

Вплив обробітку грунту на забур’яненість і врожайність вівса та пелюшки в одновидових і змішаних посівах в умовах лісостепу України

In the paper the results of studies of the effect of the basic processing of soil on weediness and productivity of oats and field pea in pure and mixed crops for organic production are presented. It was found that for maximum grain yield of oats 2.1 t / ha and field pea 0.59 t / ha in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine it is advisable to carry out plowing at 20–22 cm pre-emergence and loosening the soil 6–8 cm, and oats are seeded in admixture with field pea.

Seleção indireta para o incremento do rendimento de grãos em aveia

Para suportar a expansão na área de cultivo de aveia e o aproveitamento industrial dos seus grãos, o melhoramento genético deve ser cada vez mais eficiente, dando origem a genótipos mais produtivos em menor período de tempo. Uma das estratégias de melhoramento que pode ser empregada para otimizar a identificação de genótipos de alto potencial produtivo é a seleção indireta, desde que seja realizada via caráter de fácil mensuração e de alta correlação com a produtividade final. Assim, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência da utilização do caráter massa da panícula como critério de seleção indireta para incremento no rendimento de grãos de aveia. Foram conduzidas populações segregantes em gerações F2 e F3, submetidas a três ambientes de seleção. Em cada local, sobre as populações de melhor desempenho, foi realizada uma amostragem aleatória de 10 panículas, que foram pesadas e classificadas como superiores ou inferiores de acordo com a sua massa, em função do desvio padrão da média. A resposta à seleção foi avaliada na geração seguinte, por meio de variáveis fenotípicas (massa da panícula e rendimento de grãos) e de parâmetros genéticos, nos três ambientes de seleção. Panículas de massa superior deram origem a panículas de massa também superior na geração posterior, nos três ambientes de seleção. Por outro lado, para a variável rendimento de grãos, o critério de seleção foi efetivo somente em um ambiente. Os resultados demonstraram que a seleção indireta constitui uma boa ferramenta de seleção para rendimento de grãos em aveia, desde que realizada em ambientes responsivos, que permitam a expressão máxima dos genótipos.

Responses to Selection for Partial Resistance to Crown Rust in Oat

ABSTRACTCrown rust, caused by the fungal pathogen, Puccinia coronata Corda var. avenae W.P. Fraser Ledingham, reduces kernel quality and grain yield in oat (Avena sativa L.). Partial resistance is considered to be a durable form of rust resistance. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of simultaneously improving partial resistance to crown rust, grain yield, and seed weight in an oat population, and to estimate predicted and realized heritabilities for area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and genetic correlations between AUDPC and agronomic traits in both crown rust‐inoculated and fungicide‐treated plots. A single cycle of selection for partial resistance to crown rust was performed. The initial (C0) and selected (C1) generations were evaluated in a field experiment in 2001 and 2002 at two Iowa locations. Selection on an index increased the levels of crown rust resistance, grain yield, and seed weight in crown rust−inoculated plots, and seed weight in fungicide‐treated plots. However, the change for the grain yield in fungicide‐treated plots was not significant. In both C0 and C1 populations, AUDPC was highly heritable (H = 0.77 and 0.78 respectively), and was favorably correlated with grain yield, seed weight, and test weight measured in inoculated plots. Realized heritabilities for all traits except grain yield under fungicide treatment were consistent with predicted heritabilities. Our results suggested that index selection could increase levels of crown rust resistance, grain yield, and seed weight simultaneously.

Estimativa do desempenho de progênies F2 e F3 com base no comportamento dos genitores e dos híbridos F1 em aveia

Várias técnicas vêm sendo propostas para elevar a probabilidade de obtenção de populações segregantes promissoras, concentrando grande esforços dos pesquisadores. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a eficiência da utilização da média dos genitores, da heterose e heterobeltiose do F1 e da distância genética morfológica e molecular na predição do rendimento de grãos em aveia, nas gerações F2 e F3, provenientes do cruzamento dialélico envolvendo cinco genitores, a partir do caráter rendimento de grãos e seus componentes primários. Os dados utilizados foram obtidos em dois experimentos instalados no Centro Agropecuário da Palma, na área experimental do Centro de Genômica e Fitomelhoramento, localizado no município de Capão do Leão/RS, em 2002 e 2003. Pelos resultados verificou-se que o desempenho das populações F2 e F3, não pôde ser adequadamente previsto com base na geração F1. O rendimento de grãos das gerações F2 e F3, não pôde ser previsto por meio da utilização da distância genética obtida por caracteres morfológicos e marcadores moleculares. Também pode ser observado que o cruzamento de genótipos com médias elevadas de rendimento de grãos nem sempre produz descendentes com segregação transgressiva positiva.

The effect of lupins as compared with peas and oats on the yield of the subsequent winter barley crop

New high yielding early maturing cultivars of lupins have been introduced in north-west Europe as grain protein crops in crop rotations. This paper reports on a comparative study of lupins with peas and oats, and of their effect on yield of subsequent winter barley crops. These crops were given five levels of N under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions on sand and loam. Under rain fed conditions the grain yield of pea, oat and lupin varied between 24–36, 34–53 and 18–37 hkg DM ha −1, respectively. Supplemental irrigation raised grain yield of oat to 50–60 hkg DM ha −1, while grain yield in pea was not affected and grain yield in lupin in most cases decreased due to gray mould attack and excessive vegetative growth in the indeterminate lupin variety. Under rain fed conditions, the grain nitrogen content of pea, oat and lupin varied between 137–172, 61–80 and 189–226 kg N ha −1, respectively, and was significantly higher in lupin as compared with pea. On sandy soil, similar low-root densities were found for pea, oat and lupin below 30 cm depth. On sand, at final harvest the residual soil-N of lupin and pea, as measured in a subsequent winter barley crop not supplied with N fertilizer, was 15 and 8–10 kg N ha −1 higher than in winter barley following oat, respectively. The nature of the probably more N-root residues of lupin is discussed. On loam, the residual N of lupin and pea was similar, 18–27 kg N ha −1. On sand, under rain fed conditions preceding lupin and pea as compared with oat, increased the barley grain yield at zero N-application 77 and 49%, respectively; the effect of lupin was significantly higher than that of pea until the highest N-level 120 kg N-application ha −1. On loam under rain fed conditions preceding lupin and pea increased the barley grain yield at zero N-application by 36 and 62%, respectively, as compared with oat; at N-application >60 kg N ha −1 the grain yield was similar after all three crops. For both soil types the same level of effect was found under irrigated conditions. Conclusions: Supplemental irrigation might result in lower grain yield in lupin due to gray mould attack and excessive growth if indeterminate lupin varieties are used. Grain nitrogen yield of lupin is significantly higher than that of pea. On sand, the effect of lupin on the subsequent winter barley grain yield is significantly higher than that of pea, probably due to greater N-root nitrogen residues. On loam, lupin and pea have similar effects on the subsequent winter barley crop.

Timing applications of growth regulators to alter spring cereal development at high latitudes

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are commonly used in commercial farming to control lodging in cereals. PGRs have been shown to alter yield formation and plant stand structure, other than the straw length. To study their potential in Northern growing conditions PGRs and their application time impacts on plant stand structure and yield formation in tall and short statured cultivars of barley, oat, and wheat were studied in the field. Crop stands were sprayed with the gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors CCC [chlormequat chloride CCC], Moddus [Trinexapac-ethyl TE], or with ethylene-releasing Cerone [ethephon ETH] at the recommended times or at an earlier growth stage. CCC applied at Zadoks growth scale (ZGS) 13-14 increased and ETH applied at ZGS 39-40 reduced grain yield of oat by 370 kg ha-1 and 270 kg ha-1, respectively. In wheat, CCC applied at ZGS 31-32 reduced grain yield by 480 kg ha-1. This yield reduction was associated with lower grain yield production by the main head and particularly lower single grain weight. In barley cv. Kymppi, ETH and TE treatments promoted yield formation, whereas in cv. Saana they tended to reduce yield. Early applied PGRs reduced stem height at 14 days after treatment irrespective of species or stem stature, but at maturity no constant PGR effect was noted. Excluding the stem length, PGRs did not modify plant stand structure or yield formation markedly.