Lowest Pod Height Research Articles

Screening the Soybean Varietal Lines for Selecting High-Yielding and Better Agronomic Traits Producing lines

Soybean (Glycine max), an economically significant legume originating from East Asia, serves as a valuable source of protein and oil globally. In Pakistan, soybean is considered a non-conventional oilseed crop, with successful cultivation possible during both the spring and summer seasons. The careful selection of appropriate varieties is a primary concern for soybean growers in the country. Therefore, experiments were conducted utilizing the newly developed varietal line in the agroecological zone of Tandojam to select the most suitable and adaptable varieties. A total of forty-six newly developed varietal lines, which have not yet been released, were evaluated alongside four released varieties (Ajmeri, Faisal, Jack, and Rawal) that are already being cultivated in various regions of the country. The field experiments were carried out at the experimental area of the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) in Tando Jam during the spring and summer seasons of 2018. Agronomic traits were recorded for each variety, and weather data were obtained from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. All agricultural practices were followed. The results indicate significant variations among the genotypes for all evaluated characteristics. Based on grain production, NIBGE32 exhibited the highest performance, achieving a notable yield of 22g during the summer season, which was 30% higher than the yield of the top-performing control variety, Faisal. Other newly developed varietal lines, namely NIBGE 18, NIBGE 8, NIBGE 45, and NIBGE 41, also demonstrated promising high-yield potential. These varieties displayed comparatively superior growth and yield outcomes. Germination percentage significantly vary in the spring and summer season (Mann-Whitney U =7925, P<0.01); whereas days to maturity, plant height, leaf area, lowest pod height, 100-grain weight, biological yield, seed weight per plant, were not significantly different in two seasons. This suggests a potential for these varietal lines to be cultivated in both seasons. This research endeavours to offer valuable insights and recommendations to farmers and policymakers, aiming to augment soybean production and advance agricultural sustainability in the region of Sindh.

Genetic variation of soybean collection based on microsatellite DNA markers related to plant height

Soybean is a relatively new crop in Kazakhstan, and the development of new competitive cultivars with high productivity and quality is an important direction in the local breeding program. Previously, one of the major approaches for the development of new cultivars was breeding projects based on the evaluation of key morphological traits, including flowering time and plant height (PH). However, with the development of soybean genetics new molecular tools have emerged, including the development of DNA microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs). In this study, a collection of hundred accessions grown in the southeast of Kazakhstan in 2020-2021 was assessed using eight agronomic traits, including plant height (PH), the height of lowest pod, number of lateral branches, number of fertile nodes, number of seeds per plant, thousand seeds weight, yield per square meter (YP2), and maturity group. The assessment of field trials showed a wide range of variability in agronomic traits and suggested that PH is significantly correlated with all studied traits, including YP2. The collection was genotyped using eight SSRs associated with PH. The results suggested that three SSRs (Satt244, Satt288, and Satt371) were the most polymorphic, and five out of eight SSRs were associated with six important agronomic traits, including flowering time, PH, and yield per square meters. Obtained results can be efficiently used in soybean breeding based on a marker-assisted selection approach.

Studying the Effect of Different Fertilizers Types and Methods of Application on Nodulation, Growth and Yield of Some Chickpea Varieties Under Rainfed Conditions

This experiment was conducted in Sharya-Duhok area, Iraqi Kurdistan region under rainfed conditions during the season of 2018-2019 to study the nodulation status, growth and yield performance of two local varieties of chickpea (Shamy and Marakshy) in relation to three different fertilizers types and methods of application i.e. bio fertilizer (Corabac G) and seed priming in super phosphate 2% and Diammonium phosphate (DAP) in addition to control treatment. The experiment was designed by Randomized complete block design with four replications. The results clearly showed significant reduction in both number and dry weight of nodules per plant in fertilizer treatment as compared to untreated (control treatment), except seed priming in super phosphate 2% as it significantly enhanced the nodule dry weight displaying non responding of chickpea to soil fertilization in regards of nodules development. However the final seedyield was not significant in the study, but its highly correlated to the above ground biomass (r =0.74**) and number of seeds per plant (r = 0.33*); Shamy variety of chickpea was superior in number of branches, number of pods and seeds per plant, while the Marakshy variety was superior in the plant height, height of lowest pod, and weight of seeds. Regarding fertilizers treatments effects, both seed priming in super phosphate and DAP fertilizer treatments were significantly surpassed in number of branches, pods and seeds per plant. Shamy variety performed better in number of branches and seeds per plant with DAP fertilizer, while Marakshy produced the same traits better in seed priming treatment. Bio-fertilizer (Corabac G) was inferior in most of the studied traits of chickpea. Accordingly, the obtained results conclude that the nodulation in chickpea not respond to the soil application of fertilizers, while positively to seed treatment (priming). The results also suggest both method of fertilization (DAP and seed priming) for improving yield related componets, but Corabac G bio fertilizer is not recommended under similar conditions.

Урожайність і якість насіння гороху, нуту, сої за впливу забур’яненості, інокуляції та гербіциду

The aim and tasks of the study. To determine the complex effect of inoculation of pea, chickpea and soybean seeds and different dates of application of herbicide Pulsar 40 on the yields and quality of seeds in the eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.Materials and methods. The 2013–2015 study design was as follows: 1) crop (pea, chickpea, soybean); 2) seed treatment with agent Rizobophyte (no inoculation, inoculation); 3) protection against weeds (control; Pulsar 40, 0.8 L/ha before emergence; Pulsar 40, 0.8 L/ha after emergence).Results and discussion. The crop yields depended on the meteorological conditions, weediness and inoculation of seeds. The greatest yields were obtained in 2015, when the average yield of pea, chickpea and soybean was 1.74, 1.90 and 1.57 t/ha, respectively. In control, the greatest yield was produced by chickpea, which showed greater competitiveness to weeds than pea and soybean. In general, pea and chickpea gave the highest yields after pre-emergence application of herbicide Pulsar 40, and soybean – after post-emergence application. Gains in the crop yields from inoculation were recorded in most of the experiments, and the highest gain (0.12 t/ha) was achieved in chickpea after pre-emergence application of Pulsar 40.With pre-emergence application of Pulsar 40, an upward tendency in the domestic plant height was observed, and post-emergence application was associated with a decrease in the lowest pod height. Pea had the smallest numbers of productive nodes and pods per plant as well as the seed number and weight per plant and the one-plant weight; chickpea had the smallest numbers of pods per productive node and of seeds per pod; soybean had the lowest 1000-seed weight. A significant decrease in the 1000 seed weight was detected for pea and chickpea without inoculation and with post-emergence application of Pulsar 40.The protein and fat contents in seeds considerably varied in the study years. They were the highest in soybean. There was a downward tendency in the protein content in pea seeds, when Pulsar 40 was applied during the growing season. The factors under investigation did not affect the fat content in seeds.Conclusions. Herbicide Pulsar 40 is the most suitable for soybean. Post-emergence application of Pulsar40 in pea and chickpea crops without inoculation significantly reduced the 1000-seed weight. The greatest gain in the yield from seed inoculation with Rizobophyte was achieved in chickpea. There was no significant effect of the factors under investigation on the protein and fat contents in seeds.

ADAPTATION ABILITIES AND QUALITY PARAMETERS OF SELECTED SOYBEAN LINES UNDER DOUBLE CROPPING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION

The objective of this study was to determine the adaptation abilities and quality parameters of selected advanced soybean breeding lines at the double cropped growing conditions. 20 advanced Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] breeding lines (F7) and four soybean varieties having maturity group III and IV (ARISOY, ATAEM-7, BRAVO and NOVA) were used. The differences between the lines and varieties were significant for the grain yield. The mean grain yield of breeding lines and varieties ranged from 2460 to 3488 kg ha-1 and from 2933 to 3440 kg ha-1, respectively. Also KA-07-05-13 advanced soybean line had the highest grain yield in terms of two years’ average. The highest plant height was obtained from KA-07-08-15 (82.2 cm) and the lowest pod height from KA-07-08-15 (12.2 cm) and BDNA-19 (12.1 cm) lines. Significant differences were determined for pod number per plant among the 24 soybean genotypes. The pod number per plant was the higher in BDNA-12 and BDNA-13 lines than the varieties. In this research, the number of day for flowering varied between 33.0-42.1 days and the number of days for maturating ranged from 102.4 to 113.6 days. The earliest flowering time was detected from KA-07-08-14 line and the earliest maturating time was observed from BDNE-14 line. In a two-year average, 100-seed weight ranged between 14.2 -20.8 g in breeding lines. The highest 100-seed weight was obtained from KA-07-03-5 (20.8 g) and KA-07-03-9 lines (20.1 g). While the highest oil percentage was obtained from ARISOY, the highest and statistically same oil percentage was recorded from KA-07-05-9 (21,6%), KA-07-08-12 (21,2%) and KA-07-05-5 (21,2%). The average protein content of soybean lines and cultivars varied from 41.6% to 49.3%. The higher protein percentage value was obtained from the BDAF-4 (49.3%) breeding line.

Influence of some quantitative structural characteristics of introduced soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) accessions on seed productivity in irrigated conditions in the South of Ukraine

Goal. To establish correlations between the seed weight and quantitative characteristics of performance for new introduced soybean accessions.Results and discussion. The results of evaluating the following introduced accessions for a set of economically valuable traits are presented in the article: Saska, 01006; Sigalia, 01020 (AUT) Connor, 00549; Sandra, 00679; Madison, 01011; OAC Drayton, 01014; OAC Wallace, 01018; Kyoto, 01012; Silesiya 01010 (CAN) Cordoba, 01020; Lissabon, 01007 (AUS) Sultana, 01008; Sinara, 01005 (FRA). Among all the accessions under investigation, variety Silesiya 01010 (CAN) was distinguished by ultra-early ripening. The duration of its vegetation period was 98 days. The results of studying the introduced accessions allowed us to single out a source, variety Sultana, 01008 (FRA), by exceptionally high performance, as its seed weight per plant was 39.4 g or the seed number per plant was 230.0. There were correlations between the main trait of the plant performance, the seed weight per plant, and the traits of "productive node number per branch", "productive node number per plant", "pod number per branch," "pod number per plant", and "seed number per plant" in soybean varieties (Kyoto, 01012 (CAN) Sinara, 01005, Sultana, 01008 (FRA) and Cordoba, 01020 (AUS), which had the best yields. It was established that genotypes could be selected by these traits to form a variety model.Conclusions. Basing on the correlations, we found that the plant height, the lowest pod height, the productive node number per branch, the additional branch number per plant, the pod number per plant, and the seed number per plant had the most significant direct effects on the variability of the main performance trait - the seed weight per plant.

THE EFFECT OF GROWING SEASONS ON SOME AGRONOMIC AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF SOYBEAN VARIETIES IN MEDITERRANEAN REGION IN TURKEY

This study was conducted at the Experimental area of Cukurova University in 2013 and 2014 as a main and double crop growing seasons. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of growing seasons on some agronomic and quality characteristics of soybean (Glycine max Merr.) varieties in Mediterranean Region in Turkey. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with three replications. The Arisoy, Atakisi, Ataem-7, Umut-2002, Turksoy, Adasoy, Cinsoy, Ilksoy, Sa-88, S.4240, Blaze and Nova varieties were used as a plant material in this research. The investigated characteristics such as plant height, pod and branch number per plant, the lowest pod height, 1000-seed weight, oil percentage and oil yield values of soybean varieties were higher in main crop than in double crop, whereas the protein percentage values was higher in double crop. The average seed yield of soybean varieties were 4616 kg ha-1 in main crop and it was decreased to 4164 kg ha-1 in double crop growing season. The average seed yield was higher in main crop than in double crop. According to a two-year average, the seed yield per hectare of soybean varieties was varied between 4323-5377 kg ha-1 in main crop and 3194-4667 kg ha-1 in double crop growing season, and the highest seed yield was obtained from Atakisi and Arisoy varieties in both growing seasons.

Edamame Cultivar Evaluation in Central Alabama

Edamame [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is vegetable soybean harvested and consumed at the R6 development stage. The growing popularity of edamame as a healthy snack food has led to increased interest in edamame production from soybean producers across the Southeast. The objective of this study was to evaluate selected edamame cultivars for adaptation and production in central Alabama. Selected cultivars were represented by four maturity groups (MGs): MG III (Midori Giant, Chiba Green, Butterbean, Sayamusume, and BeSweet 2001), MG IV (Gardensoy 42, Mojo Green), MG V (Mooncake, Lanco, and Gardensoy 51), and MG VI (Owens).Cultivars were planted in replicated plots at the Plant Breeding Unit in Tallassee, AL, in May 2014 and June 2015. Data was collected on germination, plant height at maturity, height of lowest pod, weight of 25 shelled bean, days to first flower, pods per plant, bean per pod, and total yield. Highest yielding cultivars in 2014 included Gardensoy 51 and Midori Giant at 15,960 and 15,742 kg ha−1, respectively. In 2015, Mojo Green, Gardensoy 51, and Mooncake were the highest yielding cultivars at 13,576, 13,195, and 13,092 kg ha−1. In both years BeSweet 2001 produced the lowest yields: 10,226 kg ha−1 in 2014 and 2592 kg ha−1 in 2015. Weight of 25 shelled bean plants varied widely among cultivars. Cultivars from early maturity groups (MG III) produced larger beans with lower overall yield. This data will help producers chose cultivars based on yield potential and market preferences. This study evaluated selected edamame cultivars for production in Alabama. Cultivar characteristics such as bean weight, bean per pod, and plant height were documented. Many of the cultivars in this study have never been evaluated for production in the southeastern United States. This study will provide growers detailed production information that was previously unavailable.

Phenotypic Characterization of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Landraces Grown in Palestine

This study was conducted to investigate the morphological and agronomical variations among nineteen Palestinian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) landraces. And analyze their traits including: days to flowering, days to fruit setting, plant height, number of branches on main stem, lowest pod height, pod length, pod width, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and total pod weight per plant were studied. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for all characters. The nineteen faba bean lines were clustered into four groups based on six morphological and agronomic traits (pod length, pod width, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and total pod weight per plant). Several genotypes could be considered as promising material for pod production. Further studies are needed to compare the productivity of these genotypes with international varieties and identify QTL controlling the productivity of these genotypes and to study the variation between and within these genotypes at the molecular level.

Effects of Shading at Different Growth Stages on Different Traits and Yield of Soybean

Intercropping and relay-intercropping are important technologies to improve land utilization rate and crop yield,but their yields are limited by shading,which is different for intercropped soybean and relay-intercropped soybean at different growth stages.To clear the effect of shading at different growth stages on morphology and yield of soybean,we treated Guixia 2,Nandou 12,Nandongkang 22,E61,and C103 with the 50% transmittance shading net using the natural light as control.The results showed that effects of shading on different morphological characters were different at different growth stages,showing a significant influence on length of main stem and main stem length/stem diameter during the early growth period(VER1 and VER2).Compared with control,the main stem length and main stem length/stem diameter were increased by 45.75% and 93.64%,respectively.Shading had significant influence on the number of branches and the height of lowest pod at the late growth stage(R1R8 and R2R8).Compared with control,the number of branches was decreased by 29.97% and the height of lowest pod was increased by 28.59%.The effects of shading on yield of cultivars with different growth periods were different,the cultivars with R/V below 1.4 was affected significantly by the early growth period shading,the cultivars with R/V equal to or greater than 1.5 was easily affected by the late growth stage shading.Results of correlation analysis and path analysis showed main stem length,first internode length,branch height,stem length/stem diameter and stem length/branch number were negatively correlated with yield per plant significantly,branch number was positively and significantly correlated with yield per plant,main stem length/stem diameter and main stem length/branch number could be key indices for yield per plant.

Nitrogen rate and plant population effects on yield and yield components in soybean

This research was carried out to determine the effect of plant population and nitrogen rates on yield and yield components in soybean under Bursa, Mustafakemalpa
a ecological conditions. Trials were conducted during 2000 and 2001 at the experimental fields of the Mustafakemalpa
a Vocational High School, University of Uludag. Soybean cultivar A-3935 was tested at four plant densities (70 × 5, 70 × 10,70 × 15 and 70 × 20 cm) and four different nitrogen doses (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1). Plant height, lowest pod height, number of branches per plant, pod number per plant, yield per plant, harvest index, 100 seed weight and seed yield were researched in this experiment. It was observed that increase in plant density and nitrogen rate increased plant height, lowest pod height, harvest index and seed yield. Otherwise, the number of branches per plant, pod number per plant, yield per plant and 100 seed weight decreased as plant density and nitrogen rate increased.

HERITABILITY AND PATH ANALYSIS OF SOME ECONOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN LENTIL

Twenty-nine lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) genotypes were grown from 1997/98 to 1998/2001 at Dicle University, Faculty of Agriculture in Diyarbakir The heritability for days to fl owering and maturity, plant height, height of lowest pod, number of pod per plant, 1000 seed weight and seed yield were estimated as 0.94, 0.78, 0.52, 0.72, 0.37, 0.87 and 0.53, respectively. The path analysis indicated that total biological yield and number of clusters and pods per plant had very high positive direct effect on seed yield.

THE EFFECT OF VARIETIES AND SOME CULTURAL PRACTICIES ON THE LENTIL GROWTH, YIELD AND ASSOCIATED WEEDS UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

A field test was conducted during the season of 2004-2005 at kileasan Research Center in Agriculture college- Sulaimani University, to study the influence of varieties(Nainava, American selected), cultural methods(row, sowing) and three seed rates (15, 25 and 35 kg/D) on the lentil growth, yield and its associated weeds. RCBD with three replicate was laid out in factorial experiment. The results indicated that Nainava variety was found to be superior when compared with American selected variety for the characters of pod weight, 1000 seed weight, seed weight/plant, seed yield/m2, but there was no significant difference between the two varieties for the other characters. Row cultural method posses higher and significant value than sowing method for total weed dry weight/m2, plant height, lowest pod height and empty pod no./plant, although an inverse result was recorded for plant dry weight and seed yield/m2. Among the seed rate, the high rate was surpassed the low one in total weed dry weight/m2, lowest pod height, 1000 seed weight and seed yield/m2. A significant interaction between the varieties and cultural methods especially at Nainava culturing by sowing was shown, also a significant interaction was observed between the varieties and different seed rate in one side & between cultural methods and seed rate in other side which revealed linearly increasing of seed yield by increasing seed rate. Simple correlation coefficient data confirm significant correlation between the characters.

Effects of cultivar maturity on growth and yield of double cropped soybean

Maintaining yield potential or reducing yield losses is very important for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] double cropping to be profitable. Our objectives were to study the effects of cultivar maturity on yield, yield components and to determine adaptation and yielding potential of 18 soybean cultivars (six cultivars in each of the maturity groups II, III and IV) in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey in 2000 and 2001. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Effects of maturity group (MG) on seed yield, yield components, and key phenological stages were significant. Cultivars in MG IV had significantly higher seed yield, plant height, lowest pod height and number of nodes/plant than cultivars in MG II and III. Among cultivars, the highest seed yield was obtained from KS4895 (MG IV) with 3.75 t/ha and the lowest was obtained from Dwight (MG II) with 1.18 t/ha. Except for the number of seeds/pod, all of the measured yield components and key phenological stages were significantly and positively correlated with seed yield. Based on the path analysis of the combined data, it was found that the number of seed/m2, the period from VE to R1 and from R1 to R7 had greatest positive direct effect on seed yield. The results of the current study showed that cultivars in MG IV were best adapted and best suited for a wheat-soybean double cropping system in the eastern Mediterrenean region of Turkey.

Effect of formulation and placement of Mesorhizobium inoculants for chickpea in the semiarid Canadian prairies

The use of bacterial inoculants can increase root nodulation and the seed yield of annual legumes. A six site-year study was conducted to determine the effect of formulations (peat-based powder vs. granules) and placement in the soil (seed-row vs. side-band) of Mesorhizobium inoculants on plant establishment and seed yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in the semiarid Canadian prairies. Two market classes of chickpea, namely desi and kabuli, were grown on silt loam and heavy clay soils in southwestern Saskatchewan from 1999 to 2002. Inoculation reduced plant population by 10% for desi chickpea, but had no effect on kabuli chickpea. However, the use of inoculant increased seed yield by an average of 35% for desi chickpea and 7% for kabuli chickpea. On the heavy clay, soil inoculation increased seed yield by 16% for desi and 9% for kabuli compared with seed inoculation, whereas the yield increase due to soil inoculation, over seed inoculation, was 3% when the crops were grown on the silt loam. Granular inoculant applied in the seed row produced similar seed yields to side-banded inoculant. Inoculation delivery systems had a marginal impact on plant height, with no effect on the lowest pod height from the soil surface or days to maturity. Regardless of placement, soil inoculation with a granular form of Mesorhizobium was preferred over seed inoculation because of its greater positive impacts on plant establishment and seed yield for both desi and kabuli chickpea in this semiarid region. Key words: Cicer arietinum, seed weight, heavy clay, silt loam, harvestability

Early and Traditionally Maturing Soybean Varieties Grown in Two Planting Systems

Production of early maturing rather than traditionally maturing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties can benefit producers through crop diversification that spreads economic risk and through earlier harvest that allows timely fall planting of winter cereals. However, planting system can influence the success of early maturing soybean production. This study was conducted to determine the effect of ANH (April, narrow 7-in. rows, high population-336 000 seeds/acre) and JWL (June, wide 30-in. rows, low population-139 000 seeds/acre) planting systems on yield, plant and lowest pod heights, and visual grain quality of early maturing (Maturity Groups [MGs] 00, 0, and I) and traditionallyl maturing (MGs III, IV, and V) soybean varieties. In 1987, early maturing soybean varieties yielded more than 30 bu/acre when planted in the ANH system, but yields of these varieties were approximately 50% lower in the JWL system. 'Hodgson 78' (MG I) yielded 41 bu/acre in the ANH system in 1987; this yield was higher than yields of all other varieties except 'Bay' (MG V) planted in the JWL system. From 1988 through 1990 in either system, Hodgson 78 yielded 20 to 30 bu/acre, which was equal to or greater than the yields of all other varieties except 'Zane' planted in the ANH system in 1990. Plant heights of early maturing varieties were generally shorter than those of the determinate varieties, 'Crawford' (MG IV) and Bay (MG V). Lowest pod height of early maturing soybean varieties ranged from 1 to 4 in. during all years, whereas later maturing varieties podded as high as 8 in. from ground level. Quality of grain varied by year, but in 1987, grain quality of the early maturing varieties was improved by the ANH planting system. These results show that early maturing soybean varieties from MG I offer a viable alternative to traditional MGs; however, additional research is needed to refine these new management systems.

Influence of Ethephon on Lowest Pod Height and Yield of Soybean

AbstractEthephon [2‐(chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] has improved lodging resistance of several crops, mainly by reducing plant height. Our objective was to determine if ethephon could reduce plant height of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] without reducing lowest pod height (LPH), which would increase the potential for stubble harvest losses. Maturity group IV soybean cultivars Ripley (short) and Southern States 443 (tall) were planted in both full season and late‐planted cropping systems in 1987 and 1988 on a Maury silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalfs) near Lexington, KY. Ethephon was applied at 280 g a.i. ha−1 at growth stages V4, V6, or V4 and V6. All three ethephon treatments reduced plant height to a similar degree. No ethephon effect on lodging was detected, since lodging pressure was minimal. Ethephon did not reduce LPH, and thus had no effect on stubble harvest losses. In addition, ethephon did not influence grain yield. Ethephon successfully reduced plant height without increasing stubble harvest losses. No conclusion on the effect of ethephon on lodging resistance of soybean can be drawn from this research.

Management Effects on Harvest Losses and Yield of Double‐Crop Soybean

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] double cropped with wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) em Thell] may be more subject to harvest losses than a full season crop due to reduced lowest pod height (LPH). The objective of this field study was to determine the effects of wheat stubble heights (WSH) of 0,15, and 30 cm; soybean planting rates of 37, 65, and 92 seeds m−2; and soybean cultivars of differing maturity [Pella, early Maturity Group (MG) III, Douglas, mid‐MG IV, and Mitchell 450, late MG IV] on LPH, harvest losses, and yield. Clipped wheat residues were removed, and soybean planting was done without tillage on a Maury slit loam (Typic Paleudalfs). Increases in WSH and soybean planting rate had no effect on soybean harvest losses, which averaged 0.4, 2.0, and 6.6% for soybean cutting heights (SCH) of 5, 10, and 15 cm, respectively, and reached 16.5% at the 15 cm SCH for Pella in 1986. The latest maturing cultivar had the highest LPH and incurred the smallest harvest losses. Its yield performance in these years, however, was not competitive with the earlier maturing cultivars (2.06, 2.03, and 1.72 Mg ha−1 for Pella, Douglas, and Mitchell 450, respectively). Increasing WSH from 0 to 15 cm improved mean soybean yield by 16.9% in 1986, but had no effect in 1985. Although the use of a later maturing cultivar resulted in greater LPH, its yield was less than earlier cultivars. Increased WSH and soybean planting rate were not supported as strategies to reduce soybean harvest losses.

Geographic distribution of variation in quantitative traits in a world lentil collection

In a world lentil collection the distribution of variation amongst accessions from 13 major lentil-producing countries was examined on the basis of nine quantitative morphological characters by discriminant analysis and canonical analysis. Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed major differences between accessions from different countries. Three major regional groups were apparent: 1) a levantine group (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, 2) a more northern group composed of Greece, Iran, Turkey, and USSR, and 3) accessions from India and Ethiopia with strikingly similar quantitative morphological characters. Misclassifications of individuals within groups were frequent. Characters useful in discriminating between accessions from different countries were in descending order of importance: time to maturity, lowest pod height and 100-seed weight. The regional grouping indicates the importance of local adaptation through clusters of associated characters with phenological adaptation to the ecological environment as the major evolutionary force in the species.

Comparison of random bulk population and single-seed-descent methods for lentil breeding

Three lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) populations were advanced from the F2 to the F4 generation by singleseed-descent (SSD) and bulk-population (BP) breeding methods and used to compare the relative efficiency of the methods for maintaining genetic variation and selection opportunities. SSD maintained more genetic variation (% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGak0dh9WrFfpC0xh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf% ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr% 0-vqpWqaaeaabaGaaiaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbeo8aZzaaja% Waa0baaSqaaiaadEgaaeaacaaIYaaaaaaa!3B04!\[\hat \sigma _g^2 \]) in 15 of 21 comparisons of characters that were made. Genetic variances were significantly higher with SSD for plant height, days to maturity and yield in population 1; height of lowest pod in population 2; and days to blooming, height of lowest pod, plant type, and yield in population 3. SSD-derived populations had 10, 9, and 13% more erect lines in the three populations, respectively, when compared to the same populations advanced by BP. The BP method maintained 14, 2, and 4% more taller types in the three populations, respectively, and 16 and 33% more segregants that carried their pods higher from the ground. This indicated a reduced frequency of short plants with low flowers as a result of natural selection operating within BP against less competitive short types. The SSD method is an efficient cost-saving method of advancing lentil populations and is recommended for lentil breeding.