Lower Dry Matter Yield Research Articles

Herbage Yield, Nutritional Quality of Desho Grass (<i>Pennisetum glaucifolium</i>) Mixed with Stylo and Silverleaf Desmodium at Assosa, Western Ethiopia

The study was conducted during the main cropping season of 2019/2020 at Assosa in Benishangul-Gumuz regional state. The aim of the study was to evaluate herbage dry matter yield, nutritional quality and biological compatibility of desho grass mixed with Stylo and Desmodium. The treatments included two legume species (Stylosanthes guyanensis and Desmodium unicinatum) and desho grass with four levels of seed proportions (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%) of the recommended seeding rates of the two legume forages. Randomized complete block design with four replications was used. The results revealed that number of tillers per plant (NTPP), plant height (PH) and leaf to stem ratio (LSR), plot cover and vigor score percentage, dry matter yield (DMY) tha<sup>-1</sup>, and the quality parameters such as, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent Lignin (ADL), In-vitro Dry matter Digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein yield (CPY) tha<sup>-1</sup> were significantly (P<0.05) differed among the different seed proportions of desho grass with legume mixtures. The highest total dry matter yield (11.05 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) was obtained from the sole desho grass planted with Nitrogen fertilizer followed by sole desho grass planted without fertilizer (10.17 t ha<sup>-1 </sup>) from the mixed cropping groups mixed crop containing 75% desho grass and 25% Stylo gives a higher total dry mater yield (7.44 tha<sup>-1</sup>). On the other hand desmodium sown in pure stands had lower DMY compared to legume-grass mixtures (3.37tha<sup>-1</sup>). In terms of quality, increasing the seed proportions of both legume species in the mixture resulted in higher CP%, CPY (tha<sup>-1</sup>) and IVDMD% and lower NDF%, ADF% and ADL% contents. Relative yield total of desho grass-legume mixtures at Desho<sub>75 </sub>Stylo<sub>25 </sub>(1.43), Desho<sub>50 </sub>Desmodium <sub>50 </sub>(1.39) and Desho<sub>25 </sub>Stylo<sub>75 </sub>(1.33) were better compared to the other mixtures and pure stands. Generally, mixing of desho grass with legume species at different seed proportions of 75% desho grass: 25% stylo and 50% desho grass: 50% Stylo produced better dry matter yield, nutritional quality and compatibility in the study area when compared to the mixed cropped plants. However, the experiment should be conducted for more years at different locations to recommend the best desho grass legume mixtures for Assosa area of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State. It is also suggested to do on animal performance trial of this result based on animal feeding practice and economic feasibility in order to come up with sound recommendations.

USO DEL ENSILADO DE SORGO VARIEDAD TOP GREEN Y VARIEDAD CAÑA DULCE PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN DE LECHE EN SISTEMAS DE PEQUEÑA ESCALA

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Sorghum is a crop that stands out as an alternative to maize due to its higher drought tolerance and lower soil fertility demand. <strong>Objective</strong>. To evaluate the productive response of lactating cows fed maize silage (<em>Zea mays</em>) in substitution with sorghum silage (<em>Sorghum bicolor</em> L.). <strong>Methodology</strong>. The research was carried out in the central highlands of Mexico, in the farmer of a small-scale dairy family. Nine cows were used, distributed in three 3X3 Latin squares with test periods of 14 days, of which 12 were for adaptation of the animals to diets and 2 d to the collection of samples. The treatments were: 1) Top Green = 5 kg DM sorghum silage cv Top Green + 5 kg DM maize silage; 2) Caña Dulce = 5 kg DM sorghum silage cv Caña Dulce + 5 kg DM maize silage; 3) Maize silage = 10 kg DM maize silage (testigo). The study included the productive behaviour of the cows, feed composition and feeding costs. Treatment data were analysed with a split-plot arrangement. <strong>Results</strong>. Inclusion of sorghum silage in the diet reduced dry matter intake (P<0.05), but did not affect average production (22.9 kg/day) and milk composition of cows (P>0.05). There were no differences (P>0.05) for variables related to the nutritional value of the silages. Although there were no significant differences in animal response variables, economic analysis showed that the inclusion of sorghum silage increased feed costs by 15% due to lower dry matter yields. <strong>Implications</strong>. Sorghum has been proposed as a resilient alternative to maize especially in drought stress scenarios, when the availability of quality forages decreases and grain and forage prices increase. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. Although feeding costs were higher, sorghum silage can be a substitute for maize silage.</p>

Adapting the grassland model BASGRA to simulate yield and nutritive value of whole-crop barley

Ensiling of whole-crop biomass of barley before full maturity is common practice in regions with a short growing season. The developmental stage of barley at harvest can have a large impact on yield and nutritive composition. The relationships between crop growth, environmental conditions and crop management can be described in process-based simulation models. Some models, including the Basic Grassland (BASGRA) model, have been developed to simulate the yield and nutritive value of forage grasses, and usually evaluated against metrics of relevance for whole-crop silage. The objectives of this study were to: i) modify the BASGRA model to simulate whole-crop spring barley; ii) evaluate the performance of this model against empirical data on dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value attributes from field experiments, divided into geographical regions; and iii) evaluate DM yield, nutritive value and cutting date under current and future climate conditions for three locations in Sweden and four cutting regimes. Main model modifications included addition of a spike pool, equations for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) allocation to the spike pool and equations for C and N translocation from vegetative plant parts to spikes. Model calibration and validation against field trial data from Sweden, including samples harvested from late anthesis stage to hard dough stage that were either pooled or divided into regions, showed better prediction accuracy, evaluated as normalised root mean squared error (RMSE), of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (7.58–18.4%) than of DM yield (16.8–27.8%), crude protein (15.5–23.2%) or digestible organic matter in the DM (DOMD) (12.0–22.2%). Model prediction using weather data representing 1990–2020 and 2021–2040 climate conditions for three locations in Sweden (Skara, Umeå, Uppsala) showed lower DM yield, earlier harvest and slightly higher NDF concentration on average (across locations and developmental stage at cutting) when using near-future climate data rather than historical data. The model can be used to evaluate whole-crop barley performance under production conditions in Sweden or in other countries with similar climate, soils and crop management regimes.

Utjecaj konsocijacije kukuruza s grahom na kakvoću i prinos krme

Corn silage is a high-yielding, voluminous forage rich in energy but with insufficient protein content for ighproducing cattle. Since legumes have a low dry matter yield, low forage yield and unsatisfactory quality, they are often used in intercropping with cereals, which contributes to a higher yield and better forage quality than in pure culture. In this research, corn (Zea mays L.) and climbing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were sown in different sowing densities in order to determine the best ratio in the intercropping system of corn and beans to achieve high yield and good nutritional value of forage. A pure maize crop (75000 grains ha-1) and maize in intercropping with beans were sown: 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 37000 grains ha-1 of beans, 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 50000 grains ha-1 of beans and 75000 grains ha-1 of corn and 75000 grains ha-1 of beans. The highest yield of dry matter was determined with the highest proportion of beans (19.0 t ha-1), and the lowest yield with 75000 plants ha-1 of corn and 37000 plants ha-1 of beans (17.2 t ha-1). The intercropping of corn and beans reduced the proportion of neutral detergent fibers, which could result in an increase in the digestibility of voluminous forage. Based on the nutritional value and forage yield, we can conclude that the intercropping with the highest proportion of beans had the highest yield and the best nutritional value.

Residual effect of organic nutrients on growth and yield of hybrid napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) VAR. CO-4

At present-day, wide requirement for environment friendly agriculture for the production of quality fodder to meet the nutrition demand of livestock. Efforts are ongoing for the sustainable way of fodder production with organic fertilizers from natural resources to enhance the production of important fodders. In this regard an experiment was conducted to define the effect of different organic manure on the growth yield and nutritive value of Hybrid napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) var. CO-4 . This experiment was designed in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Treatments were control (Farm Yard Manure(FYM)(25Kg/ha) (T 1), Goat manure (30 t ha -1)and Farm Yard Manure(25Kg/ha) (T 2), Poultry manure (30t ha -1) and Farm Yard Manure (25Kg/ha )(T 3), Cattle manure (30 t ha -1) and Farm Yard Manure(25Kg/ha )(T 4). These were applied as basal and topdressing application of manure in this experiment and their performance was recorded once in three weeks. Analysis of Variance was performed to define significant difference among treatments (p < 0.05). Results revealed that plants grown in Poultry manure (30 t ha -1) incoporated with Farm Yard Manure(25Kg/ha) (T3 ) showed significantly (p < 0.05) better performance in the measured growth parameters viz. plant height(145cm), leaf area(9000cm2), number of tillers (38), while the lowest performance was observed in control (T1) at 11 WAP( weeks after planting). Further the results of this study revealed that relatively higher total dry matter(189.61g/plant) and nutrition composition viz crude protein(18.49%), Ash content(16.78%),crude fiber(39.4%) ,Ether extract (7.75%) was obtained from the plants treated with poultry manure and FYM (T3) followed by T4,T2 whereas the lowest drymatter yield(52.7g/plant) and nutrition composition was observed in control(T1). Therefore, it could be concluded that the poultry manure combined with FYM can be used to enhance the growth and nutritive value of Hybrid napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) VAR. CO-4.

Elephant grass ( Pennisetum purpureum ) varieties adaptation trial at North Shewa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Abstract The experiment was conducted in two districts, viz. (Kuyu and Wara Jarso) of the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region. Therefore, this study was initiated to evaluate the adaptability, dry matter yield and chemical composition of four elephant ( Pennisetum purpureum ) grass varieties in the North Shewa Zone. Accordingly, four elephant grass varieties, viz. Bako#04 (16804), Bako#01 (16801), Zehone#03 (16819), and Zehone#02 (16791) were tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data collected were analyzed using R Software, and the results of the combined analysis revealed that plant height, number of tillers, and dry matter yield were significantly (P<0.05) different between treatments. The variety Zehone#02 (88.50 cm) had the highest mean plant height, while the variety Bako#01 had the lowest plant height (66.89 cm). The highest (p<0.05) dry matter yield (12.27 ton ha -1 ) was recorded for the Zehone#02 variety, whereas the lowest dry matter yield (10.70 ton ha -1 ) was recorded for the Zehone#03 variety. The number of nodes per plant varied, whereas internodes length and leaf-to-stem ratio did not vary significantly among elephant grass varieties. The analysis results showed non-significant (P>0.05) difference for DM, Ash, and NDF, whereas significant variation was observed in most parameters, including CP, ADF, ADL, IVDMD, DODM and ME. The elephant grass variety Bako#04 (16804) showed better CP (11.37%) content, followed by Zehone#02 (16791) (10.54%). Therefore, the Bako#04 (16804) and Zehone#02 (16791) varieties of elephant grass are recommended for livestock producers in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia.

Morphoagronomic characterization and reproductive versatility in polymorph clover

Trifolium polymorphum Poir. is a legume of natural pastures that combines amphicarpy with vegetative reproduction, but with little morphoagronomic information in populations of southern Brazil. In this study, plant height and diameter, number of primary stolons, dry matter, number of inflorescences, number of flowers per inflorescence, number of flowers with legume with seeds, number of flowers without legume or with legume without seeds, seed production, number and dry weight of storage roots were evaluated in populations of T. polymorphum. Little variation was observed for most characteristics, including low dry matter and aerial seed production. There were positive correlations between plant height and dry matter (r = 0.44), plant diameter and dry matter (r = 0.43), number of inflorescences and number of flowers per plant (r = 0.98) and number of inflorescences and seed production (r = 0.84). T. polymorphum presented low dry matter yield, however, the reproductive versatility of the species with the amphicarpic condition combined with vegetative propagation are mechanisms that allow the species to increase its frequency and contribution in natural pastures.

Productivity, nutritive value, and profitability of high-digestibility alfalfa cultivars harvested at two stages of development in eastern Canada

Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) cultivars developed for improved digestibility by conventional breeding or genetic modification have not been evaluated in eastern Canada. This study compared yield, nutritive value, and profitability of two reduced-lignin genetically modified (GM) cultivars, three conventionally selected for low lignin or high pectin, and one population with improved stem degradability, with two commercially adapted cultivars as controls. Alfalfa was harvested at the early bud (intensive management) or early flower (extensive management) stage of development during the first post-seeding year at three sites and the second post-seeding year at one site. All cultivars/populations had similar annual dry matter (DM) yields, except for the lower DM yield (−20%) of the improved stem degradability population. Conventionally selected cultivars for improved digestibility did not differ from control cultivars for in vitro DM digestibility (IVTD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd). Reduced-lignin GM cultivars, however, had a greater IVTD and NDFd (+10%) and less lignin (−10%) than control cultivars at the same stage of development. Reduced-lignin GM cultivars under extensive management had similar NDFd and greater annual DM yield (+1 to 2 Mg DM ha−1), but reduced total digestible nutrients (−41 to 44 g kg−1 DM), in comparison to control cultivars under intensive management. Using partial budget analysis, the comparison of more digestible GM cultivars to the control cultivars resulted in an increase in annual farm net profits ranging from CAD$7.40 to $79.60 cow−1 year−1 depending on stage of development at harvest. Further investigations are needed to quantify the performance of dairy cows fed cultivars with improved digestibility.

Yield, Nutritional Composition, and Digestibility of Conventional and Brown Midrib (BMR) Pearl Millet as Affected by Planting and Harvesting Dates and Interseeded Cowpea.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, nutritional composition, and digestibility of conventional (CON) and brown midrib (BMR) pearl millet (PM) with different establishment dates, maturity at harvest and when mixed with cowpea (CWP). In trial 1, CON and BMR were planted on two different dates. In trial 2, CON and BMR, mixed or not with CWP, were harvested when PM was at the boot or heading stages. In trial 1, dry matter (DM) yield was similar between both PM genotypes but delaying establishment reduced DM yield by 30%. Additionally, BMR had a lower concentration of acid detergent lignin (ADL) and a higher in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) compared to CON. In Trial 2, the DM yield was 7.3% higher for CON compared to BMR, and PM with the BMR trait had a lower level of ADL and higher IVNDFD compared to CON. Mixing PM with CWP had negligible effects on nutritional composition but reduced DM yield by 8.3%. Results of these studies indicated that fiber from BMR PM is more digestible than CON but, in one of the trials, this occurred at the expense of lower DM yield. Mixing CWP with PM negatively impacted DM yield.

Yield and quality of Guinea grass cv. Mombasa according to plant spacing and season of the year

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate the yield, the chemical composition and the in vitro digestibility of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus, Jacq.) cv. Mombasa according to plant spacing and season of the year. Design/methodology/approach: The Mombasa grass was stablished at spacing between plants of: 25x25, 50x25, 70x25 and 100x25 cm between rows and plants, respectively, and with broadcasting (traditional planting); cutting was conducted in cool, dry and rainy seasons. A factorial split-plot design in randomized blocks was used, with four replications. Results: The dry matter yield (DMY) of Mombasa grass was equal (p˃0.05) in cool and rainy seasons and lower (p<0.05) in dry season (27.2, 27.5 and 12.7 kg ha-1 d-1, respectively). The crude protein (CP) increased with greater plant spacing (p<0.05). The fodder of the dry season showed a higher (p<0.05) CP content than cool or rainy seasons (10.5, 9.7 and 8.7%). The content of all fiber fractions, except lignin, did not differ between plant spacing (p>0.05). Study limitations/implications: The season of the year affects the quality of tropical grasses. On the other hand, there is no information about the effect of plant spacing on the quality of Mombasa grass. Findings/conclusions: The highest DMY was in the cool season at 75x25 cm and 100x25 cm. The fodder harvested in the dry season showed lower fiber content in cell walls and higher in vitro digestibility (p˂0.05), but lower DMY. To ensure proper yield and quality, it is recommended to establish the Guinea grass cv. Mombasa at greater plant spacing, such as 75x25 cm or 100x25 cm.

Compatibility of new sainfoin populations as forage mixtures with alfalfa and orchardgrass in Alberta

Sainfoin is a highly nutritious non-bloating leguminous forage crop of temperate regions. Despite non-bloating properties, its use in pastures was limited due to low dry matter yield (DMY), lack of persistence in the mixed pasture, and slow regrowth. The paradigm then shifted when new sainfoin cultivars planted in mixtures with alfalfa reduced 98% bloat incidence in ruminants. Two experiments were conducted to determine the compatibility of sainfoin with grass and alfalfa. Experiment (Exp.) I was established by drilling alfalfa cv. Longview and orchardgrass cv. Kayak with new sainfoin populations in alternate or cross-seeding rows under irrigated and unirrigated conditions in Lethbridge, AB. Exp. II was established by drilling sainfoin populations in mixture with alfalfa cultivars in alternate rows under irrigation. DMY and botanical composition (dry matter basis) were observed for both experiments. In Exp. I, monoculture orchardgrass produced the least DMY compared with the mixtures under both growing conditions and over all growing seasons. Alfalfa–sainfoin mixture yielded higher under irrigatated and less under unirrigated conditions relative to alfalfa monoculture. The percentage DMY contribution of sainfoin in alfalfa–sainfoin mixtures decreased but increased in sainfoin–orchardgrass mixtures over successive harvests under both environments. In Exp. II, we observed that new sainfoin populations mixed with alfalfa cvs. Beaver and Longview yielded greater ( P < 0.05) than their corresponding monocultures and this increase was not associated with the proportion of the species in the mixture suggesting new sainfoin populations are as productive as alfalfa.

Effects of season, variety type, and trait on dry matter yield, nutrient composition, and predicted intake and milk yield of whole-plant sorghum forage

Sorghum forage is an important alternative to high-quality forage in regions where climatic and soil conditions are less desirable for corn production for silage and producing comparable nutritive value is challenging. The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of season (spring vs. summer), sorghum variety type (forage sorghum vs. sorghum-sudangrass), and trait [brown midrib (BMR) vs. non-BMR] on dry matter (DM) yield, nutrient composition, and predicted intake and milk yield of whole-plant sorghum forage grown in Florida from 2008 to 2019. Whole-plant sorghum forage was harvested at a targeted 32% of DM, and each year, spring (April) and summer (July) trials were established. A total of 300 forage sorghum and 137 sorghum-sudangrass hybrids were tested for a total of 437 hybrids, of which 199 hybrids contained the BMR trait and 238 were non-BMR. An interaction between season and sorghum variety type was observed for DM yield. Dry matter yield was greater for the spring season than the summer season, with sorghum-sudangrass outperforming forage sorghum only during the spring season. In addition, BMR hybrids had a lower DM yield than non-BMR hybrids, regardless of season and variety type. An interaction between season and trait was observed for predicted neutral detergent fiber digestibility after 30 h of incubation in rumen fluid (NDFD30h). Predicted NDFD30h was greater for BMR sorghum in comparison to non-BMR sorghum, but BMR sorghum had slightly greater predicted NDFD30h when grown in the spring than summer, whereas no seasonal differences were found for predicted NDFD30h across non-BMR sorghum. An interaction between season, variety type, and trait was observed for predicted dry matter intake at 45 (DMI45), 55 (DMI55), and 65 (DMI65) kg of milk/d. Predicted DMI45 and DMI55 were greater for spring BMR forage sorghum than for spring and summer non-BMR sorghum-sudangrass and were greater for spring BMR forage sorghum than for summer BMR sorghum-sudangrass. Predicted DMI65 was greater for BMR forage sorghum in comparison to all non-BMR hybrids in the spring. Additionally, spring BMR forage sorghum was greater than summer sorghum-sudangrass regardless of trait. An interaction between season and sorghum variety type was observed for milk yield per megagram of forage. Milk yield per megagram of forage was greatest for spring forage sorghum. Sorghum variety type and trait selection are crucial to minimize differences in forage nutritive value of sorghum forage between seasons and improve the performance of high-producing dairy cows.

Phytoremediator Potential of Ipomea asarifolia in Gold Mine Waste Treated with Iron Impregnated Biochar

Growing environmental pollution in recent decades has been generating potentially toxic elements (PTE) which pose an ongoing threat to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and human health, especially in mining areas. Biochar and PTE-tolerant species have been used in soil remediation as they are environmentally friendly alternatives. This study aimed to assess the influence of açaí seed biochar (Euterpe oleracea Mart), impregnated with iron (BFe) or not (BC), on the bioavailability of PTEs, in a multi-contaminated soil from a gold (Au) mining area in the Amazon, using Ipomea asarifolia as a plant test since it was naturally growing on the tailings. BC increased the soil pH while BFe reduced. Biochars increased PTEs in the oxidizable fraction (linked to soil organic matter). The use of BC and BFe improved the immobilization of PTEs and BC increased arsenic (As) in the easily soluble fraction in the soil. Moreover, plants grown with biochars showed lower dry matter yield, higher concentrations of PTEs and lower nutrient content than the control treatment. According to the phytoextraction and translocation factors, Ipomea asarifolia can be classified as a species with potential for phytostabilization of Zn and tolerant to other PTEs, mainly As.

Ensilage potential and nutritional value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at different phenology and storage duration in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria

AbstractInsufficient forage supply from natural rangelands during the dry season hampers ruminants' performance in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Therefore, to provide alternative feed resources, we evaluated silage potential of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at boot, dough and maturity stages for 4‐, 8‐, 12‐ and 16‐week ensiling durations, in a 3 × 4 factorial experiment. The dry matter yield (DMY) was determined at each harvest stage, and the forages were subsequently ensiled. The results revealed that the DMY of S. almum at maturity was 8.98% and 18.67% higher than at dough and boot stages, respectively (p < 0.05). The silages were ranked “good silage” based on physical characteristics. Silage pH decreased with advancing ensiling duration from 4 to 16 weeks in boot (5.25–4.63), dough (5.63–4.11) and maturity (5.42–4.91), with a corresponding increase in lactic and volatile fatty acids. Crude protein (CP) was higher in forages ensiled at maturity and increased with ensiling duration after initial decline from 4 to 8 weeks. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose increased quadratically from boot to dough and subsequently declined at maturity. Growth stage, ensiling duration and their interactions influenced the macrominerals' content (p < 0.05). Silages' dry matter intake (DMI) declined from boot to dough stage across the ensiling durations, and except for 8 weeks, the DMI increased at maturity by 6.71%, 5.54% and 7.19% in 4, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. Therefore, owing to the lower NDF and high DMY, CP and DMI of S. almum ensiled at maturity for 16 weeks, it could guarantee a quantitative and qualitative forage supply to maintain optimum animal performance throughout the dry season.

Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transformation and Ultrastructural Alterations of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Resulting from Sulfadiazine Accumulation in Culture Solution

The research herein explored the possible mechanism of toxicity of the antibiotic sulfadiazine (SD) and the related antibiotic resistance gene transformation in lettuce by systematically investigating its growth responses, ultrastructural changes, and antibiotic resistance gene transformation via solution culture experiments. The results showed that SD mainly accumulated in the roots of lettuce at concentrations ranging from 6.48 to 120.87 μg/kg, which were significantly higher than those in leaves (3.90 to 16.74 μg/kg). Lower concentrations of SD (0.5 and 2.0 mg/L) in the culture nutrient solution exerted little effect on lettuce growth, while at SD concentrations higher than 10 mg/L, the growth of lettuce was significantly inhibited, manifesting as shorter root length and lower dry matter yield of whole lettuce plants. Compared with that for the control group, the absolute abundance of bacteria in the root endophyte, rhizosphere, and phyllosphere communities under different concentrations of SD treatment decreased significantly. sul1 and sul2 mainly accumulated in the root endophyte community, at levels significantly higher than those in the leaf endophyte community. Studies of electrolyte leakage and ultrastructural characteristics of root and leaf cells indicated that lettuce grown in culture solutions with high SD concentrations suffered severe damage and disintegration of the cell walls of organs, especially chloroplasts, in leaves. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of SD toxicity in lettuce was confirmed to start with the roots, followed by a free flow of SD into the leaves to destroy the chloroplasts in the leaf cells, which ultimately reduced photosynthesis and decreased plant growth. Studies have shown that antibiotic residues have negative effects on the growth of lettuce and highlight a potential risk of the development and spread of antibiotic resistance in vegetable endophyte systems.

Evaluation of the Sulphur-Supplying Ability of Soils to Support Plant Growth and Assessment of Relative Crop Response to Sulphur Application through Neubauer Technique

Sulphur plays a vital role in the nutrition of oilseeds and pulses. Along with nitrogen and phosphorus, it plays an important role in the formation of proteins and is involved in the metabolic and enzymatic processes of all living cells. Several biological techniques have been studied in order to assess sulphur deficiency or sufficiency in different groups of sulphur fertilizer for achieving the optimum yield of crops of which Neubauer technique is generally considered as one such tool that can be used for piloting the sulphur supplying capacity of the soils to supplement its requirement for the establishment of the plant. Surface (0-15 cm) soil samples from typical rice and pulse growing fields spread over the dominant soil groups of West Bengal which belong under 16 identified soil series were collected for this study. In order to assess sulphur availability in soils Neubauer technique was employed. Under sulphur treatment, the lowest dry matter yield and uptake by shoot was recorded in Bankul soil. Among the soils, the lowest root dry matter yield at control treatment was recorded in patapahari soil and the highest was in Hijalgara soil. A similar trend was also observed in case of S uptake by the shoot. While highest dry matter yield and maximum sulphur uptake by shoot was registered in Sukhnibasa and kusmi soil respectively. Likewise for N, P and K elements, the Neubauer technique may be used as one of the biological techniques for evaluating S response to crops as well as S supplying capacity of the soil to support plant growth.

Evaluation of Desho Grass for Their Agronomic Performances and Nutritive Values in Highland and Midland Areas of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted with the objective to identify adaptability, high fresh biomass and dry matter yield of desho grass varieties. Four desho grass varieties; Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591, Areka DZF No# 590, Kulumsa DZF No # 592 and Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. At highland area the revealed result that fresh biomass, leaf length per plant and plant height were significantly (P<0.05) differ among the treatments. The highest value of plant height was measured from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 (102.6 cm) followed by Areka DZF No# 590, Kulumsa DZF No # 592 (97.7 cm) varieties, while the shortest plant height was recorded from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (91.2 cm) variety. The highest dry matter yield was obtained from Areka DZF No# 590 (30.53t/ha), while the lowest dry matter yield was produced from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (24.8 t/ha). The highest survive rate was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (63.3%) followed by Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 (61.3%) varieties. Chemical composition showed that Areka DZF No# 590 was highest in Dry matter (DM) (95.5%) and the lowest dry matter (DM) was obtain from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (94.2%) variety. At Midland area the revealed result that number of tiller per plant, number of leaf per plant, leaf length per plant, fresh biomass and plant height were significantly (P<0.05) differ among the treatments. The highest plant height was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (108.6 cm) followed by Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 (107 cm) while the lowest plant height was measured from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (95.3cm) variety. The highest dry matter yield was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (27.13 t/ha) variety. The highest in Dry matter (DM) (95.02%) and lowest in Acid detergent fiber (ADF) was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (43.8%) varieties. The highest crude protein (CP) was measured from Kulumsa DZF No # 592 (10.6%) followed by Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (9.8%). The result implies that Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 and Areka DZF No# 590 and Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 varieties were well performed in agronomic, yield and quality parameters. Thus it could be possible to conclude that the desho grass varieties should be recommended for improving the constraint of feed shortage in highland and midland of Guji zone and similar agro ecologies.

Soil chemical properties and yield of onion crops grown for eight years under no-tillage system with cover crops

The use of cover crops in no-tillage systems can change soil chemical properties and crop yield over time. Studies using cover crops without the application of pesticides and soluble mineral fertilizers in no-tillage systems are important to reduce production costs, the need for mechanization, and to improve nutrient cycling and crop yield. The study aimed to evaluate how the use of different cover crops and the amount of dry matter produced by such species affect soil chemical properties and onion yield. Onion crops were grown for eight years without the use of pesticides and soluble mineral fertilizers in no-tillage system. The experiment was conducted from 2009 to 2016 in Ituporanga, state of Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil. The following treatments were used: barley (2010)/black oat, rye, oilseed radish, oilseed radish + rye, and oilseed radish + barley or black oat, and a control (consisting of weed species). A randomized block experimental design was used with eight replications. Plants from each treatment were collected 100 days after sowing in plot areas of 0.75 m² to determine dry matter yield. The cover crops were desiccated and the onion seedlings were transplanted in July. The onion crops were harvested every November to evaluate yield. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0−10 and 10−20 cm after the onion harvest to evaluate soil chemical properties. The onion crop and residue deposition of single or intercropped black oat, rye, and oilseed radish improved and maintained soil chemical properties. The lower dry matter yield of cover crops found in the control treatment resulted in lower onion yields over the years. Cover crops combined with soil tillage limited to the planting rows increased total onion yields and yield of larger-sized onions as the system stabilized over time.

Evaluation of Desho (Pennisetum pedicellatum) Grass Varieties for Dry Matter Yield and Chemical Composition in South Omo Zone, South Western Ethiopia

Desho grass is indigenous grass to Ethiopia and belonging to the family of Poaceae and has high biomass production potential. Therefore, this study was initiated to evaluate dry matter yield and chemical composition of four desho (Pennisetum pedicellatum) grass varieties in 2017 and 2018 cropping years at on- station of Jinka Agricultural Research Center under rain fed condition in randomized complete block design with three replications per tested variety. The data on dry matter yield, plant height, tillers per plant, leaf to stem ratio and chemical composition were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedures of SAS. The Areka-DZF#590 gave highest (P&gt;0.001) dry matter yield (27.99t/ha) and whereas the, Kindo kisha-DZF#589 variety gave the lower dry matter yield (14.15t/ha). Likewise, higher (P&gt;0.05) Crude protein (140.12g/Kg, DM) recorded for Areka-DZF#590 and whereas, significantly lowest (P&lt;0.05) Crude protein (90.57g/Kg, DM) obtained for Kindo kasha-DZF#589 variety. Based on this finding, we concluded that farmers who live in comparable agro- ecologies to areas where this study was conducted in South Omo and other areas could plant Areka -DZF#590 variety for higher dry matter yield and crude protein content.

Stalk dry mass and industrial yield of 16 varieties of sugar cane cultivated under water restriction

The great extension of the cultivated area, associated with the low water availability to supply the sugarcane demand in the periods of drought and the high evapotranspiration demand, requires varieties adapted to these specific conditions. The aim of this study was to assess 16 sugarcane varieties regarding the efficiency in water use (EWU) and in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), cultivated under a water restriction, in the production of stalks dry matter, sugar and alcohol. The experiment was carried out in the Brazilian savannah biome, Goiás State, during the 2011/2012 crop year, in a randomized blocks design, with four repetitions. The treatments consisted of 16 varieties of sugarcane cultivated on a supply of only 50% of the water demand demanded by the crop. The EWU and EUPAR of the varieties were evaluated for the production of stalk dry mass (SDM), sugar and alcohol. During the crop cycle there was sufficient precipitation to supply the water demand of sugarcane; however, the irregular distribution of rainfall resulted in a water deficit of -697 mm during its cycle. The varieties IAC 91-1099, CTC-15, CTC-11, SP 86-0042 and IAC 87-3396 showed higher EWU and better photosynthetically active radiation for the production of stalks dry matter, sugar and alcohol. IACSP 94-2094 and CTC 09 varieties presented the same efficiency in industrial yield and lower dry matter yield than the five following varieties IAC 91-1099, CTC-15, CTC-11, SP 86-0042 and IAC 87-3396. Therefore, these last varieties are the most efficient in water use and photosynthetically active radiation aiming the stalks dry matter, sugar and alcohol production under water restriction.