Milk Ripeness Research Articles

Main and Ratooned Rice Pest Populations in Lowland Rice Fields, South Sumatra Applied Bioinsecticide from Entomopathogens

The pests that attack each plant phase also varies. The aimed of this study was to compare the main population of rice insect pests and ratooned in lowland rice field in the vegetative, flowering and milk ripening phase. The main bioinsecticide rice sprayed on rice canopy were comes from the entomopathogenic fungal conidia Metarhizium anisopliae, the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, and as a control area without the application of bioinsecticide or synthetic insecticide. The results showed that population of fake white pests (Cnaphalocrosis medinalis) and white leafhoppers pest (Covana spectra) were more prevalent in vegetative phase rice compared to other types of pests such as green leafhoppers (Nephotettix spp.), Brown leafhoppers (Nilaparvata lugens), zig zag leafhoppers. (Recillia dorsalis), white-back leafhoppers (Sogatella furcifera), grasshoppers, mole cricket (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa), and yellow rice stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas). The Leptocorisa acuta and green ladybugs (Nezara viridula) began to attack the flowering and milk ripening phase, which was when the rice was aged about 54-68 days after transplanting (dat). Whereas in ratooned rice, the pest population of L. acuta has appeared on the first observation on rice aged 9 days after harvest (dah) until the ratooned rice was aged 58 days after harvesting. The population of pests was higher in land without bioinsecticide application compared to land applied of bioinsecticides. In ratooned rice, the pest population between the land applied with bioinsecticide M. anisopliae and B. thuringiensis was not significantly different from the land applied by B. thuringiensis which was sold in the market.

RESEARCH OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE LIGHT REGIME ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF WINTER WHEAT IN AGROCENOSIS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE

A study of the influence of sunlight on the growth and development of winter wheat plants. It is proved that the growth rate of plants also depends on the intensity of light. It is noted that the plants grow the fastest in the morning, the minimum growth rate is in the evening. In this regard, in full accordance with the above data, the reaction of winter wheat to the spectral composition of the rays. Therefore, for photosynthetic activity, wheat makes the best use of the red-orange part of the spectrum. It was determined that the best illumination in wheat cenoses in the tube exit phase was at the sowing rates of 1.5 million seeds / ha in 2020 (2550 lux). It is proved that in the period of milk ripeness the illumination of plants at different seeding rates was significantly lower, because in this period the leaf surface area is the highest. Therefore, during this period, the greatest penetration of light into the middle of the stem was observed at the seeding rate of 3 million seeds / ha. Thus, studies have shown that the light in wheat cenoses, both in the tube phase and in the milk ripeness phase, largely depends on the distribution of plants in the area, which is related to the seeding rate.

Application of photometry for diagnostics of nitrogen nutrition in spring barley

The article discusses a method for diagnosing nitrogen nutrition of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in different phases of the growing season using a photometric device (N-tester) Yara. The studies were carried out in the conditions of the Moscow region (Russia) on the Mikhailovsky spring barley variety on sod-podzolic medium loamy soils with a high and medium content of phosphorus and potassium and a low content of humus (1.9). The agrometeorological conditions of the growing season of spring barley were characterized by sharp fluctuations in air temperature and the amount of precipitation over decades of the month and in comparison with average long-term observations. Abundant and prolonged precipitation during the grain ripening phase led to lodging in most of the experiments, which affected the yield. To diagnose crops, a model experiment was laid with the introduction of increasing doses of nitrogen fertilizers into pre-sowing cultivation with a step of 30, at which the dose of nitrogen ranged from 30 to 150 kg/ha. Diagnostics was carried out in three phases of vegetation: tube emergence ((Z42), earing (Z55), milk ripeness of grain (Z73) with the Yara N-tester and with the help of stem diagnostics according to the modified method of V. Zerling. The results of photometric diagnostics in the stemming phase (Z42) have a strong correlation with the yield of spring barley grain and with the results of stem diagnostics (R = 0.85). Wherein, the N-tester readings in the earing phase (Z55) and milk ripeness of grain (Z73) with yield R = 0.23 and R = 0.17, respectively, have a weak correlation. This is possibly due to lodging of crops and a change in yield, not as a result of poor plant nutrition, but with difficult mechanized harvesting.

Influence of sowing date and variety features of winter rye plants on photosynthetic indicators

The concentration of pigments and chlorophyll potential in the tissues of various organs of three varieties of winter rye during plant ontogenesis were studied. New varieties of winter rye Radon, Podarok and Zilant were sown in 3 data with an interval of 10 days, starting from August 25. Sampling for plant analyses of photosynthetic activity was carried out at the beginning of flowering and milk stage of the grain in 2018-2019. Differences between the varieties were revealed, both chlorophyll content in assimilating organs and their total accumulation in different periods of the growing season. It is shown that the sowing time, which determines the rate and degree of autumn and spring development of winter rye plants, has significant effect on the chlorophyll content. The highest content of green pigments was found at the late sowing date in leaves, leaf sheaths, and spike. In the stems, almost equal amounts of chlorophyll at the 1st and 2nd dates and a slight decrease at the third date were observed. The maximum chlorophyll content accumulated in leaf during flowering (0.88-1.83 mg / g) and during milk stage of grain (1.04 ... 1.93 mg / g) of winter rye. The highest amount of chlorophyll A+B variety Radon showed at the 3rd sowing date, and Zilant - at the 1st sowing date. The rank of varieties was maintained both during flowering and at milk stage of grain. The value of chlorophyll index of the plant reached a maximum in the phase of flowering at the first sowing date (on average for the varieties 9.83 mg/plant). Differences between the varieties in this indicator were more evident in the phase of milk ripeness. On average for the three dates of sowing the highest values of chlorophyll index were observed in variety Radon (8.72 and 8.45 mg/plant, in flowering and milky ripeness, respectively).

ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИЕ РЕСУРСЫ ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ, УСТОЙЧИВЫЕ К БУРОЙ РЖАВЧИНЕ

Brown (leaf) rust is the most common wheat disease and is found on all continents and countries where this crop is cultivated. Spring wheat occupies about 9 million hectares in Northern Kazakhstan. According to M.K. Koishybaev, brown rust and Septoria spot often appear together in the northern region, when they spread during the shooting-earing period and in case of wide progression, yield losses reach 30-40%, at the beginning of the filling- grain milk ripeness period - 7-10%. Among plant protection measures from various diseases caused by parasitic fungi, bacteria, viruses, as well as from damage by various insects, the most effective is introduction of immune varieties into the culture. The aim of our research is to study the genetic resources of spring crops and to identify new sources and donors of leaf rust resistance in northern Kazakhstan. In total, 150 varieties of spring bread wheat of various ecological and geographical origin were selected. The collection seed plot of spring soft wheat was sown in 2 replications, with a plot area of 2m2. The brown rust plot was lain according to the methodology of the State Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops. As a result of the work carried out, thirty-one new sources of resistance to leaf rust were identified: k-29288 (Georgia), Stendal (Italy), Sriblyanka, PKHRSV 02 (Ukraine), Frontana (Brazil), Marquis (Canada), etc. Seven varieties were characterized by resistance to leaf rust and a complex of economically valuable traits: Lutescens 415/00; Lutescens 120-03; Lutescens 16-04; Haamam 4; Sigma; Sibirskaya 17; Chelyaba early. The selected samples are of great interest for practical breeding and will be used to create new varieties of spring wheat with high productivity and resistance to leaf rust.

Evaluation of the Tolerance Ability of Wheat Genotypes to Drought Stress: Dissection through Culm-Reserves Contribution and Grain Filling Physiology

Drought stress is one of the limiting factors for grain filling and yield in wheat. The grain filling and determinants of individual grain weight depend on current assimilation and extent of remobilization of culm reserves to grains. A pot experiment was conducted with eight wheat cultivars at the Pot House to study the grain filling and the contributions of reserves in culm, including the sheath to grain yield under drought stress. Drought stress was enforced by restricting irrigation during the grain-filling period. The plants (tillers) were harvested at anthesis, milk-ripe, and maturity. The changes in dry weights of leaves, culm with sheath, spikes, and grains; and the contribution of culm reserves to grain yield were determined. Results revealed that drought stress considerably decreased the grain filling duration by 15–24% and grain yield by 11–34%. Further, drought-induced early leaf senescence and reduced total dry matter production indicate the minimum contribution of current assimilation to grain yield. The stress reduced the contribution of culm reserves, the water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs), to the grains. The accumulation of culm WSCs reached peak at milk ripe stage in control, varied from 28.6 to 84 mg culm−1 and that significantly reduced in the range from 14.9 to 40.6 mg culm−1 in stressed plants. The residual culm WSCs in control and stressed plants varied from 1.23 to 8.12 and 1.00 to 3.40 mg g−1 culm dry mass, respectively. BARI Gom 24 exhibited a higher contribution of culm WSCs to grain yield under drought, while the lowest contribution was found in Kanchan. Considering culm reserves WSCs and their remobilization along with other studied traits, BARI Gom 24 showed greater drought tolerance and revealed potential to grow under water deficit conditions in comparison to other cultivars.

Influence of Nutrients on Winter Wheat on Its Productivity of Old Irrigated Light Serosemes

The consumption of nutrients by plants of winter wheat in certain periods of vegetation occurs unevenly and significantly increases with the use of fertilizers. The greatest amount of nitrogen enters the plants from earing to milk ripeness, phosphorus and potassium from tillering to earing. Removal of nutrients by winter wheat when applying high doses of fertilizers and the highest yield increased by 1.5-2 times compared with the control. Fertilizers improved the quality of grain, with a stronger impact of nitrogen fertilizers. The greatest amount of protein and gluten in the grain of wheat was observed with the introduction of high doses of nitrogen, as well as with the transfer of part of it into the fertilizing before the ear.

Powdery mildew resistance of barley in Southern Dagestan

Background.The most effective way of protecting crops from diseases and pests is the breeding and cultivation of resistant varieties. The hydrothermal regime in the southern plains of Dagest an favors damage to barley plant s by the causative agent of powdery mildew. The high level of disease progress observed annually helps to reliably assess the resistance of collection accessions to the pathogen.Materials and methods.The research material included 1361 barley accessions (570 improved cultivars and 791 landraces) of different ecogeographic origin and growth habit. Field experiments were launched concurrently with winter sowing. Powdery mildew resistance was scored during the heading period and in the milk ripeness phase using a point scale. Each accession was assessed for at least three years.Results and conclusions.The results of a long-term study disclosed a significant intraspecific variability of barley collection accessions in their resistance to powdery mildew. A significant part of the studied barley accessions (63.1%) appeared susceptible to the pathogen. The occurrence frequency of disease-resistant accessions was 11.0%, while those with medium resistance reached 25.9%. Among the landraces, four resistant accessions from the Abyssinian, West Asian and Mediterranean centers of crop origin were identified. Seventeen barley varieties resistant to powdery mildew (predominantly originated from Western Europe) are recommended for use in breeding for immunity.

Genotypic features of photosynthetic activity of leaves of spring wheat plants in connection with the selection of new types of varieties

The article is devoted to the results of research on species and genotypic features of photosynthetic activity in spring wheat plants in connection with the creation of varieties that form a high, stable, high-quality and environmentally safe crop due to the effective use of renewable natural energy of the sun by photosynthesis. It was found that the intensity of leaf photosynthesis in a culture significantly depends on the hereditary characteristics of plants, the growth phase, location, time of day, and lighting conditions. The range of genotypic changes in the trait in 2017 was 9.65-16.35, in 2018 – 9.55 – 21.42, in 2019 – 8.73 – 17.15 ?mol CO2/m2s. In the phase of tillering and milk ripeness in crop varieties, the most significant manifestation of CO2 gas exchange activity by leaves is noted. In the tillering phase, varieties with high photosynthesis intensity were 30% superior, and in the milk ripeness phase, varieties with low photosynthesis intensity were 31% superior. The most active is the absorption of CO2 molecules from the air by the flag leaf of plants. During the period of grain formation, the intensity of photosynthesis exceeded the pre – flagged leaf by an average of 1.6 times, and the lower-lying leaf by 2.8 times. This shows a high dependence of the intensity of leaf photosynthesis on the light regime. When the light intensity increased from 300 to 1000 ?mol/m2s, the photosynthesis intensity of the flag leaf of spring wheat plants increased by an average of 102 %, and above 1000 ?mol/m2sby 14 %. Of the studied varieties, the most responsive to the conditions of insolation is Volnodonskaya, Lyubava, Chernozem-Uralskaya, in which the full light saturation of photosynthesis was observed at 1800 ?mol/m2s. The correlation coefficient between the intensity of photosynthesis and illumination was 0.93.

Genotypic variation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in grain filling and contribution of culm reserves to yield

To study the genotypic variation in the rate of grain filling and contribution of culm reserves to yield in wheat, an experiment was conducted consisting 12 popular cultivars of Bangladesh, viz., BARI Gom21 (Shatabdi), BARI Gom22 (Shufi), BARI Gom23 (Bijoy), BARI Gom24 (Prodip), BARI Gom25, BARI Gom26, Akbar (BAW 43), BARI Gom18 (Protiva), BARI Gom19 (Sourav), BARI Gom20 (Gourab), Agrani (BAW38), and Kanchan (BAW28). Tillers were sampled from anthesis to maturity to determine the changes in dry weights of different parts to examine the contribution of culm reserves to grain yield. The results in the experiment revealed that the grain yield varied from 2.61 to 5.35 ton/ha with the mean of 4.18 ton/ha. Among the cultivars BARI Gom24, BARI Gom26, BARI Gom19, and BARI Gom23 appeared as high yielders while Kanchan, Agrani, BARI Gom20, BARI Gom22 as the low yielders. Generally, high yielding cultivars showed higher total dry mass accumulation compared to low yielding ones. Moreover, high yielding cultivars also showed higher water soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) contents in culm at milk ripe stage than the low yielders. In general, contribution of culm WSCs to grain yield was more in high yielders than low yielders and it ranged from 2 to 29% of total grain weight. So, higher contribution of culm reserves resulted in higher grain yield of wheat.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Durum Wheat Under Different Nitrogen and Water Regimes in the Mediterranean Basin.

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) represents one of the main goals to reduce N input in maximizing crop yield for sustainable agriculture. A NUE key strategy is the exploitation of genetic variation in available germplasm together with the understanding of molecular mechanisms governing this complex trait. Thus, NUE, its components, nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) and nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE), and NUE-related traits heritability were evaluated in ancient (Cappelli, Capeiti, Russello, and Mazzancoio) and modern (Messapia, Tiziana, Svevo, and Normanno) wheat genotypes for tackling nitrogen (N) and/or water limitation in both growth chamber and field experiments. Our results exhibited a reduction of NUE, NUpE, and NUtE under water and combined (nitrogen + water) stress in all the genotypes, as expected. The contribution of genetic variability on phenotypic variation was significant for NUtE, harvest index, post-anthesis nitrogen uptake (PANU), and biomass production traits. Moreover, the stress tolerance indexes, calculated and bi-plotted for N and water stresses, exhibited two distinct clusters for many traits as then confirmed by principal component analysis. Although modern varieties showed higher crop yield and NUE under conventional N and water regimes, ancient varieties exhibited best performances to cope with both stresses, mainly under water limitation. Finally, the usage index, which takes into account total biomass increase, underlined that old genotypes were less affected by both stresses during crop cycle. In particular, these genotypes showed the best performances for NUE and its components under both stresses at stem elongation and milk ripening as shown also by PANU. In addition, at these stages, nitrate and ammonium transporter gene expressions in the root were performed, showing the highest activity in ancient varieties. In conclusion, the identification of NUE traits during a specific crop cycle stage, under both N and water limitation, will help in the breeding of more resilient varieties in Mediterranean sustainable agriculture by reducing N supply.

ОЦЕНКА ЗАСЕЛЕНИЯ ЗЛАКОВЫМИ ТЛЯМИ КОЛЛЕКЦИИ СОРТООБРАЗЦОВ ЯРОВОЙ ТРИТИКАЛЕ

The article presents data on the estimation of the number of aphids on the territory of the field station of Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy for 2016–2017 on varietal samples of the spring triticale collection of the Department of Genetics, Breeding and Seed Production. The assessment was carried out on two physiological phases of plants – tillering and milk ripeness. At the tillering stage, bird cherry-oat aphid prevailed, and at the stage of milk ripeness, large grass aphid prevailed. Common grass aphids and barley aphids were also found. Based on the data obtained, the authors found the difference in the population of cultivars, which may indicate resistance to a particular type of aphid. In 2016, the following varieties were identified at the tillering stage: C236, C224, V10 286, P2–16–5, 09305, P2–16–19, C248, C254, and 09020, 08880, 09306, Khlebodar Ukrainsky, Grego, Dublet, 131/7, V17–5–49, which were less populated. At the stage of milk ripeness, the following varieties are S1728, C236, C248, 131/7, Dublet. In 2017, the following samples with the most significant number of aphids can be used for further selections: C254, Ril130R-22–2, and a large margin C250 (the tillering stage). In 2016, these genotypes were in the group of medium – and low populated. The highest population of aphids was observed in four genotypes: Merezhko Memory, C247, C257, V10–286 (grain filling stage). The identified sparsely populated varieties are of interest for further research in terms of variety resistance, and the most populated ones are used as sensitivity standards.

Primary source and selection of corn (maize)

In desert conditions, corn is one of the most promising crops due to its resistance to salinity, drought, heat, adverse environmental conditions, high productivity and versatility. Conducting field experiments, sowing, phonological observations, biometric measurements, plant care, yield determination new varieties of agricultural crops were performed. Samples were also evaluated on the length of the paniculo. In particular, it was 44.7 cm in the control K–521, followed by 40.8 cm in K-431, 49.9 cm in K-581 and 55.4 cm in K-538, whereas in the technical variants, it was 55.4 cm in K-538, 50 cm at K-368, and even it was 65 cm in K-494. Of the 57 samples studied, only 8, № 9, 15, 17, 26, 27, 31, 42, 46 samples were found suitable for future selection work. Valuable aspects of these samples were that flowering period was 75-108 days, milk-ripening period was 87-108 days, and full ripening period was 118-130 days. These indicators were 76 days of germination, 79 days of flowering, 91 days of milk ripening and 127 days of full ripening in the “Orange-160” maize. It was found that the repining period of “Orange” maize was 9 days earlier than the control varieties, 9, 15 and 17.

Productivity and quality of corn grain depending on doses and frequency of application of silicon-containing preparation

The article presents the studies carried out in 2017 and 2018 in the central zone of the Krasnodar Territory on the basis of the Agrotechnological Department of the FSBSI «National Center for Grain named after P.P. Lukyanenko». The purpose of the research was to study the dose and frequency of application of mineral fertilizers with a complex of NanoSilicon microelements, stimulating growth and development of corn and, ultimately, its yield and quality of the obtained products. Two year studies revealed the effectiveness of the positive effect of the studied drug on grain corn in all studied options. It was noted that at low or high doses of its application, a number of indicators that determine the structure of the crop and, ultimately, yield, decreased. It was found that foliar treatments increased the growing season of corn for a day. The introduction of the preparation promoted the formation of taller plants, the height of which varied from 201,3 to 212,4 cm, while in the control it was 184 cm (milk ripeness phase). In the same phase the plants had a large biological weight, which in the control was 1010,1 g/plant, and when the preparation was applied, it was 90,2–275,5 g/plant higher. Ultimately, mineral fertilization with the NanoSilicon microelement in all studied dosages had a positive effect on the corn yield, the maximum value, which was obtained when it was applied at doses of 40/75/75 (seed treatment with NanoSilicon with a rate of 40 g/ha + application by seedlings at a dose of 75 g/ha + in the phase of 7–8 leaves 75 g/ha) and 40/100/100 (seed treatment – 40 g/ha + seedlings – 100 g/ha + in the phase of 7–8 leaves – 100 g/ha), which amounted to 59,9 and 59,8 c/ha, respectively.

Peculiarities of corn yield formation depending on the influence of elements of growing technology

Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of the photosynthetic parameters formation of corn crops depending on agro-technological practices in the South-Steppe region of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field and laboratory research methods and statistical methods, such as descriptive statistics and analysis of variance.
 Results. The leaf area during the growing season of corn increased and was the maximum in the flowering phase of the corn cob in comparison with other phases of growth and development and averaged 37.35 thousand m2/ha. However, the best results (39.52 thousand m2/ha) were with the use of the destructor StimOrganic (2 l/ha), urease inhibitor (nitrification) Stabiluren 30 and foliar feeding Aminomax and Aidamin complex fertilizer (40.23 thousand m2/ha). It was also found that the formation of dry matter was influenced by experimental factors. Thus, in general, during the growing season of corn for the use of the destructor StimOrganic (2 l/ha) in combination with urease inhibitor (nitrification) Stabiluren 30 and foliar feeding Aminomax (1 l/ha) accumulated yield was 9.79 t/ha, while with Aidamin complex fertilizer (2 l/ha) the yield was 10.11 t/ha of dry matter (to compare, 7.51 t/ha in the control version). The maximum photosynthetic potential of the experiment was identified in the interphase period from the formation of 15 leaves to flowering cob. It was found that the best values of photosynthetic potential were on the options of using the destructor StimOrganic (2 l/ha) in combination with urease inhibitor (nitrification) Stabiluren 30 and foliar feeding Aminomax (1 l/ha), 0.99 thousand m2/ha, and in the treatment with Aidamin complex fertilizer (2 l/ha), 1.00 thousand m2/ha.
 Conclusions. Activation of growth processes caused by the use of foliar fertilization contributed to the formation of the best indicators of net productivity of photosynthesis in the interphase period from the formation of 15 leaves to flowering cobs. But in the phase from milk ripeness to full ripeness of corn grain against the background, the best values obtained by the action of urease inhibitor (nitrification) Stabiluren 30, were leveled up by the the effect of foliar feeding.

Photosynthetic and Agronomic Traits of Winter Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties

We tested six winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars in a small plot field experiment, measuring photosynthesis and other parameters three times during the growing season. Four genotypes—Andoria, Jakubus, Paradies and Zophia—are new, promising varieties with requirements of intensive technology, high yield potential and very good disease resistance. The two popular Hungarian varieties (KG Apavár and KG Puszta) are relatively old but they have good tolerance to extreme ecological conditions and outstanding resistance and winter hardiness. The aim of our research was to test the new varieties’ performance. Several recent studies found close connections among various photosynthetic parameters in barley, and we confirmed that in our research. There were significant differences between the varieties in the assimilation rate—the highest values were measured at the BBCH 47–49 stage (end of booting), except Jakubus and Zophia, where the highest values were at BBCH 73–75 (milk ripe). The cultivars’ response to irradiation change varied, especially at higher photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) levels. In April and May, the plants were in drought stress according to the intercellular CO2 level and the total conductance to carbon dioxide. The differences between the air and leaf temperature were also low, indicating water stress, but the assimilation rate was relatively high (9.07–14.09 µmol m−2 s−1).We found a close connection between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values and grain protein content in each of the tested barley cultivars. The correlation was significant, at p = 0.01 level. The protein yield per hectare was determined rather by grain yield than protein content. The relationship between the NDVI values and grain yield was moderate, but NDVI values and protein content are in strong correlation.

The study accessions of green foxtail (Setaria Italica (L.) P. Beauv. Subsp. Italica) for use in feed production in the Lower Volga region

The article presents the results of analysis of the biochemical composition, output of gross energy, biomass and grain of 21 chumiz varieties. In the course of experiments, it was found that the range of variation in the protein content in the biomass is from 5.63to 12.91%. More than 11 % of protein is contained in the dry biomass of the following varieties: k-59, k-73, k-1074, k-2029, k-2542, k-3155, Stachumi-3. The fat content in the biomass varies in the range of 1,01…3,48 %. The highest fat content (>2,5 %) was found in cultivars: k-59, k-2029, k-2542, k-3683, Stachumi-3,UVES.Variability of other indicators of biomass quality in chumiz cultivars was found in the following limits: fiber – 30.77...39.06 %; ash – 5.20...13.94 %; BEV – 35.54...54.07 %. The variation of grain quality indicators is set within the following limits: protein – 11.02...15.36 %; fat – 3.26...6.46 %; fiber – 4.77...9.50 %; ash- 1.85...3.26 %; BEV – 68.83...74.30 %. More than 14 % of the protein in the grain was found in cultivars: k-73, k-941, k-982, k-2029, k-2566, k-2774. A relatively high fat content (>5,0 %) was found in the grain of varietals: k-2542, k-2598, k-2608, k-3155, k-3683, Stachumi-1, UVES. The yield of raw biomass varied in the range of 12.57...26.83 t/ha, and grain 1.00...4.10 t/ha. The output of gross energy per 1 t of biomass in the phase of milk ripeness varies in the range of 3.98…4.31 GJ, and grain 16.37…17.53 GJ. The yield of protein per 1 GJ of gross biomass energy varies in the range of 4.29…7.69 kg, and grain – 6.4…8.05 kg. The highest protein yield per 1 GJ of gross biomass energy was found in cultivars (k-59, k-73, k-1074, k-2029, k-2542, Stachumi-3).

European beaver (Castor fiber) in open agricultural landscapes: crop grazing and the potential for economic damage

The European beaver (Castor fiber) has extended its range into most Central European countries over the past 30 years, resulting in increased forestry damage and water management issues. As the number of beavers increases populations become established in new types of habitat. In the Czech Republic, for example, established beaver populations are now found on rivers flowing through agricultural landscapes, where living conditions differ significantly to those found in forest landscapes. To date, there have been no studies on the impact of beavers on agricultural production. The aim of this study was (1) to describe how beavers graze field crops, and (2) to estimate potential damage to agricultural production. This 2-year study examined five beaver territories in agricultural landscapes where crops were separated from watercourses by a narrow strip of bank vegetation. Beavers fed on all crop types grown in their territories throughout the growing period (May–October), peaking from mid-June to mid-July. The beavers clearly preferred oilseed rape, which (along with wheat and barley) represented the largest part of the grazed area. Rape was usually grazed at during vegetation growth and flowering, while cereals were usually grazed from the milk ripe kernel stage to harvest. Damage to agricultural production was up to €20–30 per ind./year. While beaver population density in the agricultural landscape remains low, damage to agricultural production is relatively insignificant; however, field crops clearly represent an important part of the beavers’ diet in such areas, helping them survive in such open landscapes.

PHOTOSYNTHETIC PRODUCTIVITY OF SINGLE-SPECIES AND COMPATIBLE CROPS OF SUGAR SORGHUM WITH SOYBEANS

The article presents the results of research to assess the impact of technological methods on the productivity of single and compatible crops of sugar sorghum with soybeans, and in particular the methods of sowing and fertilizing. The main organ of the plant that absorbs the most solar energy and has the highest intensity of photosynthesis is the leaf. The use of mineral fertilizers had a positive effect on the total leaf surface. During years of the research with the study methods of sowing and the timing for determination of total leaf surface in areas under mineral fertilizers were applied, it was greater than in areas without fertilizers. Thus, on average for 2018-2019 in the phase of ejection of panicles in areas where sugar sorghum was sown together with soybeans according to the scheme one row of sorghum + one row of soybeans under applying N120P90K120 leaf surface was 30.1 thousand m2/ha, and in areas without fertilizers - 21.0 thousand m2/ha It was found that the largest area of assimilation surface of leaves on average for two years (41.3 thousand m2 / ha) was in the phase of milk ripeness of grain under sowing two rows of sorghum + one row of soybeans and N120P90K120 consumption. For the efficient use of solar energy is important not only the size of the leaf surface area but also the duration of its active work. Photosynthetic potential is used as an indicator for characterizing of the photosynthetic work of crops during the growing season. The maximum value of the photosynthetic potential of sorghum plants on average for two years of research (2018-2019) was obtained at the end of the growing season (2.81 million m2 days/ha) in areas where it was sown together with soybeans in the method of sowing two rows of sorghum + one-row soybeans and under application of N120P90K120 doses. Keywords: Leaf surface area, photosynthetic potential, sugar sorghum, method of sowing, fertilizer.

Agrobiological characteristics of spelt wheat and intermediate wheatgrass in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Estimation of spelt wheat and the species of intermediate wheatgrass by the main agrobiological indicators (calendar dates of the beginning of the main phases of plant development, plant height dynamics, dry mass accumulation, grain yield and protein content) compared to soft wheat was done. The index of stability of grain yield formation was determined. It was found that the main phases of development in spelt wheat occurred on average 10–15 days later than in soft wheat. Plants of intermediate wheatgrass in the first year of cultivation had slower growth. The main phases of development in plants of intermediate wheatgrass of the second and third year of growth occurred almost in the same time with soft wheat. It was established that spelt wheat and intermediate wheatgrass were significantly superior to soft wheat in plant height. In the earing phase, the height of these plants was on average more than 100 cm, which had to be taken into account when growing these crops. It varied from 25 to 42 cm in spelt wheat and from 29 to 57 cm in intermediate wheatgrass during the stem elongation phase depending on the weather conditions of the research year. This indicator ranged from 107 to 113 cm and from 96 to 117 cm, respectively, in the earing phase, and from 137 to 168 cm and from 107 to 196 cm in the phase of milk ripeness of grain. Plants of spelt wheat and intermediate wheatgrass had a high stability index of the formation of dry matter and grain yield. It should be noted that intermediate wheatgrass formed a significant vegetative mass even in the earing phase. The vegetative mass in spelt wheat was formed during the earing period – full ripeness of grain. These crops (spelt wheat – 22.1 ± 0.4, intermediate wheatgrass – 22.4–24.6 ± 0.2–0.5) were significantly superior to soft wheat (12.1 ± 0.5) by the content of protein in grain, so it was recommended to involve them in the selection programs to create species with high productivity. However, spelt wheat (5.58 ± 0.13) was less and intermediate wheatgrass (0.98–1.22 ± 0.14–0.18) was the most inferior to soft wheat (8.03 ± 0.27) in terms of grain yield.