October Sowing Research Articles

Sowing Date and Genotype Influence on Yield and Quality of Dual-Purpose Barley in a Salt-Affected Arid Region

Dual-purpose barley is an alternative approach to producing high-quality forage yield plus an acceptable grain yield in marginal environments of arid regions that are characterized by lack of forage. Field experiment was performed in two consecutive growing seasons at an arid region affected by salinity in irrigation water and soil at Western Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. The study aimed to optimize sowing date and screen salt-tolerant barley genotypes that perform better in terms of forage yield and quality as well as grain and biomass yield production in salt-affected environment. Sowing dates, genotypes, and their interaction significantly impacted most of the studied variables such as forage yield, crude protein yield, and grain and biomass yields. The early sowing in late October yielded higher than intermediate sowing in mid-November and late sowing in early December. Some of the tested genotypes performed better than others as indicated by about 50% higher forage yield, 6% crude protein content, 39% grain and 21% biological yields (total aboveground dry matter), suggesting higher adaptation capacity. Interestingly, grain and biological yields did not differ significantly between dual-purpose approach and grain-only pattern. In conclusion, dual-purpose barley was found favorable for producing grain and forage production in similar environments under early sowing date.

Sowing dates and node emission in buckwheat cultivars

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of node appearance (RNA), the final number of nodes (FNN) and the period of node emission (PNE) in two buckwheat cultivars (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) for different sowing dates, and to check variability in the RNA, FNN and PNE between the cultivars and sowing dates. The IPR91-Baili and IPR92-Altar cultivars were evaluated for 29 and 31 sowing dates from October to May in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 agricultural years respectively. In each experiment, a completely randomised design with five replications was used. The number of nodes (NN) on the main stem was counted twice a week in each plant (replication), from emission of the first node until the end of the cycle. The linear regression (y = a + bx) of the number of nodes (NN, y) was adjusted for each plant based on the number of days after emergence (DAE, x). The rate of node appearance (RNA), in days node-1, was determined from the inverse of the slope of the linear regression between NN and DAE (RNA = 1/b). The RNA was calculated for the period of node emission (PNE, in days), i.e. from emergence to emission of the last node. The final number of nodes (FNN) was counted at the end of node emission. Variability was found in the rate of node appearance (RNA), the final number of nodes (FNN) and the period of node emission (PNE) between the cultivars and sowing dates. The rate of node appearance ranges between 2.20 and 8.23 days node-1, the final number of nodes between 2.20 and 17.20, and the period of node emission between 16.60 and 49.20 days. Plants of the IPR91-Baili and IPR92-Altar cultivars show better vegetative development (lower RNA, higher FNN and greater PNE) when sown in November, December, January and February, compared to those sown in October, March, April and May.

Multipronged approaches of KVK for enhancing agricultural production in micro-climatic conditions of the district

Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kupwara is engaged in providing timely supply of proven technologies specific to various micro-climatic locations in operational areas thus alleviating the technology fatigue existing in the district. The various extension methods like FLD, OFT, method demonstration, campaign, group discussion etc., are being employed to extend new knowledge and skill to the farmers in operational areas. The front line demonstrations on cereals (paddy, wheat, maize); oilseed crops (Brown Sarson), pulses (pea) and oats were conducted on farmers field. Under FLDs, latest components were demonstrated i.e. latest released varieties, fertilizers, date of sowing, ICM, IDM for respective crop. The yield of paddy was recorded to the tune of 64 q ha-1 demonstrating an increase of 28% in the yield as compared to local variety. The low tunnel technology demonstrated to farmers in the spring was encouraging for higher belts as there is always the possibility of dip in mercury during the preparation of nursery. The number of FLD’s under maize was highest benefitting 126 farmers covering an area of 10.8 hectares. The results depicted an increase of 111% yield and proved instrumental in improving the livelihood of the farming community. Introduction of Shalimar Wheat -1 sown during second/third week of October combined with pre-sowing irrigation had a tangible impact on yield (30q/Ha).The On- farm testing on onion, pea and cucurbits was laid in the farmers field and executed under the supervision of the scientist. The application of different doses of sulphur resulted in significant improvement in the yield and shelf life of onion. The application of sulphur @40kg /ha. recorded yield of 272q/ha and increased the shelf life more than 67 days as against control. Blanching with KMS @2g/l of solution for three minutes followed by sun drying reduced the extent of browning (5%) of dehydrated cucurbit. OFT on pea revealed that second week of October is best in terms of yield which decreased drastically by end of October sowing. Seeds may be sown when the soil has optimum moisture content for crop germination and establishment. The various technologies that were demonstrated and tested in the farmers fields of operational areas at district level showed promise and the farmers were highly satisfied with the results.

Modeling the Emergence of Echinochloa sp. in Flooded Rice Systems

Barnyard grass (Echinochloa sp.) is one of the main rice weeds. Knowledge of its emergence can support management measures. The present study models barnyard grass emergence at different flooded rice sowing periods. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the hydrothermal time model in estimating barnyard grass emergence is analyzed. Field emergence was monitored three times a week during two sowing times (October and November) and two growing seasons (2017/18 and 2018/19), in rice sown and unsown areas. Data were converted to cumulative emergence based on total seedlings. Soil temperature and moisture data were used to determine hydrothermal time. The sowing in October led to a continuous emergence of barnyard grass, while the sowing in late November led to different emergence rates. The highest emergence rates of barnyard grass occur in the first sowing time. The hydrothermal time model is adequate to estimate barnyard grass emergence in both sowing times.

Chemical characteristics and digestibility of forage maize hybrids associated with foliar fungicide application

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar fungicide application on the chemical characteristics and in situ digestibility of forage and silage in forage maize hybrids with different grain textures in two sowing seasons. A randomized complete block design was used with four replications, in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement, 4 hybrids, with and without foliar fungicide application, in two sowing seasons. The hybrids used were DKB240PRO, AS1572PRO, 32R48YH and AG8690PRO3. Data were tested by analysis of variance; the means were compared by Tukey’s test at 5% probability and two non-orthogonal contrasts were performed. The application of fungicide on forage maize hybrids reduced the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), soft dough stage and in the silage produced. The sowing season in December negatively influenced the chemical parameters of forage maize hybrids, compared to sowing in October. Hybrids with highly vitreous endosperm presented the highest contents of NDF and ADF, soft dough stage and in the silage produced. The application of fungicide (trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole) at the V8 and R1 stages positively influenced in situ digestibility soft dough stage and in the silage produced, depending of the sowing season.

Efecto de la variedad y fecha de siembra en el potencial productivo de remolacha azucarera

La remolacha azucarera es un cultivo tradicionalmente de zonas templadas, aunque el desarrollo de nuevas variedades, permite su explotación en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. Sin embargo, para obtener buenos rendimientos y alta calidad, es fundamental evaluar variedades y fechas de siembra antes de su establecimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial productivo de tres variedades de remolacha azucarera (Coronado, Syngenta y SesVanderHaven) en dos fechas de siembra en el Campo Experimental de la Universidad de Sonora, bajo un diseño en parcelas divididas. La variedad y fecha de siembra tuvieron un efecto significativo en el diámetro de la raíz, SST y producción de follaje. La variedad Coronado sembrada en el mes de Noviembre presentó la mayor producción de raíz (109.2 t·ha-1) y mayor contenido de SST (19.3° Brix), mientras que la mayor producción de follaje (25.4 t·ha-1) en peso seco se obtuvo en el cultivar Coronado sembrado en Octubre. Los rendimientos de raíz y SST obtenidos bajo las condiciones agroecológicas del presente estudio, son similares a los mayores valores reportados en la literatura, por lo que se concluye que bajo las condiciones climáticas del presente estudio, es factible el cultivo de las tres variedades evaluadas en las dos fechas de siembras propuestas con rendimientos comparables a las explotaciones comerciales.

Performance of wheat variety Shalimar Wheat-2 under rainfed conditions of temperate Kashmir as influenced by sowing dates and nitrogen levels

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi 2015 and 2016 at experimental farm of RRS&FoA, SKUAST-K, Wadura, to study the effect of sowing dates and nitrogen levels on wheat variety Shalimar wheat-2 under rainfed conditions of Kashmir. Experiment was conducted in split plot design and treatments included three sowing dates (D1-15th October, D2-30th October and D3-15th November) in main plots and four nitrogen levels (N0-0 kg N ha-1, N1-50 N ha-1, N2- 100 Kg N ha-1 and N3-150 Kg N ha-1) in sub-plots and was replicated four times. The pooled results of two years revealed that grain yield decreased by 10.30 % from D1 to D2, 7.84 % from D2 to D3 and 17.30 % from D1 to D3. Recorded wheat growth attributes like plant height (95.11 cm), dry matter accumulation (113.3 q ha-1), tillers m-2 (416.5), leaf area index (3.60) and yield attributes like effective tillers (280.30), grains spike-1 (40.39) and spike weight (2.58 g) were significantly higher with 15th October sowing than 30th October and D3-15th November of sowing. Increasing N levels results in increase in growth, yield attributes and yield, and highest valves were recorded with application of 150 kg N ha-1 (N3) however, remained statistically at par with 100 kg N ha-1 (N2). The study finally concluded that delay in sowing reduces the grain yield, while as irrespective of sowing dates, application of 100 Kg N ha-1 to crop resulted in higher growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat as compared to other nitrogen levels, further increase in N application beyond 100 Kg N ha-1 showed non-significant increase. Doi.org/10.25174/2582-2675/2020/100138

Interseeding cover crops into maize: Characterization of species performance under Mediterranean conditions

Cover crop (CC) benefits and adoption in crop rotations may be limited by the short planting window after the cash crop. Interseeding or relay intercropping of CC is a technique that could overcome short planting windows constraints and allow CC establishment and growth. However, in Mediterranean regions this technique has been poorly implemented.Field experiments were established in Central Spain during two consecutive growing seasons to assess the performance of different species as interseeded crops into irrigated maize (Zea mays L.). The treatments included annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) and eight legumes: burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.), barrel medic (Medicago truncatula L.), yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), balansa clover (Trifolium michelanium L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.), and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.). A bare soil was included as control treatment. After the maize harvest, the four species with the best performance were planted as autumn cover crops in adjacent plots. The ground cover was studied throughout the experimental period, and biomass and N content for each species were determined in the autumn and in the following spring prior to the cover crop termination. The soil inorganic N content was determined in spring.Barrel medic, yellow sweetclover, common vetch and annual ryegrass were the species with the best performance in terms of soil coverage during the summer. Red clover and Persian clover had good establishment in one out of two years. None of the interseeded species impaired maize grain yield or quality. Interseeded species achieved better soil coverage and increased the biomass accrued at autumn compared to cover crops sown in October. Therefore, interseeded species ensured longer ground coverage, increasing the potential for soil quality improvement or weed suppression. Moreover, the higher biomass achieved by interseeded species ensured the survival of yellow sweetclover, which was winter killed when planted in the autumn. Interseeded cover crops enhanced the potential of N leaching reduction compared to autumn cover crops.This experiment confirms the suitability of different species interseeded in summer into irrigated maize in Mediterranean regions, and highlights the extra benefits of this practice in annual rotations.

GRAIN YIELD OF DIFFERENT SOYBEAN GENOTYPES CULTIVATED IN LOWLAND SOILS IN THREE SOWING TIMES

<p>Soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) has been cultivated in regions of lowland soils in crop rotation with irrigated rice in order to reduce the infestation of red rice and due to the attractive soybean value in the world market. Soybean cultivation under this condition is subject to possible soil flooding, requiring recommendations of genotypes adapted to this environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grain yield of soybean genotypes grown in floodplain environment at three different sowing times. Cultivars used were A 6411 RG, A 7321 RG, BMX Apolo RR, BMX Ativa RR, BMX Energia RR, BMX Potência RR, BMX Turbo RR, IGRA RA 518 RR, IGRA RA 626 RR, IGRA RA 628 RR, NA 5909 RG , NS 6262 RR, NS 7100 RR, RA 728 RR and VMax RR; sown in October, November and December. The experimental design was 15 (cultivars) x 3 (times) factorial with 4 replicates. Significant differences were observed for sowing times and cultivars, as well as for the interaction between the two factors. Cultivars sown in November and December provided higher yields than those sown in October. BMX Turbo RR cultivar showed higher consistency for soybean yield in lowland, considering the sowing times evaluated. For early sowing (October and November), A 6411 RG cultivar presented higher grain yield compared to the other cultivars.</p>

Performance of upland rice cultivars at different sowing times: an alternative for crop rotation in low altitude Cerrado region, Brazil

The adequacy of the best sowing times and the choice of rice cultivars is determinant for greater investment and return in upland rice cultivation. Thus, this study identified the best sowing time and the cultivar that expresses its yield potential, being adaptable and stable, in a low altitude Cerrado region. The study was conducted during the agricultural year 2016/17. The soil of the site is a typical clayey dystrophic Red Latosol. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in factorial scheme with four sowing times in spring/summer season (October, November, December and February), each with eight upland rice cultivars (BRS Esmeralda, ANa 5015, ANa 6005, IPR 117, IAC 500, IAC 203, BRSGO Serra Dourada and ANa 7211) and four replicates. The following parameters were evaluated: days elapsed from emergence to flowering and harvesting, number of panicles m-2, number of filled spikelets per panicle, thousand grain weight and yield. Analyzes of adaptability and stability were performed as well as the principal components analysis. Except for the hundred grains weight, sowing times and cultivars interacted significantly for all characteristics evaluated. The cultivar BRS Esmeralda was adapted and stable to the different sowing times, being the most productive mainly when sown in October. The high yields were correlated with better grain filling, according principal components analysis.

The occurrence and intensity of mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on dates of sowing in different varieties respect to yield parameter

Significantly lowest aphid intensity of 7.3 and 7.4 aphids/10 cm apical shoot on the seasonal total emergence to maturity (ST) was noticed on 15th October sown crop during rabi 2013–14 and 2014–15, respectively, which provided significantly highest seed yield of 1800.1 and 1945.0 kg/ha in the respective year. Sowing of variety Rohini on 15th October during both years proved to be best combination as received significantly lower mean aphid intensity, 58.6 and 60.4 aphids/10 cm apical shoot. This also gave significantly superior seed yield, 1670.7 and 1915.1 kg/ha seed yield during 1st and 2nd year.

Effect of sowing dates on yield and quality characteristics of chickpea varieties under Mediterranean climate conditions

This research aims to identify the appropriate sowing period and most yield for varieties of chickpea, which is one of the rare plants that can be an alternative for grain farming and of which there no alternative in Mediterranean climate regions as well as more arid regions. The experiment was conducted during 2014-2016, involving five different chickpea varieties along with five different sowing periods and the yield and base characteristics were analysed. The study focused on yield elements, such as grain yield, nodule number, hydration capacity and C/N rates in the soil. The Sezenbey variety gave the highest yield both for normal years (10th December sowing) and arid years (30th October sowing) with 4050 kg/ha and 610 kg/ha, respectively. On the other hand, the Hasanbey variety had the lowest yield of 350 kg/ha and 110 kg/ha, respectively, in both years when sown on 20th January.

Sample Sufficiency for Mean Estimation of Productive Traits of Sunn Hemp

Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) is an annual cycle legume with high potential for biological nitrogen fixation, being widely used in crop rotation for biomass formation and control of nematodes. The objectives of this study were to determine the sample size for the mean estimation of productive traits of sunn hemp and verify the sample size variability between traits and sowing dates. Two uniformity trials were performed in the agricultural year 2014/2015, with sowing in October (trial 1) and December (trial 2). At the crop flowering stage, 300 plants of each trial were harvested and fresh and dry matter of leaves, stem, root, aerial part, and total weight were evaluated. The normality and randomness tests were performed for each trait and the sample size was calculated for the semi-amplitudes of the confidence interval (estimation errors) of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20% of the mean estimate. There is sample size variability between productive traits and between sowing dates. The assessment of at least 101 plants is required for mean estimation of productive traits with maximum estimation error of 20% of the mean and 95% confidence level.

GROWTH AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF SOME BREAD WHEAT CULTIVARS AS AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT SOWING DATES

An experiment was conducted at Research Station, State Board for Seeds Testing and Certification, Baghdad, Iraq during 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons to determine the effect of four sowing dates (20th October, 10th November, 30th November and 20th December) on grain yield and it's components of three wheat cultivars (Bohooth 22, Bohooth 158 and Rasheed). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD) within split plot arrangement. Sowing dates distributed in main plots and cultivars in sub plots with three replications. Sowing date 10th November was superior in grain yield (4.96 and 5.21 t ha-1) and most of its components (number of spikes 403.3 and 408.6 spike m-2 and number of spikelets per spike 22.08 and 22.26 spikelet spike-1 and number of grains per spike 56.37 and 58.63 grain spike-1), and some other traits (number of tillers 448.6 and 442.0 tiller m-2 and spike length 15.84 and 14.39 cm) for both seasons, respectively, whereas sowing in 20th October was superior in 1000 grain weight (42.94 and 43.72 g) for both seasons, respectively. Cultivar Rasheed was superior in grain yield (4.50 and 4.71 t ha-1) and most of yield components (number of spikes 389.5 and 397.3 spike m-2 and number of spikelets per spike 22.52 and 22.59 spikelet spike-1 and 1000 grain weight 41.61 and 43.02 g) and in some other traits (number of tillers 428.7 and 432.4 tiller m-2 and spike length 17.27 and 16.69 cm) for both seasons, respectively. It's clear from the results that 10th November is the best sowing date at central Iraq to get highest grain yield, and the early or late sowing could be decrease the grain yield, although the effect of early sowing is greater than the effect of late sowing on this trait in wheat.

English

An experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari (Dist.), Andhra Pradesh, India; during the period from October, 2010 to January, 2011 to study the effect of sowing dates and spacing on growth and yield of radish. The seeds sown on four different dates viz., 1 st October, 15 th October, 1 st November and 15 th November at different plant spacings of 45 × 10 cm, 45 × 20 cm and 45 × 30 cm. All the growth parameters like days to germination, germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, root-shoot ratio and plant weight were found maximum with 1 st October sowing. All parameters showed a decreasing trend as sowing date was delayed. In the present experiment, October 1 st sowing gave highest yields of (11.31 t/ha) compared to the lowest yields of (3.67 t/ha) by 15 th November sowing. Regarding the plant spacing, the closer spacing (45 × 10 cm) resulted in maximum plant height, whereas all other vegetative parameters like number of leaves, leaf area, root-shoot ratio and plant weight were found maximum with wider spacing (45 × 30 cm). Decreasing plant density significantly reduced the total yield (5.66 t/ha). Interaction effects of sowing dates and spacing showed that early sowing on 1 st October with the closer spacing of 45 × 10 cm performed well in respect of yield. Except plant height, all the growth parameters were better with early sowing on 1 st October with a plant spacing of 45 × 30 cm.

Effect of the sowing date and cultivar reaction on the gray mold progress on castor bean cultivars

Amphobotrys ricini, the causal agent of gray mold, is the most important plant pathogen of castor bean. As there are no effective control measures for gray mold, the objective of this study was to evaluate the progress of the disease on representative castor bean cultivars (BRS Energia, IAC Guarani, and IAC 2028) sown in October, November, and December in Paraná state, Brazil. Field experiments were conducted under minimum tillage in the Instituto Agronômico do Paraná Research Station in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons. Evaluations of gray mold incidence and severity were initiated at the onset of first disease symptoms on castor bean bunches. Bunch weight was estimated. The weather conditions were favorable to gray mold epidemics in both planting seasons. A significant interaction between sowing dates and cultivar genotypes was found for the area under the disease progress curve of gray mold by incidence (AUGMI) and severity (AUGMS). Cultivar IAC Guarani sown in December 2010 and October 2011 had the lowest values of AUGMI and AUGMS. Highest values of AUGMI and AUGMS were estimated for cv. BRS Energia in both seasons. Although there were no significant interactions between sowing dates and cultivar genotypes, highest bunch weights were found with cvs. IAC Guarani and IAC 2028 in the 2010/11 season. However, there were no differences for bunch weights among cultivars in the 2011/12 season. Therefore, cultivar IAC Guarani is a suitable option for castor bean production in Paraná state, combining lowest susceptibility and highest yields.

Improving Growth and Active Constituents of (Coriandrum sativum l.) Plant Using Some Natural Stimulants Under Different Climate Conditions.

The present study was carried out at El-Baramoon Experimental Farm, Hort. Res. Institute, Agric. Res. Center, Ministry of Agric., during the two seasons of (2013 / 2014) and (2014 / 2015) to study the effect of sowing dates (Sept., Oct.,Nov.,Dec.and Jan.) and foliar application of some natural stimulants (Seaweeds extract, Moringa leaf extract, Salicylic acid and Chitosan) as well as their interaction on vegetative growth, fruit yield and essential oil of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) plant. The results showed that sowing coriander seeds in October resulted in significant increase in growth characters, fruit yield and essential oil composition compared with other sowing dates in both seasons. Foliar applications of some natural stimulants (Chitosan, followed by Moringa leaf extract then Salicylic acid) significantly affected all studied parameters compared to the treatments of seaweed extract and the control plant. Moreover, the interaction treatments indicated that the highest means values for most growth characters, fruit yield and essential oil productivity were recorded from plants sown in October and sprayed with Chitosan. Delayed sowing in December and January and spraying with Moringa leaf extract gave good production at cold temperature. The G.L.C. of essential oil revealed total of 11 compounds. The main compound was linalool which constitutes 79.8 % in October sowing date with Chitosan foliar application and the sowing date in January with Moringa leaf extract application was 78.3 %.These results showed that, it is possible to produce coriander plants under different climate conditions by using some natural stimulants. Fruits yield and active constituents under early and normal sowing dates could be improved by spraying plants with chitosan foliar application, while under delayed sowing dates spraying plants with moringa leaf extract.

Effect of sowing date and plant spacing on seed production of cauliflower

The experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ishurdi, Pabna during rabi season of 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 to find out the appropriate sowing date and optimum plant spacing for seed production of cauliflower (var. BARI Phulcopi-1). Four sowing dates viz. 20 September, 1 October, 10 October and 20 October and three plant spacing viz. 60 cm × 50 cm, 60 cm × 60 cm and 60 cm × 70 cm were used as treatment variables. Significant variation in seed yield and yield contributing characters of cauliflower were observed due to execution of different sowing dates and plant spacing. Number of branches plant-1, number of pods plant-1 and number of seeds pod-1 showed the highest in 1 October sowing as a result the highest seed yield (361.69 kgha-1) was obtained from same date of sowing. Sowing on 10 October and 20 October reduced seed yield drastically compared to that obtained from 1 October sowing. The lowest seed yield (188.54 kgha-1) was obtained from 20 October sowing. On the contrary, closer spacing (60 cm × 50 cm) produced the highest seed yield (315.88 kgha-1) and the wider spacing (60 cm × 70 cm) produced the lowest seed yield (254.07 kgha-1). However, combination of 1 October sowing with 60 cm × 50 cm plant spacing produced the highest seed yield (414.81 kgha-1) due to higher number of seeds pod-1. The seed yield decreased after 10 October sowing irrespective of plant spacing. So, early sowing (1 October) with closer spacing (60 cm× 50 cm) would be economically profitable for cauliflower seed production in North-Western part of Bangladesh.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(3): 491-500, September 2015

Tree-ring footprints of drought variability in last ∼300 years over Kumaun Himalaya, India and its relationship with crop productivity

We reconstructed Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), a metric of drought, using tree-ring width chronologies of Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don) prepared from two ecologically homogeneous settings in the Kumaun Himalaya, India. The reconstruction employing first principal component of the two site chronologies in linear regression model helped in extending 7-month SPI of May (SPI7-May) back to 1720 CE. The calibration model capturing 60% of variance in the observed SPI series (1902–1967) is the strongest so far from the Indian region. On achieving such a robust tree-ring calibration we are of the opinion that SPI should provide a better option to develop long-term drought records for the data scarce Himalayan region. The SPI reconstruction revealed high year-to-year variability with 1816 (SPI −1.92) and 1737 (SPI +2.33) the driest and the wettest years respectively. The five year mean of reconstructed SPI revealed multiyear droughts in 1920–1924, 1782–1786, 1812–1816, 1744–1748, 1964–1968 and pluvial phases in 1911–1915, 1723–1727, 1788–1792, 1758–1762 and 1733–1737.The SPI7-May was found to be significantly correlated with wheat-barley productivity data of Almora in Kumaun, close to our tree ring sites (r = 0.60, two-tailed p < 0.0001). However, we observed that the wheat-barley productivity data, to some extent, were better correlated with 7-month SPI of April (SPI7-April) (r = 0.69, two-tailed p < 0.0001). The difference in relationship of wheat-barley productivity and SPI of above two periods is largely due to the prevailing crop phenology in the region. The wheat and barley crops sown in October–November are usually harvested in May when the Himalayan cedar trees are in active vegetation phase of seasonal growth in Almora region. We observed strong and significant correlation in SPI7-May and SPI7-April (r = 0.75, two-tailed p = 0.0001) underpinning that the tree-ring derived SPI7-May could also be taken as a proxy of wheat-barley production in Almora region. This observation also stands for the past as we noted that most of the droughts recorded in our reconstruction (SPI <1) were associated with rabi crop failures in the Kumaun Himalaya. The findings of this study establish that the SPI7-May developed from tree rings should serve as an important base line data to quantify the impact of droughts on forest as well as rabi crop productivity in hilly terrains of the Kumaun Himalaya in long-term perspective.

Yield and grain quality of winter wheat under Southern Steppe of Ukraine growing conditions

The results of three years study of the effect of sowing time and seed application rates on yield and grain quality of different varieties of winter wheat under the conditions of South Steppe of Ukraine were presented. It was found that winter wheat provides optimal combination of high yield and grain quality in case of sowing in October 10 with seed application rate of 5,0 million seeds/ha. The highest yield – 4,59 t/ha on average in 2011–2013 was obtained for the variety of Natalka when sowing in October 10 with seed application rate of 5 million germinable seeds. With increasing seed application rate from 3 to 5 million seeds/ha, protein content in winter wheat was decreased by 0,3%, gluten – by 0,6%. The variety Natalka formed the highest quality grains when sowing in October 20 with seed application rate of 3 million seeds/ha, in this case protein content was 15,8%, gluten – 32,9%. It is proved that early sowing time – September 10 leads to yields reduction and grain quality deterioration for all winter wheat varieties.