April Planting Research Articles

Optimizing pyrethrum planting dates to enhance productivity in a changing climate: A case of southern Highlands in Tanzania

Pyrethrum has excellent potential for growing and industrial production in Tanzania, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides and reducing pest and disease incidence without altering the natural balance. Planting date and seeding rate are critical for the productivity of pyrethrum; however, farmers in recent years have been experiencing climate change, resulting in unreliable planting periods. This study seeks to optimize the planting date for increased crop production. The study was conducted in the Umalila Highlands in the Mbeya region, with demonstration plots established in three villages (Iyunga Mapinduzi, Santilya, and Pashungu) and planted at monthly intervals from January to April. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The highest flower yield was achieved with early planting dates, particularly in January, with yields progressively decreasing from February to April. Sowing in January produced a yield of approx. 550 kg ha-1, significantly more than the April control with approx. 122 kg ha-1. The survival rate of Pyrethrum plants was highest at about 75% when planted in January and decreased to 72% in February, 67% in March and 57% in April. Pyrethrum planted in January had the most significant plant height, rosette size, and number of stems at all three sites, while April plantings had the worst performance and higher disease scores. Positive correlations were observed between yield and plant traits, such as height, rosette size, and number of stems, with negative correlations between yield and disease scores.

Light extinction coefficient and radiation use efficiency of two greenhouse basil (ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars under deficit irrigation

ABSTRACT This two-year experiment with different planting seasons (April 2018 and August 2021) aimed to determine the effect of deficit irrigation (DI) levels (DI0: 100%, DI30: 70%, and DI60: 40% field capacity) on light interception, light extinction coefficient (k), dry biomass and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of two basil cultivars (Green and Purple). The greenhouse experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The results showed that the k values ranged from 0.57 to 0.68 and 0.31 to 0.43 in April and August planting, respectively. The cumulative solar radiation interception, dry biomass, and RUE depended on DI levels, harvest numbers, and seasons. In two study years, dry biomass decreased and RUE increased with the reduction in irrigation water at all harvests and their total. Compared to DI0, basil dry biomass did not show a considerable decrease under DI30 in three harvests in April planting and in the first and second harvests in August planting. April planting had the higher cumulative solar radiation interception in the first and third harvest than the August planting. The basil dry biomass and RUE in the April planting were higher than those in the August planting at all three harvests and their total.

Effect of ultra‐early, early, and normal soybean planting dates and rye cover crop on soybean grain yield

AbstractWith changes to climate and crop insurance, earlier soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting dates need to be investigated. Additionally, the use of a cover crop prior to soybean is promoted as a sustainable practice though little is known about cover crop and ultra‐early soybean planting (prior to April 15). The objective was to evaluate soybean planting date and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop termination timing on cover crop biomass, soybean plant population, and yield. The study was conducted in Northeast and West Central Ohio in 2021 and 2022. Treatments included three soybean planting dates (early April, late April, and late May) and three cover crop treatments (termination 1–2 weeks prior to planting or “early,” termination at or after planting or “late,” and no cover crop). Cover crop biomass increased as termination was delayed. Soybean planted in early April resulted in a yield reduction of 1.8 Mg ha−1 when planted into a cover crop compared to the no cover crop control. However, when soybean was planted in late April, grain yield was not different among cover crop treatments. Yield reduction associated with early April planting with a cover crop was likely due to low soybean plant population, especially in Northeast Ohio, where plant population was <55,000 plants ha−1 with a cover crop and >120,000 plants ha−1 without a cover crop. To maximize yield, soybean should be planted by the end of April in Northeast Ohio. In West Central Ohio, soybean can be planted in early April without a cover crop.

Watermelon Production under Protected Culture in Missouri, USA, to Reach the Local Fourth of July Market

Eating watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a traditional part of the Fourth of July holidays in the United States; however, growing watermelon in Missouri, USA for the local Fourth of July market requires an early growing season start (beginning of April) under protected culture because of low temperatures and the risk of freezing. Therefore, ‘Yellow Doll’ watermelon production was investigated under low tunnel (LT) and caterpillar high tunnel [HT (walk-in movable two-row tunnel)], and the economic feasibility was assessed by marginal analysis for both protected cultures. Planting in early April allowed harvest to start 1 to 2 weeks before the target market date. In addition, yield increased under HT in comparison with LT and open field (Op). Marginal analysis under the conditions of this study and prices obtained from local farmers’ markets showed a positive marginal rate of return for HT in comparison with the control Op. The marginal rate of return sensitivity study suggests that differences in marketable yield of 300–400 and 200–250 lb/1200 ft2 are necessary under HT and LT, respectively, for the protected culture to be economically feasible with watermelon prices above $0.75/lb and/or $1.00/lb as obtained in local farmers’ markets. Therefore, it is possible and there is potential to produce watermelon under protected culture for the local Fourth of July market. A gain in market share with potential premium prices for watermelon may increase the sustainability of small and medium-size specialty crop farmers in Missouri. To accomplish this, it is necessary to use early cultivars (70 to 80 days to maturity), plant in early April with transplants grown in greenhouses, and make sure to manage tunnels properly to maintain favorable growing conditions, protect against freezing temperatures and ensuring good pollination.

Seasonal climate models for national wheat yield forecasts in Brazil

National wheat yield depends on climate conditions and usually remains unknown until harvest. In-season knowledge can be provided by wheat yield forecast systems, supporting the decision-making of farmers, food traders, or policymakers. In this study, we improved a previously developed statistical wheat yield model to forecast trend-corrected wheat yield in Brazil with monthly temperature and precipitation data from seasonal climate models (SCM) from the last three months before harvest. We chose SCM from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), and the UK-based Met-Office (UKMO). A multi-model ensembles (MME) approach from the three individual models as well as a climatology (CLIMATE) approach were also tested. Wheat yield forecasts were issued at the beginning of each month from planting in April to harvest in November. Each month, features from future months are forecasted by SCM, and past features are supplemented with observations from weather stations. Our approach shows a 12% RMSE in forecasting yield early in the season, from April to June. Forecasts start to improve from July onwards, with shorter lead times and including observed features from September onwards. At the beginning of October, about two months before harvest is completed, wheat yield can be forecasted with 7.6%, 7.9%, 7.9%, 9.1%, and 9.3% RMSE using climate data from UKMO, ECMWF, MME, NCEP, and CLIMATE respectively. Seasonal climate models can be useful tools to forecast national wheat yield, even shortly before harvest to prepare for possible food shortages. Our approach could be applied to other staple crops and regions.

Impact of Planting Date on Growing Degree Units, Grain Yield and Growth Traits of Some Egyptian Yellow Maize Inbred Lines

This study was conducted in 2021 to study the impact of planting date on maize inbred lines and determine their accumulated growing degree units (GDU).The experiment was held at three agriculture research stations (Gemmeiza, Ismaelia and Sids) with RCBD of four replications. It was planned to provide also some insights to optimize maize production and mitigate the impact of climatic changes to all researchers in the scientific community. Three planting dates i.e. April 20th (early), May20th (optimal) and June 20th (moderately late) were applied to investigate their effect on number of days to 50% tasselling and silking, plant height and grain yield of 16 Egyptian yellow maize inbred lines. In addition, to determine accumulated growing degree units (GDU) from planting to 50% silking. Results revealed highly significant differences among tested inbreds for all studied traits at the three planting dates indicating presence of genetic diversity among tested inbreds. Also, the same trend was found for differences among locations and inbreds x location indicating climatic variability among the three testing locations and that inbreds behaved differently at different locations due to differences in climatic conditions among locations and also genetic diversity among inbreds. Number of days to 50% tasselling and silking was reduced from April to June planting as a result of increased temperatures during plant development. Longest plant heights were obtained in April planting as a result of prolonged vegetative growth due to cool - moderate temperatures prevailing at early vegetative growth. Grain yield of all tested inbreds was reduced, with few exceptions, in June 20th planting as a result of high temperatures prevailing at time of tasselling and silking which resulted in pollen, stigma or fertilization abortion and caused poor seed setting. Highest yield of studied inbreds was obtained at Gemmeize location in April 20th planting and it is recommended as a suitable production location for inbreds. Inbred Sakha 3 was the best performing under variable planting dates. Also, inbreds Sakha 1, Sakha 11, Gz 639 and Gm 1021 performed well on certain planting dates. Determination of accumulated growing degree units for tested inbreds revealed big variation among them as a result of genetic diversity of inbreds and matched well with variation present in their silking dates and specified earliness or lateness of tested inbreds. Results of GDU would help in expectation of timing for many agricultural practices such beginning of detasselling process and harvest time in hybrid breeding programs.

Evaluation The Water Quality of Al- Rusafa Treatment Plant in Baghdad City / Al-Rusafa Side Using Several Water Quality Indices

The present study was conducted drinking water treatment plant located in districts which is (Al-Rusafa) in Baghdad city. The study aims to assess the water quality produced from the above plant using various water quality indices. Twelve physical and chemical parameters have been tested which are pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, calcium, magnesium, chloride, total hardness, alkalinity, sulfate, sodium and total dissolved solids. Five different approaches and methodologies of water quality indices were applied to get the level of pollution during a period of nine months, starting from November 2021 until July 2022.The values WAV WQI for water treatment pant indicate that the water quality was good. Also, the results of the MNE WQI showed that water treatment plant produced clean water, but Al-Rusafa treatment plant in April, the water was very clean. The values of (weighted method) indicated that the water quality for water treatment plant was good. It was found that water treatment plant studied gives excellent quality using based on values of CCME and BCWQI indices. It is found that the values of all chemical and physical parameters are within Iraqi standards. Finally, in the present study, many statistical equation were found for the purpose of calculating the water quality index for water treatment plant studied with a proper coefficient of determinations.

Evaluation of Hot Pepper Genotypes (Capsicum annum) in Western Terai of Nepal

A set of experiment was conducted to find the best hot pepper genotypes for the Western Terai of Nepal in the October, 2017 and April, 2018 at Agricultural Research Directorate, Lumbini Province, Khajura. The experiments were conducted in Randomized completely block design with four replications. The treatments consisted of hybrid genotypes SV1947HA, SV4884HA, SV2319HA, SV1551HA; two hybrids check cultivars NS 1701 and NCH-1120 and Pusa Jwala which is check open pollinated cultivar of hot pepper. In normal (October) season planting, the highest fresh yield (15.17 t/ha) was obtained from NS 1701 and similar yield was obtained from the genotype SV1947HA (13.86 t/ha) while in the off season (April) planting, the highest fresh yield (7.97 t/ha) was obtained from NCH-1120 and same level of yield with genotypes SV1551HA (6.83 t/ha). Highly significant differences among cultivars were observed in yield and yield attributing characters. Hot pepper yield were observed lower in the April planting due to the crop failure by disease in the heavy rainfall period. The genotypes with better fruit set and yield in respective growing season were needed to be further tested in order to ensure their performance.

Seasonal Incidence of Ginger Shoot Borer (Conogethes punctiferalis) and its Correlation with Abiotic Factors

A field experiment was carried out in the Experimental farm, Department of Entomology, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Nagaland University, Medziphema campus during 2018 and 2019 to study the seasonal incidence of ginger shoot borer (Conogethes punctiferalis) and its correlation with abiotic factors. The results revealed that the incidence of C. punctiferalis was observed from 120 DAP (Days after planting) in D1 (15th February planting) which falls in the second week of June and for D2 (17th March planting) the incidence of C. punctiferalis was observed from the second week of July and for D3 (16th April planting) the incidence of C. punctiferalis was observed from the second week of August respectively for both the years. In both the experimental year, the highest incidence of C. punctiferalis was observed at 210 DAP in D3 which falls in the second week of November whereas the lowest incidence was recorded at 120 DAP in D1 which falls in the second week of June respectively. Among the weather parameters, maximum temperature and rainfall showed negative correlation whereas maximum relative humidity (RH) showed positive correlation on the incidence of C. punctiferalis for both the years respectively.

Accounting as Technical, Social and Moral Practice: The Monetary Valuation of Public Cultural, Heritage and Scientific Collections in Financial Reports

AbstractThe International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board of the International Federation of Accountants issued exposure draft ED78Property Plant and Equipment in April 2021. It proposes valuing ‘heritage items’ for recognition as ‘heritage assets’ in statements of financial position. This proposed requirement for global application casts the spotlight on a highly controversial topic in regulated financial reporting. The monetary valuation of cultural, heritage and scientific collections of public not‐for‐profit museums, art galleries and similar repositories has been subject to considerable discussion and debate for the past three decades. Our purpose is to critically examine this perennial financial reporting controversary, in the context of the three conceptions of accounting: accounting as technical practice, social practice and moral practice as articulated in the definition of accounting proposed by Carnegie et al. (2021a, 2021b) for discussion, debate and potential adoption in the accounting profession, including by accounting standard setters in all sectors. This article is intended to challenge accounting to enhanced self‐awareness in reaching its full potential.

A Fuzzy AHP Approach to Assess Flood Hazard for Area of Bang Rakam Model 60 Project in Yom River Basin, Northern Thailand

The Thai government developed the “Bang Rakam Model 60” to solve flood issues in low-lying areas (Phitsanulok and Sukhothai Provinces). In the project, farmers will have to start planting in early April and harvest in July. This research proposes a methodology for assessing flood hazard using a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) relied on Chang’s extent analysis. It was employed to derive the weight for factor ranking and create a flood hazard map. Eight hazard factors are considered in the methodology: average annual rainfall, drainage density, distance from drainage network, soil water infiltration, land use, elevation, slope, and flow accumulation. The generated flood hazard maps were validated using the repeated flood area from Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Due to the difference of rated opinion on the drainage density factor, the eight experts were divided into two groups of four each. The results of both expert groups indicated that the most pivotal influencing factor to flood hazard is the average annual rainfall. From the first group, it is stated that the highest flood hazard areas are in Phrom Phiram, Mueang Phitsanulok, and Bang Rakam Districts. Whereas, the second group stated that very high flood hazards level occurring mostly in Phrom Phiram District. The flood hazard area was divided into five levels of very low, low, moderate, high, and very high which the first group found that they covered 75.59 km2, 184.44 km2, 211.94 km2, 165.78 km2, and 57.81 km2, respectively, while the second group found that they covered 38.93 km2, 100.22 km2, 175.58 km2, 218.90 km2, and 161.91 km2, respectively. The obtained flood hazard assessment provides crucial information for future flood preparation, response, prevention, mitigation, and recovery initiatives. Moreover, it will guide the government agencies in supplying water and save the compensation budget to victims’ flood-affected farms.

Root Knot Nematode Presence and Its Integrated Management in Pomegranate Orchards Located in Indian Arid Areas

Nematodes are a serious problem across pomegranate-growing areas worldwide, but the severity is higher in light sandy soils of arid regions. The present study was carried out to explore the integrated approaches for the control of nematodes in pomegranate. Three different experiments were carried out during 2017–2020 to (a) delineate nematode abundance in major pomegranate areas, (b) screen pomegranate genotypes against nematode, and (c) assess the efficacy of integrated management for the control of root knot nematode in pomegranate. The survey results revealed that none of the pomegranate orchards were found to be free from nematode infestation. Moreover, the majority of the orchards (78%) showed moderate incidence (10.1 to 40%) of infestation. A significant yield reduction (40.2%) and a decrease in fruit size was observed in nematode-affected trees. Pattern of cuticular markings in the perineal area of the mature female confirmed the occurrence of Meloidogyne incognita only in all the surveyed orchard of pomegranate. All the evaluated genotypes and varieties were found susceptible to root knot nematodes, but the severity of the attack varied among them. Hence, more detailed screening is needed on a larger population. Nematode population (number of galls g−1 root) can be minimized significantly with the combined applications of Carbofuran at 20 g + Fluensulfone at 20 g per plant or Neemcake 500 g + Paecilomyceslilacinus at 25 mL + Carbofuran at 20 g + Fluensulfone at 20 g per plant in April and August.

Maximizing soybean yield by understanding planting date, maturity group, and seeding rate interactions in North Carolina

AbstractGrowers across theU.S. Southeast use a diversity of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting dates, maturity groups, and seeding rates for soybean production depending on their rotational complexity. Studies were conducted across seven North Carolina environments in 2019 and 2020 to determine the effect of planting date (mid‐March through mid‐July), maturity group (MG 2–8), and seeding rate (185,329–432,434 seeds ha–1) on soybean emergence, stand, and yield. Across environments, soybean typically emerged more quickly with later planting dates; however, there were location‐specific variations in soybean emergence due to weather conditions around the time of planting. The longest and shortest emergence periods were 26 d for soybean planted in mid‐March and 4 d for soybean planted in June and July, respectively. In the higher yielding environments, yield was maximized with MG 3–4 cultivars planted at early April planting dates and yield declined as planting was delayed. In the low yield environments, yield was maximized with late April to mid‐May planting dates, typically with MG 5–7 cultivars. There was a penalty in both yield environments to planting past mid‐May and in the low yield environments for planting before mid‐April. Across environments, yields tended to be more similar among cultivars higher than MG 3 at planting dates in June and July. The effect of seeding rate on soybean yield was variable across planting dates, maturity groups, and yield environments. Future research is needed in North Carolina to validate the planting date and maturity group interactions on yield observed in this experiment to capture more variation in weather conditions.

Mungbean-maize rotation improved soil properties and maize yield in dryland

One of the conditions to improve maize yield in dryland areas is by improving soil properties. This paper reports on the improvement of soil properties and maize yield resulted from rotating mungbean and maize in two consecutive years. In the first year, mungbean was grown as a cover crop at different population densities (250,000, 375,000, and 500,000 plants ha−1) combined with desiccation times of 28 and 35 days after planting in April 2019. Two weeks after the desiccation, maize seeds were planted at a density of 9 plants per m2. In those cover crop plots and a control treatment without a cover crop. All the treatments were replicated three times and were arranged in a Randomized Block Design. Following the maize crops, mungbean was grown again (except in the control plots) from October to December 2019 at the same population densities as before, combined with two seed classes; stock seeds and extension seeds. The mungbean was harvested in mid-December 2019 and after biomass determination, the residue was incorporated into the treatment plots. In mid-January 2020, maize seeds were planted at the same population density as before in all plot treatments, including control plots. Soil properties were determined at 60 days after maize planting. The results revealed that nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in the soil increased substantially by 52.6, 282.9, and 110%, respectively after two years of the rotation. There was an average of 44.7% increase in maize yield resulted from the highest mungbean population density plots as compared to the control treatment. It is concluded that mungbean-maize rotation is an effective way to improve maize yield in dryland areas.

Planting Date Effect upon Leaf spot Disease and Pod Yield across Years and Peanut Genotypes

ABSTRACT During 2012, 2015, and 2018 a set of 18 peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes (some common and some different) were used to evaluate the effect of planting dates (April, May, and June) on leaf spot disease and pod yield. Within each year, the same genotypes were grown during the three planting dates at the Gibbs Farm near the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA using a randomized complete block design with five replications without fungicides or insecticides but with irrigation. Each year, significant differences (P≤0.05) were found among the genotypes within each of these three planting dates for leaf spot disease ratings (0-9 scale) and pod yields. ‘Georganic' in 2012 and 2015; and GA 132705, ‘Georgia-19HP', and ‘Georgia-14N' in 2018 had among the lowest leaf spot ratings. ‘Georgia-12Y' had the highest average pod yield for each year of the three years. Each year during this study, the April planting date had the lowest, and the June planting date had the highest leaf spot disease ratings. Percent coefficient of variation (CV) was consistently lower at the June planting date which suggest the least variability among the peanut genotypes. In the overall average of genotypes, the April planting date resulted in the highest pod yield and the June planting date had the lowest average pod yield. In summary, April planting dates resulted in the highest pod yields, and the lowest leaf spot ratings across each of the three years.

Efecto de dos densidades de plantación en el cultivo de frutilla (Fragaria x ananassa duch.) en Colonia Benitez Chaco

<p>El objetivo del trabajo fue valuar el comportamiento agronómico de dos densidades de plantación en el cultivo de frutilla (<em>Fragaria x ananassa </em>Duch.) en las condiciones agroecológicas de Colonia Benítez, Chaco. El ensayo se realizó en la EEA INTA Colonia Benítez, en un suelo clasificado taxonómicamente como Argiudol óxico, correspondiente a la Serie Tragadero. El trasplante se hizo sobre lomos, en el mes de abril, con plantas frescas de la variedad Festival. El marco de plantación fue a tres bolillos a 30 cm de distancia entre hileras y dos distanciamientos entre plantas 25 y 30 cm, quedando definidos dos niveles para el tratamiento densidad de plantas, T1 8 plantas por metro y T2 6 plantas por metro. El diseño experimental fue en bloques completos al azar con 4 repeticiones. Cada 30 días se determinó presencia e incidencia de enfermedades foliares y a cosecha rendimiento, número y peso de frutos. Los resultados se analizaron mediante análisis de la varianza con un nivel de significación del 5% y comparación de medias utilizando la prueba de Tukey. La presencia de enfermedades foliares se observó en ambos tratamientos durante todo el periodo observado y la incidencia fue estadísticamente mayor en T1 cuando las condiciones ambientales fueron de elevadas precipitaciones. El rendimiento en gramos por planta no fue diferente entre tratamientos; pero si se observó un mayor rendimiento por unidad de superficie en T1. El peso y número de frutos por planta, no fue diferente para las densidades evaluadas.</p>

Aflatoxin accumulation in corn influenced by cultural practices in the U.S. Mid‐South

AbstractAflatoxin contamination in corn (Zea mays L.) grain negatively affects human and animal health. This research was conducted to determine if interactions among cultural practices influence aflatoxin accumulation on inoculated and naturally infested corn. Season‐long irrigation thresholds (full irrigation at −50 kPa vs. deficit irrigation at −125 kPa), planting date (late March vs. late April), and hybrid selection (conventional short‐season, drought‐tolerant full‐season, or conventional full‐season) were evaluated for their influence on aflatoxin accumulation. Experiments were conducted on a Marietta fine sandy loam and a Leeper silty clay loam near Starkville and Verona, MS, in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Needle‐inoculated and noninoculated ears were harvested from each plot. Noninoculated samples indicated that year (p = .0013) and planting date × hybrid type interaction (p = .0263) affected aflatoxin accumulation. The first year of the study produced greater average aflatoxin levels than the second year due to hotter and drier growing conditions for noninoculated samples. Pooled over years, planting later only affected conventional short‐season hybrids, increasing aflatoxin levels by 77% in naturally infested corn. Inoculated samples were affected by a year × planting date interaction (p = .0044) and a planting date × hybrid type interaction (p = .0032). Planting in March 2016 increased aflatoxin more than threefold compared with planting in April, whereas there was no difference between planting date in 2017. Overall, year, planting date, and hybrid type affected aflatoxin levels.

Yield and some agronomic parameters of upland cotton as affected by planting dates

A field experiment was conducted at ICI Research Farm, Multan to evaluate the effect of different sowing dates on plant height, number of monopodia, number of sympodia, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield kg/ha of two upland cotton varieties (ICI-2121 and ICI-2424) developed by ICI Pakistan Limited, Multan against a standard check variety IUB-2013 during 2019, and 2020 years. These varieties were planted on 1st April, 15th April, 1st May, 15th May, 1st June, and 15th June, at ICI Cotton Research Station, 19-Kasi Vehari Road, Multan. Results revealed that statistically highly significant differences in planting dates were observed for all the parameters studied except number of monopodial branches and boll weight which depicted non-significant differences. Regarding varieties and interaction between varieties and planting times, similar trend of statistical differences was observed. As regards to planting dates, generally, all the parameters under study showed their maximum performance when crop was planted on 1st May followed by 1st April planting date, whereas, minimum performance of the parameters was recorded when the crop was planted on 15th June followed by 1st June. Regarding varietal performance, on an average, maximum plant height (146cm) was observed in ICI-2121 followed by IUB-2013. Same trend of performance of varieties regarding number of monopodia and sympodia per plant was observed. Regarding average number of bolls per plant in different varieties, it was observed that ICI-2121 produced maximum (32 bolls) followed by ICI-2424 (31 bolls) and IUB-2013 (28 bolls) irrespective of planting dates. The same trend of varietal performance regarding boll weight was recorded. When seed cotton yield (kg/ha) was evaluated, on an average of varieties, ICI-2121 produced maximum seed cotton yield (1228 kg/ha) followed by ICI-2424 and IUB-2013 which produced 1147 and 1046 kg/ha seed cotton yield respectively irrespective of planting dates. It was concluded that under agro-climatic conditions of Multan, 1st May planting date was evaluated as optimum cotton sowing time. Before or after 1st May, this study does not recommend growing cotton in this particular zone. Among cotton varieties, ICI-2121 is recommended for sowing under this planting time being producing higher yields.

Simulating winter rye cover crop production under alternative management in a corn‐soybean rotation

AbstractThe Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was used to evaluate two alternative approaches for extending the cover crop growing window into corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) crop rotations in Nebraska, USA. We evaluated how: (i) shifting corn planting dates (mid‐April to early‐June) and (ii) altering comparative relative maturity (CRM) corn hybrids (80 to 115 days) influence cover crop biomass and corn yields over a 30‐year period. The APSIM model was tested using experimental data and was then used to simulate a range of cover crop planting and termination scenarios. Our results showed no significant yield differences within the same corn relative maturity when planted on April 20 and May 13 but that yield declined when planted in June. During a six week fall cover crop planting window (September 15–October 31), every day before October 31 that the cover crop was planted resulted in additional 62 kg ha−1 of biomass. We also simulated a one month spring termination window (April 1–April 30) and, every day delay in cover crop termination resulted in per day additional 35 kg ha−1 of biomass. Cover crop biomass accrual was highly dependent on weather, where for identical fall planting dates, a warm wet season accrued approximately four times more biomass than a cool dry season. Although we found significant yield differences between early, medium and late season CRMs, earlier fall cover crop planting associated with either earlier spring corn planting or planting an early to medium season variety leads to ten‐fold greater cover biomass. Delayed corn planting by mid‐May had no yield penalty relative to April planting, and could facilitate four‐fold greater cover crop biomass (cover crop terminated April 30 instead of April 1). Our results demonstrate that earlier cover crop planting in fall or later cover crop termination in spring can result in significantly more biomass which can be balanced with yield goals.

Testing the effect of AQUASORB and nitrogen rates on yield, nitrogen and water use efficiencies of wheat and hydro-physical properties of soil in Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

The effect of supplementary irrigation (SI) rate and planting date on water use efficiency of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons at the Research Farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Kuru, Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of two planting dates (2nd week of April, 2nd week of May) and four levels of water application (W1 = Control, W2 = SI of 200 m3 W3= SI of 400 m3, W4 = SI of 600 m3). The factors were combined to give 8 treatment combinations that were laid out in a 2×4 split plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Water use efficiency of potato was computed using formulae. Crop and water use efficiency data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA. Planting of potato in April uses water more efficiently and also gave higher potato yield. Interaction effect of planting in April x 400 m3 SI gave higher water use efficiency of potato. It is recommended that potatoes should be planted in the second week of April and rainfall augmented with 400 m3SI rates, especially at the period of dryspell.