Pod Stage Research Articles

OCENA JAKOŚCI ZIELONKI UZYSKANEJ Z MIESZANEK ŁUBINU WĄSKOLISTNEGO Z PSZENŻYTEM JARYM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the share of components in the mixture of narrowleaf lupin with spring triticale and the harvest stage on the quality of green fod- der for livestock. Two factors were analysed in a three-year experiment: Share of components in the mixture at sowing narrowleaf lupin + spring triticale (seed·m−2): 120 + 0, 90 + 150, 60 + 300, 30 + 450, 0 + 600, harvesting stage: I – narrowleaf lupin flowering stage, II – narrowleaf lupin flat green pod stage. The most favourable quality of green fodder was obtained from narrowleaf lupine, while among the mixtures from the mixture with the highest share of narrowleaf lupine at seed sow- ing. These crops were characterised by the lowest concentration of crude fibre and its fractions and the highest digestibility, dry matter intake and relative feed value. The harvesting of mixtures at the narrowleaf lupin flowering stage proved to be more favourable in terms of the quality of the green fodder obtained. In order to obtain valuable fodder for livestock, the cultivation of mixtures with a seed share at sowing of 90 + 150 of narrow-leafed lupine and spring triticale, respectively, should be recommended.

Biodiversity and Succession of Insects of Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) During rabi in the Western Undulating Zone of Odisha

The field experiment was conducted to study about insect biodiversity and their succession in blackgram crop at the crop research farm, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhawanipatna during rabi 21. Twenty seven insects belong to seven orders and twenty two families were recorded during different growth stages of crop in an overlapping manner. Beside the insects twelve numbers of predators, three numbers of parasitoids and two pollinators were also noticed. The highest diversity index and evenness of insects were recorded at 42 SMW (0.902 and 1.000) followed by 50 SMW (0.833 and 0.710) respectively. The diversity of insects was almost uniform because of the evenness of the species. The insect order homoptera and the insect white fly came under superdominant class of dominance during all the growth stages of crop, whereas coleoptera and hemiptera were categorized under sub-dominant class at vegetative stage and flowering to podding stage of crop growth respectively. The insect orders hemiptera, coleoptera, diptera and hymenoptera and the insects i.e., galerucid beetle, jassid, stem fly, aphids and thrips came under recedent class of dominance. The relative abundance and dominant status of insect’s revealed that the maximum numbers of insects were belongs to orders homoptera (75.22%) followed by hemiptera (7.92%), coleoptera (6.30%), diptera (4.62%), hymenoptera (4.05%), orthoptera (0.89%), lepidoptera (0.86%) and odonata (0.09%).Chrysomelid beetles were noticed first during the early vegetative stage of crop followed by stem fly, white fly, leaf webber and semiloopers at the vegetative stage, tobacco caterpillar from late vegetative to pod filling stage, thrips in flowering stage, pod borers, pod bugs, aphids, pentatomid bugs and bihar hairy caterpillar from flowering to crop maturity stage and the pod fly and pod wasp from pod filling to pod maturity stage of the crop. Jassids, grasshoppers and predators like spiders, coccinellids beetles and parasitoids were appeared from mid vegetative stage and continued till fag end of the crop. The peak activities of insects were recorded from flowering to pod maturity stage of the crop.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of CDPK Gene Family in Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Reveal Their Potential Roles in Response to Ca Deficiency.

This study identified 45 calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) genes in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), which are integral in plant growth, development, and stress responses. These genes, classified into four subgroups based on phylogenetic relationships, are unevenly distributed across all twenty peanut chromosomes. The analysis of the genetic structure of AhCDPKs revealed significant similarity within subgroups, with their expansion primarily driven by whole-genome duplications. The upstream promoter sequences of AhCDPK genes contained 46 cis-acting regulatory elements, associated with various plant responses. Additionally, 13 microRNAs were identified that target 21 AhCDPK genes, suggesting potential post-transcriptional regulation. AhCDPK proteins interacted with respiratory burst oxidase homologs, suggesting their involvement in redox signaling. Gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses affirmed AhCDPK genes' roles in calcium ion binding, protein kinase activity, and environmental adaptation. RNA-seq data revealed diverse expression patterns under different stress conditions. Importantly, 26 AhCDPK genes were significantly induced when exposed to Ca deficiency during the pod stage. During the seedling stage, four AhCDPKs (AhCDPK2/-25/-28/-45) in roots peaked after three hours, suggesting early signaling roles in pod Ca nutrition. These findings provide insights into the roles of CDPK genes in plant development and stress responses, offering potential candidates for predicting calcium levels in peanut seeds.

Effects of molybdenum supply on microbial diversity and mineral nutrient availability in the rhizosphere soil of broad bean (Vicia Faba L.)

Molybdenum application holds the potential to enhance agricultural productivity. However, the precise impact on soil microbial diversity and mineral nutrient availability remains uncertain. In this study, we collected rhizosphere soil samples from different growth stages of broad beans. By analyzing mineral element contents, soil phosphorus and zinc fractions, as well as fungal and bacterial diversity, we observed that Mo application resulted in a reduction of soil Citrate‒P and HCl‒P content. This reduction led to an increase in available P content at different stages. Moreover, Mo application elevated root P concentration, but concurrently impeded the translocation of P to the shoots. Mo application also decreased the soil Exc‒Zn (exchangeable Zn) content while increasing the Res‒Zn (residual Zn) content, ultimately causing a decrease in available Zn content at different stages. Consequently, the Zn concentration within broad beans correspondingly decreased. Mo application fostered an augmentation in fungal richness and Shannon indices at the branching and podding stages. The analysis of microbial co-occurrence networks indicated that Mo application bolstered positive connectivity among fungal taxa. Remarkably, Mo significantly increased the abundance of Chaetomium, Leucosporidium, and Thielavia fungi. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between fungal diversity and soil available P content, as well as a notable negative correlation with soil available Zn content. These findings suggest that Mo application may modify the availability of soil P and Zn by influencing fungal diversity in the rhizosphere of crop soil, ultimately impacting nutrient accumulation within the grains.

Revising economic injury levels for Lygus spp. in canola: The value of historical yield and insect data to improve decision making

Canola is one of the most important cash crops in Canada, but yields can be reduced by several insect pests including Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae). Canola cultivars have been improved substantially since economic thresholds were developed for Lygus in the 1990's. Thus, the objective of this study was to integrate a large data set collected over 23 years (1999–2021) from plots and commercial fields to update economic thresholds. Regression analysis of the data from the studied years from across distinct ecoregions yielded an overall Economic Injury Level (=action threshold) around 9–23 Lygus per 10 sweeps using the current (high) canola prices. However, insecticide trials at farmer's commercial fields, showed that yield was protected from Lygus feeding by spraying a foliar insecticide at the early pod stage only when catches exceeded 30 Lygus per 10 sweeps. Further analysis of Precision Yield Data (PYD) from combine yield monitors from southern Alberta, revealed that at low abundances, under 17 Lygus per 10 sweeps, Lygus may potentially stimulate canola yield and do not require a control action, unless there are more than 30 Lygus per 10 sweeps. Developing a long term data repository for PYD across multiple sites and spatial scales in the Prairies of Canada would allow future generations of researchers to improve decision making tools such as pest action thresholds, to develop a more resilient and sustainable agriculture.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Restored the Saline-Alkali Soil and Promoted the Growth of Peanut Roots.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil and cash crop. An efficient utilization of saline-alkali soil resources, the development of peanut planting in saline-alkali soil, and obtaining high and stable yield have become urgent needs to ensure peanut production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been reported to develop the potential productivity of host plants and improve their salt resistance and tolerance. However, there is still limited research on promoting the growth and morphology of peanut roots. Therefore, in this study, seeds of salt-tolerant peanut variety "HY 25" were coated with commercial AMF inoculant before being planted in saline-alkali and normal soils to investigate the effects of AMF on peanut root growth and rhizosphere soil. The results showed that root morphological characteristics were significantly increased by the use of AMF at the podding stage in saline-alkali soil and from the flowering and pegging stage to the maturity stage in normal soil. Of note, the total root volume of peanut inoculated with AMF significantly increased by 31.57% during the podding stage in saline-alkali soil. Meanwhile, AMF significantly increased the phosphatase and invertase activities in the peanut rhizosphere of saline-alkali soil from the flowering stage to maturity stage and soil CAT activity at the maturity stage (41.16~48.82%). In normal soil, soil phosphatase and urease activities were enhanced by AMF at the flowering stage and the podding stage, respectively. AMF also increased the contents of soil organic matter, available phosphorus, and hydrolysable nitrogen, but decreased soil EC in saline-alkali soil. In addition to the significant increase in soil available phosphorus content, AMF had no significant effect on the physical and chemical properties of the soil and other soil nutrients in normal soil. AMF significantly increased pod biomass and yield in saline-alkali soil and normal soil, and improved their agronomic characteristics. In conclusion, peanut seeds coated with AMF improved the root morphological characteristics of peanuts and improved the physical and chemical properties in peanut rhizosphere, especially in saline-alkali soil. The process of rhizosphere soil nutrient transformation was also enhanced. Finally, AMF improved plant agronomic traits to increase the pod yield (16.5~21.9%). This study provides the theoretical basis and technical support for the application of AMF in peanut production in saline-alkali soil.

Management of Alternaria Leaf Blight (Alternaria cucumerina var.cyamopsidis) in Cluster Bean Through Fungicide Application

Background: Clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonaloba (L.) Taub] commonly known as ‘guar’ means ²cow food² is an annual arid and semi-arid legume crop belonging to the family leguminaceae. Methods: Two field experiment were conducted during 2019-2021 to find out the most effective fungicide for the management of Alternaria leaf blight in Cluster. Seven fungicides viz., Tebuconazole 250 EC @ 0.1%, Difenconazole 25 EC @ 0.1%, Hexaconazole 5 EC @ 0.1%, Propiconazole 25 EC @ 0.1%, Chlrothalonil @ 0.2%, Trifloxystrobin 50% WG@ 0.1%, Mancozeb 75% WP @ 0.2% were evaluated for their efficacy aganist cluster bean Alternaria blight. Result: In the year 2019 during Kharif season the foliar spray with Tebuconazole 250 EC @ 0.1% was found to be the most effective fungicide at initiation of flowering and at pod stage with minimum disease severity (9.87 and 12.00%) and the maximum seed yield and straw yield of 2077 and 3994 kg/ha, respectively. During Kharif-2020 same trends was observed with Tebuconazole 250 EC @ 0.1% in reducing the severity of the disease foliar spray of Tebuconazole also recorded the highest B: C ratio of 4:5 and 4.73 during 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively.

Differences in reproductive function between terminal and lateral flowers in the capitulum of Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) based on female fertility, ovule number, and pistil and polyad size

AbstractThe division of labor between florets responsible for reproduction and special functions occurs widely in condensed inflorescences. The capitulum of Albizia julibrissin consists of approximately 10–20 lateral flowers and usually one nectar‐secreting terminal flower; the two flower types are morphologically distinct, but the differences in reproductive function have not been revealed. To determine the differences in reproductive function between terminal and lateral flowers, we compared the ratio of terminal and lateral flowers at the flowering and young pod stages. Additionally, ovule number, stigma size, polyad size, and the ratio of flower abscission were compared between the two flower types. Significant differences were detected only in female fertility between the two flower types. At the flowering stage, 6.8% of flowers were terminal flowers, whereas at the young pod stage, all young fruits were obtained from lateral flowers. At the final stage of blooming, based on the generalized linear model analysis, the ratio of surviving terminal flowers was lower than that of the lateral flowers in a capitulum. These results suggest that the terminal flowers of A. julibrissin had female sterility or, at least, female fertility was lower than in lateral flowers. Therefore, it is necessary to reexamine some previous studies that assumed A. julibrissin to be andromonoecious with hermaphroditic terminal flowers and male lateral flowers. Further comparisons of the quality of ovules and polyads are necessary to clarify whether there is a division of labor between the terminal and lateral flowers in A. julibrissin.

Content and uptake of macroelements in green fodder of mixtures of narrowleaf lupin with spring triticale

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a study conducted in 2016–2018 in the temperate conditions to evaluate the content and uptake of P, K, Ca and Mg in mixtures of narrowleaf lupin with spring triticale grown for green fodder. Two factors were analysed in the experiment: A – the proportion of components in the mixture: narrowleaf lupine 100%, narrowleaf lupine + spring triticale 75 + 25%, 50 + 50%, 25 + 75%, and spring triticale 100%; B – the harvest stage the flowering stage of narrowleaf lupine, the stage of flat green pod of narrowleaf lupine. Increasing the proportion of spring triticale in the sown mixtures in relation to narrowleaf lupine resulted in a decrease in the content of the analysed macroelements by 8.9%–28.7% on a g/kg DM basis. The greatest uptake on a kg/ha basis of macroelements was found in the mixture with an equal share of both components. Harvesting mixtures at a later stage of development increased the uptake of P, K, Ca and Mg by 98.7%–111.8% because of greater DM yield, but reduced the content of these macroelements by 12.6%–20.8% in the more mature fodder. Mixtures of narrowleaf lupine with spring triticale can provide valuable mineral nutrients for livestock.

Row ratio increasing improved light distribution, photosynthetic characteristics, and yield of peanut in the maize and peanut strip intercropping system.

Changes in the canopy microclimate in intercropping systems, particularly in the light environment, have important effects on the physiological characteristics of photosynthesis and yield of crops. Although different row ratio configurations and strip widths of dwarf crops in intercropping systems have important effects on canopy microclimate, little information is available on the effects of intercropping on chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic physiological properties of dwarf crops. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020, with five treatments: sole maize (SM), sole peanut (SP), four rows of maize intercropping with eight rows of peanut (M4P8), four rows of maize intercropping with four rows of peanut (M4P4), and four rows of maize intercropping with two rows of peanut (M4P2). The results showed that the light transmittance [photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)], photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) of intercropped peanut canopy were reduced, while the intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) was increased, compared with SP. In particular, the M4P8 pattern Pn (2-year mean) was reduced by 5.68%, 5.33%, and 5.30%; Tr was reduced by 7.41%, 5.45%, and 5.95%; and Gs was reduced by 8.20%, 6.88%, and 6.46%; and Ci increased by 11.95%, 8.06%, and 9.61% compared to SP, at the flowering needle stage, pod stage, and maturity, respectively. M4P8 improves the content of chlorophyll synthesis precursor and conversion efficiency, which promotes the utilization efficiency of light energy. However, it was significantly reduced in M4P2 and M4P4 treatment. The dry matter accumulation and pod yield of peanut in M4P8 treatment decreased, but the proportion of dry matter distribution in the late growth period was more transferred to pods. The full pod number decreases as the peanut row ratio decreases and increases with year, but there is no significant difference between years. M4P8 has the highest yield and land use efficiency and can be used as a reference row ratio configuration for maize-peanut intercropping to obtain relatively high yield benefits.

Field pea/spring triticale mixtures influenced iron and manganese concentrations in soil and forage plant uptake

AbstractThe use of legumes for cultivation in mixtures with cereals has a positive effect not only on the yield of green mass but also on its chemical composition. This research evaluated the influence of different seeding rate proportions of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) with spring triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.) at different growth stages on Fe and Mn contents in soil and plants. The two factors examined in the study were as follows: proportional seeding rate of components in the mixture (kg ha−1)—field pea/spring triticale 240:0, 180:55, 120:110, 60:165, and 0:220; and harvest stage—field pea flowering versus field pea flat green pod. The greatest soil contents of Fe at 952 mg kg−1 and Mn at 102.2 mg kg−1 were found in the soil at 0–30 cm depth following harvest of field pea. The greatest dry matter concentrations of Fe at 146 mg kg−1 and Mn at 68.5 mg kg−1 in the mixtures were determined in the forage of field pea/spring triticale at 180:55 harvested at the field pea flat green pod stage. The field experiment demonstrated that a 180:55 mixture of pea and spring triticale should be recommended for cultivation. This mixture provides the greatest Fe and Mn content in soil and forage for cattle.

Border row effects on the distribution of root and soil resources in maize–soybean strip intercropping systems

The cause of yield increase in crop strip intercropping is often inseparable from the boundary effect, and the distribution of roots and nutrients in the below-ground has an important influence on plant growth. However, previous studies on the boundary effect of intercropping have mainly focused on the above-ground part, and the state of the below-ground part is unknown. So we investigated the distribution of roots, water and NO3—N in the belowground part of the border row(adjacent rows of two crops in intercropping) in a maize and soybean strip intercropping system at different plant growth stage. There were three treatments in this experiment: maize monocrop, soybean monocrop and maize–soybean intercrop (four rows of maize and four rows of soybean). The distribution of maize roots extended beyond and below the border with the soybean rows and was concentrated in the 0–20 cm soil layer, while the growth of intercropped soybean roots was inhibited by maize. Intercropping increased the soil water content (SWC) in soybean rows at the podding stage and in maize rows at the drumming stage, and intercropping had a greatly effect on SWC of the system as a whole. Intercropping also increased the soil NO3—N content (SNC) in the intercropping system at the podding stage and had a negative effect at the drumming stage, and the effect of SNC in the intercropped maize rows was wider, while for intercropped soybean it was limited to the adjacent rows of soybean. The effect of intercropping on SWC and SNC occurred mainly in the 20–60 cm soil layer. Intercropping increased the grain weight of maize and decreased the grain weight and pods per soybean plant. Overall, the root system of maize in the border rows in the intercropping pattern extended into the soybean rows, intercropping increased soil water and soil nitrate-N levels in maize during the critical yield formation period, resulting in increased maize yields, while soybean was negatively affected in the intercropping pattern resulting in reduced yields, and we have calculated that intercropping maize and soybean has advantages in terms of land productivity and water use.

WPŁYW UDZIAŁU KOMPONENTÓW W MIESZANCE I TERMINU ZBIORU NA ZAWARTOŚĆ WAPNIA I MAGNEZU W MIESZANKACH GROCHU SIEWNEGO Z PSZENŻYTEM JARYM W ROLNICTWIE ZRÓWNOWAŻONYM

The cultivation of mixtures of legumes and cereals contributes to biodiversity and can provide good-quality roughage for direct feeding of livestock. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the share of components in a mixture of pea and spring triticale and the timing of harvesting on the calcium and magnesium content of green mass. The field experiment was conducted in 2016–2018 and two factors were studied: I. The proportion of components in the mixture: field pea – 100%, spring triticale – 100%, field pea 75% + spring triticale 25%, field pea 50% + spring triticale 50%, field pea 25% + spring triticale 75%. II. Harvesting date: flowering stage of field pea, flat green pod stage of field pea. The highest content of calcium and magnesium was found in field pea, while among the mixtures, in the one with 75% of field pea and 25% of spring triticale. A higher content of the mineral elements in question was found in mixtures harvested at the field pea flowering stage compared with mixtures harvested at the stage of the flat green pod of field pea. Due to the mass relationship between macronutrients, the green mass of mixtures of pea and spring triticale should not be the only feed for livestock.

Cobalt Combined with Potassium Humate as Beneficial Applications in Alleviating Water Stress Impacts on Groundnut During Sensitive Growth Stages

Enhancing plant nutrition during critical periods of water stress is a paramount objective. As such, this study aims to examine the effects that arise from implementing water stress regimes during the sensitive growth phases of groundnut. Furthermore, we will explore the impact of applying cobalt and potassium humate individually or in combination, either through foliar application (KH-F) or soil amendments (KH-S), to mitigate the adverse effects on nutrient accumulation, yield, and irrigation water use efficiency (Iwue). A field experiment was conducted between 2021 and 2022 using a split-split plot design. In the main plots, an additional control of full irrigation requirement scheme (IR100) was implemented, along with three other schemes: the first involved applying 75% of the irrigation requirement during the development stage (IRD75), the second applied 75% during the flowering till pod stage (IRF75), and the third involved applying 85% from the development stage till the pod stage (IR85). In the subplots, cobalt was applied at rates of 0 and 7.5 mg l−1 to the plants. The sub-sub plots were further divided to investigate the effects of KH-F and KH-S. Plants that experienced water stress during the flowering stage were found to be more vulnerable. However, when treated with KH-S, there were significant improvements in yield compared to KH-F treatment. This effect was particularly pronounced under the IRF75 irrigation scheme. Interestingly, there was an antagonistic relationship observed between cobalt and iron or manganese, in contrast to other nutrients. When KH-S was applied in combination with cobalt, it showed the potential to enhance various characteristics and increase the uptake of iron or manganese. The highest yield, nutrient accumulation, and Iwue were achieved through the combined application of cobalt and KH-S, along with adopting the IR85% irrigation scheme.

Biomass partitioning, yield and economic performance of green gram (Vigna radiate L.) genotypes as influenced by different irrigation levels

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of2020 with four main plot treatments consisting of irrigation levels (No post sowing irrigation, one irrigation at the flower initiation stage, one irrigation at the pod filling stage and two irrigations each at flower initiation and pod filling stage) and five subplot treatments as genotypes viz., MH 1142, MH 1468, MH 1703, MH 1762 and MH 1871 following split plot design by replicating thrice. Irrigating green gram, irrespective of the growth stage, increased the seed yield significantly. Two irrigations each at the flower initiation and podding stage bring about greater seed economic yield of green gram than 1 irrigation either at each stage. Among single irrigations, flower initiation stage provided significantly superior (8.6 %) seed yield compared to the pod filling stage. During the flower initiation stage, no rain and irrigation at this stage led to more development of crop plants, as is evident from a higher number of branches per plant and, ultimately, a higher number of pods. Two irrigations, i.e., each at flower initiation and podding phase, lead to considerably greater seed output than single irrigation at either growth stage, which may be attributed to the sufficient supply of water, which indirectly provided a smooth supply of nutrients to crop plants. The increase was 18.4 and 28.6 per cent over-irrigation at flowering and podding stage, respectively. Seed yield varied among green gram genotypes, which might be because of variations in the genetic potential of the genotypes. Genotype MH 1871 produced significantly higher seed yield among different genotypes. The cumulative effect of yield traits viz. pods per plant, branches per plant, seed index and seeds per pod attributed to the higher seed yield in MH 1871. This genotype was more efficient in utilizing radiations, as evident from the higher chlorophyll content recorded in this genotype. Genotype MH 1142 was the lowest yielder and MH 1762 although produced. To obtain a higher yield of green gram, genotype MH 1871 be taken with two irrigations each at flower initiation and pod filling stage.

The contribution rate of stem‐leaf and root of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to sediment and runoff reduction

AbstractSeasonal changes in ground canopy and root density induced by the growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may strongly influence the variation in runoff and sediment across alfalfa growth stages. In this study, eight alfalfa plots with and without ground canopy and two bare soil plots (CK) were used to investigate the effect of alfalfa growth on the regulation of runoff and sediment during one growing season (seedling stage, S1; budding stage, S2; flowering stage, S3; podding stage, S4). The experiments involved four slope gradients of 8.6%, 17.6%, 26.8%, and 36.4% and one rainfall intensity of 90 mm h−1. The time to runoff initiation (TR), runoff volume (RV), and sediment yield (SY) were recorded, and runoff reduction benefits (RRBs) and sediment reduction benefits (SRBs) were calculated. The results have shown that TR was delayed with the growth of alfalfa and advanced with an increasing slope gradient. From S1 to S4, compared with CK, alfalfa grassland reduced the runoff by 10.36% to 85.80% and the sediment by 15.34% to 94.48%. The root systems of alfalfa reduced the runoff by 1.29% to 34.86% and the sediment by 0.87% to 49.97%. RV and SY decreased exponentially with aboveground biomass and root density during the growing season. The SRBs were greater than the RRBs, and the contribution of stem leaves for SRBs and RRBs was higher than that for roots under the same growing seasons and slope gradient. This study deepens our understanding of herbaceous plants in regulating runoff and sediment at different growth stages and clarifies the contribution of vegetation components to soil and water loss control.

Standardization of detached leaf assay to screen chickpeas for resistance to beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808)

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808) is an important pest of several economically important crops, and recently emerged as a serious pest of chickpea in South Central India. We standardized a detached leaf assay technique to evaluate chickpea germplasm and segregating populations for resistance to this pest under laboratory conditions. Two chickpea genotypes ICCL 86111 and ICC 3137 grown under field and greenhouse conditions were used for the detached leaf assay at the vegetative and flowering stages. The terminal branches were infested with 5, 10, 15, and 20 neonate larvae of S. exigua. The test genotypes were also infested with 2, 4, 6 and 8 third-instar larvae at the podding stage. At the vegetative stage, ICCL 86111 suffered less damage than ICC 3137 across infestation levels. The differences in larval survival between the genotypes were significant, and larval survival was lower on ICCL 86111 than on ICC 3137 across infestation levels. The results suggested that infesting the chickpea terminal branches with 10–15 neonate larvae per branch at the vegetative stage or six third-instar larvae at the podding stage can be used to evaluate chickpea genotypes for resistance to S. exigua.

Cultivation model and deficit irrigation strategy for reducing leakage of bundle sheath cells to CO2, improve 13C carbon isotope, photosynthesis and soybean yield in semi-arid areas

A better understanding of the photosynthesis and soil water storage regulation of soybean production will be helpful to develop a water conservation strategy under a rain-fed farming system. Reducing the leakage of CO2 bundle sheath cells and improving the photosynthesis capacity and gas exchange characteristics of soybean leaves will contribute to increase yield under the dryland agricultural system and provide a scientific basis. Therefore, during 2019 and 2020, soybean exposed to different cultivation modes to analyze the response curves of photosynthesis and CO2 under different deficit irrigation strategies. In this study, we used two cultivation models: RB: ridge covered with biodegradable film and furrow area not covered; CF: conventional flat land planting under four deficit irrigation modes (R: rainwater irrigation; IB: branch stage irrigation (220 mm); IP: Irrigation during podding (220 mm); IBP: branch stage irrigation (110 mm), podding stage irrigation (110 mm). Compared with CF-IBP treatment, RB-IBP had significant effects on rainwater collection, SWS, and soybean yield. Photo-response curve analysis showed that RB-IBP treatment a significant increase in Pn, Gs, Ci, Tr, leaf WUE, and chlorophyll ab content. Under different irrigation strategies, maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pnmax), light saturation point (LSP), and apparent quantum efficiency under RB-IBP treatment (α), Pn under respiration rate and CO2 response curve were significantly higher than that under CF cultivation mode. Compared with RB culture mode under different irrigation strategies, CF cultivation mode significantly increases Δ13C and CO2 sheath cell leakage (Փ); it also led to a significant decline in the ratio of Ci/Ca concentration. This study shows that RB-IBP treatment is the best water-saving strategy because it means reducing the leakage of CO2 from the bundle sheath, thus significantly increasing soil water storage, photosynthetic capacity, and soybean yield.

Effects of Pod Maturity Phases on Physical Dormancy Induction in Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz) Seeds

The study examined the effect of the pod colors as an index of maturity phases on seed traits of silk tree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz). Silk tree pods were simultaneously collected at five maturity phases based on pods color in late September in the Hyrcanian plain forest, Tashbandan-Iran. Seeds were removed from pods and seed moisture content (MC), 1000 seed weight (1000 SW) and germination performance were determined. Maturity phases affected seed MC and 1000 SW. MC and 1000 SW were the highest at the pod color of full green (61% and 64.2 g, respectively). As the seeds matured, MC and 1000 SW decreased, and the lowest MC and 1000 SW were found as 8.5% and 36.2 g, respectively at seeds harvested at the dark brown stage. Germination percentage (GP), germination speed (GS) and mean germination time (MGT) were significantly affected by seed maturity phases, and GP and GS were the lowest in the dark brown pod stage (6% and 0.2, respectively). GP and GS was the highest at seeds harvested at the half green-half brown stage. MGT was increased to the maximum when seeds were harvested at the dark brown pod stage (29.8). This study showed that when pods have reached maturity, the coats of the seeds have no barrier to germination but as ripening continues, germination of silk seeds were hindered by impervious seed coats that retard the entry of water. The study revealed that pod color could be used as an indicator for physical dormancy level of silk tree seeds.

WYBRANE ELEMENTY SKŁADU CHEMICZNEGO MIESZANEK ŁUBINU WĄSKOLISTNEGO (LUPINUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS L.) Z PSZENŻYTEM JARYM (X TRITICOSECALE WITTMACK) UPRAWIANYCH NA ZIELONĄ MASĘ

Field studies were conducted in 2016–2018 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady, which belongs to the Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, located near Siedlce in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. The aim of the conducted research was to evaluate the content of selected nutrients in mixtures of narrowleaf lupin with spring triticale harvested at two developmental stages of narrowleaf lupin. The highest content of total carbohydrates, water-soluble carbohydrates and crude ash, among the mixtures, was revealed in a mixture with 75% narrowleaf lupin and 25% spring triticale. In contrast, the highest crude fat content was found in mixtures with component shares of narrowleaf lupin and spring triticale of 75% + 25% and 50% + 50%, respectively. A higher carbohydrate and crude ash content was determined in mixtures harvested at the flowering stage of narrowleaf lupin, while higher crude fat contents were determined in mixtures harvested at the flat green pod stage of narrowleaf lupin. Among the mixtures to be grown to achieve fodder with a high content of total carbohydrates, water-soluble carbohydrates, crude fat and crude ash a mixture with 75% + 25% components of narrowleaf lupin and spring triticale, respectively, should be recommended and harvested at the narrowleaf lupin flowering stage.