Preplant Treatments Research Articles

Влияние предпосадочной обработки клубней и вегетирующих растений на устойчивость к фитофторозу картофеля

Влияние предпосадочной обработки клубней и вегетирующих растений на устойчивость к фитофторозу картофеля

Productivity and quality indicators of potato tubers using bioagents and adaptogenic drugs

Studies to identify the effectiveness of bioagents and adaptogenic preparations on plantings of potatoes of the Vineta variety were carried out on gray forest medium loam granulometric composition of the soil of the Zemlyaki farm in the Nizhnekamsk district of the Republic of Tatarstan. Field experiments were carried out in 2019 by employees of the Department of Plant Growing and Horticulture of Kazan State Agrarian University. The humus content in the arable layer of soil according to Tyurin is 3.35 %, pH is 5.7, easily hydrolyzable nitrogen is 112 mg/kg of soil, mobile phosphorus is 156 mg/kg, exchange potassium is 136 mg/kg of soil, molybdenum is 0.07, copper is 0.52, boron – 0.7, zinc – 4.82 mg/kg. The paper presents the results of studies on the effect of the preparation RECB-95B obtained on the basis of bacteria Bacillus subtilus, RECB-44 – Pseudomonas fluorescens, RECB-50B – Bacillus sp. and RECB-74B — derived from the fungus Trichoderma viride for antagonistic activity against pathogens. Based on the results of our preliminary studies, we selected these preparations for preplant treatment of tubers and vegetative plants. It was found that the most effective option for planting potatoes was the treatment of tubers before planting with the strain RECB-50B (2 l/t) + adaptogen in combination with three times spraying during the growing season RECB-95B, RECB-4B, RECB-50B using them together with adaptogen. Our data show that the mass of tubers does not always correspond to the number of stems and tubers, however, in variants 7 and 8 with a high mass of tubers, a larger number of stems and tubers per bush was noted. Less nitrates 73 mg/kg contained tubers from the variant when used for processing tubers of strain RECB – 50 B (2 l/t) and triple treatment of plants during the growing season with bioagents RECB – 95 B (0.5 l/ha), RECB – 44 B (0.5 l/ha), RECB – 50 B (1.0 l/ha). The use of these drugs in conjunction with the adaptogen led to an increase in the number of nitrates in the tubers. A higher starch content in tubers of 13.02 and 13.01 % was observed when treating the tubers of the drug Maxim (0.2 l/t) and strain RECB – 50 B (2 l/t) and triple treatment of plants during the growing season with bioagents RECB – 95 B (0.5 l/ha ), RECB – 44 B (0.5 l/ha), RECB – 50 B (1.0 l/ha). In the dry matter, the starch content was higher when the tubers were treated with rhizoplan and amounted to 63.38 %.

Potassium Salts of Terpene Acids of Siberian Pine Resin as Effective Drug in the Cultivation of Potatoes in Organic Farming

Siberian pine is a source of a wide range of biologically active substances for use as biopesticides and growth stimulators in organic farming. Ten components, among which the share of abietic acid reached 54.8%, have been determined with the help of the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method. Water-soluble potassium salts of terpene acids were obtained from Siberian pine resin during the work. Potassium salts of terpene acids from Siberian pine resin has bacteriostatic, fungistatic, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties against phytopathogens. Relatively high indicators of antioxidant activity of aqueous solutions of potassium salts from resin at 1 mg/mL were revealed. Pre-planting treatment of tubers with an aqueous solution of terpene acids salts of Siberian pine resin in a concentration of 10 g/L contributed to an increase in the yield of potato. Also, an increase in the mass fraction of dry matter and starch was also observed.

Pre-sowing treatment of ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA L. seeds with electric field of high voltage

Seed treatment before sowing is the basis for increasing sowing qualities, stable development and resistance of seeds to harmful organisms. Greening of production processes of forestry makes it necessary to find new methods of pre-planting treatment, which include electric impact on planting material. For the first time, materials are presented on the study of the effect of an electric field of high voltage alternating current on Robinia pseudoacacia L. seeds with the identification of optimal exposure modes that increase the sowing and growth properties of seeds.

The effectiveness of using the growth regulators of a new generation in the production of garlic winter planting material

The use of quality planting material is an important factor for the production of agricultural products, because it allows to realize the biological potential of the cultivated plant to a greater extent, to obtain a high-quality crop. Garlic is an exclusively vegetatively propagated crop. Due to the low breeding rate, garlic is difficult to reproduce in a short time in volumes that would fully meet the demand for planting material. In this regard, a large number of imported, often poor-quality planting material of this culture comes to the domestic market. Therefore, the issue of providing a domestic manufacturer with a quality planting material is acute. We have established the effectiveness of contemporary growth regulators in the planting of garlic. The article discusses the issues of increasing the economic efficiency of the production of winter garlic planting material using the growth regulators of the last generation. The article shows the high efficiency of using the composition of silicon organic growth regulators, including Boratran, Krezacin, and Asyak, in a concentration of 0.015% in winter garlic plantings, which allows to increase the yield of bulbs by 2 t/ha. The economic efficiency of using the preplant treatment of clove and plants during the growing season with growth regulators allows to obtain additional profit, amounting to 178 thousand rubles per hectare.

A perspective method of garlic enrichment (Allium Sativum L.) with selenium

Obtaining high-quality products is one of the most important tasks of agricultural enterprises of all forms of ownership. Quality indicators are not only organoleptic indicators, but first of all, the chemical composition of the products manufactured. Quality food should contain the necessary macro-and micronutrients in a dose that meets the needs of the human body in them. In this regard, the development of methods for obtaining products containing microelements, in the quantity necessary to ensure the normal functioning of a person is a particularly important area at present. We have found that preplant treatment of chives and vegetative plants with a 0.1% solution of potassium selenite in combination with SAS and DMSO makes it possible to produce bulbs in which the content of selenium exceeds the control by 29.4 and 145.3 times. A similar treatment of cloves and plants with sodium selenite leads to an increase in the selenium content in the bulbs to 8.0 mg/kg and 7.3 mg/kg, or 169.8 and 157.2 times in comparison with the control. The proposed method of enrichment of garlic with selenium allows to improve the qualitative composition of this culture and increase its economic significance.

Способи підвищення адаптивних здатностей рослин кавуна до негативних абіотичних чинників Південного Степу

The purpose. To justify the selection of effective mechanisms to increase the resistance of watermelon to the action of stress factors of soil and climatic conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field — for determination in the conditions of the southern steppe of Ukraine subject of research in relation to ecological and technological factors; measuring and weighing — to determine the area of the assimilation surface, the mass of the root system, the yield of watermelon; laboratory — for evaluation of various schemes of pre-planting treatment by plant growth regulators of watermelon seeds, determination of content in leaves of watermelon of saline chlorophyll; statistical — for conducting a dispersion analysis of research results. Results. On the basis of the conducted laboratory studies, the length of the seedlings, the effective extinctions of soaking the watermelon seeds in the solutions of growth regulators were selected. It was established that due to the influence of growth regulators the physiological processes of the development of watermelon plants are activated, in particular, the index of photosynthetic potential of the sowing increases, the total mass of the root system increases, the chlorophyll content in the leaves increases. The result of stimulating the development of watermelon for the influence of plant growth regulators is to increase the productivity of the crop.Conciusions. According to the results of laboratory and field studies, it should be noted that the use of the Quimicas Mepistem SL complex helps to increase the water resistance of the watermelon to unfavorable conditions in the south, in particular, the content of the total chlorophyll in the leaves increases by 41%, the weight of the root system increases by 33% and increases the photosynthetic potential of sowing is 6% in comparison with the control variant and, consequently, yields increase by 18%.

The Effect of Microbial Preparations on Biological Activity of the Soil and Yielding Ability and Quality of Potato

The effectiveness of microbial preparations against the background of various doses of mineral fertilizers and without them was studied in two short-term experiments from 2015 to 2018. The goal of the present study was to increase the productivity and quality of potatoes by using full and reduced (by 30 and 50%) doses of mineral fertilizers in combination with various microbial preparations due to the biological activity of sod-podzolic sandy loam soil and better digestibility of nutrients. In the field test of 2015–2016, when using mineral fertilizers (N45–90P45–90K60–120), the potato yield was 24.1–27.9 t/ha; the combination of N45P45K60 with preplant treatment of tubers using microbiological preparations Azolen, Agrinos 1, and Biocomposite-correct increased the yield by 27.6–28.5%, while biopreparations made it possible to increase the yield by 3.5–4.4 t/ha or 14.5–18.3%. In the field experiment (2016 and 2017–2018), the maximum potato yield (34.0–35.7 t/ha) was obtained using the Extrasol microbiological preparation both separately for preplant treatment of tubers and in combination with foliar spraying of Agrinos 2 and Extrasol against the background of a full dose of fertilizers (N90P90K90), while the increase caused by the biological component of the nutrition system was 6.5–8.2 t/ha or 23.6–29.8%. In the experiment with an NPK dose reduced by 30% in combination with Agrinos (N60P60K60 + Agrinos 1 + 2 (5 + 2.5 L/ha)), the yield level was 4.6 t/ha (17%) higher than that obtained with a full dose of NPK.

Biological potency of soil, yelding ability and quality of potato depending on the use of microbiologic specimen

The article presents the results of research on the effectiveness of microbiologic specimen against the background of various doses of mineral fertilizers, and without them. The results were obtained in two short-term experiments for the period from 2015 to 2018.Goal of research: to increase the productivity and quality of potatoes with the integrated use of full and reduced by 30 and 50% doses of mineral fertilizers in combination with various microbiologic specimen by increasing the biological activity of the soil and better nutrient absorption.In the field test (2015-2016, sod-podzolic sandy soil), the yield of potatoes was 24.1-27.9 t / ha (when using mineral fertilizers N45-90P45-90K60-120). When N45P45K60 was combined with preplant treatment of tubers with microbiologic specimen (Azolen, Agrinos «1» and Biocomposite-correct), it increased by 27.6-28.5%, including the increase from microbiologic specimen - 3.5-4.4 t / ha or 14.5-18.3%. In the field test (2016 and 2017-2018, sod-podzolic sandy soil), the maximum yield of potatoes (34.0-35.7 t / ha) was obtained using the microbiologic specimen Extrasol both separately for preplant treatment of tubers, and in combination with foliar application of Agrinos «2» and Extrasol on the background of the full dose of fertilizers N90P90K90. In this case, the yield increase from the biologic specimen was 6.5-8.2 t / ha or 23.6-29.8%.In the variant with a 30% reduced NPK dose and the use of Agrinos [N60P60K60 + Agrinos 1+2 (5+2.5 l / ha)]: the yield level was 4.6 t / ha (17%) higher a full dose of NPK. At the same time high starchiness and vitamin C content, excellent culinary qualities, low levels of nitrates in products; conditional income was 42.3 thousand rubles / ha higher than NPK background, low cost (6.8 rubles / kg), high cost recovery (3.25) and profitability of production 64% were observed.

PROTECTION OF POTATO CROPS AGAIST PESTS

The Colorado potato beetles and aphids are especially harmful pests for potato crops in the conditions of Kyiv region. So, on the 10th day after mass rebirth of the Colorado potato beetle larvae, potato plants on untreated by insecticide plots were completely destroyed by this phytophagus. Preplanting insecticide treatment of potato tubers provided high effectiveness against the Colorado potato beetle prior to the mass rebirth and development of larvae and reduced their density of population and harmfulness. The highest efficacy (93.2-95.2%) against these pests was noted in variants with Prestige, 290 FS, Emesto Quantum 273.5 FS and Celest Top 312.5 FS.
 Common scab, dry rot and Rhizoctonia solani were prevailed among the diseases of potato tubers. The greatest effectiveness against the common scab was provided by Prestige, 290 FS. Thus, the infestation of potato tubers by common scab in the variant with application of the Prestige, 290 FS was almost twice lower compared to control. Preparation Celest Top 312.5 FS provided a reduction of dry rot in almost 3 times, and Emesto Quantum 273.5 FS leads to reduction of infestation by Rhizoctonia solani in 4 times, respectively. The treatment of tubers is a reliable protection of potato plants against damage by the Colorado potato beetles and lesion diseases, that made it possible to obtain tuber yields at a level of 24.4-27.4 t per ha.
 However, preplanting treatment of planting material with insecticides is not always able to provide the protection of potato seedlings against damage by Colorado beetles. The mass reproduction of these pests occurs after planting of tubers and emerging of stalks at high air temperatures. Therefore, it is necessary to provide additionally spraying of plants. Typically, the insecticides used in recommended rates have a long period of protective action, which eliminates the need for further treatments on vegetative plants. The anti-resistant effect of this treatment is associated with the use of the neonicotinoids class insecticides (eg, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin), that have different mechanism of action compared to pyrethroids. Under such conditions, it is important to search, investigate and introduce modern, effective insecticides into agricultural production. For this purpose the research on the preparations from separate classes of chemical compounds with various toxic properties was conducted.
 The most effective against the larvae of Colorado potato beetles were insecticides Confidor, 20% SC, Calypso, 48% SC and Engeo 24.7% SC when spraying potato plantings. Duration of their protection was prolonged for two weeks after the application of insecticides. The maximum technical efficiency was reached as 99.5% (Confidor, 20% SC), 99.2% (Calypso, 48% SC) and 99.3% (Engeo 24.7% SC) on the third day after application. Other insecticides such as Mospilan, 20% SP and Actara, 24% WG (96.2-97.0%) provided somewhat lower the mortality rate of these phytophages.
 The highest and prolonged effect against aphids was obtained by spraying potato plantings with the preparations Engeo 24.7% SC and Confidor, 20% SC, the efficiency of which reached 98.2% and 93.1%, that decreased the number of aphids in almost 60 times, compared with the control. Spraying potato plantings with insecticides according to the recommended rates of application allows obtaining the yield of tubers at the level of 25,6-28,2 t per ha.
 

Влажность почвы, динамика элементов питания и засоренность посадок в зависимости от расчетных доз удобрений, глубины посадки и подготовки клубней к посадке

Влажность почвы, динамика элементов питания и засоренность посадок в зависимости от расчетных доз удобрений, глубины посадки и подготовки клубней к посадке

Investigating the response of soil and vegetable crops to poultry and cow manure using ground and satellite data.

Based on the massive production of cow and poultry manures, farmers in Saudi Arabia are moving towards the application of organic fertilizers in their farms. Therefore, the present work was conducted to study the response of soil and selected vegetable crops to poultry and cow manures, using ground data and Landsat-8 and Hyperion images. The studied vegetable crops are cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and lettuce. A total of 100 t ha−1 organic manures were applied as a pre-planting treatment. A 12.5 ha field in Tawdeehiya Farms, 200 km southeast of Riyadh, was earmarked for this study. The field was divided into sectors cultivated with the above-mentioned vegetable crops. Soil characteristics, including the soil pH, the electric conductivity (EC), the nitrogen (N), the phosphorus (P) and the potassium (K), were examined before the application of manures and 25 days after the transplanting process. Observations on crops chlorophyll content, number of leaves, the diameter of merchantable products and yield were also investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between the crop performance and yield was investigated through the satellite images generated vegetation indices (VIs). This study revealed the better performance of poultry manure compared to cow manure in terms of development and production parameters of the experimental crops. Dynamics of the chlorophyll content across the crop growth period revealed that all the tested crops responded significantly (R2 = 0.69; P = 0.001) to the poultry manure treatments. Among the tested crops, the chlorophyll content, curd or head sizes and crop yields were quite better in poultry manure applied plots. The investigation of crop yield was significant with poultry manure (R2 = 0.64; P = 0.001) than cow manure (R2 = 0.57; P = 0.001) using the OSAVI and mNDVI, respectively.

Effects of seeds ingestion by Lagune cattle and other pre-planting treatments on the germinability of Centrosema pubescens Benth seeds in Soudanian region of Benin (West Africa).

In Benin under extensive management of grassland, there is little information about legumes regeneration and management in pastures. This trial evaluated the germination of Centrosema pubescens seeds after passage through the digestive tract of three young bulls and three heifers of Lagune breed cattle. Following seeds ingestion by cattle, total faeces were collected at 24-h intervals for 6 days after which time the faeces were sieved and the surviving intact seeds were then collected, counted and germination tests undertaken. Moreover, the effect of soaking seeds with hot water and mechanical scarification on breaking of dormancy in seeds of C. pubescens were studied through seven treatments: control (1); scarification using sandpaper (2); and seeds were immersed in hot water (80°C) for 2 (3), 4 (4), 6 (5), 8 (6), and 10 min (7). The total number of seeds recovered represented 7.65% of the number fed. The number of seeds recovered after 72 h represented more than 91.00% of total seeds recovery. Overall germination percentage of seeds recovered (45.09%) was greater than that of untreated seeds (31.00%). Seedling emergence was significantly higher when dung was broken-down than when left intact. Generally, it was observed that mechanical scarification was the method that had the highest percentage of germination (96.00%), followed by seeds immersed in hot water at 80°C for 2 to 4 min and seeds ingested by cattle. Therefore, endozoochory and other pre-planting seeds treatments can potentially favour seed germination of C. pubescens and contribute to the improvement of degraded grassland. Key words: Centrosema pubescens, sandpapering, endozoochorous, hot water, germination, Benin.

Nematicidal activity of fluensulfone compared to that of organophosphate and carbamate nematicides against Xiphinema index and Longidorus vineacola

The nematicidal activity of fluensulfone against Xiphinema index and Longidorus vineacola was compared to that of organophosphate and carbamate nematicides. The number of X. index recovered via Baermann funnel from infested soil treated with fenamiphos or cadusafos at 2.0 and 4.0 mg l−1 soil was higher than that recovered from untreated infested soil. The number of recovered X. index after fluensulfone treatment at these concentrations reflected the same level of that recovered from the control soil; however, a high percentage of the nematodes were immobilized after extraction. In experiments using fig plants in pots, the X. index population was much lower after treatment with fluensulfone vs. fenamiphos. Moreover, the nematode control efficacy of fluensulfone against X. index was much higher by pre-planting vs. post-planting application. Treatment of L. vineacola-infested soil with fluensulfone at 2.0 and 4.0 mg l−1 soil slightly reduced the number of recovered nematodes in one of two trials, whereas fenamiphos and cadusafos did not reduce, and sometimes even increased the number of nematodes recovered from the soil. The nematode control efficacy of fluensulfone against L. vineacola was much higher than that of fenamiphos or oxamyl in pots with pepper plants. Again, pre-planting application of fluensulfone was more effective at reducing the L. vineacola population than post-planting application. The results suggest that fluensulfone can effectively control Xiphinema and Longidorus in the field, especially by pre-planting treatment.

Effect of Planting Date and some Pre-Planting Treatments on Growth and Yield of Garlic

Two successful field trials were carried out during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons at Kaha Vegetable Research Farm, Kaliobia Governorate. This work aimed to study the effect of planting date (D1:1st September, D2: 15th September, D3:1st October, D4:15th October) and six pre-planting treatments on plant growth, yield and its components and chemical compounds of bulbs. The six pre planting treatments were T1: the control, T2: soaking garlic cloves (SGC) in water for 24 hour, T3: SGC in 5 ppm GA3 for 24 hour, T4: SGC in water for 24 h and then placing in moist peat-moss for one day, T5: SGC in water for 24 h and then placing in moist peat-moss for two days and T6: SGC in water for 24 h and then placing in moist peat-moss until root initiation (after three days). The results showed that D2 produced markedly the highest values of plant length, number of leaves per plant, nick diameter, bulbing ratio as well as dry weight of leaves, bulb and plant. In addition, such planting date resulted in highest values of total yield at harvest time, bulb diameter, bulb weight and number of cloves per bulb in the yield sample after curing. The last planting date (D4) scored the highest values of total carbohydrates. While, D1 exhibited the highest level of nitrogen and crude protein in dry matter of garlic bulbs. T6 exhibited the highest germination percentage, plant length as well as dry weight of leaves, bulb and plant. Furthermore, such treatment (T6) produced the highest values of total yield, bulb diameter, bulb weight and total carbohydrates in bulb. Also, the highest level of nitrogen and crude protein were more achieved via T5.

EFFECTIVENESS OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS AGAINST PESTS ON POTATOES IN PRIMORSKY TERRITORY

The work presents the results of comparative field tests on effectiveness of insecticides and bioinsecticides and their tank mixtures for potatoes against the potato ladybird and the Colorado beetle in the South of the Far East. Effectiveness of preplanting and vegetation treatment of potatoes with preparations was observed. The study, conducted in 2012–2014 on the plants of the recognized Yantar potatoes variety, showed high biological efficiency of preparations from the neonicotinoid class of Prestige and Cruiser in the rates of 1.0 l/t and 0.2 l/t by pre-planting treatment of potato tubers. The Prestige and Cruiser provided long-term protective effect against the Colorado potato beetle and the potato ladybird, which eliminated the need for treatment in the growing season of the crop. The use of these insecticides caused productivity increase of potatoes by 7.5 and 8.4 t/ha. For vegetation treatment the preparation Decis Extra showed the highest and the most long-lasting effect. On the 28th day after the treatment, its effectiveness accounted for 84.4–90.3%. Protective effect of bio-insecticide Phytoverm lasted for 14 days. Double treatment of potatoes with this bio-insecticide restrained the number of pests below the threshold number until the end of the growing season. During the research it was found that the joint use of Phytoverm with 3 times lower rates of the insecticides Decis Extra and Konfidor provided a significant reduction in the number of the potato ladybird and the Colorado potato beetle and the preservation of 39.3-41.6% of potato productivity.

Duration of low temperature storage, clove topping and gibberellic acid on garlic sprouting and seedling vigor

Dormancy of garlic (Allium sativum L.) creates a problem in use of freshly harvested garlic bulbs. Thus, pre-planting treatment of garlic cloves is an important agronomic concern for inducing and improving sprouting behavior of garlic. Glasshouse experiment was conducted at Haramaya University to evaluate the effect of cold storage (7°C) durations (10, 20, 30 days and one stored at room temperature that is 21°C for 30 days), clove topping (whole and cut) and gibberellic acid concentrations (0, 125, 250 and 375 mg/l) and distilled water treatment as second control on sprouting behavior of improved garlic variety (‘Tseday’). The treatments were laid out in factorial arrangement with three replications using completely randomized design (CRD). For cloves stored at ambient temperature (0 day) and non-topped, gibberellic acid application (250 and 375 mg/l) showed a significant increase in sprouting percentage, speed of sprouting and shoot dry mass of garlic as compared to 125mg/l GA 3 treated and the controls. On the other hand, for topped cloves stored at ambient temperature (0 day), 10 and 20 days cold storage, gibberellic acid treatment did not show a significant influence on these characteristics as compared to the controls. The interaction effect of 30 days cold stored and topped cloves significantly increased pseudo-stem height (40.51%) compared to the lowest values recorded for the non-cold treated and non-topped cloves. The 30 days cold stored and topped cloves soaked in water significantly increased sprouting percentage over the period of 19 days after planting, speed of sprouting (four fold) and above ground shoot dry mass (79.41%) compared to the lowest values recorded for the non-cold treated and non-topped cloves not soaked in water and gibberellic acid (GA 3 ). Hence, it can be concluded that 30 days cold storage, topping and soaking in water could enhance early sprouting of the garlic variety tested under glasshouse condition. Keywords: Clove topping, Dormancy, Garlic, Gibberellic acid, Sprouting percentage, Storage conditions

Effect of Bicyclopyrone on Triploid Watermelon in Plasticulture

AbstractField studies were conducted to determine watermelon tolerance and yield response when treated with bicyclopyrone preplant (PREPLANT), POST, and POST-directed (POST-DIR). Treatments consisted of two rates of bicyclopyrone (37.5 and 50 g ai ha–1), fomesafen (175 g ai ha–1), S-metolachlor (802 g ai ha–1), and a nontreated check. Preplant treatments were applied to formed beds 1 d prior to transplanting and included bicyclopyrone (37.5 and 50 g ha–1) and fomesafen (175 g ha–1), and new polyethylene mulch was subsequently laid above treated beds. POST and POST-DIR treatments were applied 14 ± 1 d after watermelon transplanting and included bicyclopyrone (37.5 and 50 g ha–1) POST and POST-DIR, and S-metolachlor (802 g ai ha–1) POST-DIR. POST-DIR treatments were applied to row middles, ensuring that no herbicide contacted watermelon vines or polyethylene mulch. At 2 wk after transplanting (WAT), 15% foliar bleaching was observed in watermelon treated with bicyclopyrone (50 g ha–1) PRE. At 3 WAT, bicyclopyrone (37.5 and 50 g ha–1) POST caused 16% and 17% foliar bleaching and 8% and 9% crop stunting, respectively. At 4 WAT, initial injury had subsided and bicyclopyrone (37.5 and 50 g ha–1) POST caused 4% and 4% foliar bleaching and 4% and 8% crop stunting, respectively. No symptoms of bleaching or stunting were observed at 6- and 8-WAT ratings. Watermelon total yield, marketable yield, total fruit number, marketable fruit number, and average fruit size were unaffected by herbicide treatments. Therefore, registration of bicyclopyrone (37.5 and 50 g ha–1) PREPLANT, POST, and POST-DIR would offer watermelon producers a safe herbicide option and a novel mode of action for weed management.

Stimulation of energy willow biomass with triacontanol and seaweed extract

Biomass productivity of shrub willow plants grown in short rotation system can be improved by genetic means or by innovative cropping technologies. In the present study we analyzed the growth and physiological responses of willow plants to plant biostimulators, such as 1-triacontanol (TRIA), a saturated primary alcohol and seaweed extract (Kelpak®). Testing a novel approach, we soaked stem cuttings in TRIA or Kelpak solutions for 48 h before plantation. These treatments enlarged height and diameter of stems, furthermore increased stem and leaf weights in comparison to the water control. In agreement with these greenhouse observations, field tests showed statistically significant enhancement in height and diameter of woody stems harvested in winter. Application of 25% Kelpak solution was the most effective in stimulating all traits including stem weight per plant after pre-planting treatment of cuttings. In an alternative treatment protocol, Kelpak was applied as foliar treatment or in combination between TRIA (10 mg L−1) treatment of cuttings and foliar spray with Kelpak 1 or 2% solutions in the greenhouse. The green pixel numbers revealed variable degrees of stimulation in shoot growth. These treatments resulted in an increase in stem and leaf weights. Improvement of photosynthetic functions was indicated by more efficient electron transport rates (ETRs) of photosystems. An increased nicotinamide and thiamine contents were detected in the leaves of stimulated plants. The present study can serve as a foundation for additional laboratory and field studies optimizing the application of these stimulators in energy plantations.

Вплив рідких фосфорних добрив на показники якості бульб картоплі столової

Вплив рідких фосфорних добрив на показники якості бульб картоплі столової