Rhizome Dry Weight Research Articles

The impact of soil salinity on the yield, composition and physiology of the bioenergy grass Miscanthus × giganteus

AbstractHigh salinity land may provide an alternative resource for the cultivation of dedicated biomass crops for renewable energy and chemicals, thus avoiding competition for land use with food crops. The commercial perennial grass Miscanthus × giganteus is a leading biomass crop; however, its response to salt stress is largely unknown. Miscanthus × giganteus was grown in pots irrigated with nine different NaCl concentrations (0, 2.86, 5.44, 7.96, 10.65, 14.68, 17.5, 19.97 and 22.4 dS m−1). Biomass yield was reduced by 50% at 10.65 dS m−1 NaCl. Root dry matter inhibition occurred at the highest salt concentration tested, while rhizome dry weight and the ratios of root/rhizome and below‐/above‐ground dry matter were not affected by elevated salinity. The accumulative effect of increasing salinity reduced stem height and elongation, while photosynthesis was reduced to a smaller extent. The duration and strength of salinity exacerbated the reduction. Water use efficiency (WUE) was maintained except at the highest salinity and plants maintained stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf water content at low to moderate salinity. Miscanthus × giganteus showed strong induction of the osmoprotectant, proline and no significant increase in malondialdehyde content under increasing salinity. The ash content in leaves, increased, reducing the biomass quality at high salinity concentrations. The effects of salinity on the yield and the availability of land area in European geographical area for agriculture were investigated. Understanding the potential for growth of the C4 biomass crop Miscanthus on underutilized or abandoned land may offer a new range of targets for improved economics, crop management and breeding.

Genetic Variability and Character Interrelationship among Indigenous Germplasm of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

ABSTRACTGenetic study of turmeric (Curcuma longa) germplasm revealed natural and genetic variability for 13 agromorphological traits. High heritability (h2BS%) and high genetic advance (GA) along with high genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) were recorded for rhizome dry and fresh weight, indicating that selection for these may provide good advance, as these were governed by additive gene effects. High co-heritability among the 13 agromorphological traits forms a good selection criterion for economic traits. Leaf length and thickness of stipulated tuber showed positive correlation with rhizome dry weight. Path coefficient study revealed that the highest direct contribution to rhizome dry weight was made by its fresh weight.

Genetic variability, analysis of genetic parameters, character associations and contribution for agronomical traits in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Sixty-five germplasms of Curcuma longa L. were screened for high rhizome yield. The considerable amount of natural and genetic variability in thirteen agro-morphological traits was recorded. The estimate of broad sense heritability (^h2BS%) was high for plant height (99.05) and genetic advance (GA) for fresh weight of rhizome (201.02). Genotypic (G) and phenotypic (P) correlation coefficient among traits revealed that leaves width were highly significant and positively correlated with length of stipulated tuber (0.62**G, 0.48**P); dry weight of rhizome with thickness of stipulated tuber (0.98**G, 0.96**P) and fresh weight of rhizome with days to germination (0.97**G, 0.94**P). Fresh weight of rhizome exhibited highest PCV (38.18%) and GCV (33.16%). The path coefficient analysis revealed that the highest direct contribution to rhizome thickness was made by dry weight of rhizome (1.10). The direct contribution toward total rhizome yield was highest for dry weight of rhizome followed by length of stipulated tuber, respectively.

Seasonal Changes in Carbohydrate and Protein Content of Seeded Bermudagrasses and Their Effect on Spring Green‐Up

AbstractThe widespread use of warm‐season turfgrasses in transition zones of Europe, such as northern Italy, has been hampered by the long dormancy periods. To encourage the conversion from cool‐ to warm‐season grasses, research is needed to identify cultivars that exhibit early spring green‐up. A 2‐year study was conducted at the agricultural experimental farm of Padova University from November 2006 to October 2008 to compare water‐soluble carbohydrate and protein content in stolons of four bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] cultivars and determine their effect on spring green‐up. Samples of ‘La Paloma’, ‘NuMex Sahara’, ‘Princess 77’ and ‘Yukon’ were collected monthly, and water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and crude protein (CP) content of stolons were measured. Dry weight values of WSC and CP for each cultivar were regressed against days needed to reach 80 % green cover in spring (D80). ‘Yukon’ exhibited the highest rhizome dry weight and WSC content during the winter months and was the fastest to reach 80 % green cover. Conversely, ‘Princess 77’ was the slowest cultivar to green‐up in both years. Regression analysis revealed a stronger relationship between D80 and WSC than between CP content and D80.

EFEK NAUNGAN DAN CEKAMAN AIR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL KUNYIT DI KISMANTORO, WONOGIRI

<p><em>Turmeric is a medicinal plant that has largest secondary metabolites (curcumin). Improving secondary metabolites with abiotic stress that the provision of shade and water stress. This research aims to study the effects of shade and water stress on growth and yield of turmeric and content of secondary metabolites. The study uses a nested design with two factors, namely shade (without shade, 25%, 50%, 75%) and water stress (without stress, 25% field capacity, 50% field capacity, 25% field capacity). Analysis using the F test and DMRT 5% level. The results showed that shade did not effect to fresh and dry weight of plant. 75% shade decrease root lenght, fresh and dry weight of rhizome. Water stress did not effect to growth and yield of turmeric. The highest curcumin results in conditions without shade and without stress.</em></p>

PENGARUH TINGKAT NAUNGAN DAN CEKAMAN AIR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TEMULAWAK (CURCUMA XANTHORRHIZA)

<div class="WordSection1"><p><em>Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) is one of superior kind of plant which has many benefits as medicinal plants. Cultivation of temulawak not yet intensively and grown on the land under the trees. Therefore, this research was important to get shade and water stress levels appropriate for cultivation of temulawak and higher producing secondary metabolities. This research used a nested design with two treatment, that is shade (without shade, 25%, 50%, 75%) and water stress (without water stress, 75%, 50%, 25% field capacity) with five replicants. Result were analyzed using analysis of variance and if there significant diference followed by DMRT 5% level. The result showed without shade treatment increase growth of temulawak include number of leaves, fresh weight of plant and dry weight of plants, and shade 50% increase plants height. The treatment of without water stress increase growth and yield of temulawak include number of tillers, number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight of plants, fresh weight and dry weight of rhizomes. The levels of curcumin increase on shade 25% and water stress 25%.</em></p></div>

Simultaneous Determination of Resveratrol and Piceid Vary with Genotypes and Environmental Locations in Polygonum cuspidatum

A modified HPLC method for resveratrol determination for rapid screening of phenotypes of seedling population was developed for the Taiwan native Polygonum cuspidatum. The resveratrol concentration was 3.89 ± 1.03 mg.g−1 of the rhizome dry weight. In in vitro culturing of 11 acclimatized lines of genotype-dependent plants, which were replanted in the original location, only three genotypes showed a distant resemblance to regenerated lines and native plants. The genotype 051111 line in in vitro plants showed high resveratrol expression grown under acclimatized conditions and original locations. Resveratrol and its glucoside-piceid revealed mutual transformation depending on the growth climates.

THE CURCUMIN CONTENT OF TEMULAWAK(Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb.) RHIZOME AS AFFECTED BY N, K AND MICRONUTRIENTS B, Fe, Zn

A polybag experiment to study the influence of N, K, and micronutrients B, Fe, Zn and the curcumin content in temulawak was conducted in Malang from February – September 2012. Using RBD, 8 treatments (P1 Inseptisol, without fertilizer, P2 Inseptisol 300 urea kg.ha -1 , P3 Inseptisol 200 KCl kg.ha -1 , P4 Inseptisol 300 kg.ha -1 and 200 kg.ha -1 urea and KCl, P5 Alfisol, without fertilizer, P6 Alfisol 300 urea kg.ha -1 , P7 Alfisol 200 KCl kg.ha -1 , P8 Alfisol 300 kg.ha -1 and 200 kg.ha -1 urea and KCl in 3 replications. The micronutrients in vitro applied RCD by 4 treatments (MS medium, MS without B, Fe and Zn) in 10 replications. The results of experiment showed that dry weight of rhizome per plant in Inseptisol and Alfisol is 30.98 and 9.75 g, content of curcumin 6 month after planting was 3.60 and 4.72%. The highest rhizome weight of 8 months after planting was a combination of N and K of Inseptisol (48.28) and Alfisol (35.75 g per plant).The highest content of curcumin 6 months after planting was on Alfisol (7.99%) and Inseptisol (6.7%) by 200 KCl kg.ha -1 .The curcumin content in complete media was higher than that without B, Fe and Zn i.e. 6.26 compared with 1.86–2.39%. Keywords : temulawak (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb. Synm. Curcuma javanica ), N, K, B, Fe, Zn, curcumin content Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

THE CURCUMIN CONTENT OF TEMULAWAK(Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb.) RHIZOME AS AFFECTED BY N, K AND MICRONUTRIENTS B, Fe, Zn

A polybag experiment to study the influence of N, K, and micronutrients B, Fe, Zn and the curcumin content in temulawak was conducted in Malang from February – September 2012. Using RBD, 8 treatments (P1 Inseptisol, without fertilizer, P2 Inseptisol 300 urea kg.ha -1 , P3 Inseptisol 200 KCl kg.ha -1 , P4 Inseptisol 300 kg.ha -1 and 200 kg.ha -1 urea and KCl, P5 Alfisol, without fertilizer, P6 Alfisol 300 urea kg.ha -1 , P7 Alfisol 200 KCl kg.ha -1 , P8 Alfisol 300 kg.ha -1 and 200 kg.ha -1 urea and KCl in 3 replications. The micronutrients in vitro applied RCD by 4 treatments (MS medium, MS without B, Fe and Zn) in 10 replications. The results of experiment showed that dry weight of rhizome per plant in Inseptisol and Alfisol is 30.98 and 9.75 g, content of curcumin 6 month after planting was 3.60 and 4.72%. The highest rhizome weight of 8 months after planting was a combination of N and K of Inseptisol (48.28) and Alfisol (35.75 g per plant).The highest content of curcumin 6 months after planting was on Alfisol (7.99%) and Inseptisol (6.7%) by 200 KCl kg.ha -1 .The curcumin content in complete media was higher than that without B, Fe and Zn i.e. 6.26 compared with 1.86–2.39%. Keywords : temulawak (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb. Synm. Curcuma javanica ), N, K, B, Fe, Zn, curcumin content Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

PERTUMBUHAN, KUANTITAS DAN KUALITAS RIMPANG JAHE (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) PADA CEKAMAN KEKERINGAN DI BAWAH NAUNGAN

This research studied the growth, quantity and quality of ginger rhizome under drought stress condition. The drought stress condition was 60% of soil field capacity. This experiment was arranged in randomized complete block designed. The treatments were drought stress periods (6, 4, 2 and 0 week before harvesting) with six replications. The result showed that drought stress period affected the quantity (rhizome dry weight) and quality (gingerol content) of ginger. Rhizome dry weight was decreased with the increase of drought stress period, while gingerol content showed opposite trend.

RHIZOME YIELD OF TEMULAWAK (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) AT N, P, K VARIOUS LEVEL AND N, K COMBINATION

The role of N , P and K on temulawak have not been clear enough to explain the need in temulawak rhizome in order to get high yield . The experiment was conducted in a screen house in Malang East Java with an altitude of 500 m asl. from Desember 2010 - August 2011. There were 4 experiments in series, consisting of N, P, K various level and N,K alone and combination on the growth and quantity of rhizome arranged in randomized block design comprising 7 levels of fertilizer per plant with 3 replications. The treatments of urea (N), SP36 (P) consisted of 0, 1,25, 2,5, 3,75, 5, 6,25 and 7.5 g. The KCl (K) comprised 0, 1,5, 3, 4,5, 6, 7,5 and 9 g . The N, K alone and combination treatments consisted of (No fertilizer, N, K, NK g /plant). The results of this research were N, P, K optimum dose of each N 6.25 g N / plant P 2 O 5 /tan P 6.25 g, K 7.5 g K 2 O / plant increased temulawak rhizome dry weight. Combination 4.5 g N + 2.8 g K / plant could increase temulawak rhizome dry weight by 33% compared to the addition of N and 220% when compared to the addition of a single K harvesting age 6 months. Keyword : Curcuma xanthorriza , rhizome, N, P, K. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

RHIZOME YIELD OF TEMULAWAK (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) AT N, P, K VARIOUS LEVEL AND N, K COMBINATION

The role of N , P and K on temulawak have not been clear enough to explain the need in temulawak rhizome in order to get high yield . The experiment was conducted in a screen house in Malang East Java with an altitude of 500 m asl. from Desember 2010 - August 2011. There were 4 experiments in series, consisting of N, P, K various level and N,K alone and combination on the growth and quantity of rhizome arranged in randomized block design comprising 7 levels of fertilizer per plant with 3 replications. The treatments of urea (N), SP36 (P) consisted of 0, 1,25, 2,5, 3,75, 5, 6,25 and 7.5 g. The KCl (K) comprised 0, 1,5, 3, 4,5, 6, 7,5 and 9 g . The N, K alone and combination treatments consisted of (No fertilizer, N, K, NK g /plant). The results of this research were N, P, K optimum dose of each N 6.25 g N / plant P 2 O 5 /tan P 6.25 g, K 7.5 g K 2 O / plant increased temulawak rhizome dry weight. Combination 4.5 g N + 2.8 g K / plant could increase temulawak rhizome dry weight by 33% compared to the addition of N and 220% when compared to the addition of a single K harvesting age 6 months. Keyword : Curcuma xanthorriza , rhizome, N, P, K. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Role of Growth Regulators and Chemicals on Growth, Yield and Quality Traits of Ginger (<i>Zingiber officinalis</i> Rosc.)

Investigations were undertaken in ginger ( Zingiber officinale Rosc.) to assess the influence of growth regulators and chemicals on yield and quality under Lower Pulney Hills condition at Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Thadiyankudisai, India. The variety Rio-de-Janeiro was utilized for the experiment. Eight treatments viz., brassinolide 0.1 ppm, paclobutrazol (pp333) 250 ppm, CCC 500 ppm, potassium chloride one per cent, salicylic acid 100 ppm, panchagavya three per cent, water were applied as foliar spray at third and fifth month after planting and control (untreated). Observations were recorded on growth, yield and quality. Plant height was higher in panchagavya treated plants whereas other growth parameters like number of tillers per plant and number of leaves per plant were higher in CCC treated plants. Yield characters viz., number of primary and secondary rhizomes per plant, length and girth of primary and secondary rhizomes, fresh and dry weight of rhizomes, yield per plot and yield per hectare were recorded highest in CCC 500 ppm foliar sprayed plants. For obtaining highest yield with good quality of ginger rhizomes, foliar application of CCC at 500 ppm could be recommended to the growers.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth, Rhizome Yield and Quality Attributes of Turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa</i> L.)

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of different organic manures on turmeric with reference to vegetative growth, biomass production, rhizome yield and its attributes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Turmeric showed better response to the application of organic manures. Plant with neem cake application had the taller plant (79.30 cm), maximum number of tillers per plant (5.40), leaf number (5.40), leaf area (44.09) leaf area index (0.429), fresh weight of halum ( 190.05g), fresh weight of root (49.13 g), fresh weight of rhizome per plant (256.21 g) and dry weight of halum (15.21g), dry weight of root (7.32 g), dry weight of rhizome per plant (40.35 g), total dry matter yield (6.85 t ha-1) than those received other types of manures. Moreover, yield attributes such as number of mother rhizomes per plant-1 (1.75), more number of primary rhizomes per plant-1 (5.19), secondary rhizomes per plant-1 (18.03) and tertiary rhizomes per plant (7.69) were also highly accelerated by neem cake application. Similarly, the same treatment expressed the best in terms of size of mother rhizome (7.69 cm), primary rhizome (21.86 cm) and secondary rhizomes (7.05 cm).All these parameters in cumulative contributed to produce the highest estimated fresh rhizomes yield & cured rhizomes yield (29.48 t ha-1, 5.59 t ha-1 respectively). The highest curing percentage (20.28) was observed in T3 treatment having mustard cake@ 2.0 t/ha. Thus, organic manure like neem cake was best fitted natural fertilizer for turmeric cultivation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11060The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 16-22

EFFECT OF SPRAYING WITH PACLOBUTRAZOL AND MICRONUTRIENT ON GROWTH OF Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott

This experiment was conducted in a private nursery in Mosul city, Nenava Governorate, with aim to improve growth characters of N. exaltata (L.) Schott by spraying the plants with Paclobutrazol at concentration 0.0 (control), 5.0 and 10.0mg.l-1 and Micronutrient at three concentration of Micronate 15 fertilizer 0.0, 0.25 and 0.50 gm.l-1 and the interactions. The results can be summarized as follows: Spraying plants by PZ at 10 mg.l-1 caused a significant increase in frond number 31.06 leaves, frond length 32.33 cm, leaves area 1474.2 cm2, leaves dry weight 4.01 g., roots and rhizomes dry weight 4.55 g. compared with control. On the other hand, the treatment above caused significantly decrease of leaflets number, chlorophyll content and concentration of Fe, Zn, Mn, in leaves tissues. Spraying plants with Micronate fertilizer at concentration 0.50 gm.l-1 caused a significant increase of fronds number, frond length, leaves area, dry weight of vegetative growth, root and rhizome dry weight, in addition of chlorophyll content, but these treatment caused a significant decrease in concentrations of Fe, Mn and Zn. In general, to obtain lest values of growth characters the plants must sprayed with 10 mg.l-1 PZ and 0.50 g. l-1 of Micronate fertilizer.

Eco-Friendly Methods Of Spear grass (<i>Imperata cylindrica</i> L.) Control in the Derived Savanna Zone Of Nigeria.

Spear grass (Imperata cylindrica, L.) is one of the most serious weed problems facing farmers in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. The study was designed to evaluate various control methods that would effectively control this noxious weed and increase crop yield in an environmentally sustainable way. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design and these included: Glyphosate only applied at 1.8kg per hectare eight weeks after planting cassava; Glyphosate applied at 1.0kg per hectare eight weeks after planting cassava followed by the planting of Mucuna pruriens; Hand weeding followed by the planting of Mucuna pruriens eight weeks after planting cassava; and Three hand weedings at four, eight and twelve weeks after planting cassava. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the data. Glyphosate effectively eliminated Imperata shoot both at 1.8kg and 1.0kg active ingredient per hectare but not all the rhizomes were killed. Imperata rhizome dry weight were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in glyphosate plus M. pruriens cover crop (0.5kg/ha) seconded by hand weeding plus M. pruriens cover crop (4.0kg/ha) as against 8.6kg/ha and 25.7kg/kg obtained in glyphosate alone and hand weeding alone, respectively. Cassava tubers and stem yields were significantly (P < 0.05) high in glyphosate applied at 1.0kg/ha plus M. pruriens cover crop (34.9kg/ha and 76.8 bundles/ha respectively). The next significantly (P < 0.05) high yield of cassava tubers and stems (29.5kg/ha and 65.4 bundles/ha respectively) were obtained in glyphosate alone treatment. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between Hand weeding plus M. pruriens cover crop and Hand weeding alone in terms of cassava tuber and stem yields. Glyphosate (1.0kg/ha) plus M. pruriens cover crop was recommended as the best method of speargrass (Imperata cylindrica , L.) control Keywords: Ecofriendly, Speargrass control, Cassava, Derived Savanna zone, Nigeria. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (1) 2008: pp. 64-69

The Impact of Altitude and Simulated Herbivory on the Growth and Carbohydrate Storage of Petasites albus

We tested the hypothesis that higher respiratory losses caused by higher temperatures in the lowlands, compared to montane sites, prevent growth of the montane hemicryptophyte Petasites albus (Asteraceae). In addition, we tested whether increased levels of herbivory enhanced carbon losses at lower elevations. Rhizomes of Petasites albus were transplanted to a montane and a lowland site. In the subsequent three growing seasons the plants were artificially defoliated to simulate mollusc herbivory. Whereas there were no altitudinal differences in the leaf number per plant, the leaf area was higher at the montane site. At the montane site, the leaf number and leaf area decreased with increasing damage, and the rhizome dry weight in the third year was much higher in the undamaged plants. In contrast, fructan concentrations in the rhizomes that were harvested at the end and at the beginning of the growing seasons were generally higher at the lowland site. No clear defoliation effects were observed on most harvest dates. The results indicate that the lower altitudinal limit of Petasites albus cannot be explained by the negative effects of higher temperatures or more leaf damage by herbivores in the lowlands, either alone or in combination. An explanation will require consideration of other site factors such as competition and possibly interactions with herbivory and carbohydrate storage.

ハナショウブの生育に伴う体内炭水化物ならびに窒素の季節変化

Seasonal changes in dry weight, carbohydrate and total nitrogen content in the various organs of Japanese iris ‘Chihayajo’ were investigated. Leaf growth measured as dry weight peaked in early October, thereafter it decreased to near zero in November. Rhizome dry weight reached its maximum in mid November when the leaf dry weight began to decrease. The spring leaf growth started in March, whereas the increase in root dry weight was not detected until early May. Total sugar and starch content in a plant which distributed mainly in the leaves and roots increased up to early October. Total sugar and starch in the roots decreased rapidly during the sprouting period. A rapid increase in total sugar and starch content was observed in the scape due to its growth, while no major changes were detected in other organs. Total nitrogen content in each organ increased from August to early October, thereafter itt continued in the rhizome until November with leaf senescence. The nitrogen content in the rhizome decreased with the onset of spring growth of leaf and scape. From these results it appears that in Japanese iris the carbohydrate reserves in the roots and the nitrogen compounds stored in the rhizome and roots are utilized for growth resumption.

Biomass Partitioning and Yield of Three Asparagus Hybrids

This study was conducted to learn when an asparagus plant partitions its biomass into leaves, stems, buds, and rhizomes, and roots and to determine when after harvest the crown of the plant is rejuvenated to the point that harvest can begin again. The plants used in this study were generated by sowing seed on Jan. 1995, transplanting seedlings into 1.8-L containers (5 sand: 4 soil: 1 peat) in Mar. 1995 and on Mar. 1996, placing the crowns into 9.5-L containers. During Fall 1996, the number of shoots per plant were recorded and this data was used to group plants into six classes. The study was started on 8 Apr. 1997 by first removing six plants/cultivar (one from each class) and biomass partitioning each crown into buds and rhizomes, and roots. The remaining plants were harvested eight times and after the final harvest on 20 Apr. another set of plants (six/cultivar) were partitioned. Starting on 3 June, a set of plants were partitioned every 2 weeks until 21 Oct., when growth stopped in the fall. Atlas and UC157 F1 produced the most spears and had the highest yield and they also had the highest total dry weight, leaf dry weight, and stem dry weight. There were no cultivar differences in rhizome and root dry weight. However, `Jersey Giant' and `Atlas' had the highest rhizome and root weight ratio. The highest bud dry weights occurred on 20 May, 23 Sept., 26 Aug., and 21 Oct. and the highest rhizome and root dry weights were on 21 Oct., 12 Aug., 26 Aug., and 23 Sept. The bud dry weight recorded on 12 Aug. was equal to the bud dry weight recorded on 8 Apr. Also on 12 Aug., leaf dry weight and rhizome and root dry weight were higher than almost all the other dates. In addition, above-ground shoot counts and bud dry weights were higher on 26 Aug. than on 12 Aug. All this data indicates that in this study sometime after 12 Aug. and before 26 Aug., the asparagus crown was completely rejuvenated and ready for another cycle of harvesting.

Effect of Rhizome Depth in Soil on Emergence and Growth of Field Mint (Mentha arvensis)

Field mint is widespread on Prince Edward Island and has become a problem in the production of cereal grains, potatoes, and other crops. Studies were conducted to determine if deep burial of the rhizome could be used as a control method. Rhizome pieces measuring 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 cm in length were hand-buried in soil at depths of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 cm in the spring. As planting depth increased, shoot emergence was delayed and fewer shoots emerged throughout the season. The smallest rhizome of 2.5 cm produced the fewest shoots during the season, but larger rhizomes (5.0 or 10.0 cm long) produced greater amounts of shoot and rhizome dry weights than smaller rhizomes. Deep burial of field mint to 20.0 cm by inversion plowing could be used as a means of field mint control, especially in early planted competitive crops that close canopy quickly.