Sowing Season Research Articles

Spring Sunflower PSFH-118 at Ludhiana (PB) and HSFH-848 Hybrid at Hisar (HR) for Oil Quality and Seed Yield in India

The Field trials on sunlower crop were conducted in different in states of India during the year from 2006 to2008. The RSFPD, Government of India, DADF provided all inputs to conduct the tirals in the area under their juridiction to evaluate the suitable varieties vs hybrids of sunflower, their sowing season, irrigations vs rainfed conditions of cultivation including other agronomic package of practices. Government of India has strong feed and fodder development organization. There are several centrally sponsored schems like establishment of fodder banks, development of forage crops through biotechnology research, minikits distribution in the country. Central government distributed latest variety seeds in the country to a tune of cost of Rs 7.00 crores through eight RSFPDs. The sunflower is a multi-purose crop and may be good source of animal feeds as a un-conventional feed resource. Sunflower can be grown with forage crops also. RSFPDs organized sunflower trials in different states to evaluate sunflower production in northern and southern parts of India. The varieties and hybrids released by AICRP (Sunflower) for different regions were selected for field trials. India has tropical and subtropical climate from south to north, respectively. Tamilnadu and Maharastra face the tropical while, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh experience a sub-tropical type of climate having February and March as spring season in Northen India. All India released hybrid PSFH-118 and HSFH-848 were grown at Ludhiana in Punjab and Hisar in Hariyana. Vaiety HSFH-848 performed better with seed yield (1702.1 and 1734.1 kg/ha) over the seed yield of HSFH-118. Data shows that oil content (37.7, 38.3%) was higher in the seeds of cultivar PSFH-118. Maximum plant height (164.6, 167.9 cm) recorded in HSFH-848 and head diameter (16.2-17.1 cm) was at par in both the varieties of hybrid sunflower.

Effect of bean genotypes, insecticides, and natural products on the control of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Effect of bean genotypes, insecticides, and natural products on the control of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). The influence of bean genotypes associated with neem oil as insecticide was evaluated to control B. tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B and C. phaseoli (Hood) during the wet season sowing. The experimental design used was the randomized block arrangement in a 4x4x3 factorial scheme, represented by genotypes, neem oil and insecticides respectively, with three replications. The genotypes Carioca, IAC Harmonia, IAC Centauro and Pérola were used. The evaluations were done at 14 and 42 days after seedling emergence, by counting B. tabaci biotype B eggs and nymphs and C. phaseoli nymphs in the genotypes leaf. Conclusion: The B. tabaci biotype B eggs and nymphs number were smaller in IAC Centauro and higher in IAC Harmonia. The tested genotypes were similarly infested by C. phaseoli. IAC Centauro and IAC Harmonia genotypes associated with neem oil (highlighting the full dose – 1%) provided lower number of whitefly eggs and thrips nymphs. Neem oil at the full dose also reduced whitefly nymph number. In the tested genotypes the insecticide provided reduction in the number of whitefly eggs and nymphs as well in the thrips nymphs, with increase in the recommend dose.

Determinação da massa seca, teor de nutrientes e cobertura do solo de espécies semeadas no outono-inverno

Culture options for the autumn-winter season are a major problem for production systems under low rainfall. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the sowing season on dry matter yield, nutrient content of the shoot and soil covering percentage of coverage plants on the soil on the intercrop: grain sorghum, rattlepods, pearl millet brachiaria grass and an area with weeds (fallow). The experiment was conducted under field conditionson an Oxisol (Haplustox), clay texture, in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with eight replications, two sowing seasons and five coverage treatments. When the sorghum culture of the first sowing season reached the harvest stage, the dry matter yield on the other treatments was evaluated. Results showed that sowing in March results in higher dry mass yield and higher soil coveragepercentage in the studied species. In the first sowing season, Brachiaria brizantha presents higher dry matter yield and macronutrients extraction.

Modelling rotations: can crop sequences explain arable weed seedbank abundance?

Bohan DA, Powers SJ, Champion G, Haughton AJ, Hawes C, Squire G, Cussans J & Mertens SK (2011). Modelling rotations: can crop sequences explain arable weed seedbank abundance? Weed Research51, 422–432.SummaryWe investigated the effects of crop sequences on monocotyledon, dicotyledon and total weed seedbank abundance. Using seedbank data sampled from the conventionally cropped part of the GB farm‐scale evaluations of genetically modified, herbicide‐tolerant (GMHT) crops, we asked whether it is possible to identify crop sequence effects, to identify their duration and to simplify crop sequences into crop management classes with similar effects on weed seedbanks. This work showed that it is possible to detect historical effects of past crops, sown in sequence, on weed seedbanks for up to 3 years and that crop sequences may be simplified to crop management classes describing the season of sowing, crop type and weed target for herbicide application. Model estimates for the seedbanks were validated against an independent, follow‐up seedbank data set. The analysis provided abundance estimates that ranged over 3 and 1.7 orders of magnitude for the monocotyledon and dicotyledon weed seedbanks for different crop sequences. This work yields a methodology for estimating seedbank abundance in current crop sequences, potentially allowing sequences to be identified that better reconcile the competing needs for weed control to maintain crop productivity and the demand for increased farmland biodiversity.

Recruitment limitation in dry sclerophyll forests: Regeneration requirements and potential density-dependent effects in Eucalyptus tricarpa (L.A.S. Johnson) L.A.S. Johnson & K.D. Hill (Myrtaceae)

Recruitment limitation in canopy trees is receiving increasing attention as restoration of tree cover for connectivity, biodiversity offsets, carbon-trading and improved catchment health becomes more prominent. Recruitment limitation is often addressed by examining seed traits and germination requirements. Distance between trees is also often explored as a factor, particularly in agricultural landscapes where forest structure has been altered, with large distances between fragments generating Allee effects linked to pollen limitation. Fewer studies have examined how short distances between trees (high stem densities), which can characterize regenerated forests, might affect recruitment. This study examined recruitment limitation by exploring germination requirements of Eucalyptus tricarpa (red ironbark) and the effects of stem density on seed characters and germination. Eucalyptus tricarpa is a canopy species in the box-ironbark forests of central Victoria, Australia. During the early European settlement phase in the 1800s these forests were heavily impacted by human disturbances including mining, logging and livestock grazing. In many regenerated stands, now more than 100 years old, current stem density exceeds those documented in 19th century reports and there is little regeneration of key canopy species such as E. tricarpa. In laboratory trials seed germinated at 18°C in darkness, and while viability varied among populations, overall it remained high (91–96%) and did not differ among populations with different stem densities. An in situ germination trial addressing sowing season, ground-cover, soil-ripping, canopy-cover and stem density recorded no germination. High stem density in coppicing box-ironbark forest was hypothesized to limit resources for reproduction; however, no relationship was found between nearest neighbour distance, allocation to selected reproductive structures or seed viability. The relative insensitivity of reproductive allocation to intraspecific competition (high stem density) may be interpreted as a trait linked to unpredictable environments and consistent with long-lived species. In terms of management, recruitment limitation in E. tricarpa appears not primarily attributable to seed viability, tested seedbed treatments or stem density so further factors, including fire, now require exploration.

Desempenho do Milho Safrinha e da Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. Comum em Consórcio

The present work aimed to evaluate the performance of second-crop maize intercropped with Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. Common cultivated on different sowing seasons, as well as its response to mineral fertilization in a no-tillage system. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, in a split plot scheme, with four replicates. The plots consisted of the Brachiaria ruziziensis fertilization (with and without fertilization of 270 kg ha-1 of the 08-20-20 formula). The subplots consisted of three sowing seasons of Brachiaria ruziziensis (0, 15 and 30 days after the maize sowing). Second-crop maize yield components were evaluated (ear size, base diameter, center and top ear, number of grain rows per ear, mass of a thousand grains and productivity) and dry mass production of Brachiaria ruziziensis in three evaluations (0, 15 and 30 days after maize sowing). The results obtained in the present work evidence the technical viability of the intercrop, if both species are implanted simultaneously, since the intercropped system would permit the maize grain production, without B. ruziziensis establishment impairment. Dry mass production of Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. comum shows different responses regardingsowing seasons and the use of chemical fertilization, whereby the simultaneous sowing of the two species had the biggest productions of dry mass.

Desenvolvimento, crescimento e produtividade de mandioca em diferentes datas de plantio em região subtropical

A mandioca é uma cultura de grande importância econômica e social, cultivada em todo o país, mas em regiões subtropicais precisa ser melhor estudada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar alguns parâmetros de desenvolvimento, crescimento e os componentes da produtividade de ramas e de raízes tuberosas de uma variedade de mandioca em várias datas de plantio, em local de clima subtropical. O experimento de campo foi conduzido no ano agrícola de 2006/2007, em Santa Maria, RS, com a variedade de mandioca FEPAGRO RS 13. Os tratamentos foram em quatro datas de plantio (26/09/2006, 18/10/2006, 08/11/2006 e 28/11/2006) na densidade de 16.000 plantas ha-1 e no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com amostragem de seis plantas na parcela. Foram coletadas variáveis de desenvolvimento (datas de estágios de desenvolvimento), crescimento (comprimento e diâmetro de ramos, área foliar e altura de plantas) e componentes da produtividade de caule (rama) e de raízes tuberosas. Plantios mais cedo aumentam a taxa de desenvolvimento até o início da acumulação de amido nas raízes e até o aparecimento da primeira ramificação simpodial. O crescimento dos ramos decresceu com o atraso na data de plantio. Em cada ramificação de primeira e segunda ordem, os ramos tiveram crescimento diferente. A produtividade de raízes tuberosas não foi afetada pela data de plantio.

총체맥류 주요품종의 봄 파종에 따른 생육, 수량 및 사료가치 비교

본 시험은 청보리, 밀, 호밀, 트리티케일, 귀리 등 총체맥류 주요 품종에 대하여 봄 파종시 출수 여부, 생육, 수량 및 사료가치 등을 적기 파종과 비교하고자 2008/2009년에 충남농업기술원(예산) 밭 사료포에서 수행되었다. 시험초종 및 품종은 청보리(영양, 파성 I), 밀(금강, 파성 II), 호밀(곡우, 파성 III 추정), 트리티케일(신영, 파성 III 추정), 귀리(삼한, 파성 II 추정)이었고, 파종기는 가을 적기파종(10월 18일)과 봄 파종(2월 23일, 3월 10일)을 두었다. 출수기는 봄 파종시 가을 적기 파종에 비하여 청보리, 밀, 호밀, 트리티케일 등은 약 16~20 일, 귀리는 약 9일 늦었다. 봄 파종시 수확시기는 영양 보리(황숙기) 6월 8일, 곡우 호밀(출수 후 10일) 5월 25일, 금강 밀(황숙기), 신영 트리티케일(유숙기) 및 삼한 귀리(유숙기)는 6월 17일경 이었다. 봄 파종은 가을 파종에 비하여 출현기부터 출수기까지의 적산온도의 감소가 컸고, 파종기~출현기, 출수기부터 성숙기까지의 적산온도는 큰 차이가 없었다. 전체 경수에서 출수된 이삭수의 비율은 영양 보리, 금강 밀, 신영 트리티케일, 삼한 귀리 등은 62.0~73.1% 로서 정상적으로 출수되었고, 곡우호밀은 56.0%로서 출수되지 않는 분얼이 많았다. 봄 파종시 건물수량은 삼한 귀리> 신영 트리티 케일> 영양 보리> 금강 밀> 곡우 호밀 순으로 많았고, 가을파종에 비하여 영양 보리 71.7%, 금강 밀 60.6%, 곡우 호밀 46.2%, 신영 트리티케일 70.2%, 삼한 귀리 110.9% 수준이었다. 총체맥류를 봄에 파종하면 가을 파종에 비하여 ADF 함량, NDF 함량 및 조단백질 함량이 증가하는 것으로 나타났고, 가소화건물함량과 상대사료가치는 낮아졌다. 봄 파종시 평균 가소화 건물수량은 삼한 귀리> 신영 트리티케일> 영양 보리> 금강 밀> 곡우 호밀 순으로 높았고, 가을에 파종한 것에 비하여 영양 보리, 금강 밀, 곡우 호밀, 신영 트리티케일은 모두 감수되었고, 삼한 귀리는 증수되었다. 따라서 예취시기 등을 고려하지 않는다면 봄 파종은 귀리가 가장 알맞은 것으로 나타났고, 다음은 신영 트리티케일, 영양 보리 순이었으며, 곡우 호밀은 부적합한 것으로 판단되었다. 또한 총체 맥류의 봄 파종 및 재배는 파성을 소거할 필요가 있으므로 2월 말(경칩 전) 얼음이 풀리는 대로 가능하면 빨리 파종하여 낮은 지온으로 종자 상태에서 춘화처리가 되도록 할 필요가 있었다. Few spring sowing have been conducted on winter cereal crops for whole-crop silage use. Experiments were conducted during 2007 and 2008 at the Chungnam Agricultural Research & Extension Services. The objectives of this study were compared the spring sowing with the optimum season's sowing on growth, yield and feed quality in five winter cereal crops. The treatments consisted of 5 winter cereal crops, Youngyang (Barley, Spring habit I), Keumkang (Wheat, Spring habit II), Gogu(Rye, Spring habit estimated III), Shinyoung (Triticale, Spring habit estimated III), Samhan(Oat, Spring habit estimated II), and 3 planting dates, 18 October (optimum season's sowing), 23 February and 10 March in spring. Heading days as affected by spring sowing compared to optimum season sowing were delayed by 16~20 days in barley, wheat, rye and triticale, and 9 days in oat. The clipping dates at the optimal harvesting stage of each crop for round-baled silage in spring sowing was 8 June (yellow ripe stage) in barley, 25 May (10 days after heading) in rye, and 17 June in wheat (yellow ripe stage), triticale (milky stage) and oat (milky stage). The accumulative temperature from emergence to heading was significantly decreased as affected by spring sowing compared to optimum season's sowing, but that of sowing to emergence and that of heading to maturing was similar. The rate of spikes per tillering surveyed at each clipping date was 62.0-73.1 percent in barley, wheat, triticale and oat, and 56.0 percent in rye compared to that of optimum season sowing. The dry matter yield in spring sowing compared to 18 October was obtained about 71.7 percent in barley, 60.6 percent in wheat, 46.2 percent in rye, 70.2 percent in triticale and 110.9 percent in oat. It were increased in acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein content, but decreased in digestible dry matter content(DDM) and relative feed value (RFV). The yield of DDM by spring sowing was decreased in barley, wheat, rye and triticale, but increased in oat. The yield of dry matter and DDM were higher in oat and triticale than that of barley, wheat and oat. So, regardless to clipping dates and cropping system, the appropriated crop for spring sowing was oat, and subsequently triticale and barley. It was not adopted for spring sowing in rye because of low rate of no. of spikes per tillers and yield. It was necessary eliminated winter growing nature by earlier sowing at the late of February after overwinter.

Effect of Sowing Season, Plant Cover, and Climatic Variability on Seedling Emergence and Survival in Burned Austrocedrus chilensis Forests

Fire is the most important disturbance factor in Cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis) forests in Patagonia, Argentina. This ecosystem recovers poorly after fire, and direct sowing could be a potentially useful restoration practice. To evaluate the effect of season of sowing, post‐fire plant cover (PC), and climatic variability on seedling emergence and survival, three direct sowing studies were established in two burned cypress stands: Trevelin (xeric conditions) and El Bolsón (mesic conditions). Two studies were conducted in winter (2000 and 2001) and one in spring (2001). Precipitation was higher than the mean during the 2000–2001 growing season and lower during 2001–2002. At both sites, emergence and survival were much higher for winter‐ than for spring‐sown seedlings. In the xeric stand, emergence and survival of winter‐sown seedlings increased with medium and high PC values, after the humid and dry summers, respectively. However, most spring‐sown seedlings did not emerge, and those that did were short‐lived. Because of the more favorable growing conditions in the mesic stand, PC had no effect on emergence and only favored first year survival of winter‐sown seedlings after the dry summer. Spring‐sown seedlings showed no association with PC in the mesic site, probably because the first summer was exceptionally humid. We speculate that shading plants exert a positive effect on cypress seedling establishment, likely by reducing the stress from high temperatures and low water availability. Sowing of small patches under the protection of understory vegetation could be useful in restoring burned cypress stands.

Sunflower Seed and Oil Yield Performance of Different Varieties Under Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions at Pantnagar (Uttranchal) in India

The Field trials on sunlower crop were conducted in different in states of India during the year from 2006 to 2008.The RSFPD, Government of India, DADF provided all inputs to conduct the tirals in the area under their juridiction to evaluate the suitable varieties of sunlower, their sowing season, irrigations vs rainfed conditions of cultivation including other agronomic package of practices. Government of India has strong feed and fodder development organization. There are several centrally sponsered schems like estabishment of fodder banks, development of forage crops through biotechnology research, minikits distribution in the country. Central government distributed latest variety seeds in the country through eight RSFPDs. The sunflower is a multi-purpose crop and may be good source of animal feeds as a un-conventional feed resource. Sunlower can be grown with forage crops also. RSFPDs organized sunflower trials in different states to evaluate sunflower production in northern and southern parts of India. The varieties and hybrids released by AICRP (Sunflower) for different regions were selected for field trials. India has tropical and subtropical climate from south to north, respectively. Tamilnadu and Maharastra face the tropical while, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh experience a sub-tropical type of climate having February and March as spring season in northen India. All India released varieties Morden, GAUSUF-15, TNAUSUF-7, DRSF-108 and DRSF-113 were grown at Pantnagar in Uttranchal. Vaiety TNAUSUF, DRSF-108 and DRSF-113 performed better with seed yield (1720.6/1860.8/1802.4 kg/ha) respectively in irrigated conditons in rabi season at pantnagar. Variety GAUSUF and TNAUSUF-7 produced higher seed yield (1210.9 and 1160.1 kg/ha) in rainfed situations in kharif at pantnagar. This yield was significantly higher as compare to irriated condition in rabi 2007-8. Data shows that oil content (40.3, 38.5%) was higher in the seeds of cultivar DRFS-108. Maximum plant hieght was recorded in variety DRSF 108 (161.9, 159.6 cm) and head diameter (16.2, 14.9 cm) was higher in the variety DRSF-108 and 16.1/15.9 in TNAUSUF-7.

Características agronômicas de cultivares de mamona em função do local de cultivo e da época de semeadura no Rio Grande do Sul

A mamona (Ricinus communis L.) é uma planta oleaginosa anual e, ocasionalmente, bienal em regiões tropicais, com ciclo médio de 150 dias para a maioria das cultivares anuais e de 120 a 130 dias para cultivares anuais precoces. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar características agronômicas de cultivares das mamonas 'Al Guarany 2002', 'IAC 80', 'IAC 226' e 'BRS 188 Paraguaçu'em função do ambiente de cultivo e da época de semeadura. As cultivares foram semeadas entre o primeiro e o quinto dia dos meses de novembro e dezembro, na Embrapa Clima Temperado, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Cada época teve 12 unidades experimentais em três blocos casualizados. A emergência, a altura de planta e de inserção do primeiro cacho, o período de florescimento e colheita e o ataque de pragas e doenças foram avaliados e analisados com o programa WinStat Versão 2.0. O comportamento entre as cultivares diferiu entre locais de cultivo e época de semeadura. A inserção do cacho foi mais alta, e as florações e colheitas foram mais tardias em plantas da segunda época de semeadura. Danos por pragas e doenças e os descritores morfológicos da planta de mamona apresentaram diferenças entre os locais de cultivo.

Interferência entre espécies de planta daninha e duas cultivares de feijoeiro em duas épocas de semeadura

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de feijão, mas a interferência das plantas daninhas pode causar reduções de produtividade entre 15% e 80%, devido a fatores como cultivar de feijoeiro e espécies de plantas daninhas presentes na área. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos de seis espécies de plantas daninhas sobre o crescimento e a produtividade de duas cultivares de feijoeiro, em duas safras. Observou-se que as plantas eudicotiledôneas causam maior interferência na cultura, principalmente Amaranthus viridis e Raphanus raphanistrum. Todas causam perdas na produção do feijoeiro, exceto Eleusine indica, a menos competitiva. A cultivar ´Rubi´ é mais produtiva e mais competitiva que a ´Carioca´, e a maior produtividade é atingida na safra da seca. A escolha da cultivar e da data correta para a semeadura podem ser estratégias de manejo no controle de invasoras.

Seed and Oil Yield Productivity of Sunflower (Helienthus annus L.) Hybrid Varieties in Different States of India

The Field trials on sunlower crop were conducted in different in states of India during the year from 2005-6 to 2006-7. The Regional Station Fof Fodder Production Demonstration,Government of India, Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying Fishries provided all inputs to conduct the tirals in the area under their juridiction to evaluate the suitable hybrids varieties of sunlower crop, their optimum sowing season,numbers of irrigations vs rainfed conditions of cultivation including other agronomic package of practices. Government of India has strong feed and fodder development organization. There are several centrally sponsered schems like estabishment of fodder banks, development of forage crops through biotechnology research, minikits distribution in the country. Central government distributed latest variety seeds in the country to a tune of cost of Rs 7.00 crores through eight Regional Station for Fodder Production and Demonstrations. The sunflower is a multi purose crop and may be good source of animal feeds as an un-conventional feed resource. Sunflower can be grown with forage crops also. RSFPDs organised sunflower trials in different states to evaluate sunflower production in northern and southern parts of India. The varieties and hybrids released by AICRP (Sunflower) for different regions were selected for field trials. India has tropical and subtropical climate from south to north, respectively. Tamilnadu and Maharastra face the tropical while, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh experience a sub-tropical type of climate having February and March as spring season in northen India. All India released hybrid varieties PSFH-118 and HSFH-848 were grown at Ludhiana, Punjab and Hisar in Hariyana under irrigated conditions. Hybrid vaiety HSFH-848 performed better with seed yield (1712.3 kg/ha) than PSFH-118 1635.5 kg/ha. Data shows that oil content (38.6%) was higher in the seeds of cultivar HSFH-848. Maximum plant hieght (165.4 cm) and head diameter (16.2 cm) were found higher in the variety HSFH-848 at Hisar. Hybrids namely TCSH-1, LSFH-35, RSFH-1 (Tunga), NDSH-1 were grown at Alamadi (TN), Gunegal (A.P.), Akola (M.H.), Hesarghatta (KA) on government farms under irriagated conditions during 2005-6-2006-7. Sunflower hybrid produced maximum oil content/yield was recorded 40.8% NDSH-1 in southern India. Sunflower hybrids RSFH-1 and LSFH-35 has higher productivity under irrigated conditions in tropical climate.

Evaluation of Sunflower Promising Varieties and Hybrids Released for Cultivation in Different States of India

The Field trials on sunlower crop were conducted in different in states of India during the year from 2005 to2008.The RSFPD ,Government of India, DADF provided all inputs to conduct the tirals in the area under their juridiction to evaluate the suitable varieties vs hybrids of sunlower, their sowing season, irrigations vs rainfed conditions of cultivation including other other agronomic package of practices.Government of India has strong feed and fodder development organization.Their are several centrally sponsered schems like estabishment of fodder banks, development of forage crops through biotechnology research, minikits distribution in the country. Central government distributed latest variety seeds in the country to a tune of cost of Rs 7.00 crores through eight RSFPDs. The sunflower is a multi purose crop and may be good source of animal feeds as a un-conventional feed resource. Sunlower can be grown with forage crops also. RSFPDs organised sunflower trials in different states to evaluate sunflower production in northern and southern parts of India.The varieties and hybrids released by AICRP (Sunflower) for different regions were selected for field trials. India has tropical and subtropical climate from south to north , respectively.Tamilnadu and Maharastra face the tropical while, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh experience a sub-tropical type of climate having February and March as spring season in northen India.All India released varieties Morden,GAUSUF-15,TNAUSUF-7, DRSF-108 and DRSF-113 were grown at Pantnagar in Uttranchal. Vaiety performed better with seed yield (1780.5/1860.8 kg/ha). Data shows that oil content (40.6, 40.3%) was higher in the seeds of cultivar TNAUSUF-7. Maximum plant hieght (165.6, 161.9 cm) and head diameter (16.2 cm) was higher in the variety DRSF-108.

Development of SSR-based sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) diversity research set of germplasm and its evaluation by morphological traits

Assessment and utilization of diversity in plant genetic resources is vital for the improvement of plant species. A sorghum diversity research set (SDRS) was developed by using SSR markers. A total of 320 sorghum accessions were selected based on geographic distribution from more than 3,500 germplasm accessions comprising Asia (East, Southeast, South and Southwest Asia) and Africa, conserved at NIAS Genebank, Japan. We selected 38 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers which generated 146 alleles, covering ten chromosomes of sorghum from a three different published SSR linkage map of sorghum. The average percentage of polymorphic loci (P) and gene diversity (He) observed in this study were 82.8 and 0.217 respectively. Analysis showed a positive correlation with geographic pattern of differentiation. Based on SSR assessment, 107 sorghum accessions were selected as diversity research set. There was no significant difference in pattern of genetic spectrum between SDRS and base population. Similarly no greater change was observed for variability parameters (Dice, %P, He) and almost all of the SSR alleles were retained in selected sorghum accessions except for the loss of a single allele at locus Xtxp287. SDRS was sown during sorghum sowing season in two replications. Data were recorded on 26 important morphological traits according to the standard sorghum descriptors at Genebank. Analysis of variance showed a highly significant difference among all accessions for all of the traits. Morpho-agronomic traits could not effectively classify the accessions according to geographic origin by using cluster analysis.

Functional approaches for assessing plant and invertebrate abundance patterns in arable systems

A functional group approach was developed for plant and invertebrate assemblages from UK arable fields to assess the variation in functional composition of these highly disturbed, managed systems. Data were taken from the Farm-Scale Evaluations (FSE) of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops where the impact of management of the GMHT crop has been assessed for winter and spring sown oilseed rape, beet and maize. Twenty plant and 36 invertebrate functional groups were defined according to trophic behaviour and traits that affect resource capture, quality and availability. The functional composition of the plant community was significantly affected by season of sowing, the type of crop sown and, to a lesser extent, herbicide management. The invertebrate community composition was also affected by crop type and sowing season, but not by management. Resource and consumer groups were positively related, and data provide strong evidence for top-down control of herbivore populations. Two main interaction groups were identified within the arable food web: one between omnivores, generalist predators and detritivores, which are positively associated with monocots, and one between omnivores, parasitoids, sap feeders and leaf chewers, which have a stronger association with dicots. Although management has an impact on within-field arable biodiversity, crop type and sowing season have an overriding effect on the functional composition of plant and invertebrate assemblages in arable systems. Für Pflanzen- und Invertebratengesellschaften auf Kulturflächen in Großbritannien wurde ein Ansatz über funktionelle Gruppen entwickelt, um die Variation in der funktionalen Zusammensetzung dieser hochgradig gestörten, bewirtschafteten Systeme zu bestimmen. Die Daten stammen aus der “Farm-Scale-Evaluation” von genetisch modifizierten herbizidtoleranten Feldfrüchten (GMHT), bei der der Einfluss der Bewirtschaftung der GHMT-Feldfrüchte für Winter- und Sommerraps, Rüben und Mais abgeschätzt wurde. Es wurden 20 funktionelle Gruppen von Pflanzen und 36 von Invertebraten unter Berücksichtigung der trophischen Stellung und Eigenschaften definiert, welche die Ressourcennutzung, Qualität und Verfügbarkeit beeinflussen. Die funktionelle Zusammensetzung der Pflanzengemeinschaften wurde signifikant durch die Aussaatsaison, durch den ausgesäten Nutzpflanzentyp und in geringerem Maße durch das Herbizidmanagement beeinflusst. Die Zusammensetzung der Invertebratengemeinschaften wurde ebenfalls durch den Nutzpflanzentyp und die Aussaatsaison beeinflusst, aber nicht durch das Management. Die Ressourcen- und Konsumentengruppen standen in einer positiven Beziehung zueinander und die Daten liefern starke Hinweise auf eine top-down Kontrolle der Herbivorenpopulationen. Es wurden zwei wesentliche Interaktionsgruppen innerhalb des Kulturnahrungsnetzes gefunden: Eine zwischen den Omnivoren, unspezialisierten Prädatoren und Detritivoren, die positiv mit Monokotylen assoziiert sind, und eine zwischen Omnivoren, Parasitoiden, Saftsaugern und Blattfressern, die eine stärkere Assoziation mit Dikotylen zeigen. Obwohl die Bewirtschaftung einen Einfluss auf die Biodiversität innerhalb der Kulturfelder hat, zeigen Kulturpflanzentyp und Aussaatsaison eine überwältigenden Einfluss auf die funktionale Zusammensetzung der Pflanzen- und Invertebratengemeinschaften in Kultursystemen.

Comparison of Yield, its Components, and Other Agronomic Traits Of Different Exotic Whert Cultvars

Aiming to evaluate the CIMMYT durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) cultivars, yield trials for 49 entries (International nursery 29IDYT) IN comparison with the local Gerardo cultivar were conducted at al-Latifyia Experimental Station during 1997/1998-1999/ 2000. Alpha lattice design with tow replictions for the 1st season and a randomized complete block design with three replications for the 2nd and 3rd seasons were used. Pooled analysis for the three seasons was practiced. Results revealed that days to heading, plant height, weight of 1000 kernel, and grain yield were affected significantly by the different cultivars under investigtion. No significant effect for the different sowing seasons yield only, whereas, the cultivars x sowing seasons interactions showed significant effects for almost all traits under investigation. In general, days to heading, plant height, and weight of 1000 kernel were ranged between 105-113.7 days, 84.4-101.0 cm., and 37.6-48.1 g, respectively. These results reflect the expanded variation in grain yield among cultivars. All entries out yielded 3446 to 5067 kg/ha. Twenty-one. 12, and 18 CIMMYT introduved durum wheat cultivars were exceeded in early heading, short plant height, and high grain weight over the local cultivar, respetively. The CIMMYT entries 2 and 28 (Yavaros 79 CM9799-126M-1M-5Y-0M and MINIMUS/COMB DUCK 2//CHAM 3 D98225-A-3Y-04M=040YRC-6M-0Y), respectively of the mentioned nursery gave the highest grain yield. Which was over than 5 t/ha with an increase of 25% over the local cultivar.

Germination and seedling growth of Quercus vulcanica: effects of stratification, desiccation, radicle pruning, and season of sowing

Effects of stratification, desiccation, radicle pruning, and season of sowing on Quercus vulcanica germination and growth were studied to identify optimum nursery procedures for artificial regeneration of this species. Following stratification (0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks), acorns were germinated, and acorn moisture content and germination performance were also determined at various times during desiccation. In early December unsprouted acorns were planted in containers, and in early April sprouted acorns, which had been stored in polyethylene bags at 4 °C, with radicles left intact or with radicles pruned back to 1.0 cm were planted in containers.

The Kuhls of Kangra: Community Managed Irrigation in the Western Himalaya

Review: The Kuhls of Kangra: Community Managed Irrigation in the Western Himalaya By J.M. Baker Reviewed by Sugato Dutt East West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA J.M. Baker. The Kuhls of Kangra: Community Managed Irrigation in the Western Himalaya. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2005. 272 pp ISBN: 0-295-98491-0. US$40.00. (cloth over boards). Mark Baker joins an illustrious group of scholars who study the management of successful common property resource institutions across the globe. Indigenously crafted and long enduring irrigation systems hold a strong fascination for such academicians who have by and large founded their work on collective action and rational choice theories. In a captivating account of the kuhl irrigation systems in the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh state, India, Baker chooses to depart from this trend. He seeks explanations for the resilience of these institutions to physical shock and socio-economic change in the larger historical, economic and more significantly, socio- cultural context within which these institutions function. Paying careful attention to the region’s unique physical terrain as a flood plain river valley, “unusually large for a mountainous region” (p 200) and dependent on Himalayan snow-melt during the crucial pre-monsoon sowing season, Baker proceeds to integrate these observations with the evolution of local culture and its norms of trust and reciprocity. Cultural geographers will particularly appreciate his elucidation of “Kangriness” and how the agrarian economy’s heavy reliance on irrigation waters contributed to the resilience of the institution of kuhls through a network of informal and interdependent kuhl committees and the typically Kangri willingness to assist neighboring settlements in times of crisis. His interpretation of the historical document Riwaj – I - Abpashi amply demonstrates how such resilience was molded over time and is outstanding in its meticulous documentation of the cultural and magico-religious rituals, typical to the region and exemplifying the close relationship between water and livelihood. Development theorists and students of political science will also find his commentary on state-making efforts since pre-colonial times to be revealing. Baker unravels the historical compulsions that drove successive governments in Kangra towards the promotion, indeed consolidation, of the kuhl network. In an era that celebrates conscious decentralization of governance, he explains how successive regional governments actively supported the functioning and maintenance of these irrigation canals

Summer dormancy in Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; the influence of season of sowing and a simulated mid-summer storm on two contrasting cultivars

Due to the shortage of information on summer dormancy in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea, syn. Lolium arundinaceum), we tested the response of 2 cultivars of differing dormancy expression and growth stage to a range of summer moisture conditions, including full irrigation, drought, and a simulated mid-summer storm and analysed whether traits associated with summer dormancy conferred better survival under severe field drought. Autumn-sown reproductive and younger, spring-sown plants of 2 cultivars, claimed to exhibit contrasting summer dormancy, were established and then tested in summer 2002 under either long drought, drought + simulated mid-summer storm, or full irrigation. The autumn-sown reproductive plants of cv. Flecha exhibited traits that can be associated with partial summer dormancy since under summer irrigation they reduced aerial growth significantly and exhibited earlier herbage senescence. Moreover, cv. Flecha used 35% less soil water over the first summer. However, the water status of leaf bases of young vegetative tillers of both cultivars was similar under irrigation and also throughout most of the drought (leaf potential and water content maintained over –4 MPa and at approx. 1 g H2O/g DM, respectively). The summer-active cv. Demeter did not stop leaf elongation even in drought and produced twice as much biomass as Flecha under irrigation. Cultivar Demeter responded to the simulated storm with a decline in dehydrin expression in leaf bases, whereas no decline occurred in Flecha, presumably because it remained partially dormant. The younger, spring-sown swards of both cultivars had similar biomass production under summer irrigation but whereas Demeter regrew in response to the simulated storm, cv. Flecha did not, indicating that dormancy, although only partially expressed, was reinforced by summer drought. In all trials, cv. Flecha out-yielded Demeter in autumn regrowth. In particular, the severe drought in 2003 caused a 25% loss of the basal cover in cv. Demeter, whereas Flecha fully maintained its sward allowing it to produce a higher post-drought autumn yield. This work links summer dormancy with higher persistence over long, dry summers.