March Sowing Research Articles

Comparative Efficacy of Organic Mulching and Organic Neem Oil in the Control of spotted and striped cucumber beetles affecting the growth and yield of Cucumber in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

A research work was undertaken in the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm, Main Campus, Uyo, from March to May during the 2023 cropping season to assess the effect of Organic Mulching and Neem Oil in the Control of Cucumber Beetles (spotted “Diabrotica undecimpunctata” and striped “Acalymma vitatum”) affecting the growth and yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativum, Saira F1 variety). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The experimental plot consisted of three (3) replicates with 2 treatments: organic mulch, organic Neem oil application and control. An early maturing variety of cucumber “Saira F1” was used as planting material sown in March which lasted till May. Data on insect pest population count, growth and yield parameters were studied and the data obtained were analyzed and subjected to analysis of variance using Fisher`s Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. The results from insect population count parameters revealed that Neem oil at 100ml application rate which recorded 10.50 and 6.00 was significantly effective in managing spotted and striped cucumber beetles respectively compared to organic mulch (3kg) which recorded 47.00 and 14.00 for spotted and striped cucumber beetles and control unit which had 61.00 and 42.00 for spotted and striped cucumber beetles respectively. Neem oil at 100ml application rate was also more effective in improving the growth and yield of cucumber plant compared to organic mulch. Hence, Farmers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State should employ Neem oil in managing spotted and striped cucumber beetles in cucumber production as this is a promising botanical insecticide to check the activities of field cucumber beetles thereby bringing their destructive activities to a minimum and also improves yield.

Effect of date of sowing and level of phosphorus on growth and yield of summer mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Red and Lateritic soils of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of two sowing dates (16th March and 26th March) and five phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg P2 O5 / ha) in mungbean during pre-kharif (summer) season of 2022 at Instructional Farm of Seacom Skills University, Kendradangal, Birbhum, West Bengal, India. The research work revealed that growth parameters were significantly higher under 26th March sowing over 16th March. Among the P levels, higher dose of P improved growth parameters. In case of yield attributes maximum number of pods/plant (9.6), pod length (6.9 cm) and seeds/pod (10.3) were recorded in 26th March sown crop of mungbean. Maximum seed yield (705 kg/ ha) and stover yield (1609 kg/ha) also recorded in 26th March sowing. Different P dose showed significant variations for yield traits and maximum pods/plant (11.45), pod length (7.96 cm) and seeds/pod (11.23) recorded with 80 kg P2 O5 / ha. Highest seed yield (812 kg/ha) and stover yield (1710 kg/ha) were obtained with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha. The gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio was maximum when the crop sown on 26th March with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha. Hence, mungbean sown on 26th March 2022 along with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha application could be more effective in augmenting growth, yield and economics in the red and lateritic soils of West Bengal.

Evaluation of agronomic characters in corn genotypes (Zea mays L.) Safrinha in agricultural area of Amazon in the municipality of Conceição do Araguaia-PA

World agriculture faces the challenge of increasing food production, while expansion of the cultivated area is restricted. To meet this demand, it is necessary to increase the productivity of the crops, the work of genetic improvement being crucial. In this context, 20 commercial genotypes of safrinha corn were tested, in the no-till system in the rural zone of the municipality of Conceição do Araguaia-PA, with the objetive of identifying those with the best agronomic performance. The research was carried out at the João e Maria farm, in the rural area of this municipality, in the agricultural year 2021/2022, with sowing in March. The experiment adopted an experimental design of blocks at random, with 20 treatments (genotypes) and 3 repetitions. The following characteristics have been determined: plant height, ear height, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, ear length, weight of one hundred grains and grain yield. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance by the F test and the means were compared using the Tukey test, with a significance level of 5%. The results of the research showed that, under the soil and climatic conditions in which they were assessed, the genotype KWS 0221 showed satisfactory results in relation to productivity. Genotypes KWS 0121 and KWS 0321 have also shown promising performance. Therefore, these materials are highly recommended for planting in the harvest in the southeast of Pará, due to their favorable agronomic characteristics and their adaptability in the region of the study.

Evaluation of benefits of optimum sowing time on yield and economics of spring sunflower under frontline demonstrations

A total of 76 frontline demonstrations were conducted to evaluate the effect of sowing time on productivity and economics of spring sunflower at farmers' fields during the years 2008 to 2012 in Kurukshetra district, Haryana. The crop sown in first fortnight of February produced 11.3 and 34.8% more seed yield than the crop sown in second fortnight of February and first fortnight of March, respectively on an average basis of five years study. Sowing the seed in second fortnight of February also recorded 21.1% higher yield over March sowing. Fluctuating price of produce could not compensate the consistently increased cost of cultivation (8.7-11.0% hike every year) during the years 2008 to 2012. Early sowing in first fortnight of February gave 20.3 and 73.9% more net returns than the crop sown in second fortnight of February and first fortnight of March, respectively. Sowing the crop in second fortnight of February also enhanced the net returns by 44.5% over the sowing in first fortnight of March.

Key factors in direct acorn seeding for the successful restoration of open oak woodlands

Little is known about the effectiveness of direct acorn seeding when subjected to different environmental conditions, but without the interference of acorn predation. In order to assess and improve its success, a total of 2400 holm oak acorns from 20 mother trees were sown in three blocks across four sites from southern Spain. Each block was divided into two subplots, in one of which weed competition was mechanically controlled over the study period. Acorns were weighed, protected by a seed shelter, and sown at four different dates between December 2019 and March 2020. Emergence, survival and growth were registered until November 2021. In this last sampling, the aboveground biomass was harvested. Emergence varied from 53.7% of acorns sown in December to 29.4% of those sown in March while survival success after two growing seasons was 27.1% for acorns sown in December as compared to 9.2% of acorns sown in March. Survival success clearly decreased at a higher rate over time in non-treated subplots (12.7%) as opposed to those where the weeds were controlled (22.5%). Emergence, growth, and survival success were highly dependent on the site and the mother tree from which the acorn came. The mass of the emerged acorns was higher than the mass of those that did not emerge. The mean acorn mass of each mother tree was positively correlated with the germination rate and emergence of the seedlings, and with the survival of emerged seedlings and final survival success. In conclusion, we recommend selecting large acorns, sowing early (December), controlling weed competition over time, and selecting mother trees with high germination potential. Seeding success will be lower in drier sites and drier years.

N<sub>2</sub>O Emission Pattern in A Legume-Based Agroecosystem

Legumes provide several ecological services to agroecosystems, but there is a lack of references on services related to N flows for a wide range of legume crops. N<sub>2</sub>O emissions were measured in two field experiments using a two-year legume-cereal crop sequence. In the first year (2014 and 2016), different legume crops were grown (lupin, pea, fava bean, common bean, soybean, chickpea) and compared to fertilized cereals (barley and sorghum). Once the seeds were harvested and the residues incorporated in the soil, unfertilized wheat was sown and harvested in the second year (2015 and 2017). N<sub>2</sub>O emissions, as well as soil temperature and moisture, were measured continuously using an automated chamber method during the two years of each experiment. Daily N<sub>2</sub>O emissions were less than 10 g N-N<sub>2</sub>O ha<sup>-1</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>, with higher values (ranging from 10 to 90 g N-N<sub>2</sub>O ha<sup>-1</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>) being measured during exceptionally rainy conditions. Daily N<sub>2</sub>O emissions were mainly influenced by climatic conditions for field experiments and far less by inorganic N content, except for N-fertilized cereals. For both field experiments, cumulative N<sub>2</sub>O emissions during legume and cereal pre-crops + fallow period between pre-crop harvest and wheat sowing (1<sup>st</sup> year) (mean values 365.4 and 318.1 g N-N<sub>2</sub>O ha<sup>-1</sup> for experiment I and II, respectively) were higher than during wheat crop cultivation (2<sup>nd</sup> year) (155.8 and 101.5 g N-N<sub>2</sub>O ha<sup>-1</sup> for experiment I and II, respectively). For field experiment II, N<sub>2</sub>O emissions were slightly higher for the N fertilized cereal pre-crops (529.8 and 523.3 g N-N<sub>2</sub>O ha<sup>-1</sup> for barley and sorghum, respectively) compared to legume pre-crops (mean values 380.6 and 417.2 g N-N<sub>2</sub>O ha<sup>-1</sup> for legumes sown in March and May, respectively), while no significant difference was measured for field experiment I. There was no difference in N<sub>2</sub>O emissions during the cultivation of the different legume species. Furthermore, when wheat was grown after legumes or N fertilized cereals, N<sub>2</sub>O emissions were comparable for the different experimental treatments with no relation established with the amounts of N present in crop residues or their C: N ratios. Despite the small differences in emissions between N-fertilized cereals and grain legumes, introducing these leguminous species in crop rotation and in these pedoclimatic conditions makes it possible to substitute synthetic N fertilizer and mitigate the greenhouse gases emitted from these cropping systems. However, further research is still needed to clarify and quantify the value of legumes in mitigating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cropping systems.

Sowing date effects on yield of three winter forage crops in the northern oasis of Mendoza

The increasing livestock farming in the province of Mendoza requests the acquisition of further knowledge on winter forage crops, annual grasses that produce a large volume of good quality biomass in a short time. The most widely used winter forage crops in Argentina are oats, rye and barley. To assess forage productivity in the northern oasis of Mendoza, an experimental factorial design combined 2 sowing dates (March 21, 2019, and April 29, 2019) and three winter forage crops: oats (Blanca Cristal INTA), rye (Lisandro INTA) and barley (Alicia INTA). Results showed no interaction between sowing dates and forage species. March sowing date was 27% more productive and offered a longer grazing period than April sowing (more than five months in March sowing and more than one month in April sowing). Oat showed the highest yield, differing significantly from rye and barley. Highlights March sowings produced more forage than April sowings. Days from sowing to first grazzing are less in March sowings.

Influence of Dates of Sowing and Planting Geometry on Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Baby Corn

During the summer season of 2018, a field experiment was conducted at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. The treatments consisted of four date of sowing viz., 20th February (D1), 2nd March (D2), 12th March (D3) and 22nd March (D4) in main plot and four planting geometry practices viz., 40 cm x 20 cm (S1), 40 cm x 25 cm (S2), 45 cm x 20 cm (S3) and 45 cm x 25 cm (S4), in sub-plot with three replications. The results revealed that 2nd March sowing recorded higher plant height, number of cobs per plant, weight of cob, cob yield and fodder yield which was at par with 12th March sowing and significantly higher than other sowing dates. Similar effects of these treatments were also observed in respect to N, P, K uptake and economics. Among the different planting geometry, yield of cob without husk and fodder yield, gross return and net return were found to be higher under spacing 45 cm x 20 cm as compared to others. Total N, P and K uptake were also found to be higher under 45 cm x 20 cm spacing than rest of the planting geometry. Planting geometry had non-significant effect on available N,P2O5 and K2O status of soil after harvest of the crop.

Peanut yield under irrigation levels in off-season cultivation


 Water deficit is considered the most critical environmental factor for peanut production in Brazil, as it constitutes one of the major constraints to the expansion of its cultivation in the suitable crop zones of the country. Determining crop water demand is fundamental to increasing yield with lower water consumption. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of full and deficit irrigation levels (L1 = 8%, L2 = 27%, L3 = 63%, L4 = 94% and L5 = 100% replenishment of crop evapotranspiration) on the development, growth and yield of peanut crop sown in two times, February and March. Treatments were distributed in a split-plot randomized complete block design, with four replicates, using a line-source sprinkler system. Irrigation depths from 65 to 314 mm were applied with the levels L1 to L5 during the first and second cropping cycles. Full irrigation with sowing in March was more advantageous due to yield increase of up to 30% compared to sowing in February, but crop cycle was 25 days longer. Water stress caused by deficit irrigation reduced plant height, seed mass and pod yield, while full irrigation (L5) led to yields from 4,141 to 5,102 kg ha-1 for February and March, approximately three times higher than those obtained with the lowest irrigation level (L1).
 Highlights
 
 Peanut has great importance in the food and industry of several countries.
 The results of this research apply to regions that require irrigation, which is of about 70% of the areas of the globe with this legume.
 This paper contributes with information that emphasizes the possibility of cultivation in the drought season, aiming at the expansion of the crop and the production of quality seeds using irrigation.

Evaluating the potential of flowering plants for enhancing predatory hoverflies (Syrphidae) for biological control of Diaphorina citri (Liviidae) in California

Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is a notorious citrus pest that vectors a bacterium that causes huanglongbing, a lethal citrus disease. Studies evaluating the potential of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), alyssum (Lobularia maritima), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) as insectary plants for conservation biological control of D. citri were conducted in California citrus orchards. Field studies assessed flowering phenology and attractiveness to hoverflies and other natural enemies, hoverfly oviposition on D. citri colonies, and the effect of potted alyssum and predation from hoverflies on the mortality of D. citri nymphs. Laboratory studies quantified lifetime consumption of D. citri nymphs by individual Allograpta obliqua (Diptera: Syrphidae) larvae, the only hoverfly species attacking D. citri in the field. Results indicated that alyssum and buckwheat possessed a short sowing to flowering time (30–33 days when sown in March) and attracted 10–20 times more syrphids than California poppy. No hoverflies were observed feeding from phacelia. California poppy was marginally attractive to hoverflies, and failed to attract ladybugs, parasitoids, or predatory wasps. When alyssum was present in an unsprayed citrus orchard, the number of hoverfly eggs laid on D. citri colonies and abundance of predators was 3.5 times and 2.5 times higher, respectively, when compared to control plots lacking alyssum. Consequently, 10% more D. citri nymphs survived to adulthood in the control plots compared to alyssum plots. In the laboratory, individual A. obliqua larvae consumed, on average, 421 D. citri nymphs before pupation. Results demonstrate that A. obliqua is an important and voracious predator of D. citri nymphs, and that alyssum and buckwheat show potential as insectary plants for conservation biological control of D. citri.

Performance of Early and Late Planting Cotton Genotypes under Agro-Ecological Conditions of Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

| Cotton is an imperious cash crop of Pakistan and change in climatic conditions are continuously limiting its production across the globe. Sowing time is an important agronomic consideration which should be optimized to ensure better cotton yield and quality. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the potential of cotton genotypes under varied planting times at cotton research institute, Multan during 2018 and 2019. The experiment was comprised of four cotton genotypes IUB-13, MNH-1016, MNH-1020 and MNH-1026 and eight different sowing times viz 1st March, 16th March, 1st April, 16th April, 1st May, 16th May, 1st June and 16th June. The experiment was performed in RCBD with split plot arrangement and was repeated thrice. Sowing times were placed in main plot and cultivars were placed in sub plots. Results revealed that seed cotton yield and fiber strength was more when cotton was planted early between 1st March to 16th April compared to late planted cotton (1st May to 16th June). Highest seed cotton yield was obtained when cotton was sown on 1st April during first year (3946 kg ha-1) and 16th March during second year (3307 kg ha-1). Minimum seed cotton yield (852, 299 kg ha-1) during both years was obtained when cotton was sown on 16th June. Among cotton genotypes highest seed cotton yield was recorded in MNH-1020 during first year (3021 kg ha-1) and MNH-1016 during second year (2150 kg ha-1). However, minimum seed cotton yield, ginning out turn (38.9, 36.6%) and fiber length (27.6, 26.8 cm) were recorded in IUB-13 during both years. MNH-1020 had highest ginning out turn (41.1, 39.3%), fiber strength (35.88, 40.44 g/tex) and fiber length (28.7, 29.2 cm) during both years. MNH-1020 was also least effected with cotton leaf curl virus when planted on 1st March during first year (25.0%) and 16th march sowing during second year (3.0%). In conclusion, cotton cultivar MNH-1020 can sown from 1st March to 16th April in order to get better cotton yield and quality.

Desempenho de plantas de cobertura estivais e influência em atributos de solo em unidade didática no Sudoeste do Paraná

O cultivo de plantas de cobertura no sul do Brasil é predominante no período de inverno, apesar de existir espécies adaptadas para o período de verão, são limitadas as informações sobre o comportamento destas para a região. Deste modo, objetivou-se avaliar o desenvolvimento de fabáceas estivais, em diferentes épocas de semeadura e seus efeitos no teor de N e densidade do solo (Ds). O experimento foi implantado em 2010, com 10 espécies de plantas de cobertura, semeadas em cinco épocas, de novembro a março de cada ano. Nas safras 2013/2014, 2014/2015 e 2015/2016 foram realizadas a determinação de matéria seca (MS) de plantas de cobertura, na última safra obtido o teor de nitrogênio (N) de tecido, disponibilização de N e densidade do solo (Ds). As plantas apresentaram maior produção de MS nas primeiras épocas de semeadura e maior teor de N em tecido quando semeadas em março, porém o maior fornecimento de N na área se dá nas primeiras épocas de semeadura, variando de 92 à 255 kg N ha-1. Os maiores teores de N no solo foram encontrados na camada superficial, exceto para a crotalária ocroleuca que apresentou maior teor médio de N na camada de 0,05-0,10 m. O menor valor médio de densidade foi encontrado na camada superficial, 1,02 Mg m-³, e o maior valor na camada 0,05-0,10 m, 1,23 Mg m-³, para as espécies de feijão de porco e mucuna cinza. As plantas de cobertura apresentam máximo potencial de desenvolvimento quando semeadas em novembro e dezembro.

IDENTIFIKASI DAN FENOLOGI KOLEKSI Canarium hirsutum Willd. DI KEBUN RAYA BOGOR

Canarium cf. hirsutum koleksi Kebun Raya Bogor vak Z.200–200a, berasal dari Sulawesi Utara, memiliki karakter morfologi yang berbeda dengan jenis Canarium lainnya. Karakter morfologi yang berbeda adalah adanya bulu-bulu cokelat dan tajam pada tangkai daun, helaian daun, pucuk tunas, dan kulit buahnya, serta tidak memiliki daun penumpu. Selain itu, kedua koleksi ini mengalami gugur daun. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan nama jenis yang valid dari Canarium cf. hirsutum di vak Z.200 dan 200a beserta data fenologinya. Identifikasi dilakukan secara observatif, dengan pengamatan pada karakter morfologi daun, batang, bunga, buah, dan anatomi bunga. Selanjutnya dibandingkan dengan spesimen tipe, protolog, herbarium, dan literatur. Dari hasil reidentifikasi, kedua koleksi merupakan jenis Canarium hirsutum Willd. Kedua koleksi tersebut berumah dua (dioecious), pohon betina pada Z.200a dan pohon jantan pada Z.200. Kedua koleksi mengalami gugur daun, dua kali setahun, yakni pada Februari hingga Maret dan September hingga Oktober. Proses gugur daun terjadi selama 1–2 bulan, dan kondisi tanpa daun selama 7–10 hari. Pohon betina Z.200a menghasilkan bunga empat kali dan berbuah dua kali. Pohon jantan Z.200 menghasilkan bunga dua kali. Buah muda muncul 35 hari setelah muncul perbungaan. Perkembangan dari buah muda hingga panen selama 10 bulan. Perkecambahan biji sebanyak lima kecambah dari 18 buah (27,7%) yang disemai pada Maret 2020, dengan lama waktu 44–93 hari setelah semai. Penelitian ini perlu dilanjutkan khususnya terkait dengan karakter struktur bunga jantan dan betina, butiran polen, dan repestifnya kepala putik.

Induced Defoliation and Corn Productivity Performance

Due to the change in the environment, diseases and insects can reduce the leaf area of agricultural crops. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of induced defoliation on the vegetative and reproductive phases of corn on its agronomic characteristics. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of the Mato Grosso Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Campo Novo do Parecis campus, in a second crop system in the 2017/2018 agricultural year, with sowing in March. This study used a randomized complete block design, consisting of 24 treatments and three replications, comprising eight phenological stages. The treatments were performed from the fourth leaf stage (V4) to physiological maturation (R5), with defoliation in the lower, middle and upper thirds of the plant. The characteristics evaluated were: plant height, stem diameter, ears insertion height, ears length, ears diameter, ears weight, number of rows per ears, number of grains per row, weight of grain per ears, prolificity; harvest index, weight of one thousand grains and grain yield. Defoliation between the fourth (V4) and twelfth leaves (V12) does not interfere in the evaluated characteristics. Grain and ear weight are interfered when defoliation occurs in the middle and upper third of plants in V12. Defoliation between flowering (R1) and beginning of grain filling (R2) negatively affects the weight of one thousand grains, grain and ear weight, and may reduce grain yield by up to 30%. Defoliation in the upper third of the plant significantly reduces the diameter and length of ears, grain and corn ear of the corn crop.

Evaluating Dry Matter Production and Grain Yield of Dual-Purpose Winter Wheat Using Field Experiment and Modelling

The potential of a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Wedgetail to provide grazing and grain yield under different sowing times, grazing times, and watering regimes, under current and future climate, was investigated using field experiment and simulation modelling. For the field experiment, there were two watering treatments (unirrigated (D) and irrigated (I)) and four simulated grazing treatments (ungrazed, simulated grazed at growth stage (GS) 25, simulated grazed at growth stage (GS) 32, and grazed at both GS 25 and GS 32). These were designated as D0, D1, D2, and D3, respectively, for the unirrigated treatment and I0, I1, I2, and I3, respectively, for the irrigated treatment. It was found that the soil water depletion was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the irrigated/ungrazed treatment than that for the simulated grazed treatment. The crop simulated grazed at GS 25 recovered quicker than the crop grazed at GS 32, especially for the unirrigated treatment. As the sowing time is delayed, above-ground dry matter (AGDM) production decreases. For D2 and D3, the amount of simulated grazed AGDM was 3.46 t ha−1 and 3.55 t ha−1, respectively. For I2 and I3, the amount of simulated grazed AGDM was 4.73 t ha−1 and 4.34 t ha−1, respectively. For D1, simulated grazing increased grain yield by 7%, while for D2 and D3, it increased by 18% and 24%, respectively. For I1, simulated grazing reduced grain yield by 16%, while for I2 and I3, it decreased by 42% and 42%, respectively. Simulation using the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) showed that, for winter wheat sown in the second week of March, the maximum AGDM expected one in two years at the ends of May, June, and July is 4.5 t ha−1, 5.8 t ha−1, and 6.8 t ha−1, respectively. If the crop is sown mid-April, these values are 0.8 t ha−1, 2.2 t ha−1, and 4.3 t ha−1, respectively. Yield did not show response to times of sowing from March to early April. The maximum value reached was about 4.5 t ha−1 when sown in the fourth week of March, after which it started decreasing and reached the lowest value of about 4.1 t ha−1 when sown by the end of May. The total above-ground dry matter (AGDM) obtained by grazing earlier during the feasible grazing period and again towards the end of this period was not significantly different from grazing only once towards the end of this period. The simulation results showed that winter wheat Wedgetail flowering date was less sensitive to sowing time and that yield did not show a significant response to times of sowing, with the maximum occurring for the fourth week of March sowing and the lowest for the fourth week of May sowing.

Phosphorus and potassium uptake, translocation, and utilization efficiency in chickpea under Mediterranean conditions

Sowing time and cultivar choice have major effects on chickpea yield in the Mediterranean climate, but the effects on nutrient requirements are not well known. Information regarding nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency by crop species is necessary to optimize nutrient management in agricultural systems. Α two-year field study was conducted to examine the patterns of P and K uptake, translocation, utilization and removal across a wide-range of chickpea yield levels induced by sowing time (March and April) and cultivar [Zehavit-27 (Kabuli-type), Andros, Kassos, and Serifos (desi-type)], as well as to identify plant traits associated with efficient nutrient utilization. At all samplings throughout the growing period, P uptake was significantly correlated with that of K uptake with r values between 0.633 (P < 0.05) and 0.983 (P < 0.01). Both P and K uptake peaked, in terms of uptake rate and net uptake, earlier during the April sowing (early pod filling stage) compared with March sowing (late pod filling stage). Early sowing increased chickpea productivity and total nutrient uptake, but did not offer any advantage in terms of nutrient utilization efficiency. Phosphorus or K translocation to seeds were significantly correlated with P (r = 0.838, P < 0.01) or K (r = 0.861, P < 0.01) accumulation prior to the beginning of seed filling, respectively. PUtE varied from 161 to 422 kg kg−1 and was greater than KUtE (32–101 kg kg−1). Low (leaf + stem)-P or K concentration at maturity could be considered as an indirect selection tool to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency. Seed P or K removal depended on yield level of each cultivar. For a yield level of 2000 kg ha−1, 8.2 kg P ha−1 and 18.9 kg K ha−1 were removed by seed harvest.

Evaluation of yield, yield components and incidence of CLCV disease through planting times and varietal interaction in cotton in the Multan region

Five Bt cotton varieties were evaluated for five different parameters (plant height, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield and CLCV incidence after 105 days of planting) under six different sowing times (01 March, 15 March, 01 April, 15 April, 01 May and 15 May) at CCRI, Multan during the year 2018.Results revealed highly significant differences among the varieties, sowing times and their interaction for all the traits under study. Regarding sowing times, highest yield (3676 kg/ha) was produced when the sowing was done on 01 March followed by March 15 sowing (3496 kg/ha) with 4.3 and 6.1 CLCuV incidence% respectively after 105 days of sowing.However, lowest yield of 2483 kg/ha was achieved through 15 May planting with 96.7% CLCuV incidence. Regarding varietal performance, CYTO-313 excelled all other varieties by producing 3356 kg/ha seed cotton yield followed by CIM-343 (3195 kg/ha) with CLCuV percent incidence of 53.1 and 50.9 respectively at 105 days of planting.It was concluded from the present investigations that first March sowing is the optimum sowing time with zero percent CLCuV incidence for Multan region. Furthermore, variety CYTO-313 should be given primacy on other four varieties when farmer is going to adopt first March sowing.

Phenology and heat unit requirement of summer moongbean under different dates of sowing and irrigation schedules

A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the summer season of 2014 to study the phenology and heat unit requirement of summer moongbean under different dates of sowing and irrigation schedules. Sowing on 20th March took increased number of calendar days (71.9 days) to harvest, while minimum (64.8 days) were noted under 30th March sowing. Among different sowing dates, the higher growing degree days (GDD), heliothermal units (HTU) and photothermal units (PTU) were reported under 10th April sowing at harvest stage (1258.0°C day, 13779.6°C day hour and 16908.3°C day hour). Sowing on 20th March recorded higher seed yield, biological yield, heat use efficiency (HUE) and photothermal use efficiency (PUE). Among different irrigation schedules, IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 recorded higher GDD, HTU and PTU (1280.5°C day, 13120.9°C day hour and 17274.1°C day hour). Seed yield and biological yield were also maximum under IW/CPE ratio of 1.2. HUE and PUE recorded non-significant differences under various irrigation schedules.

Influence of Sowing Date on Growth and Yield Components of Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.) in Semi-Arid Zone

The main objective of this study was to quantify the influence of sowing date on growth and yield components of hybrid sunflower (Hysun33) cultivar in semi-arid zone. This experiment was conducted during the seasons 2014/2015-2015/2016 at the farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Shambat, Khartoum- Sudan. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and three treatments. Different parameters were considered including plant height, leaf area index (LAI), filled sees number/head, head diameter, dry weight and yield components. The collected data were statistically analyzed. The results revealed that crop sown in May and July showed significant increase in plant height, LAI, head diameter, dry weight, field seed number/head, weight of 100 seeds; yield, and yield; compared to crop sown in March. However, crop sown in the second season showed an increase in growth and yield components compared to the crop of the first season.

Sowing Date and Cultivar Effects on Assimilate Translocation in Spring Mediterranean Chickpea

Core Ideas March sowing resulted in higher dry matter, total N accumulation, and seed N content than April sowing. Seed yield up to 3320 kg ha−1 were obtained with March sowing. Seed yield was correlated negatively with dry matter translocation to the seeds. In cooler Mediterranean areas autumn sowing of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is avoided because of the increased frost risk. A 2‐yr field study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of spring sowing date and cultivar on assimilate dynamics (i.e., dry matter and N accumulation, partitioning and translocation) and productivity of Mediterranean chickpea, and to assess possible N losses from plant foliage. Three local cultivars (i.e., Andros, Kassos, and Serifos) and one foreign cultivar (i.e., Zehavit‐27) were evaluated under two sowing dates (i.e., March sowing and April sowing). March sowing resulted in higher dry matter, total N accumulation, and seed N content than April sowing. Seed yield up to 3320 kg ha−1 was obtained with March sowing. April sowing resulted in a yield penalty of 22 to 50 kg ha−1 d−1 of sowing delay compared with March sowing. Seed yield was correlated negatively with dry matter translocation to the seeds and positively with dry matter accumulation during the seed‐filling period. Dry matter and N translocation efficiency reached up to 77 and 96%, respectively. High N accumulation until the beginning of seed growth and low N accumulation thereafter enhanced N translocation to the seeds. However, when early aboveground N was high (&gt;120 kg N ha−1) and the seed demands for N were low (&lt;96 kg N ha−1), N losses were observed, reaching up to 40.4 kg N ha−1. Chickpea has potential as an alternative spring crop in cooler Mediterranean areas, provided that early spring sowing is applied.