Sown Plots Research Articles

Delayed Sowing Reduced Verticillium Wilt by Altering Soil Temperature and Humidity to Enhance Beneficial Rhizosphere Bacteria of Sunflower.

Sunflower Verticillium Wilt (SVW) caused by Verticillium dahliae is a significant threat to sunflower production in China. This soilborne disease is difficult to control. It has been observed that delayed sowing reduces the severity of SVW on different varieties and across various locations. Soil was collected from multiple locations with different sowing dates to understand the underlying biological mechanisms driving this phenomenon. The soil bacterial community was characterized through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform, followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Microsclerotia numbers in soil were detected using both NP-10 selective medium and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). By delaying the sowing date, the number of microsclerotia in soil and the biomass of V. dahliae colonized inside sunflower roots were reduced during the early developmental stages (V2-V6) of sunflowers. Amplicon sequencing revealed an increased abundance of bacterial genera, such as Pseudomonas, Azoarcus, and Bacillus in soil samples collected from delayed sowing plots. Five bacterial strains isolated from the delayed sowing plot exhibited strong antagonistic effects against V. dahliae. The result of the pot experiments indicated that supplying two different synthetic communities (SynComs) in the pot did increase the control efficiencies on SVW by 19.08% and 37.82% separately. Additionally, soil temperature and humidity across different sowing dates were also monitored, and a significant correlation between disease severity and environmental factors was observed. In conclusion, delayed sowing appears to decrease microsclerotia levels by recruiting beneficial rhizosphere bacteria, thereby reducing the severity of SVW.

Mechanized Transplanting Improves Yield and Reduces Pyricularia oryzae Incidence of Paddies in Calasparra Rice of Origin in Spain

The rice variety Bomba is grown in Calasparra—a rice of origin in southeast Spain—resulting in a product with excellent cooking quality, although its profitability has declined in recent years due to low grain yields and susceptibility to rice blast disease (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara). An innovation project to test the efficacy of mechanized transplanting against traditional direct seed sowing was conducted in 2022 and 2023 at four locations for the first time. A lower plant density (67–82 plants m−2) and shorter plants with higher leaf nitrogen content were observed in transplanted plots compared with seed sowing (130–137 plants m−2) in the first year. The optimal climatic conditions for P. oryzae symptom appearance were determined as temperatures of 25–29 °C and a 50–77% relative humidity. The most-affected sowing plots presented 3–20% leaf area damage and a reduction in yield to values of 1.5 t ha−1 in the first year and 2.12 t ha−1 in the second year. In transplanted plots, there was generally less humidity at the plant level and therefore, disease incidence was low in both seasons. Grain yields did not significantly differ among the treatments studied; however, there were differences in the yield components of panicle density and the number of grains for panicles. Principal component analysis revealed two principal components that explained 81% of the variability. Variables related to yield contributed positively to the first component, while plant biomass variables contributed to the second component. Plant density, tiller density, and panicle density were found to be positively correlated (r > 0.81 ***). Overall, transplanting (frame of 30 × 15–18 cm2) resulted in uniform crop growth with less rice blast disease, as well as higher grain yields (2.92–3.89 t ha−1), in comparison with the average for the whole D.O. Calasparra (2.3–2.5 t ha−1) in both seasons and a good percentage of whole grains at milling. This is novel knowledge which can be considered useful for farmers operating in the region.

EFFICIENCY OF INOCULATION OF VARIOUS COMMON FLAX PLANTS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE LEFT BANK POLISSIA

Objective. Determine the peculiarities of the growth and development of plants of differently ripening varieties of common flax and the formation of their harvest under the conditions of the Left Bank Polissia after bacterization of seeds with Polimiksobacteryn. Methods. Field experiment (the study was carried out on sod-medium-podzolic loamy soil; the area of the sowing plot is 60 m2, the area of the accounting plot is 25 m2, repetition is four times). In the experiments, 7 varieties of common flax were used (early-ripening: Debiut, medium-ripening: Pivdenna Nich, Aisberh, Orfei and late-ripening: Baikal, Ural and Zolotystyi). Microbial preparation Polimiksobacteryn based on Paenibacillus polymyxa КВ was used for bacterization of flax seeds. The experiment was carried out against the background of mineral nutrition with N15P30K45, fertilizers were applied under presowing soil treatment. Results. On average, over three years, pre-sowing inoculation of flax seeds with Polimiksobacteryn contributed to the growth of the total height of plants versus controls (without inoculation): in the ’fir-tree’ phase by 1.4 cm (11.1 %), in the period of rapid growth by 2.1 cm (10.1 %), budding — by 2.1 cm (7.5 %), flowering — by 2.4 cm (6.8 %) and full ripening — by 2.3 cm (5.5 %). The use of Polimiksobacteryn contributed to an increase in the number of pods on the plant by 1.9 pcs. (16.1 %) and weight of 1000 seeds by 0.13 g (2.3 %) versus the control. The increase in the yield of straw of the studied varieties in the variants with Polimiksobacteryn was on average 0.33 t/ha, which is 14.2 % higher than in the control variants (without inoculation). The yield of flax seeds also increased after bacterization. On average, increase in the different varieties versus the controls was 0.23 t/ha (25 %). The maximum yield of seeds in an average of three years was obtained with the early-ripening Debiut variety, it exceeded the yield of other varieties in the variant with bacterization by 0.03–0.28 t/ha (2.4–28.0 %) and amounted to 1.04 t/ha. Conclusion. According to the results of study, in the zonal conditions of the Left Bank Polissia of Ukraine, it was established that the use of the biological preparation Polimiksobacteryn results in the highest yield of common flax varieties of different types of ripening, even under unfavourable weather conditions of the growing season.

Improving the success of direct seeding through the application of seed briquettes, aquasorb, and sowing time: case studies on Ceiba pentandra, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, and Calophyllum inophyllum

Direct seeding, a planting technique that has long been applied in restoring degraded land and forest, is often doubted to be successful due to many constrains, both biotic and abiotic. This study aims to increase the success of direct seeding through the application of seed briquettes, aquasorb treatment and determining the right sowing time for three forest tree species, i.e. Ceiba pentandra, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Calophyllum inophyllum. This study used a randomized block design with two factorials (seed treatments and sowing dates) in each species. Seeds were sown in three blocks in the field according to the sowing time treatments. Each treatment consisted of 10 sowing plots in one block and 5 seeds or seed briquettes in each sowing plot. The results showed that direct seeding when the rain starts to stabilize (ST-2) supported by the use of seed briquettes and the addition of aquasorb was able to increase seedling survival, height and root collar diameter of all tested tree species. In general, seed briquettes and the addition of aquasorb provided better seedling survival and growth compared to direct seeding using untreated seeds. C. inophyllum gave higher seedling survival compared to the other two species indicating that this species is very prospective for direct seeding applications due to its high adaptability.

The value of two agri-environment scheme habitats for pollinators: Annually cultivated margins for arable plants and floristically enhanced grass margins

We investigate the potential benefits to pollinators of two agri-environment scheme habitats, annually cultivated and floristically enhanced grass margins. The former encourages annual plant species whereas the latter targets the provision of perennial plants, both may benefit foraging pollinators, many of which have declined in the UK since the 1980s. We surveyed thirty cultivated margins and thirty floristically enhanced grass margins across the UK for pollinators, which included bumblebees Bombus spp., solitary bees and hoverflies Syrphidae. Pollinator abundance was then related to margin attributes such as age, width, soil fertility and adjacent habitat type. For cultivated margins we also investigated relationships with cultivation and rotation, and for floristically enhanced margins time cut. Plant preferences of foraging pollinators were recorded in 2019. On cultivated margins, target annual plants were frequently recorded on plots and were repeatedly visited by pollinators with management significantly influencing visitation rates. For example, plots which had been created with ploughing attracted fewer solitary bees and bees overall than those created with minimum tillage. Annually rotated cultivated margins were associated with lower flower abundance, broad leaved species cover and vegetation heights which resulted in lower total bee abundance. We therefore advise that cultivated margins be left in situ on farmland over longer periods. Older floristically enhanced grass margins became dominated by grass and contained fewer flowerheads to support foraging pollinators. Compared to those established via natural regeneration, sown margins were associated with increased bee and Syrphidae abundance, which is probably linked to the high flowerhead abundance and coverage of broad-leaved species on sown plots. Our pollinator foraging data from 2019 showed that tolerance of some agricultural weeds should be advocated. Our results highlight the complementary benefits of these agri-environment scheme habitats to pollinators. We suggest that where arable pollinator conservation is a priority both habitats be provided.

Influence of perennial legumes on the productivity of meadow phytocenoses

We investigated the effectiveness of soil liming during grass sowing and application of inoculation of perennial legume grass seeds with nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-mobilizing preparations. Methods. Field studies were conducted during 2016-2020 in the National Scientific Center "Institute of Farming of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine" (northern part of the Forest-steppe of Ukraine, Chabany settlement, Kiev-Svyatoshinsky district of Kyiv region). Area of the sowing plot was 30 m2, control plot - 25 m². Repetition of experience four times. Technology of cultivation of perennial grasses and their mixtures was generally accepted. Nitrogen fertilizers in the form of ammonium nitrate containing 34% of active substance, phosphorus as simple superphosphate (18.7%) and potassium as potassium chloride (60%) were applied annually in early spring according to the experimental scheme. Liming was carried out by the lime application under pre-sowing cultivation during perennial grass sowing in a dose of 5 t/ha. Seeds of perennial legume grasses were inoculated with the strains of nodule bacteria, according to the technological instructions, immediately before the sowing. Dry weight content was determined by thermostatic weight method at 105 °C. Green mass yield was accounted by weight method, by weighing with subsequent recalculation of yield from 1 ha of dry weight. Results. The productivity of monogenic sowings of perennial leguminous grasses and their mixtures with awnless bromegrass in the variant without fertilization varied within the range of 5.12-8.38 tons, which is 1.7-2.5 times higher compared to the cereal grass stand which was formed from monogenic sowings of awnless bromegrass, for the five years on the average and for the yield from 1 ha of dry weight. The highest productivity and the level of accumulation of symbiotic nitrogen (191-266 kg/ha) were obtained in agrocenoses with alfalfa and the lowest one - with meadow clover.

Extensive roof greening with native sandy dry grassland species: Effects of different greening methods on vegetation development over four years

Extensive green roofs (EGRs) offer several beneficial ecosystem services for sustainable urban development. However, most standard green roofs have been designed with species-poor plant mixtures containing non-native species. Aiming to increase the nature conservation values of EGRs, we developed and tested a vascular plant seed mixture including regionally occurring native sandy dry grassland species in experimental miniature roofs in Northwestern Germany (temperate oceanic climate) over 4 years. We tested the mixture at two seed densities (1 and 2 g/m2). Additionally, we tested seeding at 1 g/m2 and introducing raked plant material collected from an ancient dry grassland. The total establishment rates of sown species reached 92–96% in the first year, but dropped to 40–60% in the last 2 years, with the highest values for the plots with raked material. Twenty-four additional species (11 vascular, 7 lichen, and 6 moss species, including 7 red-list species) typical of sandy dry grasslands were introduced through the raked material. Vascular plants reached 60–70% cover in the second year. Severe drought periods in the third and the fourth year led to a strong decline of vascular plant cover then. As this cover was higher in the plots with raked material, we assume facilitative effects through the well-developed cryptogam layer containing a mix of pleurocarpous and acrocarpous mosses and lichens. Spontaneously establishing acrocarpous mosses in sown plots did not seem to provide this same function. We conclude that EGRs designed with regionally occurring sandy dry grassland plant species and especially the application of raked plant material from ancient grassland is a fruitful approach to increase the value of green roofs for native phytodiversity.

Managing high quality timber plantations as silvopastoral systems: tree growth, soil water dynamics and nitrate leaching risk

The management of high-quality timber plantations prioritizes obtaining high productions with short rotation cycles, which results in high economic and environmental costs, similar to intensive agricultural systems. The suppression of the herbaceous understorey by ploughing, and the use of fertilizers to boost tree growth potentially pose high environmental risks. Managing these plantations as silvopastoral systems (e.g. by introducing livestock and sowing legume-rich pastures) could reduce environmental risks. However, this management shift can only be effective if it is accompanied by an increased complementarity in the use of soil resources to maintain production. We evaluated rooting systems, tree water status and growth, pasture production, soil moisture and nitrate content in the soil solution in a 13-year-old hybrid walnut (Juglans major × regia) plantation under alternative management schemes. The management aimed at reducing herbaceous understorey cover (grazing, ploughing and mowing) and fertilizer usage (no fertilization, inorganic fertilization and legume sowing). Grazed and mowed plots had higher root surface density than ploughed plots. Ploughed plots also showed lower values of soil water (in summer) and tree leaf water potential than grazed and mowed plots. Tree growth and nitrate content in the soil solution was higher in ploughed than grazed or mowed plots. Fertilized and sown plots had higher understorey biomass and lower soil water (in summer) than unfertilized plots. Tree growth was higher in fertilized than unfertilized plots, with intermediate values in sown plots. Managing high-quality timber plantations under silvopastoral schemes with improved legume-rich forages might be a feasible way to reduce the high ecological maintenance costs of these plantations, without compromising their productivity.

四种草本植物混播处理在西藏措那湖沙害区植被恢复中的表现

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 四种草本植物混播处理在西藏措那湖沙害区植被恢复中的表现 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201810262313 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 林业公益性行业科研专项经费资助项目（201504401） Growth of four herbaceous species in different mixing modes for restoration of desertificated grassland around Cuona Lake, Tibet Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:在西藏措那湖沙害区采用不同物种搭配方式和混播比例对红豆草、紫花苜蓿（三得利）、披碱草、高羊茅进行播种，并在播种当年和第二年生长期结束后对生物量等特性进行分析，旨在找到适合在措那湖沙区植被恢复中可应用的适宜草种及最佳的种植方式。结果表明：1）播种当年混播方式对两种禾本科植物披碱草和高羊茅的株高、根长影响不显著，但会使两种豆科植物红豆草和紫花苜蓿的株高增加；2）混播方式对草地单位面积的生物量有明显的影响，豆禾草种混播处理中生物量会随着豆科植物比例的减小而增加，播种当年披碱草单播及披碱草+高羊茅（5：5）的混播处理有较高的生物量，分别为（756.33±96.29） g/m2、（720.25±35.63） g/m2，次年披碱草单播及披碱草＋高羊茅（7：3）的处理总生物量最高分别为（832.13±124.71） g/m2、（723.83±57.14） g/m2；3）披碱草+高羊茅3个混播比例的处理两年中均表现出较高的盖度，其中播种当年披碱草+高羊茅（5：5）的处理盖度最大为87%，次年盖度均达到60%以上；4）在高寒气候下的混播草种实验中，禾本科植物对草地恢复的贡献要明显大于豆科。 Abstract:This paper aimed to find the suitable herbaceous species and their planting modes for grassland restoration in the desertification area in Tibet. We conducted seeding experiments of four herbaceous species, i.e., Onobrychis viciifolia, Medicago sativa, Elymus dahuricus, and Festuca elata, with different mixing modes and mixing seed amount ratios in desertificated grassland around Cuona Lake, and measured some plant growth indices such as biomass per area for two consecutive years. Results showed that:1) effects of mixing modes on plant height and root length were not significant in the first year for two gramineous species, i.e., E. dahuricus and F. elata, however, plant height of two leguminous species, i.e., O. viciifolia and M. sativa, were significant higher in mixing-plots than in mono-plots. 2) Mixing modes significantly affected the biomass per area in the sowing plots, with biomass of mixing plots increased with decrease of the leguminous plants ratio. The biomass of the best sowing modes were (151.27±15.26) g/m2 (E. dahuricus monoculture) and (144.05 ±7.13) g/m2 (E. dahuricus+F. elata, 5:5) respectively for the first year, while (832.13±124.71) g/m2 (E. dahuricus monoculture) and (723.83±57.14) g/m2 (E. dahuricus+F. elata, 7:3) for the second year, respectively. 3) Plant coverage for mixing modes of the two gramineous species were consistently high during the two years, with the maximum coverage of 87% occurred in the first year and over 60% in the second year for E. dahuricus+F. elata (5:5). 4) Gramineous species contributed more biomass per area than leguminous species in grassland restoration under alpine climate. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

The effect of sowing date and plant density of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus var. napus f. biennis L.) population

The experiment has been set up in the University of Debrecen Látókép Experimental Station in three different years (2014, 2015 and 2016), three different plant densities 200, 350 and 500 thousand ha-1, four replications of the same nutrient supply with using a line spacing of 45 cm. In the experiment, the fore crop was winter wheat in each year. The amount of weeds was observed five times in the last experimental year (2016/2017). In the three experimental years, the highest yield was harvested from the early sowing plot with the highest plant density. On the basis of the Pearson’s correlation analysis there was significant negative correlation (r=-0.583) between the effect of the annual year and yield of the hybrid.

Reintroduction of rare arable plants: seed production, soil seed banks, and dispersal 3 years after sowing

Diversity of arable plants in Europe has markedly declined during the past decades and many species have become threatened. Low‐intensity farming can offer potential retreats for these species, while spontaneous dispersal between such fields is unlikely. Thus, reintroduction of endangered species is necessary to restore agrobiodiversity. To test the applicability under real farm conditions, we seeded a mixture of three winter annuals (Legousia speculum‐veneris, Consolida regalis, Lithospermum arvense) at 850 seeds/m2 on four organic farms near Munich, Germany, in autumn 2011. Seed production and soil seed banks were investigated on four plots within one field on each farm for 3 years. In addition, we evaluated seed dispersal caused by arable management along the main machining direction. In the first year, winter cereals were cultivated and the study species emerged at all sites with a seed production mostly exceeding the initial sowing rates. In the third year, species establishment varied depending on crop rotations. Seed production of L. speculum‐veneris was higher than in the two other species, and exceeded the number of originally sown seeds up to 20 times. While L. speculum‐veneris became very common in the seed bank, C. regalis was less abundant and L. arvense hardly developed a soil seed bank. Seeds of L. speculum‐veneris and L. arvense were found up to 15 m and seeds of C. regalis up to 13 m away from the sown plots. We suggest using seed production, seed bank, and dispersal as key indicators to evaluate establishment of reintroduced arable plants.

Agronomic methods for mountain grassland habitat restoration for faunistic purposes in a protected area of the northern Apennines (Italy)

Abstract: The abandonment of pastures often leads to a remarkable deterioration of grasslands, caused by the spread of intrusive, herbaceous and woody species which reduces the general quality of pastures. Different treatments aimed at improving the grassland and enhancing the forage quality of herbaceous resources have been developed to face this problem. We report the results of a five-year experiment conducted in a protected area of central Italy (the “Laghi di Suviana e Brasimone” regional park) on an abandoned pasture inside a beech forest encroached by intrusive species (mainly bracken). We analyzed the effect on sward’s specific composition and grazing value of two agronomic factors: (i) the establishment method (ploughing followed by sowing of a forage mixture versus no intervention), and (ii) the number of cuts performed on vegetation during the growing season (0, 1 or 2 cuts). Plots were arranged according to a split-split-plot experimental design with three replications, with the sampling dates as the main factor, the establishment technique as the subplot factor, and the number of cuts as the sub-subplot factor. In each plot, data were recorded once a month from June to September every year from 2006 to 2010, in order to assess the botanical composition and the quality of the sward. The main pastoral and botanical parameters of pastures were significantly affected by both cutting and sowing. Establishment by sowing significantly reduced the presence of bracken, even with no cuts, with strong effects on the qualitative value of the pasture. A single cut resulted in an efficient recovery of the pasture as compared to cutting twice, especially in sown plots. Our results confirmed that the regular and continued maintenance of the recovered areas is crucial to ensure the long-term preservation of the results achieved by the improvements.

Convergent high diversity in naturally colonized experimental grasslands is not related to increased productivity

Initial plant diversity might control subsequent community assembly processes and plant productivity. To study these effects, we used a biodiversity experiment (Jena Experiment) with subplots of different sown diversity that were never weeded and spontaneously colonized control plots of different size (3.5×3.5m, 20×20m) with and without mowing in an 8-year study. On non-sown bare plots without mowing, colonizer accumulation depended on plot size resulting in a loss of diversity in large, undisturbed (unmown) control plots after initial colonization. On sown plots that were mown, species richness converged to high levels due to the accumulation of internal colonists (species belonging to the experimental pool of sown species), while initially high species richness of external colonists (species not belonging to the experimental pool) and residents (species sown on the plot) declined over time. The convergence of total species richness at higher levels was paralleled by increased taxonomic (Simpson index, QSimp), phylogenetic (QPhylo) and trait (FDQ) diversity, whereby FDQ was greatest on plots with low resident species richness after several years. Rates of change in terms of species colonization and extinction decelerated over time irrespective of resident species richness, mowing or plot size. While the contribution of residents declined and that of colonists increased, community biomass production did not change over time. The biomasses of residents and colonists were greatest at higher levels of species richness, partial QPhylo and FDQ of the respective species group, but community biomass was consistently weakly related to total species richness and diversity indices. Our study shows that in contrast to the period of succession, “mature” plant communities resulting from natural assembly processes, favouring the coexistence of multiple species and thus high biodiversity, do no longer show significant relationships between species richness and variables related to ecosystem functioning such as primary productivity.

Propagule pressure and environmental conditions interact to determine establishment success of an invasive plant species, glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), across five different wetland habitat types

Many invasive plant species are able to establish within a wide range of community types. This establishment success depends on high propagule pressure and successful recruitment of seedlings following propagule dispersal into receptive environments. This study aimed to investigate interactions between propagule pressure and environmental resistance to seedling recruitment of the invasive shrub, glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.), over a range of wetland habitat types. We measured propagule deposition using seed traps and recruitment success using sown plots, while characterizing vegetation and abiotic environmental conditions in five adjacent wetland habitat types. Drier habitats, which included Cedar Swamp, Shrub Carr, and String, had lower resistance to buckthorn establishment than the wetter Flark and Cattail Marsh. The drier habitats supported more woody species and provided more raised hummock surfaces essential for successful buckthorn recruitment and establishment. Propagule pressure was also higher in dry habitats that supported higher densities of adult glossy buckthorn, while long-distance dispersal into areas with low adult density was uncommon. Natural recruitment was highest in sites with intense propagule pressure, but experimental sowing of seeds demonstrated that buckthorn establishes in wet sites with higher resistance if propagule pressure is increased and seeds are deposited on hummocks. This study demonstrates the affinity of glossy buckthorn for drier wetland sites, and provides empirical evidence that environmental resistance can be overcome by higher propagule pressure.

Effects of Sowing Time on the Seed Yield of Quinoa (<i>Chenopodium quinoa</i> Willd) in South Kanto, Japan

The objective of the present study was to determine the optimum sowing time of three quinoa ecotypes (Altipllano, sea level, and valley) for high seed yields in south Kanto, Japan. Pot experiments were conducted in the experimental field at Nihon University during 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. In this experiment, the following quinoa varieties were used NL-6, Baer Cajon and Cauquenes (sea-level type), Amarilla de Marangani, Blanca de Junin, CICA-127, ECU-420, ECU-525, Ingapirica, and Narino (valley type), 94R and Isluga (Altiplano type). The quinoa seeds were sown on March 29, June 17 and September 22, 2011; March 27, June 17 and August 28, 2012; March 26, June 15 and 5 September 5, 2013; and March 27, June 17 and August 28, 2014. When the sea-level type and Altiplano type seeds were sowed from March to September, the seeds could be gained in all sowing plots. However, the seed weights of all varieties were the highest in the sowing plots of March. And the seed weights in the sowing plot of March were significantly higher than that in the other sowing plots. The sea-level type and Altiplano type quinoa had almost the same seed growth reaction for day length and day temperature. Thus, to gain a high seed yield of the sea-level and Altiplano type quinoa, March was the optimum sowing time in south Kanto, Japan. When the valley-type seeds were sowed from March to June, the seeds could not be gained, except in 2012. In 2012, the seed weights and seed numbers in sowing plots of March and June were significantly lower than those in the sowing plot of September. Thus, to obtain a high seed yield of the valley type quinoa, the optimum sowing time in south Kanto, Japan was from August to September.

Effect of Polythene Mulching, Raised Bed Planting and Dates of Sowing on Wilt Incidence of Chickpea

The field experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications to assess the effect of soil solarization and raised bed planting on incidence of chickpea wilt and grain yield. Result revealed that maximum wilt incidence (20.1%) was observed in early sown plots i.e on November 8 while minimum wilt 5.7% incidence was in late sown plots i.e November 28. There was gradual reduction in disease incidence as the date of sowing was delayed but it increased slightly after December 6. In both the season, Raised bed planting showed maximum disease incidence 20.8% and minimum grain yield 646.7kg/h in comparison to flat beds. Soil solarization with black polyethylene, gave minimum disease incidence (14.5%)

Grain sowing aimed at wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. enhancement in Mediterranean environments

Although habitat management practices focussed on the enhancement of hunting and protection of threatened species are common, the scientific validation of such practices is scarce. The wild European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L., a hunted and threatened species in its native range, is at the same time a key species for the preservation of threatened Mediterranean predators. Cereal sowing is one of the most common practices to augment the food supply of rabbits, and it is used not only by hunters but also by conservationists. At present, limited scientific information is available regarding the effectiveness of cereal sowing. To evaluate its effectiveness, we analysed data on sowing trials conducted in 125 plots, located in 14 private estates throughout central Spain, most of them with low density populations. Brush was cleared from 44 of these plots prior to sowing. Our results indicated that rabbits preferentially selected sown areas over control (unsown) areas. This selection increased in plots that represented suitable habitats for rabbits, such as pasturelands, as well as when thicket islands and natural or artificial shelters were available within the sown plots. Local enhancement of rabbit populations was also observed. These positive results were also obtained regardless of the initial habitat conditions, not only in the treatment plots but also in the surrounding area. Our recommendations can be broadly applied for managing rabbit-dependent threatened species.

경북지역에서 콩과작물의 혼파와 우분 시용이 총체밀의 생산성, 사료가치 및 단위면적당 가축 사육능력에 미치는 영향

본 실험에서는 2012년부터 2013년까지 월동작물로 재배되는 총체밀에 콩과작물의 혼파재배와 우분시용이 작물의 생산성과 사료가치를 평가함으로써 단위면적당 가축사육능력을 추정하고자 시험은 분할구 집구로 배치한 3반복으로 주구는 총체밀 단파, 총체밀과 헤어리베치 혼파 및 사료용 완두 혼파를, 세구에는 우분 4수준으로(0, 50, 100 및 150 kg N/ha) 시험이 실시되었다. 총체밀의 연간 건물수량은 지역 시험구 비교에서는 경주 시험구가 경산과 영주 시험구보다 높게 나타났으며, 경주 시험구에서 시험구별 단 혼파 비교에서는 헤어리베치 혼파구가 가장 높게 나타났다(p<0.05). 우분 시용수준에 따른 건물은 전 시험구에서 시 용수준이 높을수록 증가하였고 ha당 100, 150 kg 수준에서 유의하게 높았다(p<0.05). 사료작물의 사료가치 평가에서 조단백질 함량은 콩과작물의 월동이 가능한 시험구에서는 총체밀 단파보다는 콩과 혼파구가 높은 경향으로 나타났다(p<0.05). 경산지역에서 총체밀의 가소화양분총량(TDN) 함량은 사료용 완두구가 가장 높았으나(p<0.05), 총체밀 단파구와 유의적 차이는 나지 않았다. 한우 사육능력은 경주 시험구가 ha당 3.83두로 경산 시험구의 ha당 3.11두, 영주 시험구의 ha당 1.35두 보다 높았으며(p<0.05), 총체밀 단파보다는 콩과 작물혼파구가, 혼파구에서는 헤어리 배치가 높게 나타났다(p<0.05). 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 경북지역에서 사료가치 증진을 위한 콩과 사료작물 혼파는 겨울철 콩과작물의 월동성을 고려해야 하며, 콩과작물의 월동이 어려운 지역에는 우분을 시용하며, 또한 단위면적당 수량과 단백질 함량 등의 사료가치를 높이기 위해서는 우분 수준을 ha당 100~150 kg 시용과 함께 콩과작물을 혼파하는 것이 가축사육 능력 증대를 기대할 수 있으리라 사료된다. This study was conducted to estimate the Hanwoo carrying capacity when whole crop wheat, as a winter forage crop, was grown on mixed-sowing of legume forage and by applying cattle manure on the productivity and feed value of whole crop wheat during the period of 2012~2013. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design with three replications. The main plots consisted of three different culture methods such as whole crop wheat and mixed sowing combination with hairy vetch or forage pea. The subplots consisted of four different applications of cattle manure (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha). The annual amount of dry matter (DM) of whole crop wheat in Gyeongju were higher than those of in Gyeongsan and Yeongju, and the mixed-sowing of hairy vetch mixture was the highest (p<0.05) compared with the single-sowing of whole crop wheat and mixed-sowing of legume in Gyeongju. The DM amounts were increased proportionately corresponded to the applying level of cattle manure, and was found to be significantly (p<0.05) high at the level of 100 and 150 kg/ha groups. With the feed value of forage, the crude protein (CP) contents tended to be higher in the mixed-sowing of legume than the single-sowing of whole crop wheat at the wintering experimental sites of legume. For whole crop wheat, total digestible nutrients (TDN) content was the highest in the mixed sowing plots of forage pea in Gyeongsan; however, there was no significant differences among the single-sowing of whole crop wheat. The carrying capacity of Hanwoo (head/ha) was higher (p<0.05) in Gyeongju (3.83 head) than that in Gyeongsan (3.11) and Yeongju (1.35). Further, the carrying capacity in the single-sowing of whole crop wheat was lower than that in the mixed-sowing of legume, and the hairy vetch was the highest among the mixed-sowing groups (p<0.05). Overall, the present results recommend taking into account the wintering for the mix-sowing of legume in Gyeongbuk province. The cattle manure may be applied for legume in the wintering unavailable regions. In addition, applying cattle manure at the level of 100~150 kg/ha and the mix-sowing of legume may increase the productivity per unit area and feed value, including the CP, for improving the carrying capacity of Hanwoo.

Evaluating the effectiveness of wildflower seed mixes for boosting floral diversity and bumblebee and hoverfly abundance in urban areas

Abstract There is growing interest in improving the biodiversity of urban and suburban areas. Here we report on the effectiveness of a very simple intervention that may be used to boost flower and pollinator abundance; the sowing of plots of wildflowers in amenity grasslands. The abundance of flowers, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and hoverflies (Syrphidae) was surveyed in 30 such plots, either 1 or 2 years after they had been sown. Overall, sown plots had 25 times more flowers, 50 times more bumblebees, and 13 times more hoverflies compared to paired control plots. Floral abundance and bee abundance increased from year 1 to year 2, but hoverflies were more abundant in plots in their first year, reflecting their preference for shallow annual flowers. Our data demonstrate that flower‐poor amenity grasslands can be readily converted to flower‐rich areas that are highly attractive to pollinators, providing a simple tool for pollinator conservation in urban areas.

Influence of Cultural Practices on the Development of Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) on Maize at Bako, Western Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Center from 2008 to 2009 cropping seasons in order to evaluate the effect of sowing dates and ploughing frequency on the development of Grey Leaf Spot (GLS) on maize. The susceptible variety Phb 3253, with three sowing dates (early, optimum and late at 10 days interval) and three ploughing treatments: Minimum tillage (once), farmer’s practice (three times ploughing) and four times ploughing were used. All plots were uniformly treated with GLS infected crop residue before first ploughing. Trial was laid out in factorial arrangement in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Among the planting dates, the highest disease severity of 7.60, 7.44 7.00, (1-9 scale) and Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) 305.83, 280.1 and 280.33 were recorded in early sown minimum (conservation) tillage practices, while the lowest was with AUDPC 161.50, 196.50 and 222.67 in four times ploughed plots in 2007, 2008 and 2009 years respectively. The highest thousand seed weight and grain yield was observed in four times ploughed and in early sown plots, while the lowest thousand seed weights and grain yield were recorded in the conservation tillage practice. Four times ploughed and early sown fields had a mean yield advantage of 474.73kg (6.66%) and a total yield advantage 2020.77kg (36.23.6%) over three times ploughed and minimum tillage practices for the three seasons 2008-2009. In general higher disease severity, low thousand seed weight and grain yield were recorded for the conservation tillage compared to other practices. The overall results showed that four times ploughing result in superior maize grain yield performance compared to others as it has resulted in reducing the disease development.