Stand Establishment Research Articles

Effects of Planting Pre-Germinated Buds on Stand Establishment in Sugarcane

Sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) is propagated vegetatively by using stem pieces of mature cane with healthy buds. Abiotic and biotic stress may cause pre-germination of these buds, which may have an impact on both emergence and plant cane stand establishment. There is very limited information available in the literature. A greenhouse study was conducted with single-budded seed pieces of three levels of bud germination (ungerminated buds, Pop-eyes, and Lalas) from three different cultivars (CP 96-1252, CPCL 05-1201, and CPCL 02-0926) planted in pots and repeated over time. Data on growth parameters (tiller count, primary shoot height, SPAD, and dry biomass of shoots and roots) at early growth showed that Lalas produced more tillers and higher shoot dry biomass than Pop-eyes and ungerminated buds. Both Lalas and Pop-eyes produced higher root dry biomass than ungerminated buds in one of the two experiments. The cultivar had a significant effect on primary shoot height and SPAD. A small plot field experiment was conducted with cultivar CP 96-1252 to validate the results of greenhouse experiments, and similar results were reported for tiller count. The results indicate that pre-germinated buds may have a neutral or positive effect on early sugarcane growth and establishment. Further on-farm research needs to be conducted to confirm these results before using pre-germinated buds as a potential seed source for the late season planting of sugarcane.

Silvicultural Treatments Affect Growth and Foliar Nutrients in a Young Ponderosa Pine Stand

Abstract Foliar nutrient status, diameter, and height growth were investigated for young ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stands grown under six fertilizer and herbicide treatments (including control) in southeast Washington to diagnose foliar nutrient status and evaluate the effects of silvicultural treatments on growth rates. Two application methods of fertilizer (one “best guess” multi-nutrient fertilizer blend) and herbicide applications (broadcast or spot) were used in the study. Broadcast herbicide application produced higher tree growth responses than spot application. The two broadcast application methods improved diameter increments by 43.3%, whereas the average response of the three spot application methods during the third growing season was only 14.5%. Height growth response for these same two treatments was much less than the diameter response. Fertilizer application in addition to herbicide did not significantly increase tree growth over herbicide alone. Foliar nutrient response to fertilization based on foliar vector analysis was inconsistent, possibly due to nutrient imbalances resulting from the one multi-nutrient blend used in our experiment. Control of grass completion produced a rapid posttreatment early growth trajectory and suggested that stand establishment was successful in this plantation. Our results should also be useful in naturally regenerated young ponderosa pine forests subject to heavy grass competition. Study Implications: Given the increasing need for reforestation in the western United States, results from our study should provide useful information for forest managers. Stand establishment is a critical phase for ponderosa pine stands. Broadcast herbicide application in a recently established plantation produced a rapid early growth trajectory. In this experiment, reducing severe sod grass competition was the most important factor that increased tree growth. Our results may also apply to naturally regenerated ponderosa pine stands. Fertilization with a multi-nutrient fertilizer blend did not significantly increase tree growth as a separate treatment or when combined with herbicide. Foliar nutrient response to fertilization was inconsistent, possibly due to nutrient imbalances resulting from the multi-nutrient fertilizer blend used in our experiment. Fertilization rate and nutrient composition trials are needed to develop effective fertilization treatments in young ponderosa pine stands. Based on our results, fertilizing without vegetation control is not recommended when there is heavy grass competition. The grasses proliferated following only fertilization to the detriment of the trees. For the conditions in our study, we cannot recommend adding fertilizer in addition to the herbicide as a treatment because fertilization did not significantly increase tree growth over herbicide alone. We feel fertilization rate and nutrient composition trials are needed to develop effective fertilization treatments in young ponderosa pine stands. The establishment of ponderosa pine forests is vital for the future timber they may produce and the ecological benefits they provide. We recommend broadcast herbicide as an effective silvicultural treatment to control competing vegetation (from grasses in our experiment) during the stand establishment of ponderosa pine. As demonstrated in our study, the rapid posttreatment early growth trajectory from vegetation control suggests that stand establishment was successful.

Development of Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) Seed Coating Technology to Enhance Germination and Stand Establishment in Red Clover Cover Crop

Drought conditions after sowing threaten the seedling establishment of all seeds, including cover crops. Cover crops are commonly broadcast and, thus, are often susceptible to drought stress after sowing. Our hypothesis was that seed coating with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) would enhance germination in the lab and stand establishment in the field by increasing water availability to single seeds. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) seeds were coated with the following selected SAP formulations at 2% of their seed weight: cross-linked potassium polyacrylate (PAL), cross-linked polyacrylamide-based polymer (PAM), PAM with graphite (PAM+G), and Starch-g-2-Propenoic acid (potassium salt) (STR). The water absorbency of each SAP formulation was >200 g water/g of polymer; STR had the greatest absorbency, at 352 g water/g of polymer. A seed coating method was developed, resulting in the uniform application of SAP from seed to seed. All SAP coating treatments increased germination compared to the 0% SAP coating in controlled environment studies in the lab. Three field trials were conducted for each seed coating treatment, providing a range of climatic soil conditions. Within each field trial, the STR with the greatest water absorbency had a higher stand for treatments sown by broadcasting followed by raking to incorporate seeds. The first two trials were conducted under more stressful conditions. PAM+G performed best in the first two trials by broadcasting seeds with no raking. Collectively, the selected SAP seed coating improved field stands compared to the non-treated controls.

Stand Establishment, Growth, and Yield Enhancement Response of Soybean to Inoculation and NPK Compound and Organic Fertilizers

Stand Establishment, Growth, and Yield Enhancement Response of Soybean to Inoculation and NPK Compound and Organic Fertilizers

Effects of a Furrow-Bed Seeding System on Stand Establishment, Soil Bacterial Diversity, and the Yield and Quality of Alfalfa Under Saline Condition.

Salt stress account for large decreases in crop yield all over the world. Furrow-bed system is an efficient practice to promote plant growth in saline soil. However, the effects of Furrow-bed system on the soil environment and the growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in salinity are not clear. For a wider and more detail evaluation, alfalfa were planted in saline sandy loam soil in fall, the effects of two plant systems (FU, furrow-bed seeding system; FL, flat-bed seeding system) on soil moisture, root zone salinity, soil microbial community structure, seedling emergence number in the early stage of the growth period and soil nutrient contents, alfalfa production characteristics in the second growth year were determined in a 2-year field experiment. The result showed that, compared with FL, FU resulted in increased soil moisture content and seedling emergence, and significantly reduced relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Choroflexi in soil, but it did not affect root zone salinity at the seedling stage. In April of second growth year, the soil salinity was lower, and the soil available phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, and soil organic matter contents of the root zone were higher in FU than in FL. Compared with FL, FU resulted in increased yield (by 37.5%), protein content (by 3.6%), and potassium concentration (by 33.2%), and decreased ash content (by 7.7%), and sodium concentration (by 19.0%) in alfalfa plants. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the increased yield was positively correlated with seedling emergence, soil available potassium, total nitrogen, and organic matter contents, and shoot potassium content and negatively correlated with shoot sodium content. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria was negatively correlated with alfalfa ash, calcium, and sodium concentrations, and positively correlated with shoot potassium content. Taken together, the results indicate that Furrow-bed seeding in early fall alleviated salt stress of alfalfa and have the potential to enhance the yield and quality of alfalfa cultivated in saline soils by improving the soil environment and regulating the growth and physiology of alfalfa. Graphical

Evaluation of Industrial Hemp Seed Treatments for Management of Damping-Off for Enhanced Stand Establishment

The purpose of this research was to collect efficacy data on biological, biochemical, and chemical fungicide seed treatments on hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) to mitigate damping-off and enhance field stand establishment. Seed treatments were evaluated in fields in New York (NY), North Dakota (ND), and Virginia (VA) and at two planting dates in each state in 2020. A single seed lot of a dual-purpose (fiber + grain) cultivar (‘Anka’) was treated using a laboratory-scale rotary pan coater. Five biological, two biochemical, and four chemical seed treatments were tested. A laboratory germination test revealed that seed treatments did not exhibit phytotoxicity when compared to the non-treated control. A laboratory bioassay with naturally infested soil was used to assess the preliminary activity of seed treatments for protection against damping-off. The biochemical seed treatment Ultim® (active ingredient; organic copper) performed as well as the chemical treatments Apron XL® + Maxim® 4FS and Mertect® 340F in preventing damping-off whereas the biological treatments did not differ from the non-treated control in terms of disease incidence. In all field tests, biological seed treatments did not improve plant stands compared to the non-treated control. Biochemical seed treatments Prudent 44® with Nutrol® (active ingredient; phosphite) and Ultim®, along with chemical seed treatments, had acceptable efficacy and improved stand establishment compared to the non-treated control across field locations. Based on efficacy results from laboratory and field trials, the copper seed treatment has potential for both conventional and organic hemp production.

Considerations for Stand Establishment and Early Seedling Growth in Cotton

Obtaining an adequate plant stand is an important first step towards realizing the yield potential of cotton. The stand establishment phase of crop development involves a number of different processes and can be influenced by multiple factors, some that are within the grower’s control and some that are not. The current article starts with an overview of the germination and emergence phase of cotton development with an emphasis on key developmental events. Thereafter, it focuses on recent research conducted in Georgia that addresses the effects of seed characteristics, temperature conditions, and planter settings on stand establishment. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz athttps://bit.ly/3HjwNJN. View all CEUs online athttps://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Impact of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.)

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is cultivated as a forage crop and planted in various landscapes for soil conservation. There are numerous reports of failed white clover stands each year. A good understanding of the seed germination biology of white clover in relation to environmental factors is essential to achieve successful stand establishment. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the impacts of light, temperature, planting depth, drought, and salt stress on seed germination and the emergence of white clover. White clover is negatively photoblastic, and seed germination averaged 63 and 66% under light and complete dark conditions 4 weeks after planting (WAP), respectively. Temperature affected the seed germination speed and rate. At 1 WAP, seeds incubated at 15 to 25 °C demonstrated a significantly higher germination rate than the low temperatures at 5 and 10 °C; however, the germination rate did not differ among the temperature treatments at 4 WAP. The results suggest that white clover germination decreases with increasing sowing depths, and the seeds should be sown on the soil surface or shallowly buried at a depth ≤1 cm to achieve an optimal emergence. White clover seeds exhibited high sensitivity to drought and salinity stress. The osmotic potential and NaCl concentration required to inhibit 50% seed germination were −0.19 MPa and 62.4 mM, respectively. Overall, these findings provide quantifiable explanations for inconsistent establishment observed in field conditions. The results obtained in this research can be used to develop effective planting strategies and support the successful establishment of white clover stands.

Field-level factors for closing yield gaps in high-yielding rice systems of Uruguay

Yield gap assessments at the field-level are key for developing management practices to increase crop production in a sustainable manner. Although rice is an important food crop worldwide, yield gaps remain less investigated in Latin American rice systems. In this study, we evaluated field-level factors for closing yield gaps (based on attainable farm yield, defined as the mean of top 10 % of farmers) for rice production in Uruguay using crop management and yield records from 2012 to 2017, covering approximately 70,000 ha per year (40 % of total rice area). The mean annual attainable yield gap ranged from 16 % to 22 % in fields with non-hybrid cultivars (90 % of planted area) and from 14 % to 22 % in fields with hybrid rice (10 % of planted area). Early seeding was identified as the most influential factor for reducing yield gaps in both systems, followed by N rate. Stand establishment was also important for closing yield gap in non-hybrid fields, while rotation with improved pasture was important in hybrid fields. When variables were categorized as input-related, manageable, or non-manageable, on average manageable factors (e.g. early planting and stand establishment) were more important than input-related factors (e.g. seed or fertilizer rate). This study highlights a simple, self-contained method using large field-level datasets to quantify yield gaps and develop strategies for improving agricultural productivity.

The History of Domestication and Selection of Lucerne: A New Perspective From the Genetic Diversity for Seed Germination in Response to Temperature and Scarification.

Lucerne (Medicago sativa), a major perennial pasture legume, belongs to a species complex that includes several subspecies with wild and cultivated populations. Stand establishment may be compromised by poor germination. Seed scarification, deterioration and temperature have an impact on germination. The objective of this study was to analyse the genetic diversity of lucerne germination in response to three factors: (1) temperature, with seven constant temperatures ranging from 5 to 40°C, was tested on 38 accessions, (2) seed scarification was tested on the same accessions at 5 and 22°C, (3) seed deterioration was tested on two accessions and two seed lots at the seven temperatures. The germination dynamics of seed lots over time was modelled and three parameters were analysed: germinability (germination capacity), maximum germination rate (maximum% of seeds germinating per time unit), and lag time before the first seed germinates. Seed scarification enhanced germinability at both temperatures and its effect was much higher on falcata and wild sativa accessions. Incomplete loss of the hardseededness trait during domestication and selection is hypothesised, indicating that the introduction of wild material in breeding programmes should be followed by the selection for germinability without scarification. Seed lots with altered germinability had low germination at extreme temperatures, both cold and hot, suggesting that mild temperatures are required to promote germination of damaged seed lots. A large genetic diversity was revealed for germination (both capacity and rate) in response to temperature. All accessions had an optimal germination at 15 or 22°C and a poor germination at 40°C. The sativa varieties and landraces had a high germination from 5 to 34°C while the germination of falcata and the wild sativa accessions were weakened at 5 or 34°C, respectively. These differences are interpreted in terms of adaptation to the climate of their geographical origin regions in order to escape frost or heat/drought risks. These new findings give insights on adaptation and domestication of lucerne in its wide geographic area. They suggest further improvement of germination is needed, especially when introducing wild material in breeding pools to remove scarification requirements and to limit differences in response to temperature.

Impact of Early Season Insecticide Applications on Soybean Stand Establishment, 2020

Impact of Early Season Insecticide Applications on Soybean Stand Establishment, 2020

Impact of Selected Insecticide Seed Treatments on Soybean Stand Establishment and Yield 2, 2019

Impact of Selected Insecticide Seed Treatments on Soybean Stand Establishment and Yield 2, 2019

Impact of Selected Insecticide Seed Treatments on Soybean Stand Establishment and Yield, 2020

Impact of Selected Insecticide Seed Treatments on Soybean Stand Establishment and Yield, 2020

Impact of Selected Insecticide Seed Treatments on Soybean Stand Establishment and Yield 1, 2019

Impact of Selected Insecticide Seed Treatments on Soybean Stand Establishment and Yield 1, 2019

Agronomic potential of two European pennycress accessions as a winter crop under European Mediterranean conditions

The growing interest in oilseed crops for sustainable biofuel production has promoted the exploration of new plant species with high oil content and quality. One of these species is pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.; Brassicaceae), a winter annual plant that, due to the characteristics of its seed oil, has a great potential as feedstock for advanced biofuels. However, pennycress is not cultivated in Europe and, in contrast to the USA, the research has been very scarce, especially regarding its agronomic behaviour and production. In this work we performed a comparative analysis of the agronomic potential of two pennycress accessions of European origin (French and NASC), with respect to two from USA (Beecher and Elizabeth), to be cultivated under Mediterranean agroclimatic conditions. Stand establishment, growth, and yield data of the four pennycress accessions were collected during two growing seasons (2016−17 and 2017−18) in experimental fields situated in Aragon (NE Spain). The European accessions had less germination success than those from USA (20−50 % less). However, the seed yield of the French accession was similar or superior to that of USA origin (730–1390 vs 500−1340 ha−1). This was because French plants were able to compensate for the lower plant density with increased production of tillers and inflorescences. The other European short cycle accession, NASC, requires further research to understand and overcome its erratic germination and low seed yield. In terms of seed oil and erucic acid content, higher variability was found between the growing seasons than among the pennycress accessions, suggesting that weather conditions, especially rainfall distribution, have a pronounced effect on seed, oil and erucic acid yield and must be considered for growing pennycress in Europe.

RICE SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT AS INFLUENCED BY CULTIVARS AND SEED PRIMING WITH POTASSIUM NITRATE

Poor crop establishment is one of the major constraints to obtain the higher potential of rice, particularly in areas prone to environmental stresses. Therefore, present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of potassium nitrate on germination dynamics, seedling growth and associated physiological and biochemical events of two rice cultivars. For this purpose, various seed priming treatments were tested in lab and greenhouse. The percent concentrations of potassium nitrate were 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 in both lab evaluation and greenhouse experiment. Non-primed seeds were maintained as a control for comparison. The results depicted that soaking rice seeds at higher concentrations of KNO3 could delay emergence time and final emergence (%) in both cultivars under lab and greenhouse conditions. Seed priming with 0.75% KNO3 significantly increased the stand establishment and seedling vigor attributes of both cultivars compared with other concentrations and naked rice seeds both in lab evaluation and greenhouse screening. Similarly, highest values for photosynthesis rate, evaporation rate and CO2 index were observed in experimental units receiving primed seeds with 0.75% KNO3 under greenhouse screening. Interestingly, no variance was observed among both rice cultivars. Overall, higher seed emergence, seedling vigor and associated biochemical attributes due to seed priming with 0.75% KNO3 was associated with decrease in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and pyruvate decarboxylase (PDH) activities in lab and greenhouse screening.

A HYBRID Approach for Determine the Location of Stand Establishment at Batik Hatta Semarang

Semarang has various types of business. One of them is Batik Hatta Boutique, a small and medium business under the guidance of the Bank of Central Java that deals specifically in the world of batik art. This business develops and maintains its existence by participating in various exhibitions in several shopping centers as a media product promotion. To minimize losses, it needs accurate calculation in making decision of determining the location of establishment. It is reviewed by rental cost, location, layout, profit, and security. However, that calculation is still manual so it is inefficient and susceptible to error. Therefore, Decision Support System (DSS) is made to help in getting recommended location of best establishment at the Butik Batik Hatta. The method used in this research is the HYBRID MCDM AHP-TOPSIS Method. Validation process of this research has been done by using comparison of actual data and its result is 0.90 in the Sparman Correlation Coefficient. The conclusion is that the AHP-TOPSIS HYBRID MCDM method can be used in determining the location of establishment stand at the Batik Hatta Boutique.

Implementation of purification equipment for removal of plant protection products from horticultural discharge water

ISHS XXX International Horticultural Congress IHC2018: II International Symposium on Soilless Culture and VIII International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops Implementation of purification equipment for removal of plant protection products from horticultural discharge water

Can Winter Canola Be Grown on Wide Row Spacing?

Stand establishment is the most difficult aspect of winter canola production in the Pacific Northwest. A method that has been tried by innovative producers is to plant canola using row spacings much wider than used for winter wheat. This allows wide shovel openers to move dry soil to the areas between the rows and creates a seed row that is shallow to moist soil, allowing the seed to be placed relatively shallow with a minimum of soil cover. Earn 1 CEU in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/695.

Planting date, cultivar, seed treatment, and seeding rate effects on soybean growth and yield

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield is a function of many factors including genetic attributes of the cultivar, environmental conditions, and management practices. Temporally variable weather patterns in North America, especially in the northern Great Plains, have resulted in the re‐examination of how spring production practices interact with the environmental conditions to influence yield. This study evaluated the impact of four plantings dates, four seeding rates, and two soybean maturity groups (MGs) using treated and untreated (control) seed on soybean growth, seed yield, and composition. The study was conducted at Volga, SD, in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The planting dates in the study ranged from early May to early July and the four seeding rates were 247,000; 333,500; 420,000; 506,500 seeds ha−1. Stand establishment decreased as seeding rate increased irrespective of planting date. The number of growing degree days (GDDs) to R1 decreased with delayed planting. Delayed planting also decreased the number of GDDs to R8, the length of the reproductive phase (R1−R8), and seed yield. Delayed planting decreased seed yield for both MGs but the rate of decrease was greater for MG 2.4 than MG 1.4. Seed treatment increased seed yield irrespective of planting date. Seed protein was variable among planting dates and between MGs while seed oil decreased with delayed planting. The research documents the impact of delayed planting on soybean yield and quality and highlights the importance of early planting in soybean irrespective of maturity group and growth habit.