State Agricultural Experiment Stations Research Articles

Моделювання родючості ґрунту та продуктивності озимих зернових культур залежно від природних і агротехнічних заходів у Південному Степу України

It is set that a decision of problem of increase of production of high-quality grain-growing goods with diminishing of charges on condition of maintenance of the ecological state of environment and increase of level of fertility of soil was and remains an important task for agriculture of Ukraine. The important condition of increase of efficiency of production of high-quality grain-growing goods are determination and introduction of effective technologies of growing of wheat of winter-annual at different ground-climatic terms country. Certainly, that important is research of structural-aggregate composition of soil that determines him water-air and thermal mode and substantially influences on forming of diet of cultural plants and their productivity. The of long duration agricultural use of soils results in the changes of not only agrochemical but also agrophysics properties, the depth of that is predefined by the level of intensification of production. There is a necessity for systematic research of such changes for establishment of optimal basic parameters of physical properties of soil with the aim of optimization of technologies of growing and development of the scientifically reasonable systems of maintenance, renewal and fertility-improving of soils. The results of the researches got in the of long duration field experiments during 1971–2007 are represented in the article. A research aim was a design of fertility of soil and productivity of winter-annual grain-crops depending on natural and agrotechnical measures in South Steppe of Ukraine. Researches executed on the experienced field of the Odesa state agricultural experimental station of the National academy of agrarian sciences of Ukraine. Determined the action of the systematic bringing of organic and mineral fertilizers during six rotary presses of the crop rotation and influence of their after an action during the last two rotary presses simultaneously with the direct action of fertilizers. A reiteration in experience is triple with the systematic placing of reiterations and variants; reiteration in time – fourfold with the successive including on one field in a crop rotation. In the crop rotation set the action of the systems of fertilizer, that during four rotary presses included variants: without fertilizers and with application of organic, mineral and organic-mineral systems of fertilizer. A pus and mineral fertilizers brought in twice for a rotary press: in the field black pair and corn of milk-waxen ripeness. Mineral fertilizers as ammoniac saltpetre, superphosphate granular and potassium salt brought in under basic till of soil. Investigated the consistently growing norms of bringing of mineral nitrogen in composition a complete mineral fertilizer. It is set that in a top-soil at bringing of organic fertilizers part of blocky faction grew, and intent diminished in relation to the unfertilized variant. With application of the organic-mineral system of fertilizer with the single and one-and-a-half norm of bringing of pus and mineral fertilizers blocky faction of arable layer diminished both relatively to the organic system and to organic-mineral with a less satiation mineral fertilizers. Among the marked variants comparatively the greater level of blocky faction is marked with application of mineral fertilizers. It is set on results research, that with the increase of norm of bringing of mineral nitrogen in composition the organic-mineral systems of fertilizer gets worse structurally aggregate composition of black earth south due to the increase of him blocky factions. Certainly, that the of long duration systematic use of the organic-mineral systems of fertilizer on black earth south positively influences on water resistance of soil, maintenance of general nitrogen and his factions. It is found out, that the most deep changes take place for the use of the mineral system of fertilizer. Certainly, that bringing of complete mineral fertilizer with the different norms of nitrogen improves the trophic mode of soil and promotes the indexes of tension of the Mineralization processes, and also productivity of crop rotation in middle on 10,5%, that represents the increase of effective fertility of black earth south. From investigational variants with application of the organic-mineral systems of fertilizer in South Steppe of Ukraine, most favorable not only after the level of the productivity but also after the coefficient of humification a variant appeared with the annual bringing of organic and mineral fertilizers.

Influence of abiotic factors on the green mass and seed productivity of the raw material of Levisticum оfficinalе c. Koch in the conditions of Transcarpathia

For the wide implementation of Levisticum officinalе C. Koch in Transcarpathia into production it is necessary to widen its sort composition, as it is rather poor in Ukraine. Solving this problem is possible by enriching the source material with the samples of different ecological and/or geographical origin, by studying the influence of abiotic factors on the formation of green mass and seed productivity, separating the specimens best adapted to the conditions of growing, involving them into the selection process and creating new, highly productive sorts on this basis. The scientists of the Transcarpathian State Agricultural Experimental Station (TSAES) conducted researches (during 2011-2016) on the adaptive potential of the source material of the type of Levisticum officinalе C. Koch, which counts seven samples (Ukraine – 5 samples, Poland – 1, and Romania – 1), the selection work on creating new varieties for the given region is being done. The investigations were made on soddy podzolic gleyed low-humus soils with low content of nutrients. The results were obtained on the basis of generally accepted methods of investigation, i.e.: laboratory, field, visual, measuring-weighing, biochemical, mathematically statistic, and comparative-calculating. In the conditions of Transcarpathia the spicy greens of the high quality L. officinalе C. Koch are being gathered on days 25-30, the output of the essential oil makes up from 0.72 tо 1.89% on c.d.s., depending on the climate conditions of growing. The plants pass through all the stages of development, the bush is 55.4 to 92.7 сm in height, the plants form a big amount of rosette-shaped stems (11-34 pieces), the productivity of spicy greens is between 9.9 and 42.1 t hа1. The scientists of TSAES created the following sorts – Mriya (А. с. 06131 Ukraine, first registered in the State register of plant varieties of Ukraine) and Coral (Pat. on the variety № 140830). Economic effect from growing of the Coral variety in the conditions of Transcarpathia is 10230 UAH/ha and the level of profitability is 28.4%. The geographic position and agroclimatic conditions of Transcarpathia, as well as the unpretentiousness of L. officinalе C. Koch. tо the conditions of growing contribute to the enrichment of the local flora with useful plants; and the rich chemical composition contributes to the spread of this culture in the given region.

Threats to Freshwater Fisheries in the United States: Perspectives and Investments of State Fisheries Administrators and Agricultural Experiment Station Directors

Freshwater fisheries provide human benefits (e.g., food, recreation) but are increasingly threatened by climate change, invasive species, and other stressors. Our purpose was to survey fisheries administrators from state fisheries agencies and Agricultural Experiment Stations (AESs) about their perceptions of, and resource investment toward, threats to freshwater fisheries in the United States. Our rationale for studying these two types of fisheries administrators simultaneously was to inform state fisheries professionals about the fisheries relevance of AESs, elevate the profile of fisheries within AESs, and promote mutually beneficial state agency–AES partnerships. Survey respondents generally agreed that recreational, socioeconomic, and ecological services of fisheries were more important than nutritional and commercial benefits. The greatest perceived fisheries threats were water quality/quantity impairment, land‐use change, and invasive species—but, interestingly, not climate change. State fisheries agencies invested more personnel and finances into issues rated as less important but more controllable (e.g., fish production, habitat management) than issues rated as more important but larger in scale and more difficult to control (e.g., water quality/quantity, invasive species). Our research underscores the importance of ensuring that state agencies can address long‐term, socio‐ecologically critical management issues (e.g., climate change) amid budgetary constraints. We call for state agencies to collaborate with new partners (e.g., AESs) to mitigate fisheries threats by expanding fisheries management to more fully encompass terrestrial and human systems; promoting receptiveness to novel research/management ideas; actively predicting, monitoring, and planning for future stressors; and enhancing fisheries’ social–ecological resilience.

Енергетична ефективність технологій вирощування пшениці озимої у сівозмінах південного степу України

The results of the researches got in the protracted and temporal field researches during 2007–2017 are represented in the article. The aim of researches was determination of power efficiency of technologies of growing of wheat winter-annual for different predecessors, systems of till of soil, terms of sowing, bringing of mineral fertilizers, microfertilizers and biologics in short term crop rotations. Researches executed on the experienced field of the Odesa state agricultural experimental station of the National academy of agrarian sciences of Ukraine. It is set that a decision of problem of increase of production of high-quality grain-growing goods with diminishing of charges on condition of maintenance of the ecological state of environment and increase of level of fertility of soil was and remains a key task for agriculture of Ukraine. The important condition of increase of power efficiency of production of high-quality grain-growing goods are determination and introduction of effective technologies of growing of wheat winter-annual in the crop rotations of different ground-climatic terms of country. Certainly, that one of basic measures in relation to stopping and prevention of development of negative processes and crisis phenomena in agriculture there is the scientifically reasonable placing of wheat winter-annual after the best predecessors in crop rotations with application of rational till of soil, optimization of norms of bringing of mineral fertilizers and biologics. In particular, lands are more productively used, potential possibilities of sorts of plants will be realized better, an impurit goes down, influence of wreckers and illnesses diminishes in sowing of agricultural cultures. All of it positively influences on the state of environment, opens additional possibilities of increase of grain-growing products with diminishing of charges on her production. It is found out, that the tendency of increase of power charges in an agricultural production can result in negative consequences, that is why in the entire countries of the world large attention is spared the problem of energy-savings. One of important tasks that appear before modern agriculture is realization of control after the use of all types of power resources and translation of his industries on an energy keeping level. During realization of efficiency of technologies of growing of wheat winter-annual, a power analysis that considerably complements possibilities economic is applied Tom. Besides, the indexes of power analysis do not require the prices given about a change at comparison in time and does not depend on inflationary factors. Certainly, that corresponding methodologies of power and biopower analysis are worked out for today. Methodologies of power analysis principle of expression of all charges through a power index and corresponding correlation of all power charges is the basis of on the production of goods to energy, that in her is contained. On the basis of modern researches power indexes after that estimated efficiency of technologies of growing of wheat winter-annual are certain. For the calculation of the combined energy, gross products expended in a production on every technology, used power equivalents. Power equivalents are an amount of primary energy in Joules, that is needed for implementation of certain type of work. On this index compared power-hungryness of different technologies, determined the power structure of charges, different elements related to application. Account of the combined energy, grain-growing products expended in a production, carried out on the basis of flowsheets growing of cultures and charges of energy on implementation of works, and also power equivalents of the used capital goods. For the basic criterion of power efficiency of technologies took the coefficient of power efficiency, that was determined by the relation of mass of energy that is contained in the grown products, to the energy expended in her receipt. On results comparative power efficiency of technologies the rational growing of wheat winter-annual is set in the short term crop rotations of South Steppe of Ukraine. The favourable action of the system of shallow without shelves till of soil is certain in crop rotations, where as a predecessor of wheat winter-annual peas and mustard came forward white, on the receipt of the greatest indexes of power efficiency. It is found out, that at growing of wheat winter-annual after peas and mustard white the most coefficient of power efficiency was got at bringing of mineral fertilizers in combination with the variants of additional for a root signup by nitrogen and biologics of Gumatal nano and Azotofit. Certainly, that in a control variant without bringing of mineral fertilizers and biologics and additional for a root signup the coefficient of power efficiency headily went down nitric fertilizers, that unsatisfactorily had influenced on power efficiency of production of grain-growing goods.

Natural fruitlet abscission as related to apple tree carbon balance estimated with the MaluSim model

Apple trees produce many more flower clusters than needed for a full crop, but natural early season flower and fruitlet abscission drastically reduce the final fruit number. Natural fruit abscission varies significantly year to year. There have been attempts to try to model apple fruit abscission in the past. However, due to the great complexity of a perennial crop system in a dynamic environment with significant plant manipulations, regulatory processes and controlling environmental variables have been difficult to elucidate. In 1995, a field trial was planted at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York with 3 apple cultivars (‘Delicious’, ‘Gala’, and ‘McIntosh’). Beginning in 2000 and for 18 years thereafter, we recorded the natural whole-season fruit abscission of untreated trees that received no chemical or hand thinning. We also estimated early season patterns of carbohydrate supply-to-demand each year with a carbon balance model. These data were used to correlate tree carbon balance status and other environmental variables with natural fruit abscission responses. In general terms, natural set, defined as final fruit/flower cluster, of ‘Gala’ averaged ˜1 fruit for each flower cluster (fruit set = 0.9), whereas fewer fruits were set on ‘Delicious’ and ‘McIntosh’ (fruit set = 0.7 and 0.6, respectively). Fruit set of ‘Gala’ was less variable than of ‘Delicious’ or ‘McIntosh’, and there was a clear pattern for decreasing fruit set when the number of initial flower clusters per tree increased. Fruit weight was less dependent on fruit number for ‘Delicious’ and ‘McIntosh’ than for ‘Gala’. Multiple regression models indicated that number of flower clusters per tree and average carbohydrate balance between 0–60 degree days (DD) after bloom and 300–360 DD after bloom were the main significant variables that explained 60–80% of the variability in natural fruit set or final fruit number. For ‘Delicious’, temperatures of the previous fall also explained a significant amount of variation in final fruit set and final fruit number. For ‘Gala’, carbon balance from bloom to shortly after petal fall and when fruits were about 18 mm were the two main periods, which were more sensible to carbohydrate deficiency triggering fruit abscission. A later susceptible period was also observed for ‘McIntosh’, suggesting a larger thinning window for this cultivar.

Research of Influence of Growing Technology Elements on Biometrical Indexes of Energy Willow in the Western Region

The current study deals with the development of scientific strategies for growing bioenergy crops in Ukraine that will assist the increasing of biomass in energy balance of Ukraine. Experimental research studies on determining the growth characteristics and development of energy willow on soddy ash gray soil according to the farming cultivation was carried out on the research fields of the Carpathian State Agricultural experimental station of the Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian region of the NAAN and in laboratory conditions. The features of growth and development of energy willow varieties according to the growing conditions of the Western region for biofuels production was studied on the basis of quadruplex repetition. It was found that energy willow in the conditions of the Western region in terms of mineral fertilization with N40P300K300 and with the help of increasing the planting step to 60 cm influences the intensive noduling of vegetative mass. In this version the biggest height shoots (180 cm) is fixed. The increasing of seeding step from 40 cm to 60 cm in energy willow planting allows to get additionally 4,2 t/ ha of green mass and 1,9 t/ ha of dry mass. Mineral fertilization provides the increase of the productivity of 2,1 - 2,5 t/ ha of green mass and 0,5 - 1,0 t/ha of dry mass. On the basis of analyses of weeds change we can conclude that application of mechanical processing allowed to control the wild grass at possible level. However, some time after the treatments, shoots of annual and perennial weeds appeared. But the interrow tillage and bringing the herbicides provided practically full keeping down the weeds in the first half of willow vegetation

Залежність якості зерна пшениці озимої від погодних умов та систем удобрення у Південному Степу України

У статті відображено результати досліджень, отримані у тривалому польовому стаціонарному досліді упродовж 46 років. Метою досліджень було визначення якості зерна пшениці озимої за різних погодних умов та систем удобрення у Південному Степу України. Дослідження виконували у тривалому польовому стаціонарному досліді відділу агрохімії та родючості ґрунтів Одеської державної сільськогосподарської дослідної станції НААН на чорноземі південному малогумусному важкосуглинковому на лесовій породі, закладеному у 1971 р. Аналіз результатів тривалого польового стаціонарного досліду забезпечив отримання об’єктивних даних впливу погодних умов та дії добрив на якість зерна пшениці озимої упродовж шести ротацій сівозмін. Встановлено, що тривале використання на чорноземах південних органо-мінеральної системи удобрення забезпечувало кращу якість зерна пшениці озимої, найвищий вм іст білка і клейковини у якому відповідав вимогам другого класу. Відмічено, що показники якості зерна пшениці озимої залежали від особливостей погодних умов упродовж вегетаційного періоду. Достатня кількість тепла і вологи сприяла кращому засвоєнню азоту і нагромадженню білка та клейковини в зерні пшениці озимої із застосуванням всіх систем удобрення.

New promising soybean varieties created by hybridization

Purpose. To obtain soybean hybrids, to select and study hybrid lines with economically valuable traits under field conditions, to create new varieties. Methods. Intraspecific hybridization involving collection samples of domestic and foreign breeding. Researches have been conducted at the Kirovohrad State Agricultural Experimental Station during 1999–2016. Results. In 1999 and 2001, under field conditions the first forced crossings of soybean of various geographical origins were carried out. In cross-breeding schemes, the collection samples of domestic and foreign breeding, namely French and Canadian, were used. Further work with hybrid populations was carried out when using the pedigree method. Selection of original plants was initiated from F2 and continued in subsequent generations until constant lines were obtained. In 2000–2002, elite plants were selected for further study in nurseries of hybrids of the second and the third generations and breeding nurseries. New hybrid lines with a set of economically valuable traits were investigated in the control trial (2006–2010). In 2011–2016, these lines were studied in competitive variety trial. So by the method of crossing soybean samples of different geographical origin we have created a number of lines with economically valuable features. The best of them there were the lines 739 (K-002 / Osso) and 802 (Medeia / KC-3) which significantly exceeded the yield of the standards Yatran and Annushka (by 0.11–0.58 t/ha). These lines were transferred for the State Variety Trial as the varieties Zlatopilska and Kameia. Conclusions. The early and middle-ripening lines derived from collection samples of different geographical origin were the most productive. These lines are characterized with high drought tolerance, lodging and shedding resistance, increased protein and fat content, higher setting bottom pods. The new lines are of interest for the breeding researches and as applicants for examination on the suitability for distribution in Ukraine.

Long-term effects of tree density and tree shape on apple orchard performance, a 20 year study – part 2, economic analysis

Planting a new apple orchard encompasses a 20-year commitment. Since orchard profitability can be affected by many factors, there is great disparity regarding the right planting density and training system for each condition. It is necessary to conduct long-term studies to find the best training system for each particular situation: cultivar, planting density, training system, climate, and economic conditions. A 2-hectare replicated field trial was planted in 1997 at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, with 4 apple cultivars (‘Empire’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Gala’, and ‘McIntosh’), where we compared 8 tree planting densities (598, 840, 1026, 1283, 1655, 2243, 3262, and 5382 trees/ha), and two tree shapes (conic and V). The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic profitability of each combination of cultivar, planting density and tree shape. A secondary goal was to assess the effect of various economic factors on the profitability of each arrangement. After 20 years, Net Present Value (NPV) of ‘Gala’ planted at its optimum density and shape was over $100,000/ha, followed by ‘Empire’ with $77,000/ha, Fuji’ with $39,000/ha with ‘, and ‘McIntosh’ with $32,000/ha. Yield was one of the main factors affecting orchard profitability. A decrease in yield was predicted to be especially critical for profitability at densities greater than 2000 trees/ha. Fruit price was the other key variable that played a significant role in orchard profitability. High-density systems were more sensitive to fruit price than low-density systems. Break-even year to positive NPV (BYPNPV) was mostly driven by the balance between investment, yield and fruit price. For all the cultivars, the lowest (598 trees/ha) and the highest planting densities (5382 trees/ha) took the most years to be profitable. The high-density systems require substantially greater investments and thus have greater risk than moderate density systems. Taking into account NPV and BYPNPV, the best option for ‘Empire’, ‘McIntosh’, and ‘Gala’ was a conic shape and 2000, 2500 and 3000 trees/ha, respectively. The best option for ‘Fuji’ was a V shape at 1000 trees/ha.

Registration of ‘Langin’ Hard Red Winter Wheat

‘Langin’ (Reg. No. CV‐1141, PI 678945) hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station and released in August 2016 through a marketing agreement with the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation. In addition to researchers at Colorado State University, USDA–ARS researchers at Manhattan, KS, St. Paul, MN, and Pullman, WA, contributed to its development. Langin was developed with the objective of making available a hard red winter wheat cultivar with improved grain yield, end‐use quality, and stripe rust resistance compared with ‘Byrd’ hard red winter wheat. Langin is a doubled haploid cultivar developed using the wheat × maize (Zea mays L.) wide hybridization method from the cross CO050270/Byrd made in 2009 at Fort Collins, CO. Following doubled haploid generation in 2010, Langin was selected at Fort Collins in July 2011, assigned experimental line number CO11D446, and evaluated in yield trials in Colorado and other states in the US hard winter wheat region from 2012 to 2016. The name Langin was chosen in honor of former Colorado State University Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station agronomist Edward J. Langin (1924–2006).

The history of adipocyte and adipose tissue research in meat animals

Research in growth and development, accumulation of lean, and fat metabolism in farm animals was gaining attention principally from a carcass perspective by meat scientists and animal nutritionists about a century ago. Under the auspices of the USDA Cooperative State Research Service, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, and the Land Grant University system, researchers from various universities embarked on forming combined regional research projects (across states) with unifying specific aims. In the North Central region, this included states in the upper and lower Mid-West region. For those interested in improving production and eating quality of meats, initially a single multistate committee was formed in the North Central region which was active for many years. However, these efforts were later split into two committees with one addressing lipids and the other muscle biology. Herein we reviewed research of workers in the North Central region in the 1940s and 1950s and to a limited extent in the 2000s on meat animal's lipid metabolism. We further reviewed the history of meat animal carcass composition research and the influence of the Word War II (WWII) period on porcine carcass composition. The development and utilization of adipocyte cellularity research methodology in meat animals was demonstrated. The history of the progression of adipose tissue metabolism research in meat animals was also reviewed. Finally, the history of research on lipid deposition in muscle that ultimately precipitated the expanded marbling and the intramuscular research was delineated. By the 1970s, great interest had emerged on how to curtail excessive fat deposition in meat-producing animals. Thus, for some segments of the animal lipid metabolism community, the focus then shifted to exploring the processes of lipogenesis and lipolysis in farm animals. These efforts morphed into research efforts in fat cell biology and cellularity. Today adipocyte biology is studied by many in the biomedical and agricultural-life sciences communities. In this article, we present a history of this research and notable achievements up to the 1980s. Herein we revisit these research efforts and results that have become an important knowledge base for growth and development, nutrition, and meat science research.

Критерий существенности общей адаптивной способности: обоснование метода

The article presents a method for calculating the statistical criterion for evaluation the adaptive ability of selection achievements. The aim is to provide mathematical background for the criterion of significance of the differences between the experimental variants on the general adaptive ability, which is determined in the process of two-way analysis of variance. Investigations were carried out in the Smolensk State Agricultural Experimental Station named after A.N. Engelhardt. The criterion is the least significant difference at a defined significance level between the average yield of the variety in all studied ecological environments (or for all years of observations) and the average yield of all varieties and the standard in all ecological environments (for all years of observation). It is the multiplication of the Student's t-test at a defined significance level and error of the general adaptive ability. The error of the general adaptive ability was mathematically justified. This parameter is a function of the mean squared error, the number of ecological environments (or years of observations), the repetition of the experiment and the total number of cases. The breeder can determine the necessary parameters for its calculation during the process of two-way analysis of variance according Dospekhov B.A. The criterion helps to determine the experimental variants with statistically significant low, medium and high general adaptive ability. The conditions for successful application of the proposed method are recommended. The calculation procedure is given. This criterion is recommended to use at the final stages of the selection process if it is necessary to isolate a material with a high general adaptive ability. It is also recommended for use in combination with other parameters of adaptive ability for explication the plasticity, stability and breeding value of the studied crop genotypes, if necessary for the breeder.

Оценка исходного материала в создании нового раннеспелого сорта клевера лугового Починковец

In the breeding nurseries and also in the competitive variety trial, the initial material of the meadow clover (Trifolium pratense L.) of the double-cut diploid was tested. The aim of the research is to select the most economically useful cultivars and create a new early-maturing variety. In the selection was used free pollination method, free and limited pollination method, mass and individual selection, polycross. Research was done from 2009 to 2014 in a laboratory and breeding crop rotation in the Smolensk State Agricultural Experimental Station named after A.N. Engelhardt. Methods of research are widespread. Clover was grown on sod-medium podzolic light loamy soil in contrasting weather conditions of the growing season. Methods of cultivation were typical for the Smolensk region. From 2011 to 2014, the best selective number was the S-434. It is early-maturing (period from spring growth till first cutting is shorter than that of the standard for 5…7 days; till seeds ripening – for 8…10 days), has high winter hardiness (97,4%, or +5,5% to standard), green mass yield for two cuttings – 69,8 t/ha (+25,5% to standard), forage productivity of 17,3 t/ha of air-dry matter (+26,3% to standard), seed yield of 330 kg/ha (+17,9% to standard). The crude protein content was 17,3% of dry matter (more than in the control by 1,3%). Growing of selective number S-434 on seeds is 8% more profitable. Selective number S-434 is named Pochinkovets. In 2018 he was registered in the State Register of Selection Achievements.

Влияние отдельных агроприемов на семенную продуктивность различных по скороспелости сортов картофеля при выращивании в условиях центрального региона Нечерноземной зоны России

The article presents information on the influence of spacing and the periods of the removal of vegetable tops on the productivity of seed potatoes. We studied the early ripening variety Zhukovskiy ranniy and the medium-ripened variety Javar. The aim of the research is to determine the spacing and the periods of the removal of vegetable tops, at which the highest yield of seed tubers. Research was done from 2009 to 2011 in breeding crop rotation of the Smolensk State Agricultural Experimental Station named after A.N. Engelhardt. Soil sod-podzolic light loamy. Fertility is typical for the Smolensk region. The experimental setup consisted of 2 factors. 1. The scheme of planting: 70x25 cm and 70x35 cm. 2. The periods of the removal of vegetable tops: 7, 14 and 21 days from the beginning of the mass bloom phase. Monitoring of strucking potato by viruses, yield and output per 1 ha of seed tubers. Methods of research and agrotechnics are widespread. The highest productivity by Zhukovskiy ranniy variety was noted in the scheme of planting 70h25 cm and the periods of the removal of vegetable tops 21 days from the beginning of the mass bloom phase (284.9 thousand tubers per a hectare). The highest output of seed tubers by Javar variety was noted in option «70x25 cm and 7 days» (376.0 thousand tubers per a hectare). In variant «70x25 cm and 7 days» was noted the most healthier seed material. As compared with option «70x35 cm and 21 days» the plant damage by viruses was more than two times less. The struck of potato plants to a latent viral infection was lower by 25% and more.

Критерий существенности общей адаптивной способности: числовой пример

The aims of the study: 1) to give an example of calculating the criterion for evaluation the collection of air-dry matter of the new red clover variety (Trifolium pratense L.) Pochinkovets in a competitive variety test; 2) to compare the general adaptive ability (GAA) of the selection achievement with other evaluation criteria. The initial data for the statistical processing were obtained from 2013 to 2015 in the breeding crop rotation of the Smolensk State Agricultural Experimental Station named after A.N. Engelhardt. The soil of test plots is sod-medium podzol light loamy with a medium acidic reaction, low content of humus, high content of mobile phosphorus and medium mobile potassium level. The wintering conditions varied from favorable to causing snow cover fracture, with low negative temperatures effect coming next. The vegetative periods were characterized by an elevated temperature. The moisture regime varied from optimal to semi-arid. Four selective numbers were tested: Pochinkovets variety (S-434), S-439, R-4 (from Smolensk State Agricultural Experimental Station named after A.N. Engelhardt) and No. 359 (France). The variety Smolensky 29 was the standard. The least significant difference in GAA at alpha level of 0.05 was 0.49 t/ha of air-dry matter. Two selective numbers were chosen. They are S-434 (Pochinkovets) and No. 359 (with GAA 0.92 and 0.83 t/ha of air-dry matter respectively). The GAA of the standard was 1.01 t/ha (significantly low). The S-434 (Pochinkovets) variety was more stable than No. 359. Its specific adaptive ability equal to 3.30 was lower than that of No. 359 (5.05). For this reason, the selection value of the genotype S-434 (Pochinkovets) equal to 4.88 was higher than that of No. 359 (3.00). Based on the positive results of the competitive test, the new Pochinkovets variety was passed to the State varietal test. Since 2018 it has been included into the State Register of Selection Achievements. The new statistical criterion was successfully tested during the red clover selection process.

Экологическое испытание сортообразцов картофеля в условиях Мурманской области

The problem of creating varieties with a complex of economically useful features in the effective use of the natural resources of the region requires the establishment of parameters and properties of potato varieties, which would provide stably high yields per area unit with good consumer and commodity qualities, resistance to diseases with a high probability. Acceleration of the process of identification and transfer to the State Commission of the Russian Federation for testing and protecting selection achievements of prospective potato selection varieties is the goal of environmental testing conducted on the basis of the Murmansk State Agricultural Experimental Station. Based on the conducted studies of the agro-climatic resources of the region and potato variety testing, a model of targeted potato varieties for the conditions of the Far North is described. This model will allow selection of new varieties adapted to local agro-landscapes to increase production, reduce the cost of its cultivation and improve consumer qualities. A new technique has been developed and its ability to produce statistically reliable results in testing of potato sorts at a lower cost of labor and funds is estimated. When introduced into practice, this technique will allow to effectively promote scientific and technological progress in the production of agricultural products, reducing the cost of it. The study and selection for different soil and climatic zones of the country of varieties with any speed ripening, high-yield, high-value, high content of protein and vitamins in tubers, good taste and storage stability, resistant to diseases and suitable for food and industrial processing will be improved. The main emphasis in the improved methodology is given to reducing its laboriousness, which is reduced by 20%, with high statistical reliability of the results obtained.

Ecological spring barley strain testing on the final stage of breeding

The paper gives the results of studying promising barley breeding lines during 2015–2017 in various ecological zones of Ukraine, namely, Central Forest-steppe (V.M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS), Polissya (Nosivka Plant Breeding Experimental Station of the V.M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS) and Northern Steppe (Kirovohrad State Agricultural Experimental Station of NAAS). Using AMMI and GGE biplot models, breeding lines were ranked according to yield potential and its stability in changing growing conditions. The lines with optimal combination of productivity and stability such as Nutans 4855, Nutans 4941 and Deficiens 5005 were identified. The efficiency of combining ecological testing with statistical-graphical analysis in order to identify genotypes with increased adaptive potential is shown. It is advisable to use this approach on the final stages of breeding work for a more detailed assessment of the lines being candidates for varieties.

Spring barley integrated testing for yielding and stability

Purpose. To define the regularities of yield level for spring barley varieties in “genotype–environment” interaction when testing in different ecological zones environments of Ukraine and identify genotypes with increased adaptive potential. Methods. As object of the research there were 36 spring barley varieties of domestic and foreign breeding. Varieties were tested at the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS (MIW) (the Central Forest-Steppe) in 2015–2017, at Nosivka Plant Breeding Experimental Station of the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS (NPBES) (Polissia) in 2016–2017 and at Kirovohrad State Agricultural Experimental Station of NAAS (KSAES) (the Northern Steppe) in 2016–2017. During three years of the investigation (2015–2017), the results of varieties testing in seven environments have been obtained. Plots with discount area of 10 m2 were laid out with three replications by the method of full randomized blocks, in accordance with conventional methods. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed using Excel 2010 and Statistica 8.0 software. To interpret visually “genotype-environment” interaction the GGE biplot model was used. Results. The ANOVA of yield data showed reliable contributions into the total variation of environment (64.64%), genotype (14.90%), and their interaction (20.46%). Environmental conditions of MIW in 2016 were characterized with the highest discriminative fineness (informativeness), while KSAES in 2017 were characterized with the lowest one. Environmental conditions of both MIW in 2017 and NPBES in 2016 were the most representative; conditions of KSAES in 2016 were the least representative. The conditions of MIW and KSSGDS in 2016 were the most distant against each other. The GGE biplot “who-won-where” vizualization allowed to divide the environments in two sectors: the first – conditions of MIW 2015–2017 and NPBES 2016–2017, the second – conditions of KSAES 2016–2017. The variety ‘MIP Myrnyi’ had a significant advantage in the first sector, while the variety ‘Skarb’ had it in the second one. The varieties of spring barley ‘MIP Myrnyi’, ‘MIP Bohun’, ‘Talisman Myronivskyi’, ‘MIP Azart’, ‘Dokaz’, ‘Pan’ have been differen­tiated and defined as those with the optimal level of yield in environments being the closest to hypothetical “ideal” genotype of the GGE biplot model. Conclusions. Modelling of integrated variety testing by combining years being contrast in hydrothermal regime and different ecological conditions with interpretation of the investigation results using modern statistical and graphical method contributes to more detailed characterization of the “genotype–environment” interaction, ranking and identifying of prospecting genotypes.

Cauliflower Yield and Susceptibility to Alternaria Leaf Spot under New York Field Conditions

Twelve commercial cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) varieties were evaluated for horticultural traits and susceptibility to alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria brassicicola) at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, in 2014 and 2015. Data including total yield, curd weight, curd width, plant height, days to maturity, and length of harvest were collected for each variety. A duplicate trial was planted in each year and inoculated with A. brassicicola, the causal agent of alternaria leaf spot, and the percentage of disease was assessed for each commercial cauliflower variety. Most of the commercial varieties were similar in susceptibility to disease and yield. ‘Artica’ and ‘Apex’ were ranked among the highest yielding varieties each year of the trial. The varieties ‘Graffiti’ and ‘Violet Queen’, both of which produce purple curds, had significantly less alternaria leaf spot compared with other varieties. Differences were seen between the 2 years of the trial in performance of individual varieties as influenced by temperatures during the growing season. This study demonstrates that some cauliflower varieties perform better than others under New York State growing conditions.

Introduction

Introduction R. Douglas Hurt (bio) This special issue of New York History emphasizes the agricultural and rural history of New York, with essays ranging from the seventeenth to the twentieth century.1 Not all agricultural history can be considered rural history, and rural history does not necessarily mean agricultural history. This issue is particularly noteworthy because some essays challenge conventional or at least consensus wisdom about the interpretation of agricultural history, while others focus on rural issues that are not agriculturally related. These essays help us better understand the history of New York, and they are suggestive for new ways to consider the agricultural and rural history of the state. Louis Tremante offers a compelling new interpretation of agriculture in the New York City vicinity during the mid-nineteenth century. Tremante challenges the theory of Johann Heinrich von Thünen, whose spatial model of settlement explained the production specializations of farmers in relation to distances from a city center. Instead, Tremante argues that agricultural development near and outward from New York City depended on population growth, land values, immigration, fertilizer supply, and retail markets. Each "driver" changed the agricultural emphasis in the New York City area in different ways from Thünen's use of geography and concentric rings to explain the reasons for agricultural expansion. Jason R. Sellers discusses the ways that Native Americans in the Hudson Valley negotiated European culture to their best advantage by using the Dutch and English settlements as sources of supply—that is, [End Page 261] resources which they integrated with their autumn and winter hunting and spring and summer farming patterns. British control and more extensive agriculture changed the environment by permitting invasive plants and soil erosion, all of which contributed to biological diversity and a new ecological system that strained the traditional Native American food supply. British settlements and agriculture continued to provide resources for subsistence, but they also forced the Native American population to make cultural adjustments as their numbers decreased. Nancy Berlage analyzes the ways in which the American Farm and Home Bureaus used pageants and plays, written by members, usually women, to promote agricultural improvement through the application of science to farm and home. The members of the farm and home bureaus believed that various new or improved farming and household methods that improved efficiency and profitability could be learned by watching members enact a particular process or convey a specific idea to help viewers improve their daily tasks in the field, barnyard, and home. Berlage uses the Broome County Farm Bureau as an example of how and why farm men and women should consider the Bureau an essential part of agricultural life. Farm men and women could rely on the bureaus which associated closely with the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and its extension agents to convey the importance of science to improve their lives. Farm women also used the pageants and plays to convey the importance of civic responsibility. The farm and home bureaus always stressed the importance of change, and the bureaus' pageants and plays helped farm men and women understand the importance of adopting progressive farm and home practices through theatrical expressions intended for persuasion. Cynthia Falk uses the photography of Arthur Rothstein to investigate the Otsego Forest Products Cooperative located in Phoenix Mills. As a photographer for the Farm Security Administration during the late 1930s, Rothstein recorded the forestry work in the county. He sought to show farmers the potential for cooperatives and selective timber cutting on their non-productive lands to improve income. He also used his photography to advocate the adoption of new improved technology and marketing strategies. Working from Cooperstown, Rothstein was as much a sociologist as a photographer, and his images give us a window to a past where the federal [End Page 262] government championed the importance of cooperatives and he recorded rural life—homes, farms, and people—in an age soon gone. Patricia Houser traces the effects of water contamination at Mahopac, New York, where in the mid-1870s city people vacationed in the summers to enjoy fresh air, the outdoors, and nice hotels far from New York City. In many ways Mahopac was a bucolic...