Total Dry Matter Accumulation Research Articles

滴施缩节胺与氮肥对棉花生长发育及产量的影响

<p id="C3">In order to explore the effects of DPC (1,1-dimethyl-piperidinium chloride) and nitrogen fertilizer on agronomic traits and clarify the interaction effect of DPC and nitrogen fertilizer through drip irrigation in cotton, we performed a two-factor randomized block design with three nitrogen levels (pure N, N1: 150 kg hm ^-2, N2: 300 kg hm ^-2, and N3: 450 kg hm ^-2) and three DPC levels (D1: 525 g hm ^-2, D2: 1050 g hm ^-2, and D3: 2100 g hm ^-2). These groups interacted with each other and formed nine treatments. The effects of different groups on agronomic traits, the spatial and temporal distribution of boll, the accumulation and distribution of dry matter, yield, and fiber quality were investigated in cotton. The results showed that the interaction between DPC and nitrogen fertilizer had a significant impact on the agronomic traits of cotton; The retarding effect of DPC on cotton growth was weakened or even disappeared under the low nitrogen condition. Under N1 treatment, compared to D1 treatment, plant height, initial node height of fruit branch, length of fourth, and seventh fruit branch of D3 treatment increased by 12.07, 1.54, 1.28, and 1.20 cm, respectively. Under normal or high nitrogen conditions, DPC had a certain retarded effect on cotton growth, but the control effect did not increase with the increasing DPC doses. Under N3 treatment, compared with D1 treatment, the plant height, first fruit branch length, and the average internode length of the second fruit of D3 treatment decreased by 1.05, 1.68, and 1.52 cm, respectively. Plant height, stem diameter, and fruit branch number of cottons increased with the increase of nitrogen application rate. Compared with N1 treatment, N3 treatment increased 3.30 cm, 0.75 mm and 0.29 sets, respectively. There were no significant differences in the length of fruit branch and internode among the different nitrogen application rates. The drip application of D2 treatment was beneficial for dry matter accumulation and translocation to reproductive organs. It promoted pre-ambient and ambient peaches growth, but there was not significant effect on cotton yield and fiber quality. The total dry matter accumulation was 13.14%-44.50% higher in N1 than that in other treatments. The percentage of reproductive organs increased by 2.05%-6.30% compared with N3 treatment. When applying 2100 g hm ^-2 DPC and 150 kg hm ^-2 nitrogen fertilizer with water drop, the cotton fiber quality, seed cotton yield, boll number per plant, and boll weight per plant were the highest; and the effect of yield increase was better. In conclusion, we recommended to apply 1050-2100 g hm ^-2DPC and 150 kg hm ^-2 nitrogen fertilizer with drip irrigation in the cotton area of northern Xinjiang.

Dry Matter Accumulation, Nutrient Uptake and Use Efficiencies in Polyhouse Grown Bell Pepper Under Deficit Water and Fertilizer Application

ABSTRACT A study was carried out to evaluate the influence of deficit levels of irrigation and fertigation on accumulation of dry matter and uptake of major nutrients in bell pepper as well as to understand water and fertilizer use efficiencies of the crop under a polyhouse. A two-factor randomized block design was employed with irrigation regimes at 40% (I1), 60% (I2) and 80% (I3) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) being the first factor and with the second factor being fertigation levels with 50% (F1), 75% (F2) and 100% (F3) recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (150:150:150 kg/ha NPK)] along with a control treatment comprising water replenishment with 100% ETc through drip and 100% RDF using conventional fertilizers as soil application. Significantly higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as total dry matter accumulation was recorded under I2 and F2 and their resultant interaction combinations. The performance of the crop under farmer’s practice treatment was poor in all respects, making it unsuitable for adoption in greenhouse crop cultivation. Water and fertilizer use efficiencies were higher with a decreased amount of applications as the combination of deficit levels of water (I2) and fertilizer (F2) was found superior in recorded parameters resulting in a higher fruit yield, which further helped in reducing the cost of the production as well as decreasing the pollution of the growing environment.

Demanda nutricional e exportação de nutrientes por cultivares modernas de feijão-comum

Abstract The objective of this work was to quantify the extraction and export of nutrients by common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars from different commercial groups and with different growth habits. The experiment was conducted using four common bean cultivars: TAA Gol, BRS FC104, IPR Tuiuiú, and TAA Dama. Total dry matter (DM) and nutrient accumulation in the V4 (with four, six, and eight three-leaflet leaves), R5, R7, R8, and R9 stages was determined, as well as grain yield and nutrient export. Differences were observed both in nutrient uptake and in DM and nutrient accumulation among the cultivars in the initial stages of development (V4 with six and eight three-leaflet leaves). The TAA Gol cultivar showed a greater accumulation of almost all nutrients in these two initial stages. In R7, the cultivar that had the greatest DM and nutrient accumulation was TAA Dama, but, from R8 onwards, there were no significant differences. Although nutrient export is similar among the evaluated cultivars, a lower percentage is translocated to the grain in TAA Dama.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Photosynthetic Characteristics, Biomass, and Yield of Wheat under Different Shading Conditions

Fruit-wheat intercropping is an important way to resolve the land competition between fruit and grain and ensure food security. However, there is little research on the mechanism of wheat yield formation and its response to nitrogen fertilizer under long-term shading. From 2016 to 2017, wheat variety “Xindong 20” was selected, and four shading treatments were set: shading at jointing stage 10%-shading at heading stage 25% (S1), 20%–50% (S2), 30%–75% (S3), normal light (S0) and four nitrogen fertilizer (N0: 0 kg ha−1, N1: 103.5 kg ha−1, N2: 138 kg ha−1, N3: 172.5 kg ha−1). The results show that compared with S0, wheat leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll a, b and a + b content under S1 increase by 14.9–57.4%, 2.9–24.5%, 16.5–28.9%, 7.8–25.5%, respectively, and they decrease significantly under S2 and S3. With the increase in the shading range, the net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (gs), and non-photochemical quentum coefficient (NPQ) decrease significantly, while the actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII) and the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) increase significantly. Under S1, S2, and S3, the total dry matter accumulation (TDA), the dry matter accumulation of reproductive organs (DAR), and the yield decrease with the increase in shading range. Under the S0 and S1 conditions, compared with other nitrogen treatments, LAI, chlorophyll content, Pn, ΦPSII, qP, TDA, DAR, and yield of wheat under N2 treatment increase by 4.1–366.9%, 5.7–56.3%, 3.0–131.7%, 6.7–87.5%, 3.7–96.9%, 7.1–340.8%, 0.3–323.0%, 1.5–231.2%. Therefore, under jujube-wheat intercropping, and apricot-wheat and walnut-wheat with light shade in the early stage, photosynthetic capacity of wheat leaves and dry matter accumulation and transfer to grains can be regulated by proper nitrogen application, which is beneficial to compensate for the negative effects of insufficient light on wheat yield; under moderate or excessive shading conditions (apricot-wheat and walnut-wheat in full fruit period), the regulating effect of nitrogen application on wheat is reduced, and the nitrogen application should be moderately reduced.

Growth and Energy Use Efficiency of Grafted Tomato Transplants as Affected by LED Light Quality and Photon Flux Density

This study was conducted to compare the effects of broad spectrum during the whole seedling period and photon flux density (PFD) in the healing stage on the growth and energy use efficiency of grafted tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) transplants in a plant factory. Fluorescent lights, white LED lights, and white plus red LED lights were applied at the growth processes of grafted tomato transplants from germination of rootstock and scion to post-grafting. Three levels of PFD (50, 100, 150 μmol m−2 s−1) were set in the healing stage under each kind of light quality. The results indicated that the growth and quality of grafted tomato transplants under different broad spectrums were influenced by the ratio of red to blue light (R/B ratio) and the ratio of red to far-red light (R/FR ratio). A higher R/B ratio was beneficial to total dry matter accumulation, but excessive red light had a negative effect on the root to shoot ratio and the seedling quality index. The higher blue light and R/FR ratio suppressed stem extension synergistically. The LED lights had good abilities to promote plant compactness and leaf thickness in comparison with fluorescent lights. The plant compactness and leaf thickness increased with the increase in daily light integral in the healing stage within a range from 2.5 to 7.5 mol m−2 d−1 (PFD, 50 to 150 μmol m−2 s−1). Compared to fluorescent lights, the LED lights showed more than 110% electrical energy saving for lighting during the whole seedling period. Higher PFD in the healing stage did not significantly increase the consumption of electric power for lighting. White plus red LED lights with an R/B ratio of 1.2 and R/FR ratio of 16 were suggested to replace fluorescent lights for grafted tomato transplants production considering the high quality of transplants and electrical energy saving, and PFD in the healing stage was recommended to be set to 150 μmol m−2 s−1.

Growth Rate, Dry Matter Accumulation, and Partitioning in Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Response to Defoliation under High-Rainfall Conditions.

The frequency of heavy rains is increasing with climate change in regions that already have high annual rainfall (i.e., Sichuan, China). Crop response under such high-rainfall conditions is to increase dry matter investment in vegetative parts rather than reproductive parts. In the case of soybean, leaf redundancy prevails, which reduces the light transmittance and seed yield. However, moderate defoliation of soybean canopy could reduce leaf redundancy and improve soybean yield, especially under high-rainfall conditions. Therefore, the effects of three defoliation treatments (T1, 15%; T2, 30%; and T3, 45% defoliation from the top of the soybean canopy; defoliation treatments were applied at the pod initiation stage of soybean) on the growth and yield parameters of soybean were evaluated through field experiments in the summer of 2017, 2018, and 2019. All results were compared with nondefoliated soybean plants (CK) under high-rainfall conditions. Compared with CK, treatment T1 significantly (p < 0. 05) improved the light transmittance and photosynthetic rate of soybean. Consequently, the leaf greenness was enhanced by 22%, which delayed the leaf senescence by 13% at physiological maturity. Besides, compared to CK, soybean plants achieved the highest values of crop growth rate in T1, which increased the total dry matter accumulation (by 6%) and its translocation to vegetative parts (by 4%) and reproductive parts (by 8%) at physiological maturity. This improved soybean growth and dry matter partitioning to reproductive parts in T1 enhanced the pod number (by 23%, from 823.8 m−2 in CK to 1012.7 m−2 in T1) and seed number (by 11%, from 1181.4 m−2 in CK to 1311.7 m−2 in T1), whereas the heavy defoliation treatments considerably decreased all measured growth and yield parameters. On average, treatment T1 increased soybean seed yield by 9% (from 2120.2 kg ha−1 in CK to 2318.2 kg ha−1 in T1), while T2 and T3 decreased soybean seed yield by 19% and 33%, respectively, compared to CK. Overall, these findings indicate that the optimum defoliation, i.e., T1 (15% defoliation), can decrease leaf redundancy and increase seed yield by reducing the adverse effects of mutual shading and increasing the dry matter translocation to reproductive parts than vegetative parts in soybean, especially under high-rainfall conditions. Future studies are needed to understand the internal signaling and the molecular mechanism controlling and regulating dry matter production and partitioning in soybean, especially from the pod initiation stage to the physiological maturity stage.

Productivity of Paddies as Influenced by Varied Rates of Recommended Nutrients in Conjunction with Biofertilizers in Local Landraces

This research work explores the productive performance of local paddy landraces under different fertility levels as well as the role of microbial inoculants in improving the yields of paddy landraces and reducing nutrient additions by increasing nutrient use efficiency under changing climatic scenarios in coastal areas. The landrace Padmarekha recorded taller plants, more tillers per hill, higher total dry matter accumulation other than grain and straw yields besides better uptake of N, P2O5, K2O, S and Zn. Further, nutrient management with the application of 100% of the recommended doses of fertilizers combined with biofertilizers including Azospirillum + Bacillus megatherium var. Phosphoticum + Frateuria quaratia + Thiobacillus thiooxidans + Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza recorded higher growth and yield traits in addition to improving the uptake of nutrients and partial factor productivity. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer, inoculated with biofertilizers, would be helpful in increasing the efficiency of applied nutrients in addition to improving yield and nutrient use efficiency.

Land productivity and water use efficiency of maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in semi-arid areas: A case study in Punjab Province, Pakistan

Intercropping improves crop productivity in dryland farms, but little information is available on its application to irrigated land. Therefore, a three-year field trial was conducted to compare two maize-soybean strip-intercropping planting patterns (two-rows of maize intercropped with two-rows of soybean [2M2S] or -three rows of soybean [2M3S]) were studied with sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS) systems. Our results showed that wider-strips of soybean grown as 2M3S had significantly higher leaf area index (LAI; 19%), total dry matter accumulation (TDM; 15%), and grain yield (21%) than the narrower 2M2S strips; this is likely related to the reduced effects of maize shading on soybean. Slightly decreased LAI (4%), TDM (8%), and grain yield (5%) of maize were found in 2M3S. On average, intercropped maize and soybean produced 80% and 52% in 2M2S and 76% and 63% in 2M3S compared to SM and SS yields, respectively, demonstrating the dominance of maize over soybean when intercropped. Similarly, maize was a stronger competitor for water than soybean, with partial water equivalent ratio of 0.81 in 2M2S and 0.78 in 2M3S, while that of soybean was 0.54 in 2M2S and 0.66 in 2M3S. In the intercropping systems, the land equivalent ratio ranged from 1.31 to 1.45, and the water equivalent ratio ranged from 1.32 to 1.49, exhibiting that maize-soybean strip-intercropping is a productive strategy to maximize water use efficiency. The results suggest that the maize-soybean strip-intercropping system may be a productive and sustainable strategy to improve the water use efficiency and land productivity under irrigated conditions. This strategy could benefit agriculture with cleaner, and more efficient production under a global scenario of constrained land and water resources. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of intercropping systems in various growing conditions.

Physiological analysis of growth and development of winter carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun)

AbstractBrassica carinata is a non‐food, low‐carbon, none‐to‐low indirect land‐use change impact oilseed feedstock grown for sustainable biofuels, bioproducts, and high protein seed meal. Understanding carinata growth and development is critical to the development of best management practices for maximum productivity and profitability of double‐cropped farming systems. Field experiments were conducted during 2017–2018 (Year 1) and 2018–2019 (Year 2) winter–spring growing seasons in Quincy, Florida, to quantify the total aboveground dry matter accumulation (TDM), allocation, growth, nutrient uptake, and seed quality. The two carinata cultivars Avanza 641 and AX17012 accumulated 10826 and 9343 kg TDM ha−1 in Year 1 and 9655 and 10,642 kg TDM ha−1 in Year 2, respectively, at harvest maturity. The proportion of DM in the vegetative parts such as leaves and stems decreased, and the DM in reproductive structures such as silique walls and seeds increased with maturity. Seed yield (SY) was similar between cultivars but differed between years with Year 1 (2732 kg ha−1), producing 29% greater SY than Year 2 (1929 kg ha−1). Carinata primary stem has 17–20 leaf nodes, with 75%–88% of the axillary meristems producing primary and secondary branches. Crop growth rate (CGR) increased from vegetative to pod development for both cultivars in Year 1, while in Year 2, AX17012 and Avanza 641 attained maximum CGR at the pod development and bolting/flowering stages, respectively. Maximum seasonal nutrient uptake in leaves, stems, and siliques generally occurred in the early, mid, and late season, respectively, in both years. Seed weight, oil, monounsaturated fatty acids, C18:3, C20:1, and C22:1 concentrations increased with plant age, whereas protein, glucosinolate, polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, C18:1, and C18:2 concentrations decreased with plant maturity. These results can be used for crop modeling to predict growth, development, and yield and aid in developing in‐season decision support tools.

Can sulphur improve the nutrient uptake, partitioning, and seed yield of sesame?

Sulphur (S) is considered to improve the nutrient uptake of plants due to its synergistic relationship with other nutrients. This could ultimately enhance the seed yield of oilseed crops. However, there is limited quantitative information on nutrient uptake, distribution, and its associated impacts on seed yield of sesame under the S application. Thus, a two-year field study (2018 and 2019) was conducted to assess the impacts of different S treatments (S0 = Control, S20 = 20, S40 = 40, and S60 = 60 kg ha−1) on total dry matter production, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, S uptake and distribution at the mid-bloom stage and physiological maturity. Furthermore, treatment impacts were studied on the number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, thousand seed weight, and seed yield at physiological maturity in sesame. Compared to S0, over the years, treatment S40 significantly increased the total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and S (by 13, 22, 11% and 16%, respectively) at physiological maturity, while their distribution by 13, 36, 14, and 24% (in leaves), 12, 15, 11, and 15% (in stems), 15, 42, 18, and 10% (in capsules), and 14, 22, 9, and 15% (in seeds), respectively. Enhanced nutrient uptake and distribution in treatment S40 improved the total biomass accumulation (by 28%) and distribution in leaves (by 34%), stems (by 27%), capsules (by 26%), and seeds (by 28%), at physiological maturity, as compared to S0. Treatment S40 increased the number of capsules per plant (by 13%), number of seeds per capsule (by 11%), and thousand seed weight (by 6%), compared to S0. Furthermore, over the years, relative to control, sesame under S40 had a higher seed yield by 28% and enhanced the net economic returns by 44%. Thus, our results suggest that optimum S level at the time of sowing improves the nutrient uptake and distribution during the plant lifecycle, which ultimately enhances total dry matter accumulation, seed yield, and net productivity of sesame.

Influence of nutrient sources and spray schedule on growth, dry matter accumulation, yield, quality and economics of hydroponic fodder maize

The experiment was conducted at AICRP for Dry Land Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru to study the influence of nutrient sources and spray schedule on growth, dry matter accumulation, yield, quality and economics of hydroponic fodder maize during 2017–18. The experiment was laid in Completely Randomized Design with factorial concept with three replications each using four different nutrient sources (urea @ 1%, MOP @ 1%, urea and MOP each @ 1% and 19:19:19 @ 1%) and two levels of spray schedules (one spray at 6 DAS and two sprays at 3 and 10 DAS) and no spray was taken as control. The results revealed that two sprays of urea and MOP each @ 1% at 3 and 10 DAS recorded significantly higher shoot length, root length, total dry matter accumulation, fodder yield and superior quality parameters, viz. crude protein, total carbohydrates and crude fibre. Higher returns (₹ 204/m2) and B : C ratio (2.41) were noticed with same treatment combinations and accounted for 17.22% higher fodder yield over control.

Accumulation of total nutrients, dry matter and phytochrome content in Boesenbergia stenophylla R.M Smith as affected by different light conditions

A study was conducted to determine the best agronomic practices for the cultivation of jerangau merah as a new medicinal crop. Jerangau merah is scientifically known as Boesenbergia stenophylla is a ginger plants that is highly endemic to the Borneo Highland. This understorey herb grows in cluster and under the heavy shades of forest canopies and perceived only the sunflecks that pass through the forest canopies. Jerangau Merah has been consumed by the locals for its medicinal values since decades ago. Generally, B. stenophylla is well known for its function as antidote for alcohol. Moreover, the B. stenophylla is also beneficial for rheumatic pains, remedies for stomach ache and toothache and as antiseptic wash as well. This herb is not propagate by the locals due to its sensitivity to sunlight and lack of agronomic information for B. stenophylla. Harvesting it from their natural habitat, however, seen the decline it its population size hence cultivation is essential. This paper aimed to determine the total nutrients, dry matter yield and phytochrome content of Bosenbergia stenophylla R.M. Smith under different light regimes. A study for determining suitable planting media for B. stenophylla was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The treatments are: i) (M1) with the ratio of 3:2:1 top soil: sand: organic matter, media ii) (M2) consists of soil mixture 3:2:1 placed in water-logged polyethylene bags and media iii) (M3) contained only leaf litters. The results showed that the herbs showed significantly higher number of shoots and leaves in the common soil mixture. But, better root development in media containing leaf litters. The study proceeded with field experiment at Ba’Kelalan to determine the effect of different shade levels and fertilizing regimes on growth. B. stenophylla was cultivated under two different levels of shade cloths: 70% and 90% level of shade and different fertilizing regimes (T1 as control, no fertilizer applied to the plants; T2, chicken dung; T3, NPKMg and T4, mixed of chicken dung and NPKMg). The study for determining the effects of different shade level and fertilizing regimes on seedling’s growth which conducted at Ba’Kelalan in factorial randomized completely blocked design (RCBD). The data collected for 9 weeks of planting which include nutrient content in soil, leaf, PAR and phytochrome content and growth parameters. Regarding the nutrient uptake, the results showed no interactions between fertilizing regimes and shade levels. There were no significant different in nutrient elements except for magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is essential for the formation of chlorophyll which ensure efficiency of photosynthesis when under higher light intensity. Among all the fertilizer treatment, it was showed that chicken dung amendment has higher nutrient uptake. Thus, it is recommended chicken dung should be added into the NPKMg for better nutrient uptake. Further study on suitable fertilizer rates apply to B. stenophylla should be taken into consideration. Moreover, plants cultivated under 70% have been higher and have higher dry matter yield than those plants cultivated under 90%. The result also revealed that there was significant different in chlorophyll content of B. stenophylla cultivated under 70% which treated either with chicken dung and NPKMG respectively. However, plants under 90% have higher chlorophyll content than those under 70%. Based on the results, plants under 70% shade was taller than those under 90% and there were significant difference in height among treatments under 70%. It was observed plant treated with NPKMg was taller. This study showed that shade and fertilizers significantly affected the dry matter yield of B. stenophylla. Moreover, adding NPKMg to the treatments yields more dry matter content of jerangau merah. As for phytochrome content, there was no significant effect of fertilizer on phytochrome content. However, there was significant difference among the shade levels. 90% shade showed higher phytochrome content than those under 70%. In overall, both shade and fertilizer is important in cultivation of Jerangau Merah. 70% shade was observed to have significant effects on growth of jerangau merah and also more economical compared to 90%. Moreover, combination of organic matter and NPKMg also promote the growth of jerangau merah enhance the nutrient uptake efficiency of jerangau merah. However, further investigation of suitable fertilizer and application rate are required to determine suitable fertilizer for jerangau merah and application rate for optimum growth of jerangau merah.

Dry matter partitioning, yield and grain protein content of fine aromatic boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50) in response to nitrogen and potassium fertilization

An experiment was conducted to study dry matter partitioning, yield and grain protein content of fine aromatic Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50) in response to nitrogen and potassium fertilization. The experiment consisted of four levels of nitrogen viz., 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha and four levels of potassium viz., 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha. The results revealed that at growth stage, the highest total dry matter partitioning and accumulation were obtained from 150 kg N/ha along with 90 kg K/ha at physiological maturity stage. At harvest, the highest number of tillers/hill (8.58), number of grains/panicle (113.9), grain yield (5.15 t/ha) and grain protein content (8.30%) were obtained from 100 kg N/ha along with 90 kg K/ha. Total dry matter partitioning and accumulation were greatly influenced by the application of 150 kg N/ha along with 90 kg K/ha. Application of 100 kg N/ha along with 90 kg K/ha interaction appeared as the promising practice in fine aromatic rice (cv. BRRI dhan50) cultivation in terms of yield and grain protein content.

Evaluation of Amritapani and Sanjivak liquid organic manures on growth, yield and economics of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The field experiment in Finger millet was conducted during Kharif 2019 in red sandy lomy soil of University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru with different liquid organic nutrient management practices. The growth parameters were significantly varied with application of Amritapani + Sanjivak @ 125% N equivalent ha-1 produced significantly taller plants, number of tillers, leaf area and dry matter accumulation at harvest (95.14cm, 3.87, 1066.80cm2 & 99.93g respectively) as compared to all other treatments in the experiment. Whereas, lower plant height, number of tillers, leaf area and total dry matter accumulation at harvest Sanjivak @ 75% N equivalent ha-1(75.66cm, 2.80, 660cm2 & 72.57g respectively). Higher net returns and BC ratio (Rs. 95740 ha-1 and 3.53, respectively) recorded with application of Amritapani + Sanjivak @ 125% N equivalent ha-1 and lower net returns and BC ratio (Rs. 55338 ha-1 and 2.49, respectively) were obtained with Sanjivak @ 75% N equivalent ha-1.

Micro-sprinkling irrigation simultaneously improves grain yield and protein concentration of winter wheat in the North China Plain

Increased grain yield (GY) and grain protein concentration (GPC) are the two main targets of efforts to improve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the North China Plain (NCP). We conducted a three-year field experiment in the 2014–2017 winter wheat growing seasons to compare the effects of conventional irrigation practice (CI) and micro-sprinkling irrigation combined with nitrogen (N) fertilizer (MSI) on GY, GPC, and protein yield (PY). Across the three years, GY, GPC, and PY increased by 10.5%–16.7%, 5.4%–8.0%, and 18.8%–24.6%, respectively, under MSI relative to CI. The higher GY under MSI was due primarily to increased thousand-kernel weight (TKW). The chlorophyll content of leaves was higher under MSI during the mid–late grain filling period, increasing the contribution of post-anthesis dry matter accumulation to GY, with consequent increases in total dry matter accumulation and harvest index compared to CI. During the mid–late grain filling period, the canopy temperature was markedly lower and the relative humidity was higher under MSI than under CI. The duration and rate of filling during the mid–late grain filling period were also higher under MSI than CI, resulting in higher TKW. MSI increased the contribution of post-anthesis N accumulation to grain N but reduced the pre-anthesis remobilization of N in leaves, the primary site of photosynthetic activity, possibly helping maintain photosynthate production in leaves during grain filling. Total N at maturity was higher under MSI than CI, although there was little difference in N harvest index. The higher GPC under MSI than under CI was due to a larger increase in grain N accumulation than in GY. Overall, MSI simultaneously increased both GY and GPC in winter wheat grown in the NCP.

Forage yield of Urochloa cultivars in a warm sub-humid environment

Objective: To evaluate for 10 weeks the growth of five Urochloa cultivars: Camello,Cobra, Cayman, Convert 330, Mavuno and Xaraés; during the North Winds (NS), Dry(DS) and Rainy (RS) seasons in a warm sub-humid environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: The variables were crop growth rate (CGR; kg ha-1 d-1 ) and total dry matter yield (TDM; t ha -1 ); which were analyzed under a completelyrandomized design (Tukey; p=0.05). Results: During NS, Mavuno and Xaraés presented, on average, the highest values ??ofCGR (p&amp;lt;0.05), 23.7 and 19.4 kg ha-1 d-1, respectively. In DS the cultivars Xaraés,2Convert 330, Mavuno, and Cayman presented the highest values, with 20.7 and 26.8 kgha-1 d-1 , in week 2 and 4, respectively. During RS, in the second and fourth week ofregrowth, the Xaraés and Mavuno cultivars presented the highest CGR (p&amp;lt;0.05), 119.8and 144.7 kg ha-1 d-1 , on average. In the NS, the Mavuno hybrid presented the highestyields (p&amp;lt;0.05) of TDM, 0.886, 1.553 and 2.156 t ha -1 in week 6, 8 and 10, respectively.For RS, the cultivars Camello, Cayman, Mavuno, and Xaraés presented similar yields ofTDM; which, on average, were 4.652, 5.312 and 6.278 t ha -1 , at 6, 8 and 10 weeks,respectively. Findings/Conclusions: The cultivars Xaraés, Mavuno and Cayman presented goodforage potential in a warm sub-humid environment; mainly for showing greater growthand accumulation of total dry matter.

Additional variability in engineered Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) exposed to alpha-spin nano particles

Field study was conducted at the Botanical Garden, Federal University of Lafia, between August and October 2017 to investigate the effect of alpha nano spin on nine advanced varieties of cowpea obtained from Institute of Agriculture Research (IAR), Zaria and one local variety from Nasarawa Agricultural Development Program (NADP), Lafia which served as the control. These seeds were exposed to alpha-spin nano-particles at four different periods; 20 mins, 40 mins and 60 mins termed as T1, T2 &amp; T3 respectively while the untreated seeds 0 mins were termed T0 (control). The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Data were collected on agronomic traits, yield components and grain yield, which were subjected to Analysis of Variance and Principal Component Analysis. Laboratory studies were also carried out to determine the pattern of Dry matter accumulation at two weeks interval for six weeks. Results of harvested seeds revealed that Sampea 5, inoculated at 40 mins treatment produced black seeds colour from brown seed colour parent. Results also showed a significant difference among treatments and varieties for mean plant height, the mean number of leaves, mean number of pods and mean pod length. Total dry matter accumulation of leaves, 100 disc leaves and stems over time varied among treatments and varieties. The first three Principal Components (PCs) accounted for 83.1% of the total variation implying their high selection stability. The detailed results are presented and discussed in this paper as a measure of the future selection of useful variants of the improved cowpea for sustainable cowpea production.

Tillage practices affects the grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize by regulating soil water content and photosynthetic capacity

Poor grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize is a major challenge restricting grain yield of summer maize, especially under higher plant densities. Much work so far has proved that tillage practices could regulate soil properties and grain yield of maize effectively. In order to explore the effect of tillage practice on grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize, field experiments were conducted over two consecutive years (2016–2017), and three tillage practices (T1, no tillage; T2, no tillage with subsoiling; T3, deep horizontal rotary tillage) were assessed. The grain filling parameter showed that final grain weight (A), the time reaching the maximum grain filling rate (Tmax), the dry matter accumulation under the maximum grain filling rate (Wmax), the mean grain filling rate (Gmean), and the active grain filling period (D) of T2 were usually higher than that of T1 and T3, and significant difference was observed between T2 and T1. Compared with T1, T2 and T3 reduced the soil bulk density and increased the soil porosity, and significantly increased the root dry matter accumulation in the 0–40 cm soil profile by 13.4% and 28.7%, respectively. Soil water content decreased among tillage practices in the order T2 > T1 > T3. However, T2 and T3 increased the water consumption, compared to that of T1. Moreover, T2 and T3 increased post-anthesis photosynthetic capacity, including the photosynthetic rate, leaf area duration, and chlorophyll content, and further improved the post-antheisis and total dry matter accumulation. The enzyme activities of SuSase, StSase, and ADPG-PPase of inferior and superior kernel in T2 and T3 were also higher than that of T1. In conclusion, the present results indicate that subsoiling could promote the grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize by regulating soil water content, soil water consumption, and photosynthetic capacity.

Effect of Microsprinkler Irrigation under Plastic Film on Photosynthesis and Fruit Yield of Greenhouse Tomato

The aim of this study is to exam the effect of microsprinkler irrigation technology under plastic film (MSPF) and to evaluate the reasonable micropore group spacing and capillary arrangement density in the greenhouse. Compared with drip irrigation under plastic film (DIPF) and microsprinkling irrigation (MSI) conditions, the effects of different micropore group spacing (L1: 30 cm micropore group spacing, L2: 50 cm micropore group spacing) and capillary arrangement density (C1: one pipe for one row, C2: one pipe for two rows, and C3: one pipe for three rows) with the MSPF on photosynthetic characteristics and fruit yield of tomatoes were studied using completely randomized trial design. The results showed that under the same irrigation amount, compared with DIPF and MSI, the photosynthetic rate of tomatoes treated with L1C2 increased by 8.24% and 13.55%, respectively. The total dry matter accumulation, yield, and water use efficiency at condition of L1C2 increased by 12.16%, 19.39%, and 10.03% compared with DIPF and 26.38%, 20.46%, and 31.02% compared with MSI, respectively. The results provide evidence that the MSPF can be applied to greenhouse tomatoes. The photosynthetic rate, total dry matter accumulation, yield, and water use efficiency of tomato leaves cultivated at a micropore group spacing of 30 cm were 1.07, 1.13, 1.14, and 1.13 times higher than those of 50 cm, respectively. With the decrease in capillary arrangement density, the photosynthetic characteristics of the tomato leaves, the total dry matter accumulation, and yield of tomatoes all experienced a decline. It is recommended to use a combination of one pipe for two rows of capillaries at a 30 cm micropore group spacing as the technical parameter of greenhouse tomato with MSPF in arid and semiarid sandy loam soils.

Safflower genotype by plant density on yield and phenological characteristics

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a temperate plant grown in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, and is the most drought tolerant oilseed crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of genotype and plant density on growth, phenology and yield of safflower. Treatments included five safflower genotypes and six plant densities laid out in a randomised block design. Increasing plant density from 62,500 to 100,000 plants ha-1 significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), total leaf chlorophyll content (Tchl) and net assimilation rate (NAR) at all phenological stages in both winter and summer. For all genotypes, the highest LAI, LAD, Tchl, NAR, total dry matter accumulation (TDM) and seed yield resulted at a plant density of 100,000 plants ha-1. Maximum LAI, LAD, NAR and Tchl were observed at 50% flowering, compared to other phenological stages in all genotypes and plant densities. In general, genotype ‘Sina’ at 100,000 plants ha-1 significantly (P &lt; 0.05) had the highest LAI, LAD, Tchl, TDM and seed yield compared to other genotypes and plant densities in both summer and winter.