Wheat Andbarley Research Articles

Calculation of K Uptake by Three Crops Grown Under Controlled Conditions Using a Mechanistic Model

The aim of this study was to compare simulated and actual Kuptake by three crops, under different K concentrations in the soilsolution, in order to try to explain the underlying mechanisms of nutrientuptake by these crops. In 2002, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Star),barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Madras) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.cv. C+ T) were grown on a sandy clay loam, with various Kconcentrations in soil solution, in the growth chamber at the Institute ofAgricultural Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Germany. Data werecollected on K transport in soil and uptake by the three crops and used forsimulation by a mechanistic model which encompasses uptake by roothairs as well. To quantify the significance of single soil and plantparameters for nutrient uptake, a sensitivity analysis was carried out.Under sufficient K in the soil solution, where transport was not limitinguptake, the model predicted the actual K uptake correctly. At deficient Kconcentrations, the model over-predicted the K uptake by both wheat andbarley but under-predicted that of sugar beet. The calculatedconcentration profiles around the roots showed that for cereals wrongvalues of the uptake kinetics caused the over-prediction of K uptake,whereas for sugar beet some processes more than was considered by themodel took place.

Effect of Spirulina platensis (Gomont) Geitler Extract on Seed Germination of Wheat and Barley

Cyanobacteria has a highly diversity group that consists of photosynthetic prokaryotic microorganisms. Cyanobacteria that produce lots of metabolites such as amino acids, proteins, vitamins etc. have a wide spread. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of Spirulina platensis extracts on the germination of wheat and barley seeds and root-stem length, lateral root number and fresh-dry weight were investigated. The application of S5 (100% cell extract) showed an inhibitory effect on seed germination on both wheat and barley. S2 (25% cell extract) and S4 (75% cell extract) applications had a positive effect on germination and seedling development in wheat. In barley, S2 (25% cell extract) application activated germination and seedling growth and other concentration applications did not create a positive effect. As a result; cyanobacterial extract has positive effects on seed germination and plant growth-development and it is possible to produce a commercial and ecological biostimulant by developing different extract concentrations.

FcMgv1, FcStuA AND FcVeA BASED GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION IN Fusarium culmorum (W.G. Smith)

Fusarium culmorum (W.G. Smith) leads to economic losses in wheat and barley fields in Turkey as well as in many countries worldwide as a result of head blight and crown rot diseases. In this study, in vitro growth capacity of 33 F. culmorum isolates originating from Turkey and the relationship between phenotypic and genetic characteristics obtained based on similarities of FcMgv1, FcStuA and FcVeA genes were investigated. Linear growth rate values were recorded at 4th and 7th days of incubation. The mean linear growth rate values ranged from 7.58±1.06 to 14.7±1.26mm/day. The isolates F2 and 18F with relatively high linear growth values and the isolates 12F and F19 with relatively low linear growth values, were selected to be used in multiloci based genotyping analysis. FcMgv1, FcStuA and FcVeA genes were amplified in lengths of 1733, 2001 and 1898bp, respectively. The genes were sequenced, aligned and then subjected to BLASTn and to maximum likelihood topology analysis. Nucleotide sequence of each gene showed maximum hit with associated genes deposited in NCBI with 0.0-0.0 E-values and 1188 to 3256 bit scores. Alignment analysis resulted in at least 89% bootstrap support. Moreover, isolates with similar linear growth rates were co-clustered in phylogenetic analysis. The findings obtained in this study showed that the three genes which are essential for fungal survival could be used in genetic characterization analysis and in revealing the associations between their genetic and phenotypic characteristics.

Monitoring the Species of Elateridae Family in the Nursery of Gurghiu Forestry High School

In the forestry nurseries, biological material is often heavily damaged by a rich complex of pests thatattack in the soil, or at the level of soil. The purpose of this research was the monitoring of the populationstructure of click beetles (wireworms). The monitoring of the wireworms in the larval stage was done bythe method of catching the worms with baited traps. For the bait have been used plastic cups with wheatand barley seeds in the ratio of 1:1 to which was added 15% coniferous sawdust. The larvae capturedwere identified after some aspects of external morphology. In 2011 with the help of 20 traps during themonitoring period have been captured 69 larvae of Elateridae family which is an average of 3.45 larvae/ trap. The species captured were Agriotes lineatus L., Agriotes sputator L., Agriotes obscurus L., Agriotesustulatus Schall., Selatosomus aneus L., Athous niger L., Athous haemorrhoisdalis F., Athous subfuscus Mull.,Prosternon tesselatum L. and Lacon murinum L. but Agriotes lineatus L. was the dominant specie. Thenext dominant specie was Selatosomus aneus L., which participated with 18.9% in the Elateridae faunastructure (13 specimens were caught). In 2012 in the nursery were captured 93 larvae of Elateridaefamily (with 24 larvae more than the previous year, representing an increase by 34.8 captures). In bothexperimental years in the both monitoring locations, the dominant species was Agriotes lineatus L.

Iodine transfer from agricultural soils to edible part of crops

Abstract Information about the distribution and cycling of stable iodine (I) in the environment is useful for dose estimation from its long-lived radioiodisotpe, 129I, which is one of the most critical radionuclides to be managed for the safe disposal of nuclear fuel waste. The soil-to-plant transfer factor (TF) is an important parameter to predict internal radiation exposure pathways through the food chains using mathematical models. Therefore, we have measured stable I and bromine (Br) for comparison, in 142 crop samples and associated agricultural field soil samples collected throughout Japan. The crops were classified into eight groups, i.e. leafy vegetables, white part of leeks, fruit vegetables, tubers, root crops, legumes, wheat and barley (WB), and rice. The results showed that Br and I concentrations were higher in upland field soil samples than in paddy field soil samples. However, when we compared TF values of WB and brown rice, no statistical difference was observed. The highest geometric mean of TF for I, 1.4 × 102, was obtained for leafy vegetables and fruit vegetables and that for Br, 1.5, was for fruit vegetables. TF for I was much lower than Br, as reported previously, maybe due to their different chemcial forms in soil and uptake behaviors by plant roots.

High fiber media as the most efficient substrates for Pleurotus florida culture

Implementation of agricultural residues for oyster mushroom culture has been accepted world-wide. In this study, we used wheat straw, barley straw, maize stem residue, and lawn residue as substrates coupled with wheat bran, rice bran and soybean powder as complements for the growth of P. florida. Wheat and barley straws which contained a high fiber and C/N ratio had the best growth period, fruiting body weight, yield, and biological efficiency. Assessment of substrate and complement combinations indicated that the lowest growth period was obtained from barley straw enriched with rice bran (24.67 day). However the highest fruiting body number (36.33), fruiting body weight (31.17 g), yield (1039 g), and biological efficiency (207.8 %) belonged to wheat straw complemented by either wheat or rice bran. In conclusion, the highest fruiting body weight, yield, and biological efficiency was achieved by implementation of composts in which high fiber substrates and complements were combined.

Inulin Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Concentrations in Growing Pigs Regardless of Their Basal Diet1–3

Inulin stimulates intestinal bifidobacteria in humans and rodents but its effect in pigs is inconsistent. We assessed the effect of inulin on the intestinal microbiota by fluorescent in situ hybridization in growing pigs (age 9-12 wk). Pigs (n = 64) were assigned to 2 types of basal diets [wheat and barley (WB) or corn and wheat gluten (CG)] with or without 3% inulin (WBI or CGI) for 3 and 6 wk (n = 8/group) to test whether naturally occurring dietary fibers influence the inulin effect. Intestinal organic acids, pH values, and residual inulin were determined. The composition of the microbiota was highly individual. The duration of feeding did not affect any of the variables tested; therefore, data for the 2 periods were pooled. Bifidobacteria were detected in less than half of the pigs. Inulin did not stimulate lactobacilli and bifidobacteria numbers irrespective of the basal diet, although 20-50% of inulin was degraded in the jejunum. The number of pigs with colonic bifidobacteria was higher in those fed diets containing inulin (40 vs. 13%; P < 0.05). Total colonic short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were lower in both inulin-fed groups due to reduced acetate (P < 0.05). Proportions of colonic butyrate were higher in pigs fed inulin-supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Colonic pH tended to be lower in the WB groups (WB; 6.6 +/- 0.6), and was higher due to inulin (CGI, 7.1 +/- 0.1; P < 0.05). In conclusion, inulin affected intestinal SCFA and the number of pigs harboring bifidobacteria; this effect was independent of the basal diet.

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A RESIDUE MANAGEMENT WHEEL FOR HOE-TYPE NO-TILL DRILLS

Adoption of conservation tillage in the Pacific Northwest lags that of the U.S. in part due to the lack of reliable seedingequipment for planting into the high residue densities encountered in this region. To overcome this problem, a drill attachmentwas developed to manage heavy residue next to the furrow opening tines of hoe-type no-till drills. The U.S. patented deviceconsists of a fingered rubber wheel, a rubber inner ring, and a spring-loaded arm that pivots about vertical and horizontal axes.The performance of the device was evaluated in terms of stand establishment and yield in Oregon and Washington. Test sitelocations varied significantly in the amount and condition of crop residue and were planted to a variety of different crops. Ascompared to the standard no-till drill without the attachment, use of the residue management wheel was found to increase thestand establishment of small seeded crops such as canola and mustard by over 40% and large seeded crops such as wheat andbarley by approximately 17%. Increases in stand establishment were attributed to fewer piles of residue covering the seed row.Use of the device also significantly increased crop yield by up to 12% in 8 of the 20 trials conducted (P < 0.10). Although theresidue management wheel costs $300 per unit to fabricate, using the device may be economically feasible if it results insignificant improvements in both stand establishment and yield.

WATER ABSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF WHEAT AND BARLEY DURING SOAKING

Water absorption characteristics of wheat and barley during soaking were measured at five temperatures rangingfrom 10.C to 50.C. From the water absorption characteristic curves, it was determined that water absorption of wheat andbarley was in the second falling rate period. Using the measured data, a nonlinear least squares method was applied to anapproximate solution of the diffusion equation MR = B1 exp(Kt). Values of parameter B1 for the diffusion model wereestimated to be about 0.6 for wheat and about 0.8 for barley. Therefore, the measured data were fitted to the exact solutionfor the sphere diffusion model for wheat and for the infinite plane sheet diffusion model for barley by a nonlinear least squaresmethod. The measured results agreed well with the calculated results. The values determined for the diffusion coefficients were1.1 . 1012 to 1.0 . 1011 (m2/s) for wheat and 3.5 . 1012 to 3.9 . 1011 (m2/s) for barley. An Arrheniustype equation wasused to relate the diffusion coefficient of wheat and barley to temperature (T), and the energy of activation (E) for wheat andbarley was estimated. The values determined were 44.0 kJ/mol for wheat and 45.9 kJ/mol for barley.

MOISTURE ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF WHEAT AND BARLEY

Moisture adsorption rates for stored grains are important for accurate modeling of drying and storage. Wheatand barley samples at initial moisture contents typical of grain storage were exposed to several levels of higher humidity attwo temperatures to measure adsorption rates. The best fit to the data was achieved with the Page equation and the cellulardiffusion equations. The adsorption rates were lower than those of comparable desorption tests. The adsorption rates forbarley were lower than for wheat due to lower diffusion coefficients for the barley endosperm and germ as compared to wheat.

Nutritional control of storage protein synthesis in developing grain of wheat and barley

The availability of nitrogen and sulphur have major effects on thesynthesis of prolamin storage proteins in developing endosperms of wheat andbarley. A high level of available nitrogen results in an increased proportionofprolamin storage proteins. However, changes in the storage protein compositionoccur if additional sulphur is not also provided, with increased proportions ofsulphur-poor prolamins and HMW prolamins and decreased proportions ofsulphur-rich prolamins. In the case of wheat, this results in increasedresistance and decreased extensibility of dough for bread-making, withconsequences for the end-use quality. Further limitation in the availability ofsulphur results in decreased total prolamin synthesis and an increase in freeaspartic acid/asparagine in the grain. Recent studies of the structure andregulation of prolamin genes indicate the presence of regulatory elements inthepromoter regions of genes for S-rich and S-poor prolamins, which could respondto nitrogen levels, although the sensing and signal transduction mechanisms arenot understood. Such elements have not so far been identified in genes for HMWprolamins. Similarly, there is no information on how the availability ofsulphurcould modulate prolamin gene expression.

Durum wheat and barley yields in antiquity estimated from 13C discrimination of archaeological grains: a case study from the Western Mediterranean Basin

This study develops a novel approach by which to estimate cereal yields in ancient times based on the 13C discrimination (Δ) of ancient grains. First, a yield model based on Δ in grains from modern durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crops was developed using a wide range of genotypes and Mediterranean environments. For both crops, a strong positive linear regression between yield on a logarithmic basis and the Δ of grains (r2 = 0.72, 506 d.f. for durum wheat and r2 = 0.50, 316 d.f. for barley) was observed; the slope of the relationship was significantly higher for durum wheat than for barley. Initial estimates of yield were subsequently corrected from bibliographical data to take into consideration the two major differences between ancient and modern crops unaccounted for by the Δ of ancient samples: atmospheric CO2 levels and the harvest index ratio. As a case study, this method was used to obtain estimates of ancient yields of durum wheat and barley in two areas of the Western Mediterranean Basin (NE and SE Iberian Peninsula) using Δ data of grain samples from a number of archaeological sites. These sites dated from the beginning of agriculture in these areas (Neolithic Age, ca 7500 years before present (BP)) to the Middle Ages (ca 800 years BP). Our results show the absence of a marked trend in the yields of both durum wheat and barley, which seem to have remained relatively high from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. The average values for the whole period (mean ± SD) were 1.61 ± 0.49 and 1.08 ± 0.25 Mg ha–1 for durum wheat and barley, respectively in the NE Iberian Peninsula, and 1.18 ± 0.48 and 0.97 ± 0.30 Mg ha–1, respectively, in SE Iberian Peninsula. These yield estimates are within the range indicated by the limited data (mostly from contemporary written sources) available for the Mediterranean Basin, and suggest relatively good growing conditions throughout the period studied, particularly in the NE Iberian Peninsula.

Effects of humidity on short-term responses of stomatal conductance to an increase in carbon dioxide concentration

ABSTRACT The magnitude of the response of stomatal conductance toa change in the concentration of carbon dioxide external tothe leaf from 350 to 700 cm 3 m –3 was found to be extremelyvariable from day to day in the field in Glycine max,Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum. It was found thatthe leaf-to-air water vapour pressure difference (LAVPD)during the midday measurements of the stomatal responseto carbon dioxide affected the magnitude of the response.On days when LAVPD was low, no significant change inconductance occurred with the increase in carbon dioxideconcentration. When LAVPD was higher, conductancedecreased by 24–52% with the increase in carbon dioxidewithin a few minutes. The sensitivity of conductance wasapproximately linearly related to LAVPD in wheat andbarley. Experiments with G. maxin the field indicatedthat, on days with low LAVPD, increasing the LAVPD justaround the measured portion of a leaflet made stomatalconductance responsive to increased carbon dioxide. Thisresult was also obtained under laboratory conditions withG. max , Helianthus annuus and Amaranthus retroflexus . InG. max, it was determined that leaves in which conduc-tance was not responsive to the increase in carbon dioxidecould be made responsive even at low LAVPD by the injec-tion of abscisic acid into their petioles. Because it is knownthat abscisic acid sensitizes stomata to carbon dioxide,these results are consistent with the idea that abscisic acidmay be involved in the response of stomatal conductanceto changes in LAVPD.Key-words: abscisic acid; carbon dioxide; humidity; stomatalconductance; vapour pressure deficit.

Prediction of grain protein in wheat and barley in a subtropical environment from available water and nitrogen in Vertisols at sowing

Summary. In many subtropical environments, cereal crops develop and mature largely on residual water in the soil. This research involves evaluation of the impact of plant available nitrogen (N) and water in soil at sowing on grain protein in wheat and barley in such a subtropical environment. Estimates of grain protein concentration of wheat (cv. Hartog) were made using plant available water and available N (soil nitrate-N and fertiliser N, where applied) at sowing using data obtained from an experiment conducted at Warra, Queensland, from 1987 to 1995. Treatments included: grass + legume leys of 4-year duration followed by continuous wheat with 0 or 50 kg N/ha.year applied as urea at sowing; 2-year rotation of lucerne and wheat; 2-year rotation of annual medics and wheat; 2-year rotation of chickpea and wheat, no-tillage wheat; and conventional tillage wheat. Fertiliser N as urea was applied to both no-tillage wheat and conventional tillage wheat at 0, 25 and 75 kg N/ha.year. The conventional tillage wheat also received N at 12.5 and 50 kg N/ha.year. Estimates of wheat grain yield required both rainfall during the fallow period or plant available water in the soil profile at sowing and rainfall from sowing to anthesis and, therefore, it could not be predicted precisely at sowing. Increasing plant available water (mm) in soil at sowing linearly reduced grain protein. In comparison, available N at sowing increased grain protein curvilinearly from 10.0% at 50 kg N/ha to 14.5% at 200 kg N/ha (0–120 cm depth). Variation in grain protein concentration was best accounted for by the available water : available N ratio at 0–90, 0–120 or 0–150 cm depths. The protein concentrations of wheat (cv. Hartog) grown in 1996 at Warra and Nindigully, and wheat (cv. Cunningham) grown from 1991 to 1995 at Billa Billa, and barley (cv. Tallon) grown in 1996 at Nindigully and Formartin, Queensland, were successfully predicted using the relationship between the available water : available N ratio and wheat grain protein concentration developed using data from Warra during 1987–95. Thus, available water should be matched by N supply at sowing to ensure the production of Prime Hard grade wheat and malting grade barley in the subtropical environment. As a ‘rule of thumb’, for 0–120 cm depth of soil sampling, each millilitre of available water matched with each kilogram of N per hectare of available N, at sowing, would produce about 13% protein wheat in this semi-arid region. It requires only 0.5 kg of N/ha for each millilitre of available water in 0–120 cm depth of soil to produce malting grade barley of about 10.5% protein concentration. Available water in soil at sowing can be approximated with rainfall during the fallow period, with rainfall (mm) : available N (kg/ha for 0–120 cm depth) ratios of 3.7 and 7.4 for respective 13 and 10.5% grain protein concentrations for both wheat and barley.

An Economic Analysis of a Cross‐market Subsidy Scheme for Morocco′s Food Grain Sector

To contribute to the economic understanding of alternative food‐grain policy options for Morocco, examines the fiscal implications of instituting, in addition to the current soft wheat subsidy, a consumer and producer subsidy in the related markets of hard wheat and barley. Subsidizing the two related markets has been suggested by some economists as a possible means of alleviating the subsidy burden through shifting supply and demand in the soft wheat market. The analysis shows that the additional subsidies will not alleviate the problem.

Utilisation of Microspore Culture in Wheat and Barley Improvement

This review examines some of the recent developments in microspore tissue culture in wheat and barley, and the application of this technology to practical plant breeding. Several new techniques are described as well as areas where additional research is required.

Observations on the Scutellum. II. Histochemistry and Autofluorescence of the Cell Wall in Mature Grain and During Germination of Wheat, Barley, Oats and Ryegrass

Histochemical studies and fluorescence microscopy of the scutella of wheat, barley, oats and ryegrass indicate that the cell walls of these grasses are basically similar in composition. They are all periodic acid-Schiff's positive, presumably owing to large amounts of hemicelluloses such as xylans. All scutellar cell walls stain with protein stains at all stages of germination, with the exception of the epithelial cell walls of oats which do not stain. Scutellar cell walls stain metachromatically red to purple (hydrated sections) or green (dehydrated sections) when stained with toluidine blue 0. The red to purple colour is indicative of free carboxyl groups, usually owing to the presence of pectin. However, this is not confirmed in this case since two pectin stains fail to react. The green coloration with toluidine blue staining is indicative of phenolic compounds (lignin). This conclusion is supported by the autofluorescence shown by the scutella of all genera. The autofluorescence of oats and rye- grass is initially low, especially at the apex, but increases as germination progresses. Wheat and barley lose fluorescence intensity 3 days after germination but later regain it.