6. Agro-morphological characterisation and selection of sorghum landraces
Solomon Assefa Deresea,b, Hussein Shimelisa, Learnmore Mwadzingenia and Mark Lainga
aSchool of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; bSirinka Agricultural Research Center, Woldia, Ethiopia
ABSTRACT
Sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown under rain-fed conditions is frequently affected by drought stress at different stages, resulting in reduced grain and biomass yield. The aim of this study was to characterise sorghum landraces and to select farmer-preferred medium-maturing genotypes under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Hundred and ninety-six sorghum accessions were evaluated at Kobo site of the Sirinka Agricultural Research Center in 2014/2015 in Ethiopia. Data collected from 14 traits were subjected to analysis of variance, cluster analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis, path coefficient analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Significant genotypic differences ( p < 0.05) were observed. Medium-maturing and drought tolerant sorghum genotypes including E-72457, E-72438, E-72435, E-206214, E-72449, E-75460 and E-75458 with superior agronomic performance were recommend for large-scale production or for further breeding. The genotypes evaluated under rain-fed and irrigated conditions were grouped into five and six clusters, respectively, representing varied different heterotic groups. Grain yield had significant and positive correlation with yield-related traits assessed under the two test conditions. Further, path coefficient analysis revealed that days to maturity under rainfed condition and harvest index under irrigated condition had the highest positive direct effects on grain yield, therefore can be targets for direct selection. Overall, there was marked genetic
diversity among the tested genotypes. Suitable medium-maturing farmers-preferred accessions selected from the study will be useful for effective breeding for drought tolerance and mediummaturity.
KEYWORD S
Agro-morphological traits; drought tolerance; grain yield; medium-maturity; principal component analysis; sorghum
Animal-based organic nutrition induces comparable fruit quality to that of
inorganic fertigation in soilless-grown grape tomato
Carlos Javier Lozano-Cavazos a, Luis Alonso Valdez-Aguilar b, Luis Ibarra-Jiménez c, Juan Alberto AscacioValdés d, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza b, Cristóbal Noé Aguilar-González d and Oscar Guajardo-Ríosb
aDepartamento de Fitomejoramiento, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo, México; bDepartamento de Horticultura, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo, México; cDepartamento de Plásticos en la Agricultura, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Saltillo, México; dDepartamento de Investigación en Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo, México
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of animal-based organic nutrition and environmental parameters on tomato fruit quality, as well as to establish relations among colour and morphological values performed by the Tomato Analyzer (TA) software application. Organic tomato fruits produced by three organic nutrient solutions, which consisted of different mixtures of several OMRI certified nitrogen fertilizers and one inorganic nutrient solution (Steiner’s solution) as the control, were evaluated for their polyphenol and carotenoid content. We used Tomato Analyzer (TA) to evaluate fruit size and shape. Moreover, we implemented a digital image analysis tool, Color Test (CT), as part of the TA software application to collect and analyse fruit colour parameters. The application of organic fertilizers positively affected the total hydrolysable and condensed polyphenols of tomato fruits compared to the control. The high air temperature (>30°C) and sub-optimal light intensity negatively affected the carotene content of tomato fruits, as well as their morphological and colour attributes. Plants fed with organic solutions containing ASA + ASB + NK2SO4 showed comparable morphology and fruit colour attributes to those of the control plants that received Steiner’s nutrient solution. The results indicated that the application of organic fertilizers positively affected the total hydrolysable and condensed polyphenols of tomato fruits compared to the control. Plants fed with the Steiner’s
nutrient solution exhibited the highest carotenoid content in tomato fruits. Organically produced tomatoes through animal-based fertilizer application displayed similar fruit morphology and colour attributes compared to conventionally produced tomatoes.
KEYWORD S
Solanum lycopersicum L; bioactive compounds; morphology; colour; image processing; temperature
Balance and concentration of nitrogen and potassium affect growth and nutrient
status in soilless cultivated lisianthus
Daniela Alvarado-Camarilloa, Ana María Castillo-Gonzálezb, Luis A. Valdez-Aguilar a and
Juana C. García-Santiagoc
aDepartamento de Horticultura, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo, México; bDepartamento de Fitotecnia, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, México; cFacultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, México
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Nitrogen (N) / potassium (K) nutrient balance has been studied for some ornamental plants, however, available information is limited. Here we investigate the optimum N and K balance and concentration for lisianthus production in soilless medium. Materials and methods: The effect of three N / K balances: 1.43, 2.14 and 4.29, prepared by varying the concentration of N and K, were evaluated in lisianthus grown in soilless medium (volcanic rock).
Results: Plants fertigated with a N / K balance of 2.14 exhibited enhanced height and stem dry weight when compared to plants fertigated with a balance of 4.29, and a higher flower buds count and total dry weight than those fertigated with a balance of 1.43 or 4.29. Plants fertigated with a balance of 2.14 exhibited increased dry weight when N was reduced from 15 to 9 meq L −1 and K from 7 to 4.2 meq L −1 , suggesting that lisianthus does not require high levels of these nutrients. Although shoot N concentration was not correlated with N concentration in the nutrient solution or balance, increasing N in the shoot was associated with higher P and Mg in the plant tissues. In general, P, Ca, and Mg in plant tissues were unaffected by the external N / K balance, however, the internal P and Mg concentrations were positively correlated with shoot dry weight. Shoot K concentration significantly increased when the N / K balance decreased, which is related to the higher concentrations of external K when the balance decreased.
Conclusions: The optimum N / K balance for lisianthus was 2.14. However, there was a concentration effect, as fertigation with solutions containing a N / K balance of 2.14 and an N and K concentration of 9 and 4.2 meq L −1 respectively, resulted in plants with the greatest dry weight.
KEYWORD S
Eustoma grandiflorum; hydroponics; ion relations; nutrient ratios; nutrient solutions
Distribution of resistance-breaking isolates of beet necrotic yellow vein virus
differing in virulence in sugar beet fields in Turkey
Nazli Dide Kutluk Yilmaza, Huseyin Uzunbacaka, Miray Arli-Sokmena and Riza Kayab
aAgricultural Faculty, Department of Plant Protection, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey; bTurkish Sugar Factories Inc., Sugar Institute, Etimesgut, Turkey
ABSTRACT
Rhizomania, caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), is one of the most devastating diseases on sugar beet throughout the world. A total of 235 BNYVV-infested soil samples taken from 29 provinces during the growing seasons of 2004–2005 and 2010–2011 were investigated for resistance-breaking properties of BNYVV isolates. BNYVV resistant (Rz1, Rz1 + R2, Rz1 + C48 + minor genes) and susceptible (rz1) sugar beet cultivars were grown in the BNYVV-infested soils by the bait plant technique, and virus infection was evaluated based on disease symptom and DASELISA. Of the soil samples tested, 57.4% produced infection in the roots of sugar beet cultivar (cv.) containing the Rz1 gene, 51.9% in cv. carrying the Rz1 + Rz2 and 18.9% in cv. carrying the Rz1 + C48 + minor genes. Also, the presence of Beet soil-borne virus (BSBV) was evaluated by TASELISA. Additionally, the presence of BNYVV RNA-5 component was investigated by RT–PCR using the primers specific for p26 coding region. Our results revealed that BNYVV isolates compromising resistance genes are highly common and widespread in sugar beet production areas in Turkey, and it seems unlikely that BSBV and/or RNA-5 were directly involved in RB-event.
KEYWORD S
Rhizomania; bait plant; BSBV; RNA-5; Rz1; Rz1+R2; Rz1+C48 +minor genes
Effects of long-term application of various organic amendments on soil
particulate organic matter storage and chemical stabilisation of vertisol soil
Keke Hua, Daozhong Wang and Zhibin Guo
Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrient Recycling, Resources and Environment, Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, People’ s Republic of China
ABSTRACT
Current understanding of the effects of long-term application of various organic amendments on soil particulate organic matter (POM) storage and chemical stabilisation remains limited. Therefore, we collected soil samples from the soil profile (0– 100 cm) under six treatments in a 31-year long-term fertilisation experiment: no fertiliser (CK), mineral fertilisers (NPK), mineral
fertilisers plus 3.8 or 7.5 t ha − 1 year −1 (fresh base) the amount of wheat straw (1/2SNPK and SNPK) and mineral fertilisers plus swine or cattle manure (PMNPK and CMNPK). Long-term incorporation of wheat straw and livestock manure amendments significantly ( p < 0.05) increased crop yield and sustainable yield index, and POM storage compared with CK and NPK
treatments. The mole ratios of H/C in the POM under organic amendment treatments significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased by 13.8% and 37.1%, respectively, compared with the NPK treatment. Similarly, solid state NMR spectroscopy showed that the O–alkyl carbon content of POM was greatly decreased, whereas aromatic carbon contents and alkyl to O–alkyl carbon ratios were substantially increased under PMNPK and CMNPK treatments. In conclusion, we recommend long-term livestock manure application as a preferred strategy for enhancing POM quantity and quality (chemical stability), and crop yield of vertisol soil in northern China.
KEYWORD S
Particulate organic matter; long-term fertilisation; 13C– NMR; soil profile; vertisol
Enhancing of symbiotic efficiency and salinity tolerance of chickpea by
phosphorus supply
H. Sadji-Ait Kaci, A. Chaker- Haddadj and F. Aid
Equipe Biologie des Sols, Laboratoire de Biologie et Physiologie des Organismes (LBPO), Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Alger, Algérie
ABSTRACT
This study aims to highlight the beneficial effect of the phosphorus on enhancing of growth plant, the efficiency of use rhizobial symbiosis and ionic partition in chickpea grown under salt stress. Exposure of plants to salt stress (0, 150 mM of NaCl) caused ionic imbalance, which resulted in increased Na+ and P and reduced K+ contents in the leaves and root. Indeed, stressed plants showed decrease of plant growth and phosphorus use efficiency. The efficiency use of rhizobial symbiosis was also affected by salinity. However, addition of two different level of phosphorus (37 and 55 mM) to saline soil increased significantly availability of P in plant organs. Specially, the (150 mM NaCl × 37 mM P) mixture increased (33%) phosphorus use efficiency, induced
better nodulation and increased plant biomass which results in the high efficiency in use of the rhizobial symbiosis. Our findings suggest that the combination of low level of P to saline soil presumably improved the tolerance of chickpea plant to salinity.
Abbreviations: phosphorus (P); phosphorus use efficiency (PUE); biological nitrogen fixation (BNF); plant dry weight (PDW); yeast extract mannitol (YEM); efficiency in use of the rhizobial symbiosis (EURS); shoot dry weight (SDW); symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF).
KEYWORD S
Chickpea; phosphorus; ionic composition; PUE; salt stress; nodulation
Insecticidal activity of two formulations of essential oils against the cereal leaf beetle
Jiř í Skuhroveca, Ondřej Doudaa, Miloslav Zouharb, Marie Maňasováb, Pavel Novýb, Matěj Božikb and
Pavel Kloučekb
aDivision of Crop Protection and Plant Health, Crop Research Institute, Prague, Czech Republic; bFaculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Plant-derived essential oils and their encapsulations have recently received increasing interest as an alternative to synthetic biopesticides suitable for integrated pest management and organic farming. In this study, combinations of essential oils (EO) from Rosmarinus officinalis with Cymbopogon citratus and Pelargonium graveolens with Thymus vulgaris in two formulations including encapsulate were tested for their potential for wheat protection against adults and larvae of Oulema melanopus (L.).
Materials and methods: The chemical composition of the essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Testing of insecticidal activity of the evaluated substances was conducted with 2.5 ml of tested combinations of EOs sprayed on the paper. Ten adults or larvae of O. melanopus were placed into a vessel. Control of mortality of O. melanopus
specimens was assessed after 24 h after establishment of the experiment.
Results and conclusions: Tarsal contact toxicity assay showed the effectiveness of EO in concentration against O. melanopus larvae and adults in both formulations (essential oil and encapsulation) causing 100% mortality within 24 h. These results indicate the great potential of these essential oils and their encapsulations for future use in crop protection against insect pests.
KEYWORD S
Biopesticides; crop protection; encapsulation; organic agriculture; Triticum aestivum
Nitrogen and phosphorus leaching under the potential biennial oilseed plant Lepidium campestre L. in a field trial
Barbro Ulén and Helena Aronsson
Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
ABSTRACT
Domestication of biennial Lepidium campestre L. offers possibilities for more varied crop rotations in cold regions, with increased crop cover during winter. In the first winter after sowing, L. Campestre can reduce nitrogen (N) leaching before harvesting in the second year. In this system no soil tillage is needed during the first year, unlike in systems with annual crops. A three-year leaching study on loam soil in southern Sweden revealed significantly (p < 0.05) lower flow-weighted mean total nitrogen (TN) concentration in drainage water under L. campestre (5.8 mg TN L −1 ) compared with a control treatment (no catch crop and autumn mouldboard ploughing) (9.6 mg TN L −1 ). In two years of observations, Lepidium campestre had lower flow-weighted mean TN concentration (6.2 mg L −1) than a mixed Vicia villosa L. (hairy vetch)/Secale cereale (winter rye) catch crop (10.2 mg L −1) and rather similar concentration to a Raphanus sativus (oilseed radish) catch crop (5.7 mg TN L −1), both sown after harvest of the main crop. However, L. campestre appeared to have a negative effect on total phosphorus (TP) leaching, with TP concentration in drainage of 0.05 mg L −1 compared with 0.01 –0.02 mg L −1 for the other catch crops and the control.
KEYWORD S
Catch crops; drained experimental plots; loam; soil mineral nitrogen
Physiological responses of irrigated wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes to water stress
Unathi Liwania, Lembe S. Magwaza a,b, Nkanyiso J. Sitholea, Alfred O. Odindoa and Toi J. Tsiloc
aDiscipline of Crop Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South
Africa; bDiscipline of Horticultural Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; cGermplasm Development, Agricultural Research Council, Small Grain, Bethlehem, South Africa
ABSTRACT
The recent drought in South Africa has reduced the production of both dryland and irrigated wheat. This study evaluated physiological traits of irrigated wheat genotypes in response to water stress (WS) imposed at different growth stages. A 8 × 2 × 3 [(genotypes) × (water treatmets; stresses and non-stressed) × (growth stages; tillering, flowering and grain filling)] factorial experiment based on a randomised complete block design with three replicates was conducetd. In general, the rate of photosynthesis was unaffected by WS except for genotypes LM43 at tillering and LM98 at grain filling. Stomatal conductance (SC) and transpiration rate (Tr) followed the same treand except for genotype LM35 which reduced its SC and Tr significantly at grain filling. Instantaneous waster use efficiency (IWUE) of genotype LM35 and LM57 was unaffected (p > 0.05) by WS at tillering but at flowering stage it was affected. However, at grain filling IWUE was affected (p < 0.05) in genotypes LM35, ML57, LM79 and LM 98. The relative water content was unaffected at tillering except for LM35 and LM47 genotypes whereas at flowering LM57, ML79, LM83 and LM98 were affected. These results indicate some degree of drought tolerance of these
genotypes at different growth stages.
KEYWORD S
Genotypes; growth stages; physiological traits; water stress; drought tolerant wheat genotypes
Possible benefits and challenges associated with production of chickpea in inland South Africa
Tiisetso Mpai and Sipho Thulane Maseko
Department of Crop Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
ABSTRACT
In South Africa, chickpea is becoming one of most consumed pulses but its demand is currently met through imports. In general, the imported chickpea grain is likely costly with a relatively lower nutritional value as is largely the case with most imported food products. In this review paper, we discuss how its production in South Africa would improve the nutritional status of humans
and livestock and enhance the fertility status of cropping fields. Other benefits include that its production would be of financial reward to local farmers and ensure better nutritional quality and boost the country’ s economy and global competiveness. Studies conducted in South Africa have assessed the crop’ s suitable planting season and where planted in winter, irrigation has sustained its growth. We discuss challenges of its plantation in the dry winter season given the on-going water restrictions on agricultural activities, drought, low water levels in dams, and water scarcity. Suggestions include identification of low-temperature locations and fields experiments be established to assess the crop’ s adaptation to summer cropping. Field studies conducted locally have also included the nutritional requirements of chickpea. The review discusses possible solutions to low soil fertility suggest the use of plant biostimulants for enhanced fertiliser use.
KEYWORD S
Chickpea; C/N ratio; desi; kabuli; plant biostimulants; smallholder; soil fertility
Tillage and crop straw methods affect energy use efficiency, economics and greenhouse gas emissions in rainfed winter wheat field of Loess Plateau in China
Xingli Lua, Xingneng Luc, Yong Cuid and Yuncheng Liaob
aCollege of Agronomy, Ningxia University, Yinchuan Ningxia, People’s Republic of China; bCollege of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China; cYinchuan Provincial Sub-branch, The People’s Bank of China, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China; dNingxia Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Yinchuan Ningxia, People’s Republic of China
ABSTRACT
Data from a field experiment conducted in China’s Loess Plateau (2013–2015) were used to determine the energy balance of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as affected by tillage and straw treatments. Tillage treatments included chisel plow, no tillage, and mouldboard plow. Crop straw levels included straw returning and straw removed. The energy balance was evaluated by comparing the following parameters: net energy, energy profitability, energy use efficiency, and energy intensity. The yield parameters were significantly influenced by the tillage treatments and revealed that the chisel plow entailed fewer field operations and lower energy requirements with a higher yield than mouldboard plowing tillage. The highest proportion of energy input
came from a nitrogen fertiliser, followed by diesel fuel. The total energy input applied per hectare increased with an increase in the tillage intensity, and the lowest energy input was required for the no tillage case with the straw returning treatment, and the highest for the case of mouldboard plow with the straw returning treatment. The lowest average energy intensity was recorded for the no tillage case, followed by the case of chisel plow tillage in both cropping seasons. Moreover, in the case of mouldboard plough tillage, the maximum energy intensity was recorded in both cropping seasons. In the cases of the chisel plow tillage and the no tillage, we observed the maximum energy gain, while in the no tillage case, we observed the maximum energy use efficiency. The net return and the benefit/cost ratio were higher in the case of straw returning than those in the case of no straw treatment. We concluded that no tillage and chisel plow tillage with straw returning could improve the energy use efficiency and the benefit/cost ratio of winter wheat production systems.
KEYWORD S
Conservation tillage; energy parameters; winter wheat; economics; GHG emissions
Variety specific responses of cauliflower varieties ( Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) to different N application rates on yield, colour and ascorbic acid content at harvest
Madonna N. Mashabelaa, Martin M. Mabokob, Puffy Soundya and Dharini Sivakumarb
aPhytochemical Food Network to Improve Nutritional Quality for Consumers Group, Department of Crop Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; bVegetable and Ornamental Plants, Agricultural Research Council-Roodeplaat, Pretoria, South Africa
ABSTRACT
The influence of five nitrogen (N) application rates (60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N/ha) were evaluated using limestone ammonium nitrate on the curd fresh and dry mass, size, chromaticity coordinates, L*, a*, b* and ascorbic acid content in cauliflower varieties (Largardo, Eskimo and CF-744) during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Commercial standard 120 kg N/ha was included as a control. Variety ‘Largardo’ showed weak response to N application rates and can be regarded as the least sensitive variety for lower N use. Curd fresh and dry mass and size were not affected at lower N application rates of 60 and 90 kg/ha in ‘Largardo’ compared to the other two varieties. However, L*, b* colour value and ascorbic acid content was higher at lower N application rates <90 kg N/ha in all three varieties. With increasing N application rates, curd became darker and less intense in yellow colour. Increasing rates of N application clearly posed a negative effect on ascorbic acid content. Therefore, ‘Largardo’ can be recommended as a suitable variety that produces higher yield and ascorbic acid content at 60 or 90 kg N/ha, with the application rates lower than the commercially recommended rate (120 kg N/ha).
KEYWORD S
Vegetable crop; bioactive compounds; chromaticity coordinates; fertiliser application; fresh mass
