Productivity and water use efficiency of sweet sorghum as affected by soil water deficit occurring at different vegetative growth stages

The growth and production of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] crops under semi-arid conditions in the Mediterranean environment of southern Italy are constrained by water stress. The effects of temporary water stress on growth and productivity of sweet sorghum were studied during three seasons at Rutigliano (Bari, Italy). The aim of this research was to evaluate the sensitivity of phenological stages subjected to the same water deficit. In a preliminary study it was observed that stomata closed when pre-dawn leaf water potential (Ψ_b) became lower than −0.4 MPa. This criterion was used in monitoring plant water status in three different plots: one never stressed and two stressed at different phenological stages (‘leaf’ and ‘stem’) when mainly leaves or stems were growing, respectively. An evaluation of the sensitivity of phenological stages subjected to identical water stress was obtained by comparing the above-ground biomass and WUE of drought crops with those of the well-irrigated crop (up to 32.5 t ha⁻¹ of dry matter and 5.7 g kg⁻¹). The sensitivity was greatest at the early stage (‘leaf’), when a temporary soil water stress reduced the biomass production by up to 30% with respect to the control and WUE was 4.8 g kg⁻¹ (average of three seasons). These results help quantify the effects of water constraints on sweet sorghum productivity. An irrigation strategy based on phenological stage sensitivity is suggested.     

Effect of Drought Stress on Yield and Quality of Maize/Sunflower and Maize/Sorghum Intercrops for Biogas Production

Intercropping represents an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture to provide substrate for agricultural biogas production. Maize was intercropped with either sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) or forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] to determine the effect of seasonal water supply on yield and quality of the above‐ground biomass as a fermentation substrate. The two intercrop partners were grown in alternating double rows at plant available soil water levels of 60–80 %, 40–50 % and 15–30 % under a foil tunnel during the years 2006 and 2007 at Braunschweig, Germany. Although the intercrop dry matter yields in each year increased with increasing soil moisture, the partner crops responded quite differently. While maize produced significantly greater biomass under high rather than low water supply in each year, forage sorghum exhibited a significant yield response only in 2006, and sunflower in none of the 2 years. Despite greatly different soil moisture contents, the contribution of sorghum to the intercrop dry matter yield was similar, averaging 43 % in 2006 and 40 % in 2007. Under conditions of moderate and no drought stress, sunflower had a dry matter yield proportion of roughly one‐third in both years. In the severe drought treatment, however, sunflower contributed 37 % in 2006 and 54 % in 2007 to the total intercrop dry matter yield. The comparatively good performance of sunflower under conditions of low water supply is attributable to a fast early growth, which allows this crop to exploit the residual winter soil moisture. While the calculated methane‐producing potential of the maize/sorghum intercrop was not affected by the level of water supply, the maize/sunflower intercrop in 2006 had a higher theoretically attainable specific methane yield under low and medium than under high water supply. Nevertheless, the effect of water regime on substrate composition within the intercrops was small in comparison with the large differences between the intercrops.     

Drought Tolerance and Water‐Use Efficiency of Biogas Crops: A Comparison of Cup Plant,Maize and Lucerne‐Grass

The cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) is discussed as an alternative energy crop for biogas production in Germany due to its ecological benefits over continuously grown maize. Moreover, a certain drought tolerance is assumed because of its intensive root growth and the dew water collection by the leaf cups, formed by fused leaf pairs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate evapotranspiration (ET ), water‐use efficiency (WUE ) and the relevance of the leaf cups for the cup plant's water balance in a 2‐year field experiment. Parallel investigations were conducted for the two reference crops maize (high WUE ) and lucerne‐grass (deep and intensive rooting) under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Root system performance was assessed by measuring water depletion at various soil depths. Transpiration‐use efficiency (TUE ) was estimated using a model approach. Averaged over the 2 years, drought‐related above‐ground dry matter reduction was higher for the cup plant (33 %) than for the maize (18 %) and lucerne‐grass (14 %). The WUE of the cup plant (33 kg ha^?1 mm^?1) was significantly lower than for maize (50 kg ha^?1 mm^?1). The cup plant had a lower water uptake capacity than lucerne‐grass. Cup plant dry matter yields as high as those of maize will only be attainable at sites that are well supplied with water, be it through a large soil water reserve, groundwater connection, high rainfall or supplemental irrigation.     

Root characteristic system improves drought tolerance in orchardgrass

Plant genotypes with higher drought tolerance through improved root characteristics are poorly studied in orchardgrass. In the current research, 30 orchardgrass genotypes were polycrossed and the resulting half‐sib families evaluated under both normal and water stress environments. Under water stress conditions, values for most root traits decreased at 0–30 cm soil depth, while at 30–60 cm depths, the root length (RL), root area (RA), root volume, percentage of root dry weight (RDW) and the ratio of root to shoot were increased. We identified drought‐tolerant genotypes with a high combining ability for root characteristics and a high yield potential. High estimates of heritability as well as genetic variation for root traits indicated that phenotypic selection would be successful in order to achieve genetic progress. Indirect selection to improve dry matter yield was most efficient when selecting for RL and RDW under water stress conditions. Significant associations between a drought tolerance index and RL, RA and root volume confirmed the importance of these traits in conferring drought tolerance of orchardgrass.     

Comparative Effects of Salt and Water Stress on Seed Germination and Early Embryo Growth in Two Cultivars of Sweet Sorghum

In semiarid regions of the Mediterranean basin, water and salinity stresses restrict crop establishment. The effects of salt and water stress on seed germination and early embryo growth (radicle and shoot growth) were investigated in laboratory in two cultivars of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] – cv. ‘90‐5‐2′ and cv. ‘Keller’ – to verify how these stresses may limit crop growth during the very early stages of growing season. Six water potentials (ψ) of the imbibition solution (from 0 to ?1.0 MPa) in NaCl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) for salt and water stress tests, respectively, were studied. Daily germination was recorded, and radicle and shoot lengths and dry weights (DWs) were measured 2 days after initial germination. Seed germination was reduced (8–30% lower than control) by water stress at ψ 相似文献   

PEG-6000和盐碱胁迫对甜高粱种子萌发影响研究

甜高粱种子萌发阶段对逆境胁迫比较敏感,为探讨干旱胁迫与盐碱胁迫对甜高粱种子萌发影响的不同机制,以辽甜1号甜高粱种子为材料,采用不同浓度PEG-6000模拟干旱胁迫,不同浓度NaCl和NaHCO3溶液模拟盐碱胁迫,分析比较甜高粱种子萌发阶段对干旱、盐碱胁迫的响应特性。结果表明:低浓度的NaCl(50 mmol·L^-1)处理,种子的发芽率和发芽势升高,表现出促进种子萌发的作用,低浓度的PEG-6000和NaHCO3处理抑制种子的发芽率和发芽势等萌发指标,中高浓度的PEG-6000、NaCl和NaHCO3处理均显著抑制种子的各类萌发指标,不同浓度的PEG-6000、NaCl和NaHCO3处理均显著影响种子的干物质转移和早期幼苗生长,其中NaHCO3胁迫影响最大,PEG-6000胁迫影响次之,NaCl胁迫影响最小。本研究结论可为干旱和盐碱地区提高甜高粱种子萌发和幼苗生长提供理论依据和技术指导。     

Exogenous Glycinebetaine Enhances Grain Yield of Maize, Sorghum and Wheat Grown Under Two Supplementary Watering Regimes

Drought occurring at critical growth and developmental stages in cereals affects productivity by reducing biomass accumulation, grain set, and grain yield and quality. Maize (cv. SR-73), sorghum (cv. Trump), and wheat (cv. Spear) were established in drought-prone field conditions in Perth, Western Australia, in l994. The plants were then subjected to optimal and suboptimal supplementary watering regimes at growth stages that were sensitive to water availability. Glycinebetaine in aqueous solution was applied to leaves at three rates (2, 4 and 6 kg ha^?1 and a control) to establish whether its application could ameliorate the effects of drought on the yield of the crops. Above-ground biomass production was measured at the beginning and at termination of the watering regimes. Leaf tissue glycinebetaine concentrations were determined 1 and 3 weeks after application. At physiological maturity, grains from the crops were harvested and grain yield, number of grains m^?2 and single grain weight were recorded. Drought significantly reduced above-ground biomass production in maize (P = 0.047), but not in sorghum and wheat. Grain yield of maize, number of grains m^?2 of maize and sorghum, and single grain weight of sorghum were significantly depressed by drought. Foliar application of aqueous glycinebetaine marginally enhanced biomass production in the three crops and significantly increased grain yield of maize (P = 0.001) and sorghum (P = 0.003). It also resulted in more grains m^?2 of maize, sorghum and wheat (P = 0.001, 0.001 and 0.003, respectively), with interactions between water and glycinebetaine treatments for sorghum and wheat (P = 0.001 and 0.001. respectively). Residual tissue glycinebetaine levels remained high 3 weeks after application to the crops. The positive effects of glycinebetaine treatment appear to be linked to its physiological role as a plant osmoticum that improves drought tolerance. The results of these studies suggest that foliar application of glycinebetaine may be used to improve drought tolerance and economic yield of maize and sorghum, but not of wheat. Increased grain yield was associated with more grains m^?2 rather than greater single grain weight.     

钠盐胁迫对甜高粱种子萌发及幼苗生长的探究

为探讨甜高粱种子在不同钠盐胁迫下的萌发特性,本研究以‘辽甜1号’甜高粱种子为材料,采用不同浓度钠盐(NaCl,Na HCO3,Na2SO4及其复合钠盐)溶液进行处理,分析比较甜高粱种子萌发阶段对不同钠盐胁迫的响应特性。结果表明,随着盐浓度的增加,总体上甜高粱种子的发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数等萌发指标呈现逐渐降低趋势,不同浓度的钠盐胁迫均显著抑制甜高粱种子的干物质转移和早期幼苗的生长(p<0.05),对幼根的抑制高于幼芽。主成分分析(PCA)结果表明,PC1主要包含芽干重、根干重、根长、活力指数,代表"生长综合因子"(85.87%),PC2主要包含发芽率、发芽势、发芽速度,代表"速率综合因子"(8.36%)。二者共同解释12个萌发指标的94.23%的信息。运用隶属函数法评价不同浓度钠盐胁迫下甜高粱种子的毒害作用,在Na+浓度相同的条件下,不同组成钠盐对甜高粱种子萌发的抑制程度高低为NaHCO3>复合钠盐>NaCl>Na2SO4。     

散穗高粱与白壳苏丹草杂交F1及其染色体加倍植株ISSR分析

为了明确散穗高粱与白壳苏丹草杂交F1及其染色体加倍植株遗传差异性及其遗传距离,为下一步新品种育成利用奠定基础和提供科学依据。试验利用ISSR标记技术对散穗高粱与白壳苏丹草杂交F1及其染色体加倍植株进行多态性位点比较分析。结果表明：6条适宜引物共扩增得到重复性好的清晰条带164条,其中144条多态性条带,多态性比率达到86.9%;材料间的遗传距离变幅为0.2690~0.5923,散穗高粱与散穗高粱×白壳苏丹草F1加倍植株之间的遗传距离最远;供试材料以遗传距离0.26为基准可分为散穗高粱和白壳苏丹草;散穗高粱×白壳苏丹草杂种F1;散穗高粱×白壳苏丹草杂种F1加倍植株这三类。     

高梁、苏丹草及高梁-苏丹草杂交种产量和饲用品质的比较

在大田条件下，比较研究了高梁-苏丹草杂交种（皖草2号、京科草1号）与高梁、苏丹草的生物产量和饲用品质。结果表明，与高梁和苏丹草相比，高梁-苏丹草杂交种的生物产量高，其中，皖草2号的鲜、干物质产量比苏丹草722选分别高83．8％和121．9％，京科草1号的鲜、干物质产量比722选分别高98．6％和139．9％；杂交种的粗蛋白、粗脂肪含量高，无氮浸出物含量低；粗蛋白、粗脂肪和粗纤维的产量及总能量均最高，高梁次之，苏丹草最低，杂交种饲用品质的改善主要是粗蛋白和粗脂肪的显著提高；从物质分配和能量形成的角度分析，茎秆和叶鞘是鲜物质产量的主要组成部分，而在干物质产量和能量的形成过程中，茎秆、叶鞘和叶片具有同等重要的作用。     

玉米种子萌发期抗旱性鉴定方法及不同杂交种抗旱性比较研究

用PEG-6000高渗溶液模拟土壤水分胁迫的方法,比较了培养介质、浸种时间对不同粒质量类型玉米种子发芽率的影响,并采用砂培不浸种方式,研究了黄淮海地区近几年审定的32个玉米杂交种萌发期的抗旱性。结果表明:不同类型的玉米品种,在纸培模式下20%PEG渗透胁迫处理的发芽率均低于或等于25%,远低于砂培模式。砂培模式下,不浸种处理的发芽率总体好于浸种24 h和48 h处理。砂培不浸种方式下,渗透胁迫处理不同程度地降低了32个玉米杂交种种子的发芽率;大多数品种初生根条数低于对照,胚芽长和胚根长均减小,胚芽长比胚根长减小的程度大,胚芽干质量显著降低。     

高粱、苏丹草及高粱-苏丹草杂交种产量和饲用品质的比较

在大田条件下,比较研究了高粱-苏丹草杂交种（皖草2号、京科草1号）与高粱、苏丹草的生物产量和饲用品质。结果表明,与高粱和苏丹草相比,高粱-苏丹草杂交种的生物产量高,其中,皖草2号的鲜、干物质产量比苏丹草722选分别高83.8%和121.9%,京科草1号的鲜、干物质产量比722选分别高98.6%和139.9%;杂交种的粗蛋白、粗脂肪含量高,无氮浸出物含量低;粗蛋白、粗脂肪和粗纤维的产量及总能量均最高,高粱次之,苏丹草最低,杂交种饲用品质的改善主要是粗蛋白和粗脂肪的显著提高;从物质分配和能量形成的角度分析,茎秆和叶鞘是鲜物质产量的主要组成部分,而在干物质产量和能量的形成过程中,茎秆、叶鞘和叶片具有同等重要的作用。     

Effects of free‐air CO2 enrichment and drought on root growth of field grown maize and sorghum

Increasing CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]) is thought to induce climate change and thereby increase air temperatures and the risk of drought stress, the latter impairing crop growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated [CO₂] and drought stress on root growth of one maize genotype (Zea mays cv. Simao) and two sorghum genotypes (Sorghum bicolor cv. Bulldozer and Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense cv. Inka) under the cool moderate climate of Central Europe. It was hypothesized that root growth stimulation due to elevated [CO₂] compensates for a reduced root growth under drought stress. Therefore, we established an experiment within a f ree‐a ir c arbon dioxide e nrichment system (FACE) in 2010 and 2011. Sorghum and maize genotypes were grown under ambient [CO₂] (385 ppm CO₂) and elevated [CO₂] (600 ppm CO₂) and in combination with restricted and sufficient water supply. Elevated [CO₂] decreased root length density (RLD) in the upper soil layers for all genotypes, but increased it in deeper layers. Higher [CO₂] enhanced specific root length (SRL) of “Simao” and “Bulldozer,” however, did not affect that of “Inka.” “Simao” achieved a higher SRL than the sorghum genotypes, indicating an efficient investment in root dry matter. Although elevated [CO₂] affected the root growth, no interaction with the water treatment and, consequently, no compensatory effect of elevated [CO₂] could be identified.     

Comparison of Salt and Drought‐Stress Effects on Maize Growth and Yield Formation with Regard to Acid Invertase Activity in the Kernels

The long‐term effects of salt stress (11 dS m^?1) and drought stress (35 % WHC) were investigated for two maize genotypes, focusing on the relation between metabolic changes around the time of pollination and the impact on yield determinants at maturity. The relatively salt‐resistant hybrid Pioneer 3906 and the relatively drought‐resistant hybrid Fabregas were compared. The experiments were conducted in large plastic containers in a vegetation hall in two consecutive years (2011 and 2012). Plant height and leaf area were significantly reduced under both stress conditions. The transpiration rate was only slightly reduced under drought stress; but under salt stress, a significant reduction occurred 40–53 days after sowing. As a significant increase in sucrose concentrations was observed in the salt‐treated maize kernels 2 days after pollination, the availability of assimilates was not limiting and the plants could afford to save water by reduced stomatal opening. Although under both stress conditions the soluble acid invertase activity was reduced 2 days after pollination, concomitantly, an increase in hexose concentrations was observed. Thus, in these experiments, the delivery of hexoses by acid invertase activity did not limit kernel development. Differences in grain yield at maturity between salt and drought stress were most likely caused by salt‐specific effects (Na⁺ toxicity), Fabregas being more affected than Pioneer 3906.     

外源亚精胺对盐胁迫下甜高粱(Sorghum bicolor)幼苗的影响

为探究外源亚精胺(spermidine,Spd)对盐胁迫下甜高粱幼苗生长及生理生化的影响,以‘辽甜1号’甜高粱为试验材料,采用不同浓度(0.5 mmol/L,1.0 mmol/L,1.5 mmol/L)的Spd喷施处理165 mmol/L NaCl胁迫下的甜高粱幼苗,测定处理7 d和15 d后甜高粱幼苗的叶绿素、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白、脯氨酸(Pro)、丙二醛(MDA)含量和净光合速率(Net photosynthetic rate,Pn)、气孔导度(stomatal conductance,Gs)、胞间CO2浓度(intercellular CO2 concentration,Ci)、蒸腾速率(transpiration rate,Tr)以及超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化物酶(peroxidase,POD)、过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(ascorbate peroxidase,APX)活性等生理生化指标,测定处理15 d后甜高粱幼苗的株高、鲜重、干重及幼苗相对含水量。结果表明,盐胁迫显著抑制了甜高粱幼苗的生长及生理生化指标,喷施不同浓度Spd可提高盐胁迫下甜高粱幼苗叶片叶绿素含量、Pn、Gs、Tr,降低Ci,提高可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白和Pro含量,降低MDA含量,提高SOD、POD、CAT和APX活性。说明在盐胁迫下外源喷施Spd能够增强甜高粱幼苗的光合作用,促进幼苗生长,同时增加渗透调节物质含量,提高抗氧化物酶活性以稳定细胞内环境,从而增强甜高粱幼苗的耐盐性,其中1.0 mmol/L的Spd处理效果最佳。本研究为利用外源Spd缓解植物盐胁迫伤害提供科学依据,为提高甜高粱幼苗的耐盐性提供一种新的手段。     

不同含盐量的田间自然土下甜高粱耐盐性初探

为合理利用盐碱地发展生物质能源作物甜高粱的产业化种植,为甜高粱耐盐新品种的选育提供理论支持,以‘六环美迪’、‘醇甜1号’和‘辽甜1号’3个甜高粱品种的种子为材料,同时选择了0.43 g/kg、2.88 g/kg、4.06 g/kg、6.10g g/kg 4个含盐量不同的田间自然土,进行了甜高粱耐盐试验。结果表明：土壤含盐量为0.43 g/kg、2.88 g/kg时,对甜高粱种子的萌发没有明显的抑制;随土壤含盐量的增加,甜高粱种子的发芽率和幼苗株高降低,种子萌发受到抑制,土壤含盐量为4.06 g/kg、6.10g g/kg时,甜高粱种子的发芽率均低于60%。通过分析发芽期的相对发芽率和相对幼苗株高,表明3个甜高粱品种的耐盐性存在一定差异。甜高粱种子萌发阶段耐盐范围为土壤含盐量0~2.88 g/kg,土壤含盐量达到4.06 g/kg以上,甜高粱种子萌发受到盐胁迫抑制作用。3个甜高粱品种耐盐强弱顺序为：‘六环美迪’>‘醇甜1号’和‘辽甜1号’。     

Genetic analysis of drought tolerance in adapted × exotic crosses of maize inbred lines under managed stress conditions

Introduced maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm can serve as sources of favorable alleles to enhance performance in new maize varieties and hybrids under drought stress conditions. In the present study, the combining abilities of 12 exotic maize inbred lines from CIMMYT and 12 adapted maize inbred lines from IITA were studied for grain yield and other traits under controlled drought stress. The inbred lines from each institution were separated into groups using SSR-based genetic diversity and were intercrossed using a factorial mating scheme to generate 96 hybrids. These hybrids were evaluated under both controlled drought stress and well-watered conditions at Ikenne in Nigeria in 2010 and 2011. Average mean yields of hybrids under drought stress represented 23 % of the average yield of hybrids under full irrigation. General combining ability (GCA) effects accounted for 49–85 % of the observed variation for several traits recorded under both well-watered and drought stress conditions. Specific combining ability effects for grain yield, though positive in most hybrids, were not significant under drought stress conditions. All the twelve exotic and nine adapted lines had positive GCA effects (female, male, or both) for grain yield under either drought stress or full irrigation, or both environments. EXL03 and EXL15 that had positive and significant female and male GCA effects for grain yield under both environments can be used to improve their adapted counterparts for grain yield and drought tolerance. Normalized difference vegetation index had weak but significant correlation with grain yield.     

甜高粱分蘖去留与糖产量及氮素利用的比较分析

大田条件下采用人工去除分蘖的方法,研究了两种种植密度下甜高粱高产品种分蘖特性对糖产量及其干物质生产和氮素吸收利用特性的影响。结果表明, 常规种植密度(每公顷75 000株)下,保留分蘖较单茎秆植株对主茎和分蘖茎含糖量影响较小;在较低种植密度(每公顷37 500株)下,保留分蘖植株主茎含糖量明显下降,分蘖茎含糖量与单茎秆植株接近。在不同种植密度条件下,保留分蘖植株较单茎秆植株开花前和开花后茎秆、叶片和穗各器官干物质积累量均显著增加,保留分蘖显著提高了总生物量,达21.9%和81.6%,总糖产量分别增加了17.1%和63.8%。保留分蘖植株开花后氮素向茎秆分配比高,同时,保留分蘖植株叶片氮积累及分配比例明显提高,叶片干重占植株总干重比例显著增加,单位氮素糖生产效率下降,但未达显著水平。常规密度和较低密度下分蘖茎糖产量的补偿效应分别可达20%和62%以上,说明常规种植密度下保留分蘖利于增加甜高粱糖产量,并能够达到简化栽培管理和降低经济人力投入的目的。     

重金属铅镉对甜高粱生长的影响及其积累特性研究

旨在为甜高粱在修复土壤重金属污染领域的应用提供理论支撑。以甜高粱品种‘辽甜1 号’为供试材料,采用土壤盆栽试验研究不同浓度铅、镉及其复合污染作用下甜高粱的生长响应及重金属吸收、富集和迁移特征变化。结果表明：低浓度Pb(≤100 mg/kg)、Cd(≤1 mg/kg)处理促进了甜高粱的生长,高浓度Pb(≥1000 mg/kg)、Cd(≥10 mg/kg)则呈现出抑制效应,根长、株高、穗长和生物量均显著减小。甜高粱各部位重金属含量随着土壤Pb、Cd处理浓度的升高而增加,其中重金属Pb的含量大小顺序为根＞叶＞茎＞穗,重金属Cd的含量大小顺序为根＞茎＞叶＞穗,且甜高粱对Cd的富集系数和转运系数均显著高于Pb。由此可知,甜高粱品种‘辽甜1 号’对重金属Pb、Cd具有较强的抗逆性和较好的吸收积累和转运能力,其在Pb、Cd单一及其复合污染土壤修复方面具有潜在的应用价值。     

土壤水分和氮磷营养对冬小麦根苗生长的效应

在模拟田间原状土容重的条件下土培,研究了土壤水分和氮磷营养对小麦根苗生长及水分利用的效应。结果表明：在ＳＲＷＣ为４０％－７０％范围内,土壤水分亏缺严重,ＲψＷ和ＥＴ显著降低,根苗生长严重受阻,ＲＬ变短,ＲＤＷ降低,ＬＡ和ＰＤＷ减少;随着土壤水分趋于良好,ＲψＷ、ＥＴ和ＬＡ明显增加,ＲＤＷ和ＰＤＷ在ＳＴＷＣ为５５％－６２％之间时最大,而ＳＲＷＣ在５５％上下时ＲＬ达最长;土壤轻度干旱有利根系下扎,土壤