豫南稻茬小麦生长发育特点研究

摘 要：豫南稻茬小麦的生产在河南省小麦生产中占有重要地位。然而,历史上稻茬麦产量不是太理想,除了自然障碍因素外,小麦生长发育规律还没有真正掌握、栽培技术不配套是重要原因之一。针对当前该区生产上小麦主导品种,研究分析了稻茬麦分蘖成穗规律、幼穗分化规律、籽粒灌浆规律。结果表明：（1）分蘖消长的特点是两个盛期、一个高峰、冬季不停、集中死亡,栽培管理上应走主茎成穗为主,争取部分分蘖成穗的途径。（2）幼穗分化早、分化期长,前期慢、后期快,茎、蘖、叶发生重叠进行,普遍存在同伸关系。栽培上要注意促使一、二分蘖赶主茎,提高分蘖成穗率,促进分蘖幼穗发育,提高结实率,争取大穗多粒,增加产量。（3）抽穗后3-5d开花,籽粒灌浆全过程短,从开花到成熟只有35d左右,呈慢-快-慢的S型曲线生长,籽粒发育经历形成、灌浆、成熟三个阶段;腊熟末期粒重最大,此时收获产量最高。提出了稻茬麦育种注意事项。     

Waterlogging differentially affects yield and its components in wheat,barley, rapeseed and field pea depending on the timing of occurrence

Waterlogging on croplands is increasing in various areas of the world. This study evaluated the yield penalty by early and late waterlogging on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.). Plants cultivated outdoors were exposed to a 14-day waterlogging during vegetative (at 65 days after sowing (DAS)) or reproductive (at 85/87 DAS) stages, followed by drained conditions until maturity. Yield (seed weight per plant) and its components (number of spikes/siliques/pods per plant, number of grains per spike/silique/pod and 1,000 grain weight) were assessed at maturity, along with morphological (number of tillers/branches) and shoot and root dry weight responses after waterlogging and during recovery. Wheat was the most tolerant species achieving 86% and 71% of controls in yield with early and late waterlogging, related to fewer grains per spike. Barley and rapeseed tolerated early waterlogging (yields 85% and 79% of controls) as compared to late waterlogging (32% and 26% of controls), mainly due to fewer spikes per plant (barley) or reductions in seeds per silique (rapeseed). Field pea was greatly affected by waterlogging at both timings, attaining a yield of only 6% of controls on average due to much fewer pods and fewer seeds per pod. So, wheat could be an option for areas facing either winter or spring transient waterlogging (i.e. early or late stages); barley and rapeseed are recommended only with if water excess occurs in early stages and field pea is intolerant to waterlogging.     

花后渍水高温交互效应对冬小麦旗叶光合特性及产量的影响

渍水和高温是长江中下游麦区冬小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)生育中后期的主要气象灾害因子。2009—2011年连续2个生长季盆栽烟农19,在籽粒形成期(花后5~8 d)和乳熟期(花后15~18 d)分别设渍水(土表水层1 cm)、高温[昼(35±2)℃/夜(25±2)℃]和渍水+高温处理,探讨了渍水和高温双重胁迫对小麦开花后光合特性及产量的影响。结果表明,花后渍水、高温、渍水+高温逆境均显著降低旗叶净光合速率(P_n)、叶绿素含量(SPAD值)和气孔导度(G_s)和蒸腾速率(T_r),增加胞间CO₂浓度(C_i);同时降低穗粒数、千粒重及产量,但对成穗数影响不显著。渍水和高温胁迫对旗叶光合作用的主要限制因素是非气孔因素。从产量平均相对受害率看,其影响为渍水+高温逆境(37.7%)>渍水逆境(21.1%)>高温逆境(17.6%),而胁迫时期的影响为籽粒形成期(30.8%)>乳熟期(20.1%)。渍水和高温的交互效应显著,且籽粒形成期逆境不良效应显著大于乳熟期。     

江淮平原小麦渍害预警系统(WWWS)

针对江淮平原小麦生长期常见的渍害问题,对笔者等早先自主研制的小麦栽培模拟优化决策系统（WCSODS）加以精简与改造,即删去小麦栽培优化模型部分,增加渍害对小麦光合作用、干物质分配和叶片衰老等生理生态过程的影响模块,并结合土壤水分的计算,实现了渍害逆境下冬小麦生长与产量的模拟。在此基础上,围绕研制目标,就建立渍害警级预警指标、生成支持小麦生长模型（WMOD）运行的未来天气文件、调试与确定地区性参数,以及WMOD与区域性气候模式（RGCM）的结合等,论述了小麦渍害预报的实现途径。利用南京、南通地区近10年（1991—2000）的气候与产量资料,对建成的小麦渍害预警系统（WWWS）进行了可靠性检验,历史渍害的拟合率达到90%;还利用WWWS和RGCM的输出值对南京、南通、合肥3地区近3年（2002—2005）的渍害发生程度进行了试预报,取得了满意的结果。     

Elevated CO2 increases wheat cer, leaf and tiller development, and shoot and root growth

Whole-plant responses to elevated CO₂ throughout the life cycle are needed to understand future impacts of elevated atmospheric CO₂. In this study, Triticum aestivum L. leaf carbon exchange rates (CER) and carbohydrates, growth, and development were examined at the tillering, booting, and grain-filling stages in growth chambers with CO₂ concentrations of 350 (ambient) or 700 (high) μmol mol^?1. Single-leaf CER values measured on plants grown at high CO₂ were 50% greater than those measured on plants grown at ambient CO₂ for all growth stages, with no photosynthetic acclimation observed at high CO₂. Leaves grown in high CO₂ had more starch and simple sugars at tillering and booting, and more starch at grain-filling, than those grown in ambient CO₂. CER and carbohydrate levels were positively correlated with leaf appearance rates and tillering (especially third-, fourth- and fifth-order tillers). Elevated CO₂ slightly delayed tiller appearance, but accelerated tiller development after appearance. Although high CO₂ increased leaf appearance rates, final leaf number/culm was not effected because growth stages were reached slightly sooner. Greater plant biomass was related to greater tillering. Doubling CO₂ significantly increased both shoot and root dry weight, but decreased the shoot to root ratio. High CO₂ plants had more spikes plant^?1 and spikelets spike^?1, but a similar number of fertile spikelets spike^?1. Elevated CO₂ resulted in greater shoot, root and spike production and quicker canopy development by increasing leaf and tiller appearance rates and phenology.     

Leaf carbohydrates assimilation and metabolism affect seed yield of rapeseed with different waterlogging tolerance under the interactive effects of nitrogen and waterlogging

Waterlogging is a main factor causing rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) yield loss, and reasonable nitrogen (N) applications can compensate for this loss. To investigate the effects of N rates on seed yield of waterlogged rapeseed, the waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed variety ZS 9 and sensitive variety GH01 were waterlogged for 0 and 10 days with five leaves at the seedling stage under four N rates (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg/ha). Waterlogging significantly decreased seed yield, while N application can alleviate the yield loss. The yield decrease rate of waterlogged GH01 was greater than that of ZS 9 under the same N rate. During the seedling and bolting stage, the leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity increased, while activities of adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), sucrose synthase (SuSy) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) decreased with more N under the same watering conditions. Compared to the plants without waterlogging, the leaf Pn and Rubisco activity, starch and sucrose contents of waterlogged rapeseed decreased at the two stages; activities of AGPase, SuSy and SPS of waterlogged rapeseed decreased at the seedling while increased at the bolting stage for both the two varieties. At the flowering stage, the Pn, the activities of Rubisco, AGPase, SuSy, SPS and contents of sucrose, starch increased with more N application for both ZS 9 and GH01. Compared to the plants without waterlogging, the Pn and Rubisco activity for waterlogged plants of the two varieties increased; the waterlogged plants of tolerant variety had higher activities of AGPase, SuSy and SPS, while those of sensitive variety was significantly lower. However, the decreased starch and sucrose content were found in both tolerant and sensitive varieties. The activities of AGPase, SuSy and SPS at flowering were highly positively correlated with yield under the interactive effects of N and waterlogging. These results suggested that the flowering stage is the most important stage that N had the positive regulation on waterlogged rapeseed growth. The carbohydrates translocation from leaves to seeds of the tolerant variety were enhanced after waterlogging, while that of the sensitive variety was still inhibited. This was the main reason for the difference in yield between the two waterlogged varieties.     

Low Incident Light Combined with Partial Waterlogging Impairs Photosynthesis and Imposes a Yield Penalty in Cotton

Through field studies, cotton responses to dual stresses – waterlogging and low light (shade) were investigated. The hypothesis was that shade would amplify yield losses in waterlogged (WL) cotton. Either early or late in the reproductive phase, the crop was WL (96 h and 120 h, in 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, respectively) and/or shaded (6 days or 9 days in 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, respectively). Waterlogging at early reproductive phase significantly reduced lint yield (17 % averaged across both years) of cotton, although shade‐induced yield losses (18 %) were only significant in 2013–2014. Shade significantly exacerbated yield losses only when the impact of waterlogging damage was modest (2013–2014). More intense waterlogging impaired lint yield independently of the light levels. Yield reductions in these experiments were the consequence of both accelerated fruit abscission and fewer fruiting nodes produced. Plants had lower leaf nitrogen levels and photosynthetic rates after waterlogging and/or shade treatments and produced fewer fruiting nodes. Although long‐term shade increased specific leaf area (30 %) and leaf N (20 %) immediately following 5 days of waterlogging, it did not restore shoot growth, node formation or lint yield because of suppressed photosynthetic performance (area basis) and carbohydrate supply.     

Die Ertragsbildung von Dinkel (Triticum spelta L.) und Weizen (Triticum aestivum L.) unter verschiedenen Umweltbedingungen im Freiland

Dry Matter Production of Spelt ( Triticum spelta L.) and Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) under Different Environmental Conditions in the Field
The primary aim of our work was to obtain information regarding the germination characteristics of spelt under different environmental conditions in field experiments, and to trace possible differences between spelt and wheat, with regard to crop production. For the present study two spelt varieties ( Ostro/Rouquin) and two wheat varieties ( Arina/Probus) were used. In addition the spelt cultivars Altgold, Oberkulmer and Hercule were included in some of the experiments. To obtain information on the influence of the glumes, spelt was planted in the hulled (SP +) and dehulled (SP-) form.
Field emergence of spelt SP- was up to 40 % lower than that of SP+, Under water logged soil, the percentage of germination was higher for spelt SP+ than for wheat.
Spelt produced more tillers per plant than wheat. However, tiller reduction was also higher for spelt so finally both species had similar numbers of ears per plant. Plants with a high tiller production might be more flexible in response to unfavourable growing conditions.
Grain yield of spelt and wheat was developed in different ways. Spelt produced fewer but larger kernels per ear, whereas wheat produced more but smaller kernels. In 1986 grain yield was up to 20 % higher in wheat than in spelt. In 1987, an unfavourable year for cereal crop production in marginal areas, grain yield was higher for spelt than for wheat. For the farmer, the "husked" form of spelt is economically important. This was equal or higher than the grain yield of wheat in both years.
The high germination rate under unfavourable conditions, in combination with a high tillering capacity and the production of large kernels appear to be the major reason for the stable yielding ability of spelt.     

Adaptation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to harsh Mediterranean environments

Summary Differences in development of the apex may be the reason for cultivar differences in adaptation of barley to terminal drought in Mediterranean environments. The present study was conducted to identify apical development patterns of barley adapted to terminal drought stressed Mediterranean environments and to determine plant characteristics which can be used as criteria to select for an adapted development. Thirty-five two-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) entries were grown at two sites in northern Syria (Tel Hadya and Breda) in 1988/89. Four apical development patterns were observed: a slow or fast vegetative development, depending on the vernalization requirement, combined with a slow or fast generative development, depending on the daylength response of the crop. Early heading was related to fast generative development. Leaf appearance rates on the main shoot were constant during a major part of the pre-anthesis period, but significant differences were observed among development patterns. Genotypic differences in main shoot tiller number were associated with differences in the onset of tiller appearance and not with differences in tiller appearance rate or final leaf number on the main shoot. Since vernalization requirements and daylength responses are largely independent of terminal drought stress, selection for an adapted phenology can be done in favourable environments. Morphological traits related to these responses (winter growth habit, cold tolerance, plant colour, growth vigour, heading date) can be used as criteria for selection for adaptation to low-rainfall Mediterranean environments.     

Pearl Millet Phenology and Growth in Relation to Thermal Time under Arid Environment

Pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L.R.Br.) hybrid MH 179 was grown under two moisture regimes viz., optimal moisture and rainfed conditions. The field experiment was continued for three consecutive rainy seasons to quantify the pearl millet development with thermal time. The possible influence of variation in natural sowing date on the relationships between crop development and thermal time have been described. At cardinal temperatures of 10°C (base temperature below which pearl millet development ceases), 33°C (optimal temperature for development) and 45°C (maximum temperature at and above which no development takes place), the crop required 1490–1794°Cd thermal time to reach physiological maturity. The thermal time requirement for different developmental stages was influenced by the sowing time and moisture availability during the growing season of the crop.
The leaf tip appearance on the main shoot of pearl millet in relation to thermal time was almost linear under both moisture conditions requiring about 44–50°Cd ± 2.6 °Cd leaf⁻¹, till the appearance of the flag (last) leaf. However, leaf tip appearance on primary tillers was slightly slower and required 53-58°Cd ± 4.7°Cd for each new leaf. Appearance of first primary tiller was later (at 320°Cd after emergence) under the rainfed condition as compared to the crop under the optimal moisture (at 250°Cd).Thereafter, the tiller appearance in relation to thermal time under both moisture conditions was at a linear rate of about 53-56°Cd ± 9.5°Cd tiller⁻¹.
Effect of microclimatic variations, canopy temperature, radiation and photoperiod on the phenology-thermal time relationships have been discussed under both the moisture conditions.     

Effect of Phaeosphaeria nodorum-induced seed shrivelling on subsequent wheat emergence and plant growth

Summary The bread wheat cultivars Pasqua and Katepwa, and durum wheat cultivars Kyle and D8257 were used to test the effects of sowing Phaeosphaeria nodorum-shrivelled seed. In a controlled environment, emergence, tillering, and dry weight of seedlings were compared at two sowing depths. Emergence, tillering and plant dry weights were also determined in field plots in 1992 and 1993, as were yield and thousand kernel weight (TKW) in plants inoculated with P. nodorum. Under controlled conditions the level of shrivelling did not affect emergence at depths of 25 mm and, except for Katepwa, 50 mm. Deeper seeding reduced emergence regardless of the level of shrivelling. Seeding depth did not affect dry weight of roots and shoots and the effect on tillering was inconsistent in the two years. Dry root weight was positively correlated with original seed size and decreased with level of shrivelling. In the field, seedling emergence of severely shrivelled seed was significantly lower in Katepwa and Pasqua. Tillers per plant appeared to increase with increased level of shrivelling, but was significant only for D8257 in one year. Dry tiller weight was inversely related to tillering and decreased consistently with level of shrivelling. Excepting Pasqua, in one year, yield and TKW did not differ between plots originating from plump or shrivelled seed. Inoculation with P. nodorum caused a significant reduction in TKW and yield in all cultivars but Kyle. Seed shrivelled due to P. nodorum was in general found to be as suitable as plump seed for growing a wheat crop.     

SPAD readings and associated leaf traits in durum wheat, barley and triticale cultivars

SPAD readings may represent a useful screening criterion in breeding programs aimed at increasing the rate and duration of leaf photosynthesis. A two-year trial was conducted on 17 cultivars of durum wheat, 8 of triticale and 18 of barley at two experiment stations in Sardinia, Italy, to evaluate the existence of genetic variation for SPAD readings, and to quantify the genetic associations between SPAD readings, area per leaf blade (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) and leaf nitrogen per unit of leaf surface (LN) in the period between beginning of tillering and flag leaf appearance. Plants were grown at sufficient nitrogen fertilization. The average SPAD reading of barley was 9–10 units lower than that of durum wheat and triticale. The combined ANOVA indicated that, in all the three species, the genotype by environment interaction variance associated with SPAD readings was lower than the genetic variance. In durum wheat and barley, SPAD readings exhibited a greater genetic variance in comparison with LNC, LN and SLA. In durum wheat and triticale, SPAD readings were genetically correlated with LN and SLA. Durum wheat differed from triticale because its genetic variation in SLA was not associated with LA. A screening based on both SPAD readings and LA values should identify lines with good photosynthetic machinery that is not associated with low area per leaf blade. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Waterlogging events during stem elongation or flowering affect yield of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) but not seed quality

Oilseed rape suffers from serious waterlogging in many regions of the world limiting the cultivation area for rapeseed. Due to the man‐induced climate change, the risk of severe waterlogging events and associated therewith the damage of rapeseed plants will increase, even in Europe and North America. To investigate the effects of waterlogging on growth, yield and seed quality, rapeseed was cultivated throughout its vegetation period and waterlogged for 14 days at two different growth stages: at stem elongation (BBCH 31) or at floral bud appearance (BBCH 55). The experiments revealed that waterlogging at BBCH 31 affected plant growth and nutrient accumulation and finally resulted in lower yields. Waterlogging at BBCH 55 seriously impaired main racemes, but due to an increased production of secondary racemes, yield losses were lower than after waterlogging at BBCH 31. Oil quality was not affected by any waterlogging treatment under the chosen experimental conditions.     

Effects of moisture stress on leaf appearance,tillering and other aspects of development in Triticum tauschii

Summary A glasshouse study was conducted to describe the dynamics of leaf and tiller appearance of four accessions of T. tauschii (Tt 04, Tt 17, Tt 65 and Tt 74) and to determine the influence of moisture stress (treatments were high and low moisture, imposed seven days after transplanting) on these and other aspects of development in this wild wheat.Under high moisture conditions, accessions differed greatly in flag leaf dimensions, culm length and seed number per spike, the values being lower in Tt 04 than in the other accessions. Low moisture strongly reduced values for these traits, with Tt 04 being least affected, but overall, there was no apparent association between the values obtained for these variables in the high moisture conditions and the effects of moisture stress. For three of the four accessions, final leaf number on the main culm was significantly lower in the low moisture treatment than in the respective control (P<0.05), but the differences between treatments (ca. 0.5 leaves or less) were very small. Maximum tiller number, on the other hand, was strongly reduced by low moisture, and initiation of tillering was inhibited until water was reapplied. There were no apparent after-effects of the moisture regime on the rate of subsequent tiller appearance.The four accessions differed in their leaf appearance rates, giving phyllochron values (117–142° Cd leaf^-1) within the range reported for hexaploid wheat. Low moisture tended to increase phyllochron, but in only one accession was this effect significant. Thus, depending on the accession, low moisture did not affect, or slightly decreased (by ca. 15–20%) the rate of leaf appearance. These effects were similar to those reported for cultivated wheat suggesting that there would be little scope for using these accessions of T. tauschii in breeding for stress tolerance.     

Effects of Duration of Waterlogging at Different Growth Stages on Grain Growth of Summer Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Field Conditions

A field experiment was performed to study the effects of waterlogging for different durations (3 and 6 days) on grain filling and endosperm cell proliferation of summer maize hybrids DengHai605 (DH605) and ZhengDan958 (ZD958) at the third leaf stage (V3), the sixth leaf stage (V6) and the 10th day after the tasselling stage (10VT). Results showed that waterlogging damages on grain filling and endosperm cell proliferation varied with growth stage and duration of waterlogging. The most significant effect of waterlogging was observed at V3, followed by V6 and 10VT. Endosperm cell content, average endosperm cell proliferation rate, grain weight and grain‐filling rate were reduced significantly with increasing waterlogging durations, with the most significant (P < 0.05) reduction in V3‐6 with a decrease of 37.1 %, 51.9 %, 13.6 % and 12.1 % for DH605, and 27.3 %, 51.1 %, 17.4 % and 14.3 % for ZD958, respectively. Waterlogging damages on grain filling and endosperm cell proliferation resulted in a significant reduction in grain yield. Waterlogging at V3 had the most yield reduction, followed by V6 and 10VT. Yield reduction after waterlogging for 6 days at different stage was about twice as much as that after waterlogging for 3 days. Clearly, the most significant inhibition of grain growth for waterlogging was observed at V3, followed by V6 and 10VT. The inhibition was enhanced significantly with increasing waterlogging durations. Endosperm cell number and grain weight was decreased by 8.3–24.1 % and 1.2–10.8 % after waterlogging for 3 days, while decreased by 12.9–32.2 % and 4.6–14.7 % after waterlogging for 6 days, compared to CK.     

多分蘖玉米分蘖发生规律及密度和播期的影响

本论文以不同类型玉米品种为试验材料,设置不同种植密度和播期,旨在研究多分蘖玉米的分蘖发生规律及其调控。结果表明,玉米各级分蘖与主茎叶片有同伸关系,一级分蘖数(n)与主茎叶龄(N)呈n=N-3对应关系,二级分蘖与一级分蘖也符合上述对应关系。不同类型玉米品种分蘖能力差异显著,墨西哥玉米(MXG)分蘖能力最强,最大分蘖数可达25~40个,科多4号(KD4)达2~4个,五岳97-1 (WY97-1)为1~2个,郑单958 (ZD958)一般无分蘖。玉米分蘖能力受播期、密度影响,高光热、低密度有利于分蘖发生,随播期推迟,从出苗到出现分蘖的时间缩短,分蘖出叶速度加快,最大分蘖数增加;在45 000株 hm^-2种植密度下,4月25日和6月25日播种的KD4最大分蘖数分别为3.50和4.00个,最终分蘖数分别为2.33和2.00个,分蘖消亡率(消亡分蘖数/最大分蘖数)分别为33.4%和50.0%,在30 000株 hm^-2和60 000株 hm^-2种植密度下具有同样变化趋势。随密度增加,分蘖出现时间推迟,出苗后相同天数对应分蘖叶龄减小,相同主茎叶龄对应分蘖数减少,最大分蘖数和最终分蘖数降低,分蘖消亡率增加;4月25日播种,密度为30 000、45 000和60 000株 hm^-2下,KD4的最大分蘖数分别为3.80、3.50和3.22个,最终分蘖数分别为3.00、2.33和1.67个,分蘖消亡率分别为21.05%、33.43%和48.14%,6月25日播种处理具有相同变化趋势。     

Crop Management Effects on Pre-and Post-Anthesis Changes in Leaf Area Index and Leaf Area Duration and their Contribution to Grain Yield and Yield Components in Spring Cereals

Seasonal changes in leaf area index (LAI) and leaf area duration (LAD, i.e. LAI integrated over cumulated degree days) have a marked effect on crop productivity. Three case experiments were conducted at Suitia (60°11′N) and Viikki (60°13′N) Experimental Farms, University of Helsinki, Finland, to evaluate the possibilities of accelerating pre-an thesis expansion of leaf area and modifying pre- and post-anthesis LAD in spring cereals through crop management. Effects of time of incorporation of a green manure crop residue into the soil [conventional tillage (autumn ploughing and seed bed preparation in the spring), conservation tillage (sole spring tillage) with and without a green manure crop, common vetch (Vicia saliva I.)]and N fertilizer rate (0, 50, 100kg N ha^?1) on LAI and pre- and post-anthesis LAD in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were studied in exp I; green manuring (common vetch) and N fertilizer rate (0,40, 70,110,150kg N ha^?1) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and wheat in exp II; and foliar application of chlormequat chloride (CCC) and ethephon in oat lines (dwarf, naked, modern, landrace) differing in canopy structure in exp III. Time of incorporation of the green manure crop residues into the soil (exp I), green manuring (exp II), N fertilizer rate (exps I and II), and selection for crop growth type (exp III), but not CCC and ethephon, modified LAI and LAD in spring cereals by affecting the rate of pre-anthesis expansion and post-anthesis reduction in leaf area rather than by markedly prolonging the growth period. High rates of N fertilizer accelerated expansion of leaf area, especially prior to stem elongation, and resulted in high pre-anthesis LAD due to enhanced tiller growth (exps I and II) and more tillers per main shoot (exp I). Green manuring increased leaf expansion from the tillering stage most when combined with high N rate, and especially in barley (exp II), but no such effects were found in exp I. Use of a high N fertilizer rate (exps I and II) and green manuring (exp II) also resulted in high post-anthesis LAD. Such modifications enabled higher rates of grain- and head-filling, and in exp I contributed to increased head weight and grain yield. Selection for inherent differences in growth type provided an additional possibility for manipulation of canopy structure and yield formation.     

Breaking Uniculm Growth Habit of Spring Cereals at High Latitudes by Crop Management. I. Leaf Area Index and Biomass Accumulation

Spring cereals are commonly sown at high rates in Finland with the result that, under long day conditions, tillering is suppressed. If the apical dominance maintained by the shoot apex can be broken through altered crop management the possibility exists that the increased tillering allows a reduction in seeding rate. The objective of our study was to assess the effects of mechanical and chemical treatments, aimed at breaking the uniculm growth habit, on changes in green leaf area and consequently on biomass accumulation and partitioning in two spring oat, two spring barley, and two spring wheat cultivars. Results indicated that single applications of gibberellic acid (GA₃), chlormequat chloride (CCC), and urea had no overall, persistent, advantageous effect on crop growth, even though occasional, temporary increases in LAI, and accumulation and partitioning of biomass, were recorded. Changes in crop structure, however, did not solely result from the increased contribution of tillers; treatments also accelerated main shoot growth. Following damage to the main shoot caused by mechanical treatments in particular, one of the tillers rapidly replaced the main shoot. Therefore, a low seeding rate associated with treatments aiming at breaking apical dominance cannot substitute for a high seeding rate at high latitudes. This was particularly the case in 1992 when early summer drought—prevalent in southern Finland - resulted in peak values of LAI as low as ≤ 2 for wheat and ≤ 3 for oats and barley.     

Phenological response of spring wheat to timing of photoperiod perception: The effect of sowing depth on final leaf number in spring wheat

Wheat phenological modelling literature suggests final leaf number (FLN) targets of wheat (Triticum aestivum) will be set only once daylight is perceived and will be based upon environmental and cultivar-specific genetics at that time. Development is thought to proceed relative to thermal time regardless of light perception prior to emergence. Modelled predictions of final leaf number (FLN) and thence anthesis are based on this mechanism. Results did not support this hypothesis, and we suggest and alternative hypothesis based on molecular interactions between vernalization genes Vrn1, Vrn2 and Vrn3.     

Mechanical control of clover improves nitrogen supply and growth of wheat in winter wheat/white clover intercropping

The major objective for clover in a winter wheat/white clover intercropping system is to supply nitrogen (N) for the wheat. A field experiment was repeated in 2 years on a loamy sand in Denmark to investigate the possibilities for increasing N supply to the winter wheat by cutting and mulching the clover between the wheat rows. The clover was cut with a weed brusher on three different dates in each year.Intercropped wheat with unbrushed clover had a lower grain yield than wheat as a sole crop. Brushing increased wheat N uptake and wheat grain yields. Intercropping with two or three brushing dates gave higher wheat yields than wheat as the sole crop. The largest increases in grain N uptake, 21–25 kg N ha⁻¹, were obtained for the brushings around wheat flag leaf emergence. The highest yield increases with a single brushing, 0.98–1.11 Mg DM ha⁻¹, were obtained when brushing was performed during the stem elongation phase. The largest grain yields for treatments with two brushings were obtained with a first brushing at start of stem elongation and a second around flag leaf emergence. The first brushing probably provided N to increase the wheat leaf area index and thus the light interception, while the second brushing provided N to sustain the leaf area during grain filling and reduced clover biomass and therefore competition for water. Intercropping wheat and clover increased grain N concentrations by 0.11–0.39%-point compared with wheat as a sole crop. Intercropping may thus offer possibilities for improving the bread-making quality of organically grown wheat.