Application of an emulsifiable mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin against root knot nematodes and soilborne fungi for greenhouse tomatoes in Italy

A mixture of 1,3-dicloropropene 60.5% w/w and chloropicrin 33.3% w/w (Telone C35 EC) may be registered in Italy for soil drip fumigation. Five experiments on greenhouse tomatoes in Northern, Central and Southern Italy compared the effectiveness of this mixture in comparison with methyl bromide to find the optimum application rate in soils infested by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis lycopersici, Sclerotium rolfsii, Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita. Its efficacy against F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis lycopersici and M. incognita was confirmed when applied to soils at 100, 200, 300 and 400 l ha⁻¹ (132.4, 268.4, 402.6 and 536.8 kg ha⁻¹) under gas-tight films with 15–45 mm of application water (900–1200 mg Telone C35 EC l⁻¹). In sandy soils, with slight F. radicis lycopersici infections and with heavy nematode (M. incognita) attacks, the mixture, drip applied at 900 mg l⁻¹ during late summer (fumigation: late summer; transplant: late-summer/autumn; last harvest: early spring), performed well up to 132.4 kg ha⁻¹ (100 l ha⁻¹). In sandy loam soils with slight F. radicis lycopersici infections and severe infections of F. lycopersici and galling nematodes (M. javanica), 268.4 kg ha⁻¹ (200 l ha⁻¹) of the mixture applied at 900 mg l⁻¹ as a drip provided yields similar to those of methyl bromide treated plots both in spring and summer cycles. In sandy loam soils, the diseases (F. lycopersici, F. radicis lycopersici) were controlled at rates 268.4 kg ha⁻¹ (containing 90 kg ha⁻¹ of chloropicrin), but the mixture was ineffective against Sclerotium rolfsii occasionally observed in sandy loam soils. In both sandy and sandy loam soils, no significant relationships were found between the rates of mixture applied (132.4, 268.4, 402.6 and 536.8 kg ha⁻¹) and the degree of nematode infestation.     

On-farm measurements of nitrogen fixation by winter and summer legumes in the Hill and Terai regions of Nepal

Results are reported from on-farm surveys of N₂ fixation in Nepal, conducted between 1994 and 1999, involving the summer legumes soybean, mashbean and groundnut, and the winter legumes lentil and chickpea, at various locations in the Hill and Terai regions of Nepal. Additional less-detailed data were also collected for pigeonpea, grasspea and fababean. There were a total of 107 crops in the major and minor surveys. Estimates of the proportion of legume nitrogen (N) derived from N₂ fixation (Pfix) were determined using the natural ¹⁵N abundance method. Mean estimates of Pfix for the various species were 62% (soybean), 47% (mashbean), 57% (groundnut), 78% (lentil), 79% (chickpea), 75% (pigeonpea), 87% (grasspea) and 85% (fababean). Estimates of total N fixed (including roots) were 59 kg N ha⁻¹ (soybean), 28 kg N ha⁻¹ (mashbean), 153 kg N ha⁻¹ (groundnut), 72 kg N ha⁻¹ (lentil), 84 kg N ha⁻¹ (chickpea), 412 N ha⁻¹ (pigeonpea) and 80 N ha⁻¹ (grasspea and fababean). The on-farm measurements of N₂ fixation were generally similar to those of experimental crops in the same areas of the country. Correlation matrices of soil fertility parameters, shoot dry matter and N, and N₂ fixation revealed that the total amounts of N fixed were influenced primarily by crop growth. Based on the above figures, it was estimated that approximately 30,000 t N were fixed annually in Nepal by legumes, valued at US$ 15 million.     

Cynodon dactylon control with tillage and glyphosate

Field experiments were conducted during two cropping seasons at two sites in Botswana to determine the efficacy of combining glyphosate and tillage in controlling C. dactylon. Treatments consisted of no-tillage, single and double ploughing during winter and spring plus the application of glyphosate at 0, 1.08, and 2.16 kg ha⁻¹ 3–4 weeks after the last ploughing. Visual assessment indicated higher levels of grass control from combining glyphosate and tillage than when these elements were applied separately. However, biomass data indicated that either double ploughing or glyphosate application controlled C. dactylon. A single ploughing followed by glyphosate at 2.16 kg ha⁻¹ after a regrowth of C. dactylon may provide an effective and affordable control method to small-scale farmers.     

The value of catch crops and organic manures for spring barley in organic arable farming

The effect of nitrogen (N) supply and weeds on grain yield of spring barley was investigated from 1997 to 2004 in an organic farming crop rotation experiment in Denmark on three different soil types varying from coarse sand to sandy loam. Two experimental factors were included in the experiment in a factorial design: (1) catch crop (with and without), and (2) manure (with and without). The crop rotation included grass-clover as a green manure crop. Animal manure was applied as slurry in rates corresponding to 40% of the N demand of the cereal crops.

Application of 50 kg NH₄-N ha⁻¹ in manure (slurry) increased average barley grain DM yield by 1.0–1.3 Mg DM ha⁻¹, whereas the use of catch crops (primarily perennial ryegrass) increased grain DM yield by 0.2–0.4 Mg DM ha⁻¹ with the smallest effect on the loamy sand and sandy loam soils and the greatest effect on the coarse sandy soil. Model estimations showed that the average yield reduction from weeds varied from 0.2 to 0.4 Mg DM ha⁻¹ depending on weed species and density. The yield effects of N supply were more predictable and less variable than the effects of weed infestation. The infestation level of leaf diseases was low and not a significant source of yield variation.

The apparent recovery efficiency of N in grains (N use efficiency, NUE) from NH₄-N in applied manure varied from 29 to 38%. The NUE of above-ground N in catch crops sampled in November prior to the spring barley varied from 16 to 52% with the largest value on the coarse sandy soil and the smallest value on the sandy loam soil. A comparison of grain yield levels obtained at the different locations with changes in soil organic matter indicated a NUE of 21–26% for soil N mineralisation, which is smaller than that for the mineral N applied in manure. However, this estimate is uncertain and further studies are needed to quantify differences in NUE from various sources of N.

The proportion of perennial weeds in total biomass increased during the experiment, particularly in treatments without manure application. The results show that manure application is a key factor in maintaining good crop yields in arable organic farming on sandy soils, and in securing crops that are sufficiently competitive against perennial weeds.     

Performance of prolific and nonprolific maize hybrids under reduced-input and high-input cropping systems

Previous research indicated that prolific (multi-ear) maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids might perform better than nonprolific (single-ear) hybrids under lower-yielding environments. Field experiments were conducted during 1996–1999 to evaluate the agronomic responses of 10 maize hybrids differing in ear prolificacy under reduced-input and high-input cropping systems. Hybrids were of similar maturity (FAO 400) and divided into two prolificacy groups (prolific versus nonprolific), each consisting of five hybrids. The reduced-input system consisted of plowing at 20–22 cm; fertilization at 105, 104, and 104 kg ha⁻¹ N, P₂O₅, and K₂O; 37–38 000 plants ha⁻¹; and low input of herbicide. The high-input system involved plowing at 30–32 cm; fertilization at 213, 130, and 130 kg ha⁻¹ N, P₂O₅, and K₂O; 60–65 000 plants ha⁻¹; and high input of herbicides. Grain yields significantly decreased under reduced-input compared to high-input cropping system by an average of 26.1%. Significant cropping system×prolificacy group interactions were found for most yield components but not for grain yields. This indicated that both prolificacy groups exhibited a similar yield decrease under the reduced-input system even though prolific hybrids had 1.33 ears per plant compared to only 1.01 ears per plant of nonprolific types. All prolific hybrids responded similarly to various cropping input levels principally by means of changes in kernels per plant, whereas some nonprolific hybrids had greater response through 1000-kernel weight then kernels per plant. Prolific hybrids tended to achieve higher grain yields which averaged 10 414 kg ha⁻¹ compared to 9383 kg ha⁻¹ for nonprolific types partly due to less barren plants per hectare and primarily because of a higher grain weight per plant. Larger grain weights per plant of prolific hybrids were primary due to more kernels per plant in the reduced-input system, and a combined effect of more kernels and heavier 1000-kernel weight per plant in the high-input system. Improved kernel number per plant for prolific hybrids was associated with kernels from secondary ears. Although prolific hybrids outyielded nonprolific types, our findings failed to indicate that the prolificacy trait per se had any important effect on hybrid performance when grown under reduced-input compared to high-input cropping system.     

Amelioration of dense sodic subsoil using organic amendments increases wheat yield more than using gypsum in a high rainfall zone of southern Australia

Subsoil constraints are major limiting factors in crop production in many soils of southern Australia. A field study examined effects of deep incorporation of organic and inorganic amendments in 30–40 cm on soil properties, plant growth and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Ambrook) on a Sodosol with dense sodic subsoil with or without lucerne history in a high rainfall region (long-term average annual rainfall 576 mm) of Victoria. Amendments were applied at a rate of 10–20 t ha⁻¹. Deep ripping alone and deep ripping with gypsum did not significantly affect grain yields. In comparison, application of organic materials doubled biomass production and increased grain yield by 1.7 times. Organic amendment-treated plots produced 60% more grains per area than the untreated control. The crop extracted over 50 mm extra water from below 40 cm soil in organic amendment-treated plots than the untreated control. Nitrogen uptake was almost doubled (403 kg ha⁻¹) in the organic amendment-treated plots than the untreated control (165 kg ha⁻¹). The improved yield with amendments was related to an increase in plant available water in the hostile subsoil, and prolonged greenness of leaves and supply of nitrogen and other nutrients.     

Possible alternative utilization of Cynara spp.: I. Biomass, grain yield and chemical composition of grain

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and cultivated cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. altilis DC.) are horticulturally important crop plants. These species have potential as biomass and oilseed crops. We field tested, for 3 years, two artichoke and two cardoon cultivars and one wild cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. sylvestris Lam.) population on the Sicilian plain of Catania (37°27′ N, 15°04′ E, 10 m a.s.l.). On a 3-year average, the dry aboveground biomass resulted about 31 t ha⁻¹ in both cultivated cardoons, 18.8 t ha⁻¹ in wild cardoon, 13.7 t ha⁻¹ in globe artichoke ‘3/10 V.S.’ and 9.9 t ha⁻¹ in globe artichoke ‘374’ F₁. The caloric values of aboveground biomass (except for seeds), which was not significantly different among genotypes, ranged between 16 005 and 17 028 KJ kg⁻¹ of dry matter. The cultivated cardoon ‘Gigante di Lucca’ had the greatest grain yield (on 3-year average, 2.6 t ha⁻¹), whereas the two globe artichokes had the lowest yield (on 3-year average, 0.5 t ha⁻¹). Regardless of genotypes and years, the grains contain 20.1% crude protein, 24.4% oil, 18.5% crude fiber and 4.1% ash (dry weight basis). The grains of globe artichokes showed the highest crude protein content (21.6%), whereas those of cardoons the highest oil content (25.2%).     

Use of Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients to assess yield inequality within paddocks

The opportunity for site-specific management of crops depends on both the magnitude and spatial structure of yield variation. This study explored the applicability of Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients (G) to characterise the magnitude of the variation in grain yield. Maize crops were grown in farmers fields in a semi-arid region of central Argentina. Major sources of yield variation between and within paddocks included season, soil type and topography, rate of nitrogen fertiliser (nil to 132 kg N ha⁻¹), and the interactions among these factors. Nitrogen treatments were applied in a complete block strip trial (strip size700 m×9.8 m) with three replicates. Data were collected with an AgLeader™ yield monitor, and GIS software was used to create 9.8 m×9.8 m grids over the observations. Average yield in 0.7–2.8 ha field sections ranged from 1.6 to 7.0 t ha⁻¹. Gini coefficient ranged from 0.027 to 0.191 whereas its theoretical limits are 0 for a perfectly uniform population, and 1 for a theoretical population of infinite size where all units but one yield 0. Conditions conducive to high yield, e.g. adequate availability of nitrogen and water, reduced crop yield inequality, as quantified with G. The agronomic relevance of G was summarised in an inverse relationship with yield. Lorenz curves seemed particularly apt to present crop heterogeneity in terms of inequality, and to highlight the relative contribution of low- and high-yielding sections of the field to total paddock yield. Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients provide a potentially useful extension tool, a complement to yield maps and other statistical indices of yield variation, and further contact points between site-specific management, economics and ecology.     

Nitrogen flows and balances as affected by water and nutrient management in a sorghum cropping system of semiarid Burkina Faso

Efficient use of external inputs and water conservation are a prerequisite of sustainable agricultural productivity in semiarid West Africa. A field experiment was carried out during 3 years (2000–2002) at Saria in semiarid Burkina Faso (800 mm of annual rainfall, PET of 2000 mm per year) to assess the effects of stone rows or grass strips of Andropogon gayanus Kunth cv. Bisquamulatus (Hochst. Hack.) as soil and water conservation (SWC) measures, the sole application of an organic (compost-N) or mineral (urea-N) nitrogen and the combined use of SWC and compost-N or urea-N on N flows and balances. The trial was conducted on a Ferric Lixisol with 1.5% slope and comprised nine treatments in two replications. The SWC measures were put along contours lines. During the three consecutive years, all treatments induced negative annual N balances (−75 to −24 kg N ha⁻¹). The main factors explaining these negative balances were N exports by sorghum biomass and soil erosion-induced N losses. Large amounts of N (7 kg N ha⁻¹ per year in 2000 and 44 kg N ha⁻¹ per year in 2002) were lost in the control treatment through runoff and eroded sediments, which corresponds respectively to about 10 and 43% of the total outflow of N. Sole stone rows and grass strips reduced erosion N losses to 8 and 12%, respectively, of the total annual loss. The combined application of SWC measures and nutrients inputs reduced erosion N losses to only 2–7% of the annual N loss. The application of urea-N or compost-N led to the lowest soil N mining over the 3 years, whereas the highest N mining was observed in plots without added N. We conclude that N mining in poor fertile soils of West Africa can be mitigated through an integration of local water and nutrient management practices.     

Rice yield and productivity gaps in irrigated systems of the forest zone of Côte d'Ivoire

Much of the rapidly growing demand for rice in West Africa will be met from increased production in irrigated lowlands, which cover about 12% of the regional rice-growing area. A large potential for expansion of irrigated areas exists particularly in the inland valleys of the humid forest zone. Current production is characterized by large variability in productivity, management practices and production constraints. Quantifying the variability in rice yield and identifying the determining factors are prerequisites to the development of site-specific recommendations and to improved targeting of technologies. Diagnostic on-farm trials were conducted on 64 irrigated lowland fields in the humid forest zone of southern Côte d'Ivoire, in 1995–1996. This was a part of the regional gradient study of irrigated systems from the desert margin to the humid forest zone. Cropping calendars, field operations and input use were monitored. Weed biomass, rice N uptake, and grain yield were determined in farmers' fields as well as in super-imposed, researcher-managed subplots (clean weeding, no N control, and mineral fertilizer N application). Rice yield potential was simulated by using the Oryza-S crop growth model. Yield losses were attributed to management factors based on performance of rice in researcher-managed subplots (management-related yield gap) and by multiple regression with management options. Grain yields varied between 0.2 and 7.3 Mg ha⁻¹ with mean yields of 3.2 in partially and 4.2 Mg ha⁻¹ in fully irrigated systems, 44% and 57% of the potential yield of 7.3 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. Age of seedlings at transplanting, timeliness of operations and application of P fertilizer were correlated to yield and explained 60% of the observed variability. Grain yield was correlated with N uptake (r² = 0.93^***) but not with N application rate. Split application of mineral fertilizer N was associated with a 0.48 Mg ha⁻¹ yield increase (p = 0.002), regardless of the quantity applied. Additional weeding increased yield only in systems with imperfect irrigation. Weed biomass was reduced with improved water control and it increased with age of seedlings at transplanting, and was higher in direct-seeded than in transplanted rice. Echinochloa spp. were the most common weeds in fully irrigated systems and Panicum laxum was more common in the imperfectly irrigated fields. While improved water management was associated with substantial rice yield increases (1.16 Mg ha⁻¹), the timeliness of transplanting, weeding and N fertilization appears to be the key to increased rice yields in the forest zone of West Africa.     

Optimizing herbicidal efficacy of glyphosate isopropylamine salt through ammonium sulphate as surfactant in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantation in a rainforest area of Nigeria

A randomized complete block field trial was conducted over 2 years to evaluate the herbicidal efficacy of glyphosate isopropylamine salt (Roundup^®) applied singly at 1.41 kg a.e. ha⁻¹ or in combination with ammonium sulphate (AMS) as surfactant at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% (wt/v) in a 5-year old oil palm plantation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure located in the rainforest vegetation zone of Nigeria. Assessment of herbicidal efficacy based on the Henderson-Tilton formula indicated that glyphosate applied singly or in combination with varying concentrations of AMS proved highly effective in controlling most of the grasses and broadleaved weeds prevalent in the experimental plots. Herbicidal efficacy on total weed density, weed fresh weight as well as on weed dry weight was found to increase in the order of increasing concentration of AMS. Regressing percentage herbicidal efficacy (Y) against increasing concentration levels of AMS (X) indicated significant (P0.001) positive relationships with an average correlation coefficient (r) of +0.95 in both years. These results confirm the potential of AMS as an effective surfactant that can be exploited in glyphosate-based weed management schemes in the sub-humid tropical environment.     

Increased frequency of phytosanitary pod removal in cacao (Theobroma cacao) increases yield economically in eastern Peru

Diseases caused by Moniliophthora roreri (moniliasis), Crinipellis perniciosa (witches’ broom) and Phytophthora palmivora (black pod) are the most important factors limiting cocoa production in Peru and cultural management is considered to be the only practical means of control for the smallholder. The objective of this study was to develop an epidemiologically and economically sound control recommendation based on the frequency of phytosanitary pod removal. Weekly removal of diseased pods reduced the incidence of diseases significantly in comparison with fortnightly removal. In three fields, moniliasis was decreased by 26–41%, black pod by 35–66% and witches’ broom on pods by 14–57%. The cumulative effect was a consistent yield increase from an average of 504–660 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Returns compensated for increased labour costs. Weekly pod removal was 32% more profitable. Time-course analyses indicated that weekly removal should be practised throughout the year under field conditions of eastern Peru.     

Field appraisal of herbicide potential of sunflower leaf extract against Rumex dentatus

Comparative evaluation of sunflower aqueous extracts and commercially available synthetic herbicides was carried out in field trials. Crude aqueous extract was tested in 80 and 100% concentrations in plots where wheat was grown with Rumex dentatus in a 1:1 mix. In comparison with the synthetic herbicides (Buctril-Super^® and Chwastox^®) the aqueous extract failed to kill 100% of selected weeds, but the highest tested extract concentration completely overcame weed crop competition by reducing the weed biomass and increasing wheat yield significantly. The trial confirmed the herbicidal potential of sunflower allelochemicals against broad leaf weeds.     

Effect of pre-emergence herbicide mixtures on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) at Samaru, in northern Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted in the wet seasons of 2005 and 2006 to evaluate the effect of pre-emergence application of herbicides on cowpea. A mixture of metolachlor and prometryn at 1.25+0.08 kg a.i./ha was consistent in better growth and seed yield. However, application of mixtures of metolachlor and terbutryn at 0.99+0.50 kg a.i./ha and ametryn and terbutryn at 1.60+1.00 kg a.i./ha gave lower vigour score of the crop, higher crop injury, smaller canopy spread and lower seed yield. It can be concluded that the metolachlor and prometryn mixture gave good selective weed control and can be used instead of hand weeding in cowpea in northern Nigeria.     

Improving nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies through inclusion of forage cowpea in the rice–wheat systems in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

In high productivity zones of Indo-Gangetic Plains in south Asia, the rice–wheat system is stressed due to production fatigue as evidenced by declining soil organic matter content, low efficiency of fertilizer use and diminishing rates of factor productivity. We, therefore, conducted field experiments at Modipuram, India, to conserve soil organic carbon, improve N and P use efficiency, and increase yields of rice–wheat system through inclusion of forage cowpea during the summer before cultivating the rice–wheat system. Cowpea forage harvested at 50 days removed greater amounts of N and P through aboveground biomass than those recycled through belowground roots and nodules. The NO₃-N in soil profile below 45 cm depth after wheat harvest was greater under fallow during summer than under cowpea, suggesting that cowpea minimized NO₃-N leaching beyond 45 cm depth. Similarly, in the treatments receiving both 120 kg N and 26 kg P ha⁻¹, NO₃-N in soil below 45 cm depth was lower compared to those receiving N or P alone. After three crop cycles, soil OC content in 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths was greater compared to initial OC in plots having cowpea. P applied at 26 kg ha⁻¹ increased available P content over initial P content, and also over P content of soil under no P treatments. The available P content was, however, invariably low under summer cowpea plots as compared to that under no cowpea ones. With continuous rice–wheat cropping, the bulk density (BD) of soil increased over the initial BD at different profile-depths, more so at 30–45 cm depth in no cowpea plots, but inclusion of summer cowpea helped decreasing the BD in the surface (0–15 cm) and sub-surface (15–30 and 30–45 cm) soil layers. Summer cowpea grown on residual fertility after wheat harvest did not influence rice yield, but increased wheat grain yield (P<0.05 during the terminal year), when both the crops received fertilizer N and P at recommended rates. Skipping of N or P or both, however, resulted in consistently low yield of these crops under summer cowpea treatments than those under no cowpea treatments, although the differences were not necessarily significant every year. The use efficiency of applied N and P fertilizers in rice and wheat, measured as agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery, was increased with the use of fertilizer N and P at recommended rates, and also with inclusion of summer cowpea.     

Control of Molinia caerulea on moorland

Burning, grazing and herbicide (glyphosate) treatments were applied in factorial combination to Molinia -dominated moorland in three regions of England: Exmoor, North Peak and Yorkshire Dales. In each region, agri-environment schemes are in place in an attempt to reduce Molinia and encourage the development of dwarf shrub vegetation. Within each region, the same experiment was carried out on two types of vegetation ( Molinia -dominated 'white' moorland and a mixture of Molinia and Calluna 'grey' moorland).
Of the treatments applied, glyphosate had the most significant effect on Molinia at all study sites. There was little difference between the use of low and high application rates, 0·27 and 0·54 kg ai ha^–1 respectively. The cover of dwarf shrubs, including Calluna in the 'grey' sites, was affected by the herbicide treatment in two regions, but there was no significant reduction in the North Peak. Some Calluna plants were killed or damaged by glyphosate.
Two techniques for the re-establishment of Calluna were also investigated in the Molinia -dominated 'white' moorland: the two treatments applied in factorial combination were (1) removal of Molinia leaf litter by raking; and (2) application of Calluna seed. Greater Calluna seedling densities were found in the plots in which herbicide was applied, the Molinia litter was removed and seed added.     

Effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. for control of the stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in maize in Kenya

The fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and insecticide trichlorfon were compared for the control of stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in field experiments at different times of infestation. Egg masses of C. partellus at the blackhead stage were pinned to the undersurface of the maize leaves. Two fungal formulations, conidial aqueous suspensions and a granular formulation, were applied. Compared with the untreated checks, the numbers of surviving C. partellus larvae were significantly reduced in treatments where B. bassiana was applied at a concentration of 10¹³ conidia ha⁻¹ as granules and as two aqueous spray formulations. No significant difference in numbers of stem borer larvae was found between trichlorfon and the untreated check. Fungus granules persisted longer in the field than did one spray of the fungus inoculum at the same concentration, or trichlorfon. A major increase in grain yield was obtained with two fungal sprays and with fungus granules both applied at a concentration of 10¹³ conidia ha⁻¹. A granular formulation of B. bassiana should be considered for the control of the stem borer C. partellus.     

Responses of wheat and barley to liming on a sandy soil with subsoil acidity

A 3 years field trial examined the effect of newly and previously applied lime on the growth and yield of two near-isogenic wheat genotypes differing only in aluminium (Al) tolerance (Triticum aestivum L. Al-sensitive line ES8 and Al-tolerant line ET8), and barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Mundak) on an acid soil (pH_CaCl2 4.6 in 0–10 cm and pH 4.1–4.3 in 10–40 cm) in the medium rainfall region of Western Australia. The trial consisted of four lime treatments: (i) no lime control; (ii) surface liming at 1.5 t ha⁻¹ in 1999; (iii) surface liming at 2.5 t ha⁻¹ in 1984; (iv) liming in 1984 and re-liming in 1999. Wheat crops were grown in 1999 and 2001, and barley was grown in 2000.

Liming in 1984 increased the pH in both topsoil and subsoil and decreased toxic Al in the subsoil. Liming in 1999 largely increased soil pH in the 0–10 cm in previously unlimed and limed plots, but only slightly increased the pH in 10–20 cm 2 years after application. In 1999, there was an overall 14% grain yield increase by growing ET8, mostly due to much better performance (41%) of ET8 over ES8 in the treatment with surface liming in 1999. In 2001, ET8 had yield 24% higher in the no lime control and 14% higher in the treatment with liming in 1999 compared with ES8. While both genotypes had similar root length density in the topsoil, root length density in acid subsoil was 22–160% higher for ET8 than for ES8. Wheat genotypes produced 23–24% higher yield due to the liming in 1984 compared to the no lime control. In 2000 season, shoot biomass of barley increased by 45–70% in the limed treatments compared with the no lime control. Liming at 2.5 t ha⁻¹ in 1984 or liming at 1.5 t ha⁻¹ in 1999 increased yield by 25%. Liming in 1984 and re-liming in 1999 increased the yield by over 50%. The results suggest that surface liming can ameliorate subsoil acidity as measured 15–17 years after application, and that growing an Al-tolerant crop in combination with surface liming provides a good strategy to combat subsoil acidity. The genotypic variation in response to liming appears to result from the difference in the sensitivity of root proliferation to low pH and high Al.     

Plant density and self-thinning affect yield and quality of fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

To ascertain the reasons for the high plant mortality in fibre-hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) crops in the Netherlands changes in biomass yield, plant mortality and plant morphology were investigated in a hemp cultivar grown at initial densities of 10, 30, 90 and 270 plants m⁻². At 90 plants m⁻² this cultivar was compared with a high bast-fibre cultivar and a late-flowering cultivar. Rate of canopy establishment and early growth rate increased with increasing plant density. At 90 and 270 plants m⁻², plants died as a result of self-thinning. Self-thinning was associated with a reduced crop growth rate. In self-thinning stands, dry biomass (B, g m⁻²) was related to density of surviving plants (D, m⁻²) as log B = 3.81 − 0.304 log D. At the same crop growth rate, the rate at which plants died from self-thinning was higher in hemp than in other herbaceous dicots. The proportion of stem in the total dry matter increased with increasing plant density. Stem yield was maximum at 90 plants m⁻². Stem quality improved with increasing density as the bark content in the stem increased, but self-thinning reduced the bark content in the stem. Optimum plant density was close to that resulting after self-thinning. In hemp the relationship between yield and optimum plant density is approximated by the equation of its self-thinning line. The late-flowering cultivar yielded more than the other two cultivars because it grew faster during the latter part of the growing season.     

Can wild species become problem weeds because of herbicide resistance? Brachypodium distachyon: a case study

A purported drawback to the use of transgenic herbicide-resistant crops is the fear that the crop or interbreeding wild relatives will become weedy. It has been posited that a change even in a single trait can confer weediness. This hypothesis was tested with Brachypodium distachyon. This innocuous species came into contact with herbicides through the use of crushed rock from its habitat for road foundations. It evolved s-triazine resistance and developed as a monoculture. When true weeds later evolved simazine resistance, B. distachyon was partially competed from the ecosystem and then disappeared upon the use of non-triazine herbicides. Thus, this wild species remained a weed only until true weeds evolved resistance or until other herbicides were used. One gene mutation did not convert it into a weed, which implies that this will be equally improbable in other cases, when the gene codes for an otherwise neutral trait such as herbicide resistance.