Pigeons on par with primates in numerical competence

Although many animals are able to discriminate stimuli differing in numerosity, only primates are thought to share our ability to employ abstract numerical rules. Here, we show that this ability is present in pigeons and that their performance is indistinguishable from that displayed by monkeys.     

Furrow vs hill planting of sprinkler-irrigated russet burbank potatoes on coarse-textured soils

Surface water runoff from the hill, where potatoes are planted, to the furrow may exacerbate potato drought sensitivity. Planting into furrows and constructing midrow ridges may improve water use efficiency and relieve water stress on potato by directing water toward, not away from, the plants. A 3-year field study was conducted to compare yields and tuber size distributions of furrow- and hill-planted potato (Solanum tuberosum L., ‘Russet Burbank’) on coarse-textured, well-drained soils under sprinkler irrigation. A split-plot experimental design with main plots of row orientation (N-S vs E-W) and subplots of planting method (hill and furrow) combined with two planting depths was used at two central North Dakota sites. Except for planting method and limiting the post-emergence cultivation in the furrow treatments, all cultural practices (fertilizer, irrigation, etc.) were identical and corresponded with conventional practices for hill planted potato. Row orientation did not affect yield for any tuber size category. Averaged over 3 years, furrow-planted potato produced 24% larger tubers (188 vs 151 g), 31% smaller yield for tubers <113 g (4.99 vs 7.21 Mg ha^?1), 28% smaller yield for tubers 113 to 170 g (8.14 vs 11.3 Mg ha^?1), 8% larger yields for tubers 170 to 283 g (18.0 vs 16.6 Mg ha^?1), 103% larger yields for tubers 283 to 454 g (10.9 vs 5.36 Mg ha^?1), 341% larger yields for tubers >454 g (2.65 vs 0.60 Mg ha^?1), and 10% larger total yields (46.2 vs 41.9 Mg ha^?1) compared with hill-planted potato. There were no differences in tuber specific gravity. Preliminary soil water measurements indicated an inter-row water-harvesting effect for furrow planting compared with hill planting. The furrow-planting method may offer significant potential for ameliorating the drought sensitivity of potato.     

Managing plant-environment-symbiont interactions to promote plant performance under low temperature stress

Low-temperature stresses, also referred to as cold temperature stresses, including chilling and freezing temperatures, are among the major abiotic stresses that severely reduce plant yield, quality, and marketability and pose a serious threat to plant production during whole plant life cycles. Plant-environment-symbiont interactions determine the symbiotic and crop performance and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. To achieve the optimum outcome, it is essential to consider not only plant-symbiont relationships, but also symbiont adaptation and symbiont-symbiont interactions under changing environmental conditions and different plant growth stages. Improving multi-symbiotic component systems and symbiont breeding together can be a useful strategy to improve symbiosis and, thus, crop production. In this review article, the role of interactions between multi-symbiotic components and plant-environment-symbiont relationships and the related biotechnology approaches are discussed in order to find the most effective sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices to improve crop performance and mitigate the adverse effects of low temperatures on plants.     

Dakota Jewel: An attractive, new, bright red-skinned, fresh market potato cultivar with improved storage characteristics

‘Dakota Jewel’ is a medium- to late-maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar; however, tuber maturity is early. Tubers are smooth, round to oblong in shape, with bright red skin and white flesh. Dakota Jewel is suitable for the fresh tablestock market, both directly from the field and following storage. Yield potential is medium, with total yield, U.S. No. 1s and percentage U.S. No. 1s of Dakota Jewel equal to those of Red Norland; size distribution is similar. Dakota Jewel sizes early, retains its color in storage, and has strong dormancy. It is susceptible to hollow heart. A mean specific gravity of 1.077 across non-irrigated and irrigated sites in North Dakota is much higher than Red Norland and Red Pontiac, standard red tablestock cultivars. Sensory evaluation scores of baked, boiled, and microwaved tubers are similar to Red Norland and Red Pontiac. Dakota Jewel was released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station on 26 March 2004.