Relationships and influence of yield components on spaced-plant and sward seed yield in perennial ryegrass

Adequate seed production is essential for cultivar success in perennial ryegrass turf and forage industries, but improvement is limited by the complexity of yield components and low-rank correlations between selection and production environments. This study examined seed yield components among 20 perennial ryegrass entries in both spaced plantings (selection environment) and swards (production environment) at two locations in Minnesota. Competitive (23 plants/m²) and non-competitive (3 plants/m²) spaced-plant nurseries were tested. Competitive spaced-plant total yield was highly correlated with sward yield (r_s = 0.64 and 0.66, p < 0.01) at both locations, whereas the non-competitive environment showed no correlation. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to explore the indirect and direct relationship of fall vegetative growth, winterkill, and yield components on total seed yield in all environments. Fertile tiller number (spikes plant⁻¹/m⁻²) exhibited both strong direct and indirect influence on total seed yield in all environments. However, the importance of fertile tiller number in the SEM was reduced with increased plant competition. The SEM showed that both weight per spike and seed yield per spike influenced total yield in spaced plants; however, neither consistently predicted total sward yield. The ratio of these two traits (g seed spike⁻¹/g spike⁻¹) gave an index of fertility that was easy to measure and had a superior correlation with sward yield at two locations (r_s = 0.81 and 0.54, p < 0.05) when spaced plants were under competition. Results suggest that increasing competition in spaced plantings and selecting for spike fertility may more accurately identify superior plant material compared to lower competition environments.     

Effects of water regime,nitrogen fertilization,and rice plant density on growth and reproduction of lowland weed Echinochloa crus-galli

Direct-seeded rice systems are increasing in Asia as farmers respond to the high labor cost and shortage of water. Echinochloa crus-galli is one of the most problematic and competitive weeds in direct-seeded rice systems. Because of concerns about excessive herbicide use, there is an interest in developing cultural weed management strategies. However, the design of such strategies requires a better understanding of the weed response to crop density, nutrition, and water regime. A study was therefore conducted in pots to determine the effect of water (flooded and aerobic), nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹), and rice density [0, 4 rice plants (≈20 kg seed ha⁻¹), and 16 rice plants (≈80 kg seed ha⁻¹)] on the growth and reproduction of E. crus-galli. When grown alone, the growth and seed production of E. crus-galli were higher in flooded conditions than in aerobic conditions. However, no such differences were observed when E. crus-galli was grown with rice interference. E. crus-galli growth and seed production increased with increases in N rate. Irrespective of water regime and N rate, the growth and seed production of E. crus-galli declined with increases in rice density. At 100 kg N ha⁻¹, for example, E. crus-galli shoot biomass and seed production decreased by 84–86% and 82–87%, respectively, when grown with 16 rice plants compared with its growth without rice interference. The results suggest that growth and seed production of E. crus-galli can be greatly reduced by increasing rice seeding rate. However, there is a need to involve other weed management strategies to achieve complete control of E. crus-galli and other weed species.     

Modeling chickpea growth and development: Nitrogen accumulation and use

Quantitative information regarding nitrogen (N) accumulation and its distribution to leaves, stems and grains under varying environmental and growth conditions are limited for chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The information is required for the development of crop growth models and also for assessment of the contribution of chickpea to N balances in cropping systems. Accordingly, these processes were quantified in chickpea under different environmental and growth conditions (still without water or N deficit) using four field experiments and 1325 N measurements. N concentration ([N]) in green leaves was 50 mg g⁻¹ up to beginning of seed growth, and then it declined linearly to 30 mg g⁻¹ at the end of seed growth phase. [N] in senesced leaves was 12 mg g⁻¹. Stem [N] decreased from 30 mg g⁻¹ early in the season to 8 mg g⁻¹ in senesced stems at maturity. Pod [N] was constant (35 mg g⁻¹), but grain [N] decreased from 60 mg g⁻¹ early in seed growth to 43 mg g⁻¹ at maturity. Total N accumulation ranged between 9 and 30 g m⁻². N accumulation was closely linked to biomass accumulation until maturity. N accumulation efficiency (N accumulation relative to biomass accumulation) was 0.033 g g⁻¹ where total biomass was <218 g m⁻² and during early growth period, but it decreased to 0.0176 g g⁻¹ during the later growth period when total biomass was >218 g m⁻². During vegetative growth (up to first-pod), 58% of N was partitioned to leaves and 42% to stems. Depending on growth conditions, 37–72% of leaf N and 12–56% of stem N was remobilized to the grains. The parameter estimates and functions obtained in this study can be used in chickpea simulation models to simulate N accumulation and distribution.     

Effect of emergence time,inter- and intra-specific competition on growth and fecundity of Echinochloa crus-galli in dry-seeded rice

Since 2005, the evolution and spread of herbicide-resistant Echinochloa crus-galli biotypes have posed a serious threat to crop production in the Philippines. A comprehensive knowledge of E. crus-galli ecology and fecundity is fundamental in managing different biotypes of this weed. It was hypothesized that (a) high weed plant density produces more biomass and fertile seeds per unit area, (b) rice interference reduces the biomass and fecundity of the weed, and (c) a delay in weed emergence reduces the soil seed bank. In 2013, experiments were conducted in the wet season (WS) and dry season (DS), to understand the effect of E. crus-galli densities (40 and 80 plants m⁻²) on its growth, survival, and fecundity, with varying emergence times of 2, 15, 30, and 45 d after rice emergence (DARE). Relative to the weed plants grown without rice interference, E. crus-galli growth and seed production was lower in the presence of rice. Percent survival and plant height of E. crus-galli declined in a linear manner in the DS, and declined in a quadratic manner in the WS. Tiller number, inflorescence number, inflorescence biomass, and shoot biomass per plant declined in an exponential manner, with a delay in emergence of each cohort relative to rice. Across rice seeding rate, weed density, and emergence time, there was a linear relationship (y = 110x − 272 in the DS and y = 100x − 220 in the WS) between E. crus-galli shoot biomass and the number of seeds plant⁻¹. Relative to the late-emerging weed cohorts, E. crus-galli seed production (1320–1579 seeds plant⁻¹), 1000-seed weight (2.2–2.9 g), and seed yield (2808–2334 kg ha⁻¹) were higher when seedlings emerged with the crop (2 DARE). None of the seedlings that emerged 45 DARE produced viable seeds. Seed germination of the first two cohorts (2 and 15 DARE) ranged from 84 to 91%. The delay in emergence of E. crus-galli beyond 30 DARE reduced the percentage of germinable and viable seeds, and increased the percentage of non-viable seeds produced plant⁻¹. The results suggest that cultural weed management approaches that delay the emergence of E. crus-galli can reduce weed biomass and seed production, and is thus valuable for preventing seed rain to the seed bank by noxious weed biotypes in the field.     

Effects of planting system,plant density and flower removal on yield and quality of hybrid seed in cotton

Seedling transplanting and plastic mulching are widely adopted intensive planting systems in cotton production in China. Manual removal of early- or late-season flowers may improve seed quality without sacrificing yield through the compensatory growth of cotton plants. Two experiments were conducted, in Yellow River Valley in China from 2002 to 2003, to test if the intensive systems and flower removal can be used for enhancing hybrid seed production. Results in the first experiment show that yields of seed cotton and seed, and seed quality parameters averaged across three plant densities (2.25, 3.00 and 3.75 plants/m²), were significantly improved by either transplanting or plastic mulching relative to conventional planting. The improvements in yield and quality in two intensive planting systems were mainly attributed to longer and earlier flowering period. Transplanted plants did not differ significantly from mulched plants in seed yield, seed maturity and percentage germination, but transplanting decreased lint percentage and increased seed index relative to mulching. In terms of seed yield and quality, the optimum plant density for each planting system was 3.00 plants/m². At the optimum plant density, seed yields averaged across two years for transplanting and mulching systems were 31.3% and 32.6% higher than for conventional planting system, respectively. Flower removal did not significantly affect seed yield, but removal of late-season or both early- and late-season flowers significantly improved seed quality. It was concluded that transplanting or plastic mulching, low plant density (3.00 plants/m²), and removal of late-season or both early- and late-season flowers can be integrated to enhance yield and quality of hybrid seed of cotton.     

Submergence tolerance and yield performance of lowland rice as affected by agronomic management practices in eastern India

Rice is subjected to excessive waterlogging and flash-flooding on large areas in south and south-east Asia. Besides cultivars, submergence tolerance of plants is influenced by various agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted at Cuttack, India during 1994–1995 to study the effect of method of stand establishment (direct seeding and transplanting), vigour of seed (low and high-density) or seedlings (N-fertilized and unfertilized), plant population (normal and 50% more) and N fertilizer (single basal and split application) on yield performance of lowland rice under conditions of natural submergence and simulated flash-flooding (impounding up to 90 ± 3 cm depth for 10 days at vegetative stage). Flooding reached a maximum depth of 80 cm in 1994 and 52 cm in 1995 under natural submergence. The crop performance was better in 1994 due to timely sowing in dry soil and delayed accumulation of water (43 days after sowing) than in 1995 when sowing was done late in saturated soil followed by early water accumulation (28 days after sowing). Grain yield of rice decreased by 30.0–33.6% due to simulated flash-flooding compared with natural submergence, and by 21.4–33.1% due to transplanting in July compared with direct seeding in May-end/early June. The yield of direct-sown crop increased by using high-density seed of 22.9–23.0 mg weight (5.2–9.0%), higher seed rate of 600 m⁻² (2.2–2.3%) and basal fertilization at 40 kg N ha⁻¹ (19.4–25.7%) compared with low-density seed (19.4–20.1 mg), 400 seed m⁻² and no N, respectively. The yield of transplanted crop increased by using N-fertilized seedlings of 0.49–1.65 g weight (29.5–38.5%), higher number of seedlings at 155 m⁻² (3.5–16.7%) and basal fertilization at 40 kg N ha⁻¹ (31.9–32.5%) compared with unfertilized seedlings (0.19–0.79 g), 115 seedlings m⁻² and no N. Split application of 40 kg N ha⁻¹ — 50% each at basal and top dressing (105–115 days of growth after flash-flooding) — improved yield significantly (10.1–13.1%) over single basal application under simulated flash-flooding, but not under natural submergence conditions. Regression analysis indicated that relative contribution of various factors in increasing grain yield was in order: N fertilizer > seed density > seed m⁻² in direct-sown rice, and N fertilizer > seedlings m⁻² > seedling dry weight in transplanted rice. It was concluded that grain yield of flood-prone lowland rice can be increased by establishing the crop early through direct seeding using high-density seed and basal N fertilization.     

Impact of selective flame weeding on onion yield,pungency, flavonoid concentration,and weeds

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of multiple selective flame weeding treatments on onion (Allium cepa L.). Onions were flamed between one and six times over the course of the season with a high (72 kg propane ha⁻¹) or low (45 kg propane ha⁻¹) propane dose. In each treatment, one subplot was hand-weeded in addition to flame treatment to remove differential weed effects, while the other received only the prescribed flame weeding regimen as weed control. Overall, control of broadleaf weeds was better than that of grass species. Broadleaf weed density and shoot mass were reduced as propane dose and the number of flame treatments increased. Grass density was reduced by 50% in all flamed treatments compared to the non-treated control, but no differences between flamed treatments were observed. Effects of flame treatments on grass shoot mass were minimal. Among weed-free treatments, onion was able to tolerate up to six flame treatments at either dose without a loss of yield. Treatments that received only flame weeding as weed control had total onion yields 37 and 80% of the weed-free flamed treatments in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Flame weeding treatments had little effect on the time to reach maturity, onion pungency, or quercetin concentration.     

Variability of root length density and its contributions to seed yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under terminal drought stress

The importance of root systems in acquiring water has long been recognized as crucial to cope with drought conditions. This investigation was conducted to: (i) evaluate the variability on root length density (RLD) of chickpea in the vegetative growth stage; (ii) estimate the effect of RLD on seed yield under terminal drought conditions; and (iii) set up a procedure to facilitate the screening of chickpea genotypes with large RLD. Twelve diverse chickpea genotypes were grown in tall PVC cylinders with two different soil water treatments in 2000 and 2001, and in field under water deficit conditions during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. In field trials, the mean RLD at 35 days after sowing showed a significant positive correlation with seed yield in both years. Similarly, the RLD in the 15–30 cm soil depth had significant positive effects to the seed yield in both years. The importance of the root trait was particularly relevant in 2001/2002, a more severe drought year, when the RLD in deeper soil layer, 30–60 cm depth, showed a significant positive relationship with seed yield. Also, the RLD at deeper soil layer, 30–60 cm depth, was higher in 2001/2002 than in 2000/2001, in particular in tolerant genotypes. The PVC cylinder trials were set up to facilitate the screening of chickpea genotypes with large RLD. RLD of plants grown in cylinders with 70% field capacity was correlated with RLD in the field trials (r = 0.731; p = 0.01). This work highlights the importance of roots in coping with terminal drought in chickpea. The cylinder system offers a much easier procedure to screen chickpea genotypes with large RLD.     

The effect of increasing NaCl in irrigation water on growth,gas exchange and yield of tobacco Burley type

Despite the economic importance of tobacco, there is limited field study on the quantitative response of growth and yield to increasing soil salinity. The effects of irrigation with saline water on yield components of field-grown tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) “Burley” type plants were studied over two growing seasons. Growth, dry matter partitioning and gas exchange were measured either in rainfed or fully irrigated plants growing in a clayey–sandy–loam soil. The four fully irrigated treatments received amounts of saline waters at 0.54, 2.5, 5.0 or 10 dS m⁻¹ electrical conductivity (EC_w) equal to crop evapotranspiration. In both years, the electrical conductivity of the saturation phase (EC_e) across the 0.6 m topsoil profile increased with increasing salinity of the irrigation water. Soil moisture was markedly lower in the rainfed treatment than in fully irrigated treatments. Different saline concentrations of irrigation water had virtually no effect on soil moisture. Carbon assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency of the saline treatments were lower than the fully irrigated plants at 0.54 dS m⁻¹ (NW treatment) in 1996, but not in 1997. Transpiration rates were unaffected by salinity in both years. The highest yield was produced by plants irrigated with good quality water. The number of leaves per unit land area was greater for the NW plants, whereas there were no differences between the other four treatments. Salinity decreased plant dry matter and height at harvest, increased dry matter partitioning into leaves and decreased that into stems in both years. Dry matter partitioning to leaves was also greater for the rainfed plants than for the NW plants. Tobacco plants grown under field conditions showed a maximum reduction of relative yield at the highest salinity level of only 31%. The threshold values (0.56 and 0.96 dS m⁻¹) and the EC_e at which a 10% yield reduction was obtained (3.12 and 2.55 dS m⁻¹) calculated from the linear model of response of relative yield to increasing EC_e were typical of moderately sensitive crops. The EC_e values at which 50% yield was reduced (13.34 and 8.91 dS m⁻¹) were indicative of moderate tolerance to salinity.     

Weed seed bank as affected by crop rotation and disturbance

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of crop rotations on soil seed bank to provide a comparison between crop fields and non-crop lands. Crop rotations were continuous dryland wheat (Wd), continuous irrigated wheat (Wi), wheat-sugarbeet (WS) and wheat-chickpea (WCh). Nearby pastures (P) and orchards (Or) were also studied for comparison purposes. Estimates of the density of seed banks ranged from 52779 seed m⁻² in P to 9906 seeds m⁻² in Wd. A total of 114 plant species from 24 families were identified from seeds collected from different farms. 33 weed species were at high frequency in weed communities. Crop rotations were dominated by annual weed species, while the weed species dominated in P were mostly not found in any crop rotation. The two weed species Roemeria refracta and Eragrostis cilianensis were frequently present in all the study sites. Amaranthus chlorostachys and Euphorbia esula were more abundant in the areas of moderate to high disturbance. In SW and WS rotations, due to use of grass herbicides and hand weeding, winter annual broadleaves such as Lactuca serriola and Anchusa italica were the prominent species in the seed bank. Results showed that a number of weed species are adapted to a specific crop sequences and disturbance levels. Weed species richness, seed bank abundance and diversity in soil depths are highly dependent on disturbance levels. The current study highlights the importance of agricultural practices including crop sequences or disturbance levels in determining the characteristics of weed populations. This provides useful information to improve methods for maintaining plant population balance.     

Management of complex weed flora in dry-seeded rice

Dry-seeded rice has been introduced as an alternative to puddled hand-transplanted rice in the north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. In dry-seeded rice, weed flora tends to be more diverse and weeds emerge in several flushes during the crop growth cycle and substantial yield reductions due to weed competition are quite common. The efficacy and compatibility of tank mixtures of different herbicides for the control of diverse weed flora in dry-seeded rice was evaluated in field experiments during the summer seasons of 2012 and 2013. The tank mixture of fenoxaprop with ethoxysulfuron improved the control of Echinochloa crus-galli and Echinochloa colona by 43–69% as compared to fenoxaprop alone while the tank-mix of azimsulfuron with fenoxaprop was antagonistic and reduced the control of Leptochloa chinensis by 86% as compared to fenoxaprop alone. Addition of azimsulfuron or ethoxysulfuron to bispyribac did not improve the control of grass weeds as compared to bispyribac alone. Weed control with the mixture of bispyribac and fenoxaprop varied over the two years. In 2012, bispyribac and fenoxaprop mixture was antagonistic for the control of Dactyloctenum aegyptium, Acrachne racemose, and L. chinensis but in 2013, there was no apparent antagonism and the addition of bispyribac to fenoxaprop reduced grass weed biomass as compared to fenoxaprop alone. In 2013, there was a strong negative correlation (r = −0.95, P < 0.001) between weed dry matter at 45 days after sowing and rice grain yield. According to the linear regression, rice crop is likely to produce no grain yield when weed dry matter exceeds 400 g m⁻². Over the two seasons, fenoxaprop-ethoxysulfuron tank-mix produced similar grain yields (5.6–6.2 t ha⁻¹) to the weed-free check (5.6–7.1 t ha⁻¹). At the farmer fields, rice grain yield in the plots treated with pendimethalin followed by post-emergence bispyribac or a tank-mix of fenoxaprop + ethoxysulfuron ranged from 6.2 to 7.7 t ha⁻¹ as compared to 5.3–5.6 t ha⁻¹ in the plots treated with pendimethalin alone. The tank mixture of fenoxaprop with bispyribac needs further evaluation as this mixture has the potential to effectively control aerobic and aquatic grasses in dry-seeded rice. Single hand weeding prevented crop yield loss from weeds that escaped herbicide treatments only when it was performed within six weeks of sowing.     

Winter cover crops influence Amaranthus palmeri establishment

Winter cover crops were evaluated for their effect on Amaranthus palmeri establishment and growth in cotton production. Cover crops examined included rye and four winter legumes: narrow-leaf lupine, crimson clover, Austrian winter pea, and cahaba vetch. Each legume was evaluated alone and in a mixture with rye. Cover crop biomass in monoculture was greatest for rye and lupine (>6750 kg ha⁻¹), while clover, pea, and vetch were less and ranged from 2810 to 4610 kg ha⁻¹. Cover crop biomass was more than doubled when rye was mixed with clover or vetch relative to the legume monoculture. In early-June, A. palmeri densities were 46 seedlings m⁻² in the non-disturbed areas between cotton rows in the fallow, while populations were <4 seedlings m⁻² with rolled vetch or pea and 18 and 29 seedlings m⁻² in rolled clover and lupine. Rye and legume mixtures reduced A. palmeri densities to <3 seedlings m⁻², while rye monocultures had 8 seedlings m⁻². There were no differences in A. palmeri densities (≥144 plants m⁻²) in the cotton row among cover crop treatments. By late-June, rye and winter pea controlled A. palmeri in the row middle >80% relative to the non-cover crop fallow treatment, while control from clover, vetch and lupine ranged from 64 to 70%. The relationship between A. palmeri control in between cotton rows and cover crop biomass was described by a log-logistic regression model with 4530 kg ha⁻¹ providing median weed control (Bio₅₀); predicted A. palmeri control was 25, 50, and 75% from 2950, 4900, and 8600 kg ha⁻¹ cover crop biomass, respectively. However, A. palmeri plants in the cotton rows prevented yield production in the absence of herbicides. Where A. palmeri was controlled with herbicides, the highest yields occurred following rye, with lower yields following lupin/rye mixture and treatments including pea. Management of herbicide resistant weed species requires diverse management tactics; this may include high-biomass cover crops to reduce weed establishment between crop rows. However, greater research effort is needed to devise weed management options for the crop row that do not rely exclusively on the diminishing array of herbicide tools.     

Demographic changes in Helicoverpa armigera after exposure to neemazal (1% EC azadirachtin)

We estimated the effect of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg l⁻¹ of neemazal (1% EC azadirachtin) on life table parameters of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) developing on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The effects were assessed on the survivals emerged from 6th instar larvae that had ingested neemazal-treated chickpea pods. Survivorship (I) and expectancy of life (e_x) were highest with the commencement of age (egg) and decreased gradually with the advancement of age with all the concentrations of neemazal including unexposed cohort. All the eggs hatched in the unexposed group while highest numbers of unhatched eggs (10%) were recorded with 20 mg l⁻¹. Mortality of 1st instars was higher at 20 and 15 mg l⁻¹ than that of other concentration tested. Potential fecundity (pf) was reduced in concentration dependent manner and was lowest with 20 mg l⁻¹ (418 eggs/female/generation) and highest in control (898 eggs/female/generation). Net reproductive rate (R₀) was significantly reduced with the increase in concentration of neemazal. The intrinsic (r_m) and finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly decreased at 20 mg l⁻¹ than that of unexposed population. The mean generation time (T_c) was prolonged at 20 mg l⁻¹ and significantly differed with non-treated individuals. Development of immature stages was prolonged to 38 days with 20 mg l⁻¹ while reduced to 32 days with 15 mg l⁻¹ of neemazal as compared to 37 days in untreated individuals. Doubling time (DT) was significantly extended to 5.02 days with 20 mg l⁻¹ as compared to 3.84 days in the non exposed ones.     

Effect of rice establishment methods on weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) infestation and grain yield of cultivated rice (O. sativa L.) in Sri Lanka

Weedy rice is a great threat to rice production in Sri Lanka. Selective herbicides to manage weedy rice in conventional rice cultivars are not available in Sri Lanka. In the absence of appropriate chemical control measures, cultural approaches may help to achieve effective control of weedy rice. A study was conducted in two consecutive seasons in farmers' fields at three sites (Atalla, Samanthurai, and Girithale villages) in Sri Lanka to evaluate the effect of different establishment methods (farmers' practice, random broadcast, row seeding, seedling broadcast, and transplanted rice) on weedy rice infestation and rice yield. The farmers' practice had a higher number of weedy rice panicles (60–80 m⁻²) than the random broadcast (39–48 panicles m⁻²), seedling broadcast (3–15 panicles m⁻²), and transplanted rice (1.3–3.0 panicles m⁻²) methods. The use of clean rice seeds in the random broadcast method reduced weedy rice seed production by 29–41% compared with the farmers' practice (0.6–2.0 t ha⁻¹). Compared with the farmers' practice, the seedling broadcast method reduced weedy rice seed production by 71–87% and transplanted rice by 95–98%; and increased rice yield by 27–49% (7.5–9.1 t ha⁻¹). At all three sites, the farmers' practice resulted in the lowest grain yield (5.1–6.7 t ha⁻¹). Compared with the farmers' practice, the random broadcast and row seeding methods increased rice yield by up to 21% and 31%, respectively. The findings suggest that the use of clean rice seeds, the use of a row-seeded crop, and the adoption of different rice planting methods may help to suppress the spread of weedy rice.     

Seed production of semi-natural grasslands: Amount and variability in an unfertilized upright brome and a fertilized tall oat-grass meadow

Seed production is an important grassland feature, as it affects its persistence and botanical composition, and plays an essential role in complex plant–animal interactions. Species-rich seed mixtures from grasslands can be utilized for ecological restoration. Previous studies used different methods to characterize seed production and did not consider all the main aspects involved; hence, they did not allow the complete understanding of the seed production. In this study the seed yield of an unfertilized Mesobromion and a fertilized Arrhenatherion meadow were investigated by considering all main reproductive traits and grassland species. In Arrhenatherion, the viable seed production was 24,000 seeds m⁻² year⁻¹, with a viable seed set of 21% (ovule number 115,000 m⁻²). These values were three times higher than those in Mesobromion. This difference was mainly attributed to different fertile shoot densities (758 vs. 358 m⁻² for Arrhenatherion and Mesobromion respectively). Grasses transformed ovules to seeds (38%) more efficiently than forbs (11%). The standing seed yield at the first mowing was 35% and 45% of the produced seeds for Mesobromion and Arrhenatherion respectively. Because of late mowing, which is typical for Mesobromion meadows, the proportion of species found as seed at the first mowing was higher than that in Arrhenatherion. However, because many Mesobromion species were found to be poorly seed-producing forbs with high spatial and temporal variabilities of seed yield, harvesting of seeds of all species would be more difficult, and a greater effort would be necessary if the collected seeds are to be used in ecological restoration.     

Long-term perennial weed control strategies: Economic analyses and yield effect in hazelnut (Corylus avellana)

Weeds limit hazelnut productivity through competition and interference. Field experiments were conducted from spring 2010 through 2013 to evaluate string trimming alone or combined with herbicides in hazelnut orchards to control mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.), purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.), and burning nettle (Urtica urens L.). Treatments were mowing with a string trimmer (ST) alone, or ST followed by glyphosate, glyphosate + diflufenican, and glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl. These combinations also were applied with pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen as pre-emergence applications. The experiments were conducted in Fatsa-Ordu, Turkey, on a sandy clay soil with multi-stemmed trees (ocak). The combination treatments improved weed control compared to ST alone. Glyphosate plus carfentrazone-ethyl application 15 days after ST was the most effective treatment for control of these weeds. This combination was more effective in reducing seed bank reserves of A. vulgaris, C. rotundus and U. urens than herbicides applied alone or in mixtures throughout all seasons. Hazelnut yield was not significantly affected by herbicide treatments in 2010 or 2011. Hazelnut yield increased during the latter half of the experimental period, in 2012 and 2013. In a mixed population of A. vulgaris, C. rotundus and U. urens, 89 plants per m² caused 12.1% yield loss. When the density increased to 256 plants per m², yield losses increased to 29.7%. Hazelnut treated with ST followed by glyphosate plus carfentrazone-ethyl had the highest financial return. Post-emergence weed management systems in hazelnut should include ST followed by glyphosate plus carfentrazone-ethyl applications for maximum returns.     

Pre and postemergence herbicides for weed control in castor crop

Weed management is among the main factors limiting cultivation of castor (Ricinus communis) in extensive fields, particularly when labor is scarce or expensive. This experiment evaluated the efficiency of weed management programs using preemergence (clomazone, pendimethalin, and trifluralin) and a postemergence herbicide (chlorimuron-ethyl) applied at 20 days after emergence in castor plants cv. BRS Energia under rainfed conditions in Apodi, Brazil. No phytotoxicity was observed on the castor plants, and the postemergence herbicide significantly increased castor seed yield to 1466 kg ha⁻¹ complementing the weed control of preemergence herbicides treatments in which seed yield was 1207 kg ha⁻¹. Seed yield on weedy and weed-free treatments was 760 and 1971 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Weeds were kept under a satisfactory control up to 40 days after emergence. This program resulted in reasonable weed control because the preemergence herbicides controled monocotyledon weeds, while the postemergence herbicide controlled broad leafed species being selective to castor plants.     

Yield loss and management of downy mildew on field pea in Alberta,Canada

Downy mildew of field pea (Pisum sativum) caused by Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi has become widespread in the main field pea production areas of central Alberta. Field experiments were conducted at naturally-infested field sites over several years to assess the effect of seeding depth, seeding date, seed treatment and foliar fungicides on downy mildew incidence and severity, and to estimate the relationship between severity and yield loss. Downy mildew was shown to cause substantial yield loss on field pea. Even a moderately severe infestation reduced pod numbers by 65% and seed yield by 75%. The loss (pod number or seed yield) was best explained by a linear model (y = −2.3114x + 10.086; R² = 0.9441 and y = −2.5165x + 10.378; R² = 0.9533, respectively). Depth of seeding (range 3–7 cm) did not affect downy mildew. Similarly, seeding date (early, mid and late May) did not have a consistent effect on disease levels. Late seeding occasionally reduced downy mildew, but always resulted in low seed yield. Several seed treatment fungicides reduced downy mildew, and metalaxyl-based products produced the highest yield. Several foliar-applied fungicides, including pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin and metalaxyl, reduced downy mildew severity, but the results were not consistent across years. We conclude that cultural practices may not be sufficient for effective management of downy mildew, and that metalaxyl-based fungicides applied as seed treatments or foliar sprays could represent the best control option until downy mildew resistant pea cultivars become available.     

Relations between summer crops and ground cover legumes in a subtropical environment 1. Effects of a Vigna trilobata ground cover on growth and yield of sorghum and sunflower

An annual form of Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc., a semi-domesticated herbaceous legume, was used to provide additional ground cover under rainfed crops in a subtropical environment. This study reports effects of V. trilobata on growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Crops were sown on a vertisol in south-east Queensland in October and January at densities of 10 and 5 plants m⁻² for sorghum and 5 and 2.5 plants m⁻² for sunflower, and with or without ground cover legume. Crop rows were 0.8 m apart. V. trilobata seed was broadcast at 150 seeds m⁻² when the crops were sown.While a full profile of soil water at sowing, and 330 to 424 mm rainfall during crop growth, led to vigorous growth of both crops and ground cover, crops from both sowings experienced water stress from about anthesis to the middle of grain fill. At the higher crop density, yields of sorghum grain were 453 and 355 g m⁻² and yields of sunflower seed were 161 and 227 g m⁻² after sowing in October and January, respectively. Yields were decreased to 87%, 70%, 76% and 90% respectively in the presence of up to 330 g m⁻² of dry matter of V. trilobata. Sorghum yields were marginally lower at the lower density and decreased relatively more in the presence of ground cover. Neither the yield of sunflower seed, nor the effect of ground cover on it, was affected by density.Competition from ground cover decreased radiation interception by crops through decreasing their leaf area index. It did not appear to affect the efficiency of conversion of intercepted radiation to dry matter. Tiller number in sorghum was decreased by ground cover, except in the low density stand sown in October. Effects of ground cover on the contribution of tiller heads to yield were more severe, leading to a halving of their contribution at the lower density. Lower grain yields in the presence of ground cover were due to lower numbers of seeds m⁻² in both crops. Seed size was also smaller in sunflower, but the percentage of oil was not affected.We conclude that under well-watered conditions in south-east Queensland the decreases in yields of summer crops in competition with V. trilobata are likely to be outweighed by the anticipated long-term benefits from using ground cover to decrease soil erosion. The need for information on the processes and consequences of competition under drier conditions is emphasized, so that we can evaluate the broader potential for ground cover legumes in the subhumid subtropics.     

Genetic gains in grain yield and related physiological attributes in Argentine maize hybrids

Genetic gains in grain yield and related phenotypic attributes have been extensively documented in maize (Zea mays L.), but the effect of breeding on the physiological determinants of grain yield is yet poorly understood. We determined genetic gains in grain yield and related physiological traits for seven maize hybrids developed for the central region of Argentina between 1965 and 1997. Gains were expressed as a function of the year of release (YOR). Hybrids were cropped in the field at five stand densities (from almost isolated plants to supra-optimal levels) during two contrasting growing seasons (E₁ and E₂). Water and nutrient stress were prevented and pests controlled. Genetic gains in grain yield (≥13.2 g m⁻² YOR⁻¹) were mainly associated with improved kernel number, enhanced postsilking biomass production, and enhanced biomass allocation to reproductive sinks, but computed gains were affected by the environment. Differences among hybrids arose at the start of the critical period, and were evident as improved mean radiation use efficiency (≥0.026 g MJ⁻¹ YOR⁻¹), enhanced plant growth rate at near optimum stand density (≥0.04 g pl⁻¹ YOR⁻¹), and improved biomass partitioning to the ear around silking (0.0034 YOR⁻¹, only for E₁). Improved biomass production after silking was related to an increased light interception (≥4.7 MJ m⁻² YOR⁻¹), and allowed for an almost constant source–sink ratio during grain filling. This trend determined no trade-off between kernel number and kernel weight. In contrast to previous studies, genetic gains were detected for potential productivity (e.g., maximum grain yield) on a per plant basis (i.e., under no resource competition), a promising aspect for the improvement of crop grain yield potential.