Response of Spikelet Number per Panicle in Rice Cultivars to Three Transplanting Densities

Abstract

Spikelet number per panicle (SPP), differentiated spikelet number per panicle (D-SPP), and preflowering aborted spikelet number per panicle (A-SPP) were examined in five rice cultivars at three planting densities (HD; high, MD; medium, LD; low planting density) in the field condition. Rice plants at LD produced a higher panicle number per plant but lower panicle number per unit area, accompanied by higher D-SPP and SPP, on average. A-SPP and the ratio of A-SPP to D-SPP (%A) showedno consistent trends. There was a broader range of D-SPP values at LD than at HD because of larger D-SPP in higher order panicles (panicles with a higher spikelet number). D-SPP was smaller in lower order panicles in all cultivars and years, whereas %A increased. D-SPP and SPP of each panicle were positively correlated with tiller size (tiller height, leaf area, and neck internode diameter). Spikelet production efficiency for D-SPP or for SPP (spikelet number per leaf area) of each tiller was higher in IR65564-44-51 (NPT65) and Akihikari than in the other cultivars, indicating a greater capacity of tillers to produce spikelets or support spikelet growth. In each cultivar except NPT65, spikelet production efficiency for D-SPP increased as panicle order decreased, whereas spikelet production efficiency for SPP remained constant or decreased. This finding indicates that irrespective of planting density, lower order panicles produce more spikelets than they can afford physiologically, but they were regulated downward to a nearly constant value in four cultivars. In NPT65 different from other cultivars, spikelet production efficiency for D-SPP was lower in lower order panicles.     

Effects of twice harvesting on total dry matter yield of rice

We examined the effect of twice harvesting of forage rice with the first harvest at the full heading stage on total dry matter yield in the cultivars Taporuri, Mohretsu, and Hinohikari and in line Saikaishi 253 in southwestern Japan. Taporuri produced the highest total dry matter yield, with a value 60% higher than that of Hinohikari. The first crop of Taporuri had a longer duration of vegetative growth than those of Mohretsu and Hinohikari, and had the highest dry matter yield because of its greater weight per tiller than Hinohikari and its more tillers per square meter than Saikaishi 253, which had a similar duration of vegetative growth. The second crops of Mohretsu, Taporuri, and Saikaishi 253 had longer vegetative growth and higher dry matter yields than Hinohikari. Dry matter yields of both crops were closely related to the duration of vegetative growth and the weight per tiller, but not to tillers per square meter. These results suggest that cultivars with a long duration of vegetative growth, high weight per tiller, and adequate tillers per square meter can produce high dry matter yield in both crops. There was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) in total dry matter yield between cultivar or line and cultivation type. The total dry matter yield of Taporuri in twice harvesting was about 10% higher than that in once harvesting, whereas that of Hinohikari was about 10% lower. The suitability for twice harvesting ([total dry matter yield in twice harvesting]/[total dry matter yield in once harvesting]) was significantly positively correlated (r = 0.875) with the increase in dry weight before the full heading stage, but significantly negatively correlated (r = −0.903) with the increase in dry weight between full heading and the yellow ripe stage. Thus, cultivars with a high increase in dry weight before full heading appear to be more suitable for twice harvesting than those with a high increase between full heading and the yellow ripe stage. In addition, our study showed that twice harvesting can prevent lodging in Taporuri, thereby increasing the suitability of this cultivar as a forage rice. Our results suggest that twice harvesting can be performed in southwestern Japan and warmer regions.     

Varietal differences in tiller and panicle development determining the total number of spikelets per unit area in rice

ABSTRACT

Rice varietal differences were compared between japonica type (JAT) and indica type (INT) and between panicle number type (PNT) and panicle weight type (PWT) in terms of tiller and panicle development. Rice varieties PNT-JAT Hinohikari, PWT-JAT Akenohoshi, PNT-INT IR36, and PWT-INT Takanari were used in the field experiments. Tiller bud formation and tiller leaf emergence occurred slightly later in the PWT than in the PNT varieties. These parameters occurred slightly earlier in the INT than in the JAT varieties. The maximum number of tillers was greater in IR36 than in Takanari, Hinohikari, and Akenohoshi. The number of panicles per unit area (PN) was greater in IR36 and Hinohikari than in Akenohoshi and Takanari. The widths of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) just before panicle initiation were in the order of Akenohoshi > Hinohikari = Takanari > IR36. The number of spikelets per panicle (SN) was in the order of Takanari = Akenohoshi > IR36 > Hinohikari. In conclusion, the PWT varieties, which had relatively wider SAM, presented with the promotion of main shoot development and the suppression of tiller development. Consequently, PN decreased and SN increased in PWT varieties. INT varieties presented with the promotion of tiller and rachis branch development, which resulted in increases in both PN and SN. These developmental factors may determine varietal differences in the total number of spikelets per unit area.     

Does the “high sugar” trait of perennial ryegrass cultivars express under temperate climate conditions?

The objective was to evaluate water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and crude protein (CP) concentration of perennial ryegrass (PRG) cultivars with different genetic potential for producing WSC under two contrasting agronomic managements in temperate climate (southern Chile). A 4 × 2 factorial design was randomly allocated to 24 plots (31 m² each, three blocks): four PRG cultivars (diploid standard cultivar, “2nSt”; tetraploid standard cultivar, “4nSt”; diploid high sugar cultivar developed in New Zealand, “2nHSNZ”; and tetraploid high sugar cultivar developed in Europe, “4nHSEU”) and two agronomic managements (“favourable,” defoliations at three leaves per tiller and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate of 83.3 kg N ha^?1 year^?1; “unfavourable,” defoliations at two leaves per tiller and N fertilization rate of 250 kg N ha^?1 year^?1). Herbage samples were collected in early spring, spring, summer and autumn. Concentration of WSC did not differ among cultivars in spring and summer, averaging 194 and 251 g/kg DM, respectively. The cultivar 4nHSEU had the greatest WSC concentration in early spring and autumn (187 and 266 g/kg DM, respectively) and the greatest CP concentration across samplings (average 230 g/kg DM). Favourable management improved WSC concentrations in early spring and summer and decreased CP in spring, summer and autumn. Annual DM yield did not vary with cultivar or management, averaging 8.43 t/ha. Within a 12‐month study at one site in a temperate environment in southern Chile, PRG cultivars have not shown a consistent expression of the “high sugar” trait, where a genetic × environment interaction might be operating.     

Proteins and Carbohydrates in Developing Rice Panicles with Different Numbers of Spikelets: —Cultivar difference and the effect of nitrogen topdressing—

Abstract

Proteins and carbohydrates in developing rice panicles were analyzed to see whether these parameters control spikelet number in rice. Two rice cultivars and 2 levels of nitrogen topdressing were used to obtain panicles with different numbers of spikelets. A japonica rice cultivar, Nipponbare, with topdressing (H) had 1.8 times more spikelets per panicle than that without topdressing (L). Moreover, the number of spikelets per panicle in an indica rice cultivar, Takanari, without topdressing was 2.7 times larger than that in Nipponbare-L. Panicles with more spikelets (LP) in Nipponbare-H and Takanari-L showed slower growth than those with few spikelets (SP) in Nippanbare-L in an early stage. LP, however, increased markedly in size thereafter, eventually exceeding SP, in length and fresh weight. Soluble protein content was higher in LP than SP in an early stage, but this difference was hardly detected in a late stage. No clear difference was observed in sugars or starch between LP and SP. Analysis of soluble and insoluble proteins by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that bands corresponding to insoluble proteins with a molecular weight about 42 kDa were present at higher intensities in LP than in SP. These results suggest that the spikelet number in rice is controlled by the soluble protein content in an early stage and insoluble proteins with a molecular weight of 42 kDa during panicle development, but not by the carbohydrates in developing panicles.     

种植密度对不同穗型冬小麦品种结实特性和产量的影响

为了明确种植密度对冬小麦结实特性和产量的影响，于2020-2021年以大穗型品种衡观35和多穗型品种济麦22为试验材料，设置4个种植密度水平，分别为每公顷基本苗180万（D180）、300万（D300）、420万（D420）和540万（D540）株，比较分析了不同种植密度下冬小麦小花结实、籽粒空间分布特征和产量的差异。结果表明，随着种植密度的降低，衡观35主茎穗上部和I分蘖穗下部、济麦22主茎和I分蘖穗中上部小穗位的结实粒数呈增加的趋势。降低种植密度促进了两个品种穗中部小穗位弱势小花、上部和下部小穗位强势小花的结实。衡观35主茎穗中上部和I分蘖穗中部小穗位的结实粒数均高于济麦22。开花期穗干重与可孕小花数呈显著正相关。低种植密度处理下开花期穗干重的增加为其获得较高的穗粒数奠定了良好的物质基础。种植密度对千粒重影响不显著，但显著降低了衡观35的穗数。由于产量构成三要素的协调作用，两个品种均在D300处理下获得了最高产量，但与其余种植密度处理间差异均不显著。综合来看，在保证穗数的前提下，适当降低种植密度会促进冬小麦主茎和分蘖穗结实，进而增加穗粒数和产量，可节约生产成本，有利于冬小麦绿色高产高效生产。     

Activities of Enzymes for Sucrose-Starch Conversion in Developing Endosperm of Rice and Their Association with Grain Filling in Extra-Heavy Panicle Types

Abstract

Rice cultivars with numerous spikelets per panicle (extra-heavy panicle types) frequently fail to exhibit their high yield potential due to low grain filling. Existing genetic variation in grain filling, however, opens possibilities for genetic improvement for this trait. We studied the correlation between grain filling and the activities of enzymes for sucrose-starch conversion in developing endosperm. The activity of sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13, SuSy) and ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.27, AGPase), were measured in three extra-heavy panicle types and a standard cultivar grown at two locations under different environmental conditions. The proportions of grains with definite specific gravities and the rate of grain filling were adopted as the parameters related to grain filling. AGPase activity, but not that of SuSy, was consistently correlated to high proportions of high-density grains (specific gravity > 1.20) and high rates of grain growth in spikelets, particularly in those on secondary branches in which low grain filling is the rule. Such correlation was also detected in spikelets on primary branches which generally show better grain filling, but only early stages. Therefore, a high activity of AGPase might contribute to the reduction of the sucrose concentration by accelerating sucrose metabolism at the developing seed, a sink terminus of the phloem. Thus the sink-directed phloem transport of sucrose would be promoted, resulting in improved grain filling of extra-heavy panicle types. SuSy would play some roles in such a cultivar difference in grain filling, but depending on environments.     

Changes in NMR Relaxation of Rice Grains,Kernel Quality and Physicochemical Properties in Response to a High Temperature after Flowering in Heat-Tolerant and Heat-Sensitive Rice Cultivars

Abstract

Rice productivity is related to the ability of plants to adapt to heat stress. The heat-tolerant cultivars ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’ and heat-sensitive cultivar ‘Hinohikari’ were grown at 30ºC and 25ºC for 49 days after flowering. At 30ºC, only a few white immature kernels were produced in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’, but about 22% of grains had immature kernels in ‘Hinohikari’. The high temperature(30ºC) caused no significant changes in grain dry weight, water content, and the NMR T₁ value during the early ripening stage in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’. It also did not affect grain development, especially with respect to the nucellar epidermis, in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’, but caused clear cessation of development of the nucellar epidermis at 14 days after flowering in ‘Hinohikari’. In addition, high temperature decreased the amylose content and increased hardnessvs. adhesion ratio of cooked rice in both ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’ resulting a softer, less sticky texture, but not in ‘Hinohikari’. The maximum viscosity and breakdown values were increased, and final viscosity decreased at 30ºC in all three cultivars. These results suggested that starch in the endosperm of grains changed from a fluid state to a doughy state more slowly in ‘Nikomaru’ and ‘Chikushi 64’ than in ‘Hinohikari’, in which the water content and NMR relaxation time decreased, and transported assimilates accumulated slowly during grain development.     

Differential responses to high temperature during maturation in heat-stress-tolerant cultivars of Japonica rice

High-temperature stress during the grain-filling stage reduces grain quality of rice, and this is a serious problem in Japan, especially in the Kyushu region. To solve this problem, various heat-tolerant cultivars have been bred, such as ‘Nikomaru’, ‘Kumasannochikara’, ‘Genkitsukushi’, ‘Sagabiyori’, and ‘Otentosodachi’. When cultivated under high temperature after flowering, these heat-tolerant cultivars had lower percentages of chalky grains than in the heat-sensitive cultivar ‘Hinohikari’. All the heat-tolerant cultivars markedly decreased the nonstructural carbohydrate content in the stem under the high temperature compared to control condition during early grain-filling stage, which is considered to be a common trait of heat tolerance. Notably, ‘Sagabiyori’, ‘Genkitsukushi’, and ‘Nikomaru’ maintained a nucellar epidermis at 17 days after flowering (DAF) under high temperature, whereas the nucellar epidermis disappeared in ‘Hinohikari’. In addition, the expression of AGPS2b, thought to be a rate-limiting enzyme in starch synthesis, in ‘Kumasannochikara’, ‘Otentosodachi’, and ‘Nikomaru’ did not decrease under high temperature, whereas ‘Hinohikari’, ‘Sagabiyori’, and ‘Genkitsukushi’ could not maintain expression of the gene at 17 DAF. Moreover, the expression of Amy3E, a starch-degradation-related gene considered to induce grain chalkiness, in ‘Kumasannochikara’ at 17 DAF was not increased by high temperature. These results suggest that the heat-stress-tolerant cultivars have various mechanisms for dealing with high-temperature stress.     

Is there a tiller morphology ideotype for yield differences in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)?

The objectives of this study were to measure the variability in ‘realized’ tiller morphology and identify whether there are emergent generalizations about a tiller ideotype for productivity or survival. Morphological traits during the vegetative growth stage were measured for 2 years in the field for eight perennial ryegrass cultivars: six diploid and two tetraploid cultivars under low and high nitrogen fertilizer (50 and 225 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 respectively). Traits measured were lamina width, length and area; pseudo‐stem length and diameter; an index of tiller shape; tiller dry weight; tiller density; and herbage mass. Almost all the traits differed significantly between cultivars and significant correlations were found between the 2 years. Principal component analysis identified that tiller morphology and dry‐matter yield were independent. No trait associations indicating alternative cultivar‐specific tiller morphologies were detected but cultivars differed in tiller size. The patterns of change between the 2 years indicated a possible morphological trajectory as swards age. The genetic compensatory relationship between tiller size and density had a 1:1 slope, indicative of constant yield. This implies that larger tillers would be more leafy, and higher leafiness of tetraploid over diploid cultivars was confirmed by the leaf:non‐leaf ratio and tiller shape index.     

Effects of high temperature and shading on grain abscisic acid content and grain filling pattern in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

ABSTRACT

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key factor regulating starch biosynthesis genes and is involved in assimilate partitioning to individual spikelets. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of high temperature and shading during grain filling on grain ABA content and the grain filling pattern of spikelets located at different positions in a panicle. We grew the rice cultivar ‘Koshihikari’ in pots in 2009 under two temperature regimes and two light conditions during grain filling. We periodically measured grain dry weight and grain ABA content (pmol per grain) and concentration (pmol per grain dry weight). Shading increased a grain weight difference between superior and inferior spikelets while high temperature decreased the difference regardless of light condition. High temperature decreased ABA content and concentration in grains. There was a close correlation between mean grain ABA content and mean grain-filling rate averaged over the first half of grain filling.     

水稻品种的耐低磷性及其农艺生理性状

【目的】 本研究旨在探明水稻耐低磷性的评价指标和耐低磷品种的农艺生理特征。【方法】以11个江苏省近70年来的代表性粳稻品种作为材料,进行水培种植,设置低磷(标准营养液中磷浓度的1/20)处理,以正常磷浓度(国际水稻研究所标准营养液配方)为对照。【结果】 耐低磷指数(低磷产量×耐低磷系数/所有供试品种低磷处理的平均产量)、干物质指数(低磷干物质量/对照干物质量)与耐低磷系数(低磷产量/对照产量)及低磷处理下的产量呈显著或极显著正相关。将耐低磷指数和干物质指数作为评价水稻品种耐低磷性的指标。根据两指标值的大小将供试品种分成3类：强耐低磷品种,耐低磷指数和干物质指数均≥1;中耐低磷品种,耐低磷指数和干物质指数均>0.6, 耐低磷指数或干物质指数<1;弱耐低磷品种或低磷敏感型品种,耐低磷指数或干物质指数≤0.6。与弱耐低磷品种相比,强耐低磷品种在低磷处理下具有根量大、根系活力强,分蘖早期分蘖数多,总叶面积指数(LAI)和高效LAI大、有效LAI比例高,库容量大,抽穗期茎鞘中糖积累量多,抽穗至成熟期物质生产能力强等特征。与对照相比,低磷处理增加了磷素产谷利用率(稻谷产量/磷吸收量)和磷收获指数(籽粒中磷/成熟期植株中总吸收的磷)。在低磷下的磷素产谷利用率,强耐低磷品种高于弱耐低磷品种。【结论】 耐低磷指数和干物质指数可以作为耐低磷品种的筛选指标;在低磷处理下,根量大、分蘖早期分蘖数多、库容量大、抽穗至成熟期物质生产能力强是耐低磷性强和磷利用效率高水稻品种的重要农艺生理特征。     

Identification of quantitative trait loci for panicle structure and grain filling using a cross between indica- and japonica-type high-yielding rice cultivars

ABSTRACT

To enhance the yield potential of rice by breeding, it is important to reveal the genetic factors affecting yield components in high-yielding cultivars. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for panicle structure and spikelet weight as an index of grain filling was conducted using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between an indica-dominant high-yielding cultivar, Takanari, and a japonica-dominant high-yielding cultivar, Momiroman in 2012 and 2013 in eastern Japan. The grain-filling ability of Takanari is reported to be better than that of Momiroman. Since grain filling is generally better near the tip of the panicle and decreases as the number of branches from the rachis increases, we classified whole panicles into upper and lower side panicles and spikelets into primary, secondary, and tertiary spikelets according to the number of branches from the rachis. On chromosomes 1, 4, and 6, QTLs regulating the number of spikelets per panicle and panicle structure were detected and were most likely identical to GN1a, SPIKE, and APO1, respectively, which has been previously reported as QTLs regulating the number of spikelets per panicle. Takanari produced much heavier secondary and tertiary spikelets than Momiroman on the lower side panicle. On chromosome 5, novel QTLs regulating spikelet weight were detected. The Takanari allele enhanced secondary and tertiary spikelet weight on the lower side panicle. These results indicate that it may be possible to enhance sink capacity and translocation of source with a combination of novel QTLs detected on chromosome 5 and GN1, APO1, and SPIKE.     

Assessment of allelopathic potential of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) on rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

Laboratory, greenhouse and field studies were conducted to assess the allelopathic potential of 44 rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) on barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli P. Beauv. var. oryzicola Ohwi). Rice cultivars exhibited marked differences in the inhibition of barnyard grass growth and development. In the laboratory, Gin shun rice cultivar extracts exhibited the greatest activity on the weed seedling growth, reducing dry weight by 61%, while Kasarwala mundara cultivar extracts exhibited the greatest activity on seed germination, reducing germination by 23% and germination speed by 46%. In a greenhouse study of a residue mixture, the Philippine 2 cultivar showed the greatest inhibition percentage on seedling emergence (57%), total seedling length (74%) and dry weight (73%). In the field study, the Juma 10 cultivar demonstrated the most inhibitory effect by reducing barnyard grass tiller number (80%), leaf area (49%) and leaf (61%) and stem (74%) dry weight (68%). These results suggest that there are differences among the varieties for allelopathic inhibition of barnyard grass, and that the development of barnyard grass suppressive rice cultivars that have greater allelopathic potential may be possible.     

麦茬耕作方式对免耕直播夏玉米产量建成的影响

基于始于2012年的不同耕作方式长期定位试验，分析冬小麦播前深翻(DT)、旋耕(ST)和免耕(NT)3种耕作方式对后茬免耕直播夏玉米生长(干物质积累与分配)、生理指标(叶面积指数和SPAD值)、子粒灌浆速率的影响，探析麦茬耕作方式对后茬夏玉米生长发育和产量建成的影响。结果表明，ST处理成熟期干物质积累量显著高于DT和NT处理(P<0.05)，穗部干物质的分配比例分别较NT与DT处理显著增加了7.94%～13.79%、10.34%～17.48%。ST处理叶面积和持绿性优于DT和NT处理。ST处理的子粒灌浆速率较DT与NT处理提高12.71%～18.96%、5.25%～8.71%，最终获得最大产量。因此，冬小麦-夏玉米1年两熟种植模式下，麦茬旋耕更利于免耕直播夏玉米的生长和产量建成。     

Effects of cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) on the botanical composition of mixed swards

The effect of five cultivars of Festuca arundinacea on the botanical composition of mixed swards (with Dactylis glomerata and Trifolium repens singly and combined) at two soil fertility levels (moderate fertilizer application and no application) were examined. Shoot and root morphological characteristics of seedlings in each cultivar were also examined under pot conditions.
Although there was little difference in the total biomass of the three mixed swards between cultivars, the cultivars showed significant differences in their relative contribution to total biomass. The relative order of competitive ability between cultivars was maintained over the different soil fertility levels and different species associations.
Of the two yield components of a grass sward, tiller number and tiller size, number of tillers showed a larger response to the presence of neighbour species than mean tiller size, and thus success of F. arundinacea cultivars in mixed swards depended on the extent of reduction of number of tillers caused by the neighbour species of mixtures. The least competitive cultivar had the smallest seeds and shortest roots.     

四川小麦分蘖冗余及理想群体构成研究

为探究四川小麦分蘖冗余及理想群体构成,以5个典型冬小麦品种为材料,在分蘖始期至拔节期每2d剪一次分蘖,设置3个处理[仅保留主茎,剪除所有分蘖(B0);保留主茎和1个大分蘖(B1);保留主茎和2个大分蘖(B2);不剪分蘖(CK)],对成熟期小麦株高、穗部性状和单株产量进行调查分析。结果表明,5个品种间各性状对剪除分蘖的反应表现较一致。单株穗数以B0处理最低(1.00穗),B1、B2和CK处理单株穗数在同一水平(1.96~1.98穗);B0处理下穗粒数(49.5粒)、千粒重(53.2g)、穗长(11.3cm)、有效小穗数(17.7个)较CK显著增加,但株高(86.5cm)和单株产量(2.54g)均最低;B2处理的单株产量(4.27g)介于B1(4.39g)和CK(4.13g)之间,但与二者差异均不显著;B1处理下株高(88.1cm)适中,主茎和分蘖的穗长(11.0、10.6cm)增加,有效小穗数(17.8、16.4个)增多,最终主茎和分蘖的穗粒数(47.4、39.5粒)显著高于B2(44.2、34.7粒)和CK(43.8、36.0粒),主茎和分蘖的千粒重(50.7、52.5g)略高于B2(50.3、50.9g)和CK(49.6、51.3g),穗数、穗粒数、千粒重协调,单株产量(4.39g)最高。因此认为,保留主茎1个分蘖处理消除了冗余分蘖对资源的浪费,减少了内耗,是四川小麦优质、低耗、高产的最佳茎蘖组合。     

Winter cereals grown for grain and for the dual purpose of forage plus grain I. Production

In many rainfed regions of Euro-Mediterranean countries, current political and socio-economic developments demand research in alternative production systems to the common cereal grain monoculture. We studied the option of producing forage in winter by growing cereals for dual purpose (forage plus grain) in a Mediterranean environment. The effect of clipping on forage and grain production was assessed between 1987 and 1990 at Granada, southern Spain, in four cereal cultivars, and in one barley cultivar under three sowing systems.Winter forage yield of cereals, all clipped once at the stage of lemma primordia, was highly variable (25 to 311 g m⁻² of herbage dry matter), with considerable differences among cultivars, sowing systems and seasons. Treatments that had higher forage production were those of either longer crop duration before clipping date (with higher leaf numbers on the main stem and tiller numbers per plant) or higher plant density. Forage production was not related to grain yield reductions due to winter clipping.Averaged over cultivars, sowing systems and seasons, clipping reduced grain yield by 1%, but yielded some 127 g m⁻² of dry matter per season in a period of pasture shortage. Nevertheless, the responses to winter clipping differed among seasons. In 1987/88, clipped cereals produced more dry matter and grain than the control. In contrast, in the last two seasons, clipping reduced dry matter and grain production. Early sowing modified the response to clipping in these last two seasons. Grain yield of early sown barley was not reduced by clipping in 1988/89 and was even increased in 1989/90.The dual-purpose target for cereals could be an alternative to traditional grain monoculture in some Mediterranean environments, provided that adaptations of the traditional crop management to dual purpose, such as the optimization of sowing date and cultivar, are undertaken.     

Effects of the Tillering Nodes on the Main Stem of a Chinese Large-Panicle-Type Rice Cultivar,Yangdao 4, on the Growth and Yield-Related Characteristics in Relation to Cropping Season

Abstract

Using a Chinese large-panicle-type high-yielding indica rice cultivar, Yangdao 4 (YD), pot experiments were carried out to determine the effects of the removal of the lower nodal primary tillers on the growth and yield-related characteristics in comparison with a Japanese cultivar, Hinohikari (HH), with almost the same growth duration. The plants with all tillers remaining (Cont), those with tillers from the 5th and higher nodes (T5) and those with tillers from the 8th and higher nodes (T8) were prepared by removing the other tillers and grown in early, normal and late cropping seasons, sowing in late April, May and June, respectively. The lowest nodal primary tillers in each group emerged earlier and the number of days from sowing to flag leaf expansion and to full heading stage was reduced in the late cropping season, especially in HH. The maximum number of stems and number of panicles were larger in HH than in YD, and tended to be higher in the order of Cont > T5 > T8 plants. The average panicle weight per stem was higher in YD than in HH and higher in the order T8 > T5 > Cont. Panicle weight per hill was higher in YD than in HH in each cropping season and higher in early cropping season in both cultivars. Panicle weight decreased with delayed tiller emergence in YD, but not in HH. Panicle weight was more closely related to straw weight in YD than in HH. Therefore, the promotion of vegetative growth by early sowing and development of lower nodal tillers is more effective for attaining a high yield in YD than in HH.     

Effects of Soil Copper Concentration on Growth, Development and Yield Formation of Rice （Oryza sativa）

Pot experiments were conducted in 2002 and 2003 to investigate the effects of soil copper（Cu） concentration on growth, development and yield formation of rice by using the japonica cultivar Wuxiangjing 14 and hybrid rice combination Shanyou 63. The plant height, leaf number, elongated internode number and heading date of rice plants were not affected at soil Cu levels below 200 mg/kg, but affected significantly at above 400 mg/kg. The inhibitory effects on rice growth and development were increased with the increment of soil Cu levels. The grain yields decreased significantly with raising soil Cu levels. The main reasons for the grain yield reductions under lower soil Cu levels （100, 200 mg/kg） were mainly due to the decrease of number of spikelets per panicle, however, under higher soil Cu levels （more than 400 mg/kg）, both panicle number and number of spikelets per panicle contributed to the yield loss. The decreases of panicle number by Cu stress were mainly attributed to slow recovery from transplanting, delayed tillering and reduced maximum tiller numbers. The reduction of number of spikelets per panicle under soil Cu stress resulted from the decreases of both shoot dry weight （SDW） at the heading date and the ratio of spikelets to SDW. Total biomass at maturity decreased significantly with the increase of soil Cu levels, while economic coefficient showed non-significant decrease except under soil Cu levels above 800 mg/kg.