Yield and Quality Response of Young ‘Gala,Galaxy’ Trees under Different Irrigation Regimes

This study was conducted in 2007–2008 to determine the effects of different irrigation regimes on yield, quality and water-yield relationships of young dwarf ‘Gala, Galaxy’ apple trees in Isparta-Turkey. Irrigation water was applied based on a ratio of class A pan evaporation (rates of 0.0 (k_cp0), 0.25 (k_cp1), 0.50 (k_cp2), 0.75 c (k_cp3), 1.00 (k_cp4) and 1.25 (k_cp5)) with 5-day intervals. The effects of irrigation regimes on yield and fruit weight were statistically significant. Seasonal evapotranspiration was measured as 246.5–608.2 mm and 289.3–631.9 mm in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Water use efficiency lead to a yield ranging from 0.0023 to 0.0055 t ha^?1mm^?1 and from 0.0033 to 0.0111 t ha^?1mm^?1 and irrigation water use efficiency varies from 0.0009 to 0.0073 t ha^?1mm^?1 and from 0.0045 to 0.0186 t ha^?1mm^?1 in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The annual average yield response factor, ky, was 1.22. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the irrigation schedule for the 0.75 k_cp3 treatment, applying 0.75 of evaporation from class A pan, could be used in the irrigation of young dwarf apple trees without evident reduction in yield and that high water use efficiencies could be obtained.     

Effects of compost and defatted oilseed meals as sustainable organic fertilisers on cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) production in the Mediterranean basin

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is considered as one of the most suitable energy crops for Southern Europe. The aim of this work was to outline the effects of organic fertilisers on the productivity and the global warming potential (GWP) on cardoon production. Six fertilisers (N 100 kg ha^?1, N 50 kg ha^?1, Compost 30 t ha^?1, Compost 15 t ha^?1 + N 25 kg ha^?1, 3 t ha^?1 of defatted oilseed meals of sunflower, 3 t ha^?1 of defatted oilseed meals of Brassica carinata), and unfertilised control, were evaluated on two cultivars (‘Gobbo di Nizza’ and ‘Altilis 41’) in a split-plot experiment. Defatted oilseed meal of sunflower recorded higher total dry weight (+10%), seed yield (+17%), nitrogen use efficiency (+14%) and better GWP (?66%) compared to the other organic fertilisers and performing as well as N 100 kg ha^?1. Altilis 41 cultivar showed the highest aboveground total dry weight (10 t ha^?1 y^?1), seed yield (1.7 t ha^?1 y^?1), stalk dry weight (7 t ha^?1 y^?1) and head dry weight (3 t ha^?1 y^?1). Our results highlighted that by combining suitable cultivar and fertilisation strategies, it could be possible to increase the production sustainability of C. cardunculus.     

Determination of Energy Use Efficiency of some Apple (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Malus x domestica</Emphasis>) Production in Turkey: a Case Study of Eğirdir Region

This research aims to make an analysis of energy use efficiency of apple (‘Starkrimson Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’) production in E?irdir region of Turkey, during the production season of 2012. Production data this research was collected in 2013. In order to determine the energy use efficiency of apple, various surveys have been conducted in 71 apple farms, selected through Simple Random Sampling method, located in E?irdir region of Turkey. The data have been collected through face to face questionnaires and first hand observations. The energy input and output values in apple production have been calculated as 34,703.63 MJ ha^?1 and 95,034 MJ ha^?1, respectively. Energy inputs consist of diesel fuel energy by 29.04?%, chemical fertilizers energy by 24.28?%, machinery energy by 15.70?%, chemical energy by 9.84?%, human labor energy by 8.54?%, electricity energy by 5.63?%, irrigation energy by 3.97?%, farmyard manure energy by 2.88?% and lime energy by 0.12?%. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and net energy in apple production have been calculated as 2.74, 1.16 kg MJ^?1, 0.86 MJ kg^?1 and 60,330.36 MJ ha^?1, respectively. The total energy input consumed has been classified as direct, by 47.17?%, indirect, by 52.83?%, renewable, by 15.38?% and non-renewable, by 74.62?%.     

Effect of different fertilisation and irrigation practices on yield,nitrogen uptake and fertiliser use efficiency of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

The effect of different fertilisation (i.e. broadcast application and fertigation) and irrigation practices (tank sprinkler and drip irrigation) on yield, yield quality (nitrate content), nitrogen uptake of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and the potential for N losses was assessed on sandy-loam agricultural soil. ¹⁵N-labelled fertiliser was used as a tracer. It was found that different practices significantly affected yield, nitrate content in plants, N uptake, as well as fertiliser use efficiency. The highest yield (93 t ha⁻¹), plant N uptake (246 kg ha⁻¹), and fertiliser use efficiency (42%) were obtained under treatment with broadcast fertilisation with farmer's practice of irrigation (tank sprinkler). The N surplus after harvest was −41 kg N ha⁻¹, indicating the lowest potential for N losses. Treatment by fertigation and drip irrigation covering 100% of the crop's water requirements did not result in the highest yield as expected (72 t ha⁻¹), the N surplus after harvest was about +38 kg ha⁻¹. The lowest yield (58 t ha⁻¹), fertiliser use efficiency (30%) and hence the highest potential for N losses (N surplus after harvest +68 kg ha⁻¹) were found in treatment with broadcast fertilisation and drip irrigation covering 50% of the crop's water requirements.     

Effects of N and K on growth,herbage, oil yield and nutrient uptake patterns in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) under semi-arid tropical conditions

Summary

Essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) possesses good olfactory properties and is suitable for use in perfumes, soaps and fragrances. Field experiments were conducted over 2 years (2003-2005) in an area experiencing a semi-arid tropical climate, to study the influence of two N levels (150 or 300 kg N ha^–1 year^–1) and three K levels (41.5, 83.0 or 124.5 kg K ha^–1 year^–1), or no fertiliser, on the growth, herbage and oil yields and nutrient uptake patterns of rosemary. The results showed that application of 300 kg N ha^–1 year^–1 produced higher herbage and oil yields in rosemary, compared with 150 or 0 kg N ha^–1 year^–1. The application of 83.0 kg K ha^–1 year^–1 produced maximum herbage and oil yields, compared with 0 or 41.5 kg K ha^–1 year^–1. Total N and K uptake levels were increased significantly by the application of N and K. Nitrogen uptake increased by 85.2% and 137.7%, and K by 80.9% and 123.9%, respectively, with the application of 150 or 300 kg N ha^–1 compared to controls (no N). Similarly, N uptake increased by 96.1%, 130.2% and 113.6%, and K by 79%, 124.3% and 110.4%, respectively, with the application of 41.5, 83.0, or 124.5 kg K ha^–1 compared to controls (no K). Oil content and oil composition were not influenced by nitrogen or potassium levels.     

Energy Input-Output Analysis in Organic Mulberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Morus spp.</Emphasis>) Production in Turkey: a Case Study Adiyaman-Tut Region

The goal of this study is to do the energy input-output analysis of organic mulberry. This study was conducted at the organic mulberry producing facilities during the 2015–2016 production seasons in Adiyaman-Tut region of Turkey. The agricultural input energies and output energies used in organic mulberry production were computed to determine the energy input-output analysis. According to the research findings, the energy inputs in organic mulberry production were computed respectively as 3948?MJ ha^?1 (59.01%) drip and sprinkler irrigation energy, 1092.42?MJ ha^?1 (16.33%) gravity irrigation energy, 449.33?MJ ha^?1 (6.72%) diesel fuel energy, 416.52?MJ ha^?1 (6.23%) farmyard manure energy, 335.14?MJ ha^?1 (5.01%) human labour energy, 253.52?MJ ha^?1 (3.79%) machinery energy, 93.12?MJ ha^?1 (1.39%) transportation energy, 75.78 MJ ha^?1 (1.13%) animal labour energy and 26.62?MJ ha^?1 (0.40%) organic fertilizer energy. Total input energy was computed as 6690.46?MJ ha^?1. Production output organic mulberry yield were calculated as 37,627.84?MJ ha^?1. The energy output/input ratio, specific energy, energy productivity and net energy computations were computed respectively as 5.62, 1.51?MJ kg^?1, 0.66?kg MJ^?1 and 30,937.37?MJ ha^?1. The consumed total energy input in organic mulberry production could be classified as 88.20% direct, 11.80% indirect, 88.10% renewable and 11.90% non-renewable.     

The effect of grafting on nitrogen use in determinate field-grown tomatoes

Grafting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto disease resistant rootstocks has grown in use in North America over the past two decades. Rootstocks have traditionally been bred and used for their resistance packages to numerous soil-borne diseases but some rootstocks appear to improve scion yield and vigour in comparison to non-grafted plants in conditions lacking disease challenge. In this study, the tomato rootstocks ‘Maxifort’ or ‘RST-106’ were used to determine if vigour improved ‘Tribute’ scion traits, especially yield, and if marketable yield could be maintained in grafted plants at reduced nitrogen fertiliser inputs. Plants were grown in an open-field plasticulture production system at five rates of nitrogen from 0 kg ha^?1 to 224 kg ha^?1 applied via drip irrigation. Marketable yield was significantly affected by nitrogen rate and rootstock in both years. ‘Tribute’ grafted onto ‘Maxifort’ rootstock had the greatest, most consistent impact and increased marketable yield 15% and 30% in 2013 and 2014, respectively, compared to the non-grafted ‘Tribute’. Our findings suggest that some rootstocks can increase scion growth and yield but do not differentially respond to decreased nitrogen rates.     

Determining the Energy Usage Efficiency of Walnut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans Regia</Emphasis> L.) Cultivation in Turkey

The aim of this study is to reveal the energy balance of walnut in Central Anatolian Region in Turkey. This study has been conducted at the walnut cultivating facilities during the 2014–2015 production season in K?r?ehir, Konya, Nev?ehir and Ni?de provinces of Central Anatolian Region in Turkey, where walnut cultivation is intense. In the study, a total of 28 walnut cultivation facilities, yielding walnut, have been selected through Neyman method and surveys and observations have been performed in these facilities. The agricultural input energies and output energies used in walnut cultivation have been calculated to define the energy use efficiency. According to the study findings, the energy inputs in walnut cultivation are calculated respectively 17,851.33?MJ ha^?1 (74.40%) chemical fertilizer energy, 2229.87?MJ ha^?1 (9.29%) fuel energy, 1640.64?MJ ha^?1 (6.83%) irrigation water energy, 1539?MJ ha^?1 (6.41%) machine energy, 508.02?MJ ha^?1 (%2.11) chemical energy, 180.35?MJ ha^?1 (0.75%) human labour energy and 43.33?MJ ha^?1 (0.18%) farm manure energy. Production outputs have been calculated as 14,679.52?MJ ha^?1. Following the energy calculations, the output/input ratio, specific energy, energy efficiency and net energy calculations have been calculated respectively as 0.61, 30.20?MJ kg^?1, 0.03?kg MJ^?1 and ?9313.02?MJ ha^?1. Benefit-cost ratio was calculated as 1.88, by dividing the gross value of production by the total cost of production per hectare in walnut production.     

Influence of soil hydrothermal environment,irrigation regime,and different mulches on the growth and fruit quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa L.) plants in a sub-temperate climate

Summary

The present study was undertaken over two consecutive years under sub-temperate climatic conditions in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh (30°52'N, 77°11'E; 1,175 m asl) on loamy sand Inceptisols. The aim was to investigate the effects of irrigation and mulch material on the growth, flowering, fruiting behaviour, relative leaf water content (RLWC), yield, and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa L. ‘Chandler’). The drip irrigation treatments included irrigation with 100, 80, or 60% (coded 1.0, 0.8, and 0.6 V) of the total water requirement. Both mulches increased the minimum soil temperature to a depth of 5 cm. The drip and surface irrigation treatments raised the minimum soil temperature by 3.0º – 5.4ºC, and lowered the maximum temperature by 2.2º – 5.8ºC compared to the rainfed control. Hay mulch was more effective in raising the minimum temperature and lowering the maximum soil temperature than black polyethylene mulch. Moisture conservation increased by 2.8 – 12.8% under the black polyethylene mulch compared to the no-mulch treatment. Drip and surface irrigation methods, as well as mulching, were found to be effective for enhancing the growth, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), fruit yield, and quality of strawberry plants. However, the number of crowns per plant, the percentage berry set, the RLWC, root length density (RLD), and fruit yield were highest under treatment M3I3 [i.e., black polyethylene mulch plus drip irrigation (1.0 V)] by 565.5%, 94.5%, 32.8%, 394.5%, and 549.6%,respectively, compared to the no mulch plus rainfed control. The maximum IWUE values for plant biomass [1.39 metric tonnes (MT) ha^–1 m^–1] and fruit yield (2.79 MT ha^–1 m^–1) were recorded under treatment M3I5 [i.e., black polyethylene mulch plus drip irrigation (0.6 V)]; whereas, the lowest values (0.39 and 0.68 MT ha^–1 m^–1, respectively) were observed using treatment M1I2 (i.e., without mulch, plus surface irrigation). Fruit size, weight, sugar content, and anthocyanin content increased significantly under treatment M2I3 [i.e., hay mulch, plus drip irrigation (1.0 V)] compared with all other treatments. Total soluble solids (TSS) contents and total acidity (TA) were highest under treatment M1I1 (i.e., no mulch, plus rainfed). A linear regression model could describe the variations in quality parameters of strawberry plants grown under sub-temperate climatic conditions. Root density was found to be the best indicator with which estimate fruit quality.     

Effects of Irrigation Frequency on Yield and Quality Parameters in Apple c.v. ‘Gala,Galaxy’

This study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 in order to determine the effects of irrigation frequency on the yield and quality parameters of dwarf trees of the apple cultivar ‘Gala, Galaxy’ in the first and second year of cultivation. Irrigation water was applied at 3?, 5?, 7?, and 10-day intervals as much as the amount of water consumed from the field capacity. Statistical analysis revealed that the effects of irrigation frequency on yield were significant. Since the trees used in the experiment showed mainly vegetative growth, the effects of irrigation frequency on the fruit quality characteristics varied. Irrigation water amount was applied as 355.7–446.5 mm and 359.2–538.9 mm to the experimental treatments in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The evapotranspiration measured was in the range 400.7–491.5 mm in 2007 but in the range 440.2–600.5 mm in 2008, while the yields in the same years ranged from 1.54 to 2.84 t ha^?1 and from 2.61 to 6.06 t ha^?1. Water use efficiency varied between 2.40 and 4.80 t ha^?1mm^?1 in the first year of the experiment but between 3.45 and 7.08 t ha^?1mm^?1 in the second year. The I₂ treatment, in which the highest yield and water use efficiency were recorded in both years of the experiment under the experimental conditions, was determined as the irrigation scheduling.     

Effects of the amount of water applied,method of irrigation,and rate of N-application,on herbage and oil yields,N-uptake,and water-use efficiency in patchouli [Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.] grown under semi-arid tropical conditions

Summary

A field experiment was conducted during 2008 and 2009 at Bangalore, India, to study the effect of the amount of irrigation water applied (20, 25, or 30 mm per irrigation), the method of irrigation (i.e., flat-bed, or broad-bed and furrow) and nitrogen level (0, 50, or 100 kg N ha^–1) on herbage and oil yields, nitrogen (N) uptake, and water-use efficiency of patchouli [Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.]. At the highest level of N (100 kg N ha^–1), the broad-bed and furrow method was better suited for irrigating patchouli compared with the flat-bed method of irrigation. The highest herbage yield was achieved following the application of 100 kg N ha^–1 and 30 mm water per irrigation. However, with 25 mm irrigation, the broad-bed and furrow method increased N uptake (45.7 kg ha^–1) significantly compared with the flat-bed method of irrigation (36.7 kg ha^–1). The broad-bed and furrow method of irrigation increased the water-use efficiency significantly compared with the flat-bed method of irrigation. The content and quality of patchouli oil were not influenced by the amount of irrigation water, the method of irrigation, or N-level.     

Nitrogen and water use efficiency of zucchini squash for a plastic mulch bed system on a sandy soil

Zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is an economically important vegetable crop in Florida. Typically, it is intensively managed with high inputs of fertiliser and irrigation water. Our objectives were to evaluate the interaction between fertilisation rates and irrigation treatments, and to quantify nitrate leaching in a plastic mulched/drip irrigated zucchini squash production systems. Three studies were carried out. The first study evaluated different depth placement of drip and fertigation lines on plant growth and fruit yield. Treatments included SUR (both irrigation and fertigation drip lines placed on the surface); S&S (both lines buried 0.15 m deep); and SDI (irrigation line placed 0.15 m below the fertigation line on the surface). The second and third studies compared three different N-rates and different soil moisture sensor-based irrigation strategies. Nitrate-N leaching was monitored by zero tension drainage lysimeters and soil samples. N leaching increased when irrigation and N-rates increased, with values ranging from 2 to 45 kg ha⁻¹ of N. Use of SDI increased yields by 16% compared to the S&S treatment, and reduced nitrate leaching by 93% while increasing the water use efficiency by 75% compared to a fixed 2-h irrigation event per day treatment. Application of N above the standard recommended rate of 145 kg ha⁻¹ did not increase yield, although yields were reduced at the lowest N-rate. The use of soil moisture sensors for automatic irrigation control reduced irrigation application and minimized nitrogen leaching. In addition, combining the soil moisture controlled SDI system that had surface applied fertigation resulted in similar or higher yields, while reducing both water use and potential N leaching because of improved nutrient retention in the root zone.     

Fruit yield and water use efficiency of eggplant (Solanum melongema L.) as influenced by different quantities of nitrogen and water applied through drip and furrow irrigation

Elucidation of the effects of different quantities of nitrogen (N) and water applied through drip and furrow irrigation on fruit yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in eggplant is essential for formulating proper management practices for sustainable production. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the independent and interactive effects of four levels of N and different quantities of water applied through drip as well as furrow irrigation on eggplant fruit yield, agronomic efficiency of N and WUE. In the present field investigation, ridge planting with each furrow and alternate furrow irrigation were compared with drip irrigation at three levels of water: 100%, 75% and 50% of each furrow irrigation (designated as D_1.0, D_0.75 and D_0.5). The four levels of N studied were 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N ha⁻¹ (designated as N₉₀, N₁₂₀, N₁₅₀ and N₁₈₀). The eggplant hybrid BH-1 was transplanted on August 5, 2004 at the spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm.     

Water use and fruit yield of mango (Mangifera indica L.) grown in a subtropical Mediterranean climate

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. On the coast of Granada and Malaga (SE Spain), irrigated subtropical fruit species have been introduced and cultivated on terraces with a considerable economic importance as the only European production region. The subtropical fruit production in this zone is possible with intensive irrigation on terraces, which are economically more profitable than traditional rainfed crops (almond and olive), which have been replaced or abandoned. A 2-year monitoring period was conducted using drainage lysimeters to determine the crop coefficients (Kc) and fruit yield in mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Osteen) orchards. Also, some quality parameters such as titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and vitamin C were evaluated under these conditions. The averaged Kc values of mango trees varied within production cycle of 0.43, 0.67, and 0.63 at flowering, fruit set, and fruit growth, respectively. In this study, the fruit yield under full water requirements (100% ET_C) averaged 24.1 kg tree^?1, amounting to 21.2 kg ha^?1 mm^?1 in terms of water-use efficiency. The quality parameters of the mango fruits harvested in the study area were satisfactory. Thus, this study highlights the need to optimize the irrigation-water use according to actual mango requirements, thereby achieving more sustainable Mediterranean subtropical farming in orchard terraces.     

Effects of source,rate, and frequency of N application on yield,marketable grades and rot incidence of sweet onion (Allium cepa L. cv. Granex-33)

In a field experiment in the 1988-89 season, fertilizer formulations of NH₄NO₃, Ca(NO₃)₂, NaNO₃, NaKNO₃, and KNO₃ as N sources were applied at 84 and 168 kg N ha^?1 to onion plots direct seeded in the fall. A second experiment in the 1990-91 season tested the same N sources, except KNO₃, at rates of 168 and 224 kg ha^?1. Application strategy involved both splitting the total amount of fertilizer over two periods of the growing season (October–December and January—April) and the application frequency. With medium and high application rates (168 and 224 kg ha^?1), NH₄NO₃, NaNO₃, and NaKNO₃, increased high-value jumbo and large onions (premium marketable grade). Increased premium grades was due to increased bulb size and weight. Only NH₄NO₃ and Ca (NO₃)₂ increased total onion weight when N rate was increased from 84 to 168 kg ha^?1. Less frequent applications of split amounts of 84 kg N ha^?1 reduced marketable weight in the 1988–89 season, but doubling the rate to 168 kg ha^?1 restored the higher yields. At 224 kg N ha^?1 in the 1990–91 season, differences in onion grades were more pronounced among the different N sources, and NH4 NO₃ was superior in producing jumbo and large size onions. High N rates (224 kg ha^?1) and more frequent applications of split portions also increased the weight of jumbo onions. Split applications, providing 33% of the total N in the first 12 weeks of the growth period plus three applications of 22% each in the second 12 week period, increased bulb size and maximized yield of premium marketable grades. Effect of N rate on onion rot was dependent on split methods of applying the N during early and late growth periods. However, reduction in onion rot by the split application strategy was dependent on N source. Bulb decay was highest with NH4NO₃ and least with Ca(NO₃)₂ and NaNO₃.     

Effects of farmyard manure on soil organic carbon stock,the pattern of fertility build-up,and plant growth in ‘Mallika’ mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Summary

A field experiment was conducted on mango (Mangifera indica L.) to study the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) on soil organic carbon (SOC) content and on the build-up of fertility over three growing seasons (2006–2007, 2007–2008, and 2008–2009) at Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. Five treatments, including the application of FYM at 5.0 kg plant^–1, 7.5 kg plant^–1, or 10.0 kg plant^–1, the recommended dose of a chemical fertiliser (RDF; N:P:K=75:20:60), and a non-fertilised control, were evaluated in a randomised block design. The results indicated that SOC contents increased significantly in the FYM-treated plots. The highest SOC density (554 g m^–2) and stock (5.55 Mg ha^–1) were recorded in the treatment with FYM at 10 kg plant^–1. The rate of increase in SOC density was highest (193 g m^–2 year^–1) with FYM at 10 kg plant^–1, and lowest in the untreated control (15 g m^–2 year^–1). Regular addition of FYM had a positive effect on the build-up of soil fertility. However, the greatest increases in soil N, P, K contents were in the 7.5 kg plant^–1 FYM treatment (means = 319.9, 19.1, and 270.8 kg ha^–1 for N, P, K, respectively). Farmyard manure significantly influenced the growth parameters of mango trees over the three seasons. There was a positive and linear relationship between increasing rates of application of FYM and trunk cross-sectional area.     

Effects of aspect and altitude on carbon cycling processes in a temperate mountain forest catchment

Context

Varying altitudes and aspects within small distances are typically found in mountainous areas. Such a complex topography complicates the accurate quantification of forest C dynamics at larger scales.

Objectives

We determined the effects of altitude and aspect on forest C cycling in a typical, mountainous catchment in the Northern Limestone Alps.

Methods

Forest C pools and fluxes were measured along two altitudinal gradients (650–900 m a.s.l.) at south-west (SW) and north-east (NE) facing slopes. Net ecosystem production (NEP) was estimated using a biometric approach combining field measurements of aboveground biomass and soil CO₂ efflux (SR) with allometric functions, root:shoot ratios and empirical SR modeling.

Results

NEP was higher at the SW facing slope (6.60?±?3.01 t C ha^?1  year^?1), when compared to the NE facing slope (4.36?±?2.61 t C ha^?1 year^?1). SR was higher at the SW facing slope too, balancing out any difference in NEP between aspects (NE: 1.30?±?3.23 t C ha^?1 year^?1, SW: 1.65?±?3.34 t C ha^?1 year^?1). Soil organic C stocks significantly decreased with altitude. Forest NPP and NEP did not show clear altitudinal trends within the catchment.

Conclusions

Under current climate conditions, altitude and aspect adversely affect C sequestering and releasing processes, resulting in a relatively uniform forest NEP in the catchment. Hence, including detailed climatic and soil conditions, which are driven by altitude and aspect, will unlikely improve forest NEP estimates at the scale of the studied catchment. In a future climate, however, shifts in temperature and precipitation may disproportionally affect forest C cycling at the southward slopes through increased water limitation.

     

Analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from ornamental plant production: A nursery level approach

The focus of the work is to define a methodology to evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the nursery industry, comparing two different plant production systems (field- and container-grown plants) and assessing different scenarios for the reduction of the emissions. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, with the “from cradle to gate” approach, was used. The analysis revealed that the total emission of CO₂eq is higher in container cultivations than in field cultivations, with emissions ranging between 26.1 and 34.7 Mg ha^?1 year^?1 for the former, and between 2.3 and 6.6 Mg ha^?1 year^?1 for the latter; greenhouse horticultural crops emit 2.2–10.3 Mg ha^?1 year^?1 of CO₂eq and arable crop emissions were measured as 6.2 Mg ha^?1 year^?1 of CO₂eq.Different scenarios for the reduction of GHG emission were tested and a 15.5% reduction of GHG emission was achieved. Two of the scenarios applied – 50% recycled water usage (scenario 1) and 10% of green waste recovery for substrates (scenario 3) – are already in use in nursery farms.     

1-Naphthaleneacetic acid and 6-benzyladenine thinning of a common slender spindle ‘Jonagold’/M.9 apple orchard. II: Partial tree spraying

Summary

Mature slender spindle ‘Jonagold’/M.9 apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) trees were thinned using 10 mg l^–1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 100 mg l^?1 6-benzyladenine (BA) and an axial fan sprayer at a spray volume of 1,500 l ha^?1 applied to the whole canopy, or with smaller volumes, where only the upper half of each canopy was sprayed. Partial spray applications of NAA or BA (at 1,000 l ha^?1, 750 l ha^?1, or 500 l ha^?1) to the upper half of the trees did not cause any reduction in final fruit numbers on the upper half, or on the lower half of each tree. When the whole tree was sprayed to run-off with the same thinning agent, or at 1,500 l ha^?1, successful thinning on both the upper and lower parts of the canopy occurred. Good spray coverage (from 51% to 77%) was also observed on leaves at all canopy positions measured, when whole trees were sprayed at 1,500 l ha^?1.The development of an innovative crop load regulation strategy was an objective of the ISAFRUIT Smartfruit Project.     

An efficient method for immature embryo rescue and plant regeneration from the Calli of Ziziphus jujuba ‘Lengbaiyu’

Hybrid breeding of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujube) is limited by embryo abortion. Improving the success of embryogenic progeny and immature embryo culture techniques could increase the breeding efficiency of new jujube varieties. We optimised the current immature embryo culture techniques by using immature embryos before the globular stage of Chinese jujube variety Lengbaiyu. The optimal growth media were as follows: for 30-day-old immature embryo growth, MS + IBA 0.8 mg·L^?1 + ZT 0.5 mg·L^?1 + GA₃ 7.0 mg·L^?1 + NAA 0.2 mg·L^?1 + LH 0.5 mg·L^?1 + 5% sucrose, with 22.22% embryonic growth rate and 0.41% plantlet formation rate; and for young embryo differentiation, MS + TDZ (0.8 mg·L^?1) + IAA (0.5 mg·L^?1) + sucrose (3%), with 81.12% differentiation rate. Thus, regeneration via callus induction effectively improved the efficiency of embryo rescue from young immature embryos in Lengbaiyu, which might provide new approaches for breeding Chinese jujube.