Transgressive variants for red pericarp grain with high yield potential derived from Oryza rufipogon × Oryza sativa: Field evaluation, screening for blast disease, QTL validation and background marker analysis for agronomic traits

Five transgressive variants (advanced breeding lines from BC₂F₅ and BC₂F₆ generation) were derived from a cross between the wild relative, O. rufipogon Griff. and O. sativa L. subsp. indica cv. MR219, a popular high yielding Malaysian rice cultivar. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pericarp colour of the grains along with yield potential and to validate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for agronomic traits. The variants were screened against blast disease. Background marker analysis was also done for the promising variants. The field trials were carried out at a single location (due to containment purposes) over two seasons using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. A trait-based marker analysis was used to identify QTLs for validation in BC₂F₅ generation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the seasonal factors influenced different agronomic traits. Variant G33 produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher yield (5.20 t/ha) than the control, MR219 (4.53 t/ha). Eighteen QTLs for different agronomic traits were identified in BC₂F₂ population in a previous study. Among them 14 QTLs were found in BC₂F₅ population of the present study. The yield of variant G33 was influenced by several QTLs viz. qGPL-1, qSPL-1-2, qSPL-8 and qYLD-4, which were introgressed from the donor parent revealed by background marker analysis using BC₂F₇ generation. Percentage (99%) of red pericarp grain of G33 and G34 in BC₂F₅ and BC₂F₆ generations indicated the stability of pericarp colour which was transferred from the wild relative. Variant G33 showed resistance against two pathotype of blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae). Among the evaluated variants, G33 could be considered for inclusion in the cultivar development program for red rice with high yield potential and resistance to blast disease. This study demonstrated that the alleles from wild relative could improve the yield and yield related traits through allelic interaction, even though the phenotypic traits were inferior to the recurrent parent.     

Identification of a GDSL-motif carboxylester hydrolase from rice bran (Oryza sativa L.)

A major esterase (designated OsEST1) showing high activity using 1-naphthyl acetate as a substrate was identified from rice bran and purified approximately 239-fold to near-homogeniety. The purified enzyme migrated as a single polypeptide band on native and SDS-polyacrylamide gels and had a molecular mass of 25 kDa under denaturing conditions. Analysis of its tryptic peptides by MALDI-TOF-MS and subsequent data mining identified a corresponding cDNA OsEST1 consisting of 714 nucleotides and encoding a 238 amino acid protein. Analysis of its primary sequence indicated that OsEST1 is a GDSL-motif carboxylester hydrolase belonging to the SGNH protein subfamily in containing the putative catalytic triad of Ser¹¹, Asp¹⁸⁷, and His¹⁹⁰. OsEST1 showed the highest catalytic activity at approximately pH 8.0–8.5 and at 45 °C with K_m and V_max values for 1-naphthyl acetate of 172 μM and 63.7 μmol/min/mg protein, respectively. However, OsEST1 showed no activity with triacylglycerol. Alignment of the primary sequence of OsEST1 and other rice GDSL-motif esterases/lipases showed that OsEST1 aligns with a specific family of plant SGNH esterases involved in response to dehydration and cuticle formation. These results suggest that OsEST1 is not a lipase but an esterase activity which has some other function in rice, especially during seed development.     

Plant characteristics associated with weed competitiveness of rice under upland and lowland conditions in West Africa

Weeds are a major constraint to rice (Oryza spp.) production in West Africa. Superior weed competitive rice genotypes may reduce weed pressure and improve rice productivity. Two upland and two lowland experiments were conducted in southern Benin to examine genotypic variations in weed-suppressive ability and grain yield under weedy conditions, and to identify plant characteristics that could be used as selection criteria for improved weed competitiveness. A total of 19 genotypes, including Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima genotypes and interspecific hybrids developed from crossing O. sativa and O. glaberrima, were grown under weed-free and weedy conditions in an upland with supplemental irrigation and in a flooded lowland. In weedy plots, hand weeding was done once or not at all. Mean relative yield loss across all genotypes due to weed competition ranged from almost 0% to 61%. Large genotypic variations in weed biomass and grain yield under weedy conditions were found. Visual growth vigor at 42 and 63 days after sowing (DAS) under weed-free conditions significantly correlated with weed biomass at maturity in both upland and lowland experiments (R² = 0.26–0.48). Where weed pressure was low to moderate, with mean relative yield loss less than 23%, the multiple regression models using grain yield and plant height at maturity or only grain yield measured under weed-free conditions as independent variables could explain 66–88% of the genotypic variation in grain yield under weedy conditions. At higher weed pressure (mean relative yield loss: 61%), as observed in one of the upland experiments, biomass accumulation of rice at 42 days after sowing was associated with higher grain yield under weedy conditions. Biomass accumulation also significantly correlated with visual growth vigor at the same sampling dates. Therefore, we conclude that grain yield, plant height at maturity and visual growth vigor at 42–63 DAS under weed-free conditions appear to be useful selection criteria for developing superior weed competitive rice genotypes.     

Weed competitiveness of the lowland rice varieties of NERICA in the southern Guinea Savanna

Weed competition is a major constraint to lowland rice production in West Africa. Interspecific rice varieties named New Rice for Africa (NERICA) may have superior weed competitiveness and could as such play an important role in integrated weed management. The NERICA varieties were developed from the wide cross between high-yielding Oryza sativa (L.) and weed competitive and disease resilient Oryza glaberrima (Steud.). In this study weed competitiveness of all 60 lowland varieties of NERICA (NERICA-L) was compared with their most frequently used parents [IR64 (O. sativa) and TOG5681 (O. glaberrima)], the weed competitive variety Jaya (O. sativa) and the O. glaberrima upland NERICA parent CG14. During the 2006 and 2007 rainy seasons these varieties were grown under weed-free and weedy conditions in a lowland farmers’ field with partially controlled irrigation in south-east Benin. Weedy plots included single hand weeding at 28 days after sowing, whereas weed-free plots were weekly weeded.     

A critical assessment of a desk study comparing crop production systems: The example of the ‘system of rice intensification’ versus ‘best management practice’

When assessing hypotheses, the possibility and consequences of false-positive conclusions should be considered along with the avoidance of false-negative ones. A recent assessment of the system of rice intensification (SRI) by McDonald et al. [McDonald, A.J., Hobbs, P.R., Riha, S.J., 2006. Does the system of rice intensification outperform conventional best management? A synopsis of the empirical record. Field Crops Res. 96, 31–36] provides a good example where this was not done as it was preoccupied with avoiding false-positives only. It concluded, based on a desk study using secondary data assembled selectively from diverse sources and with a 95% level of confidence, that ‘best management practices’ (BMPs) on average produce 11% higher rice yields than SRI methods, and that, therefore, SRI has little to offer beyond what is already known by scientists.     

Physiological characterization of introgression lines derived from an indica rice cultivar, IR64, adapted to drought and water-saving irrigation

Water scarcity threatens sustainable rice production in many irrigated areas around the world. To cope with the scarcity, aerobic rice culture has been proposed as a promising water-saving technology. The objective was to elucidate the physiological attributes behind the performance of rice introgression lines in water-saving culture. We evaluated yield potential and physiological adaptation traits to water deficit of BC₃-derived lines with the genetic background of an elite indica cultivar, IR64, in the field and in pot experiments. One line, YTH183, had 26% higher yield than IR64 under non-stress conditions (895 vs. 712 g m⁻² on average). This was attributed to enlarged sink capacity due to large grain size, which contributed to more efficient use of assimilates and hence a higher harvest index. YTH183 also showed better dehydration avoidance under intermittent soil drying, due to the adaptive response of deep rooting to water deficiency. The grain yield of YTH183 exceeded that of IR64 by 92-102% under moderate water deficit caused by limited irrigation in aerobic rice culture (143 vs. 72 g m⁻²). Two introgressed segments on chromosomes 5 and 6 might, at least in part, confer the higher yield potential and greater dehydration avoidance in YTH183 simultaneously. Advanced backcross breeding combined with molecular genetics and physiological characterization of introgressed segments would be effective for developing new rice cultivars with high yield potential and drought adaptation traits.     

Addressing current and future problems of parasitic weeds in rice

Significant areas of rain-fed rice in the Sahel, savannah and derived savannah zones of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Madagascar and other Indian Ocean Islands are infested by parasitic weeds. The affected area accommodates some of the poorest farmers of the world. Without appropriate management parasitic weeds in rice are expected to increase in importance in SSA due to their general invasive nature and their abilities to adapt to changing conditions such as imposed by predicted climate changes. The most important parasitic weeds in rice are: Striga hermonthica, Striga asiatica, Striga aspera and Rhamphicarpa fistulosa. The first two are primarily found in free-draining uplands while S. aspera is also found on hydromorphic soils and R. fistulosa is restricted to unimproved lowlands including inland valleys. As parasitic weeds are typical production constraints in subsistence rice production, targeting them would directly contribute to poverty alleviation and food security. This paper provides an overview of the problems caused by parasitic weeds in rice and discusses management options and opportunities for research for development.     

Effects of transition season management on soil N dynamics and system N balances in rice–wheat rotations of Nepal

In the low-input rice–wheat production systems of Nepal, the N nutrition of both crops is largely based on the supply from soil pools. Declining yield trends call for management interventions aiming at the avoidance of native soil N losses. A field study was conducted at two sites in the lowland and the upper mid-hills of Nepal with contrasting temperature regimes and durations of the dry-to-wet season transition period between the harvest of wheat and the transplanting of lowland rice. Technical options included the return of the straw of the preceding wheat crop, the cultivation of short-cycled crops during the transition season, and combinations of both. Dynamics of soil N_min, nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide emissions, and crop N uptake were studied throughout the year between 2004 and 2005 and partial N balances of the cropping systems were established. In the traditional system (bare fallow between wheat and rice) a large accumulation of soil nitrate N and its subsequent disappearance upon soil saturation occurred during the transition season. This nitrate loss was associated with nitrate leaching (6.3 and 12.8 kg ha⁻¹ at the low and high altitude sites, respectively) and peaks of nitrous oxide emissions (120 and 480 mg m⁻² h⁻¹ at the low and high altitude sites, respectively). Incorporation of wheat straw at 3 Mg ha⁻¹ and/or cultivation of a nitrate catch crop during the transition season significantly reduced the build up of soil nitrate and subsequent N losses at the low altitude site. At the high altitude site, cumulative grain yields increased from 2.35 Mg ha⁻¹ with bare fallow during the transition season to 3.44 Mg ha⁻¹ when wheat straw was incorporated. At the low altitude site, the cumulative yield significantly increased from 2.85 Mg ha⁻¹ (bare fallow) to between 3.63 and 6.63 Mg ha⁻¹, depending on the transition season option applied. Irrespective of the site and the land use option applied during the transition season, systems N balances remained largely negative, ranging from −37 to −84 kg N ha⁻¹. We conclude that despite reduced N losses and increased grain yields the proposed options need to be complemented with additional N inputs to sustain long-term productivity.     

Biorefinery of Cannabis sativa using one- and two-step steam treatments for the production of high quality fibres

Among the sources of lignocellulosic biomass that could be considered as a feedstock for a biorefinery, hemp (Cannabis sativa) is known for the quality and relative abundance of its fibre. In this work, two variations of the Feedstock Impregnation Rapid and Sequential Steam Treatment (FIRSST) process are compared for the production of both fibres and biomolecules (including liquid fuels) as the valorization of the entire carbon content of biomass is needed to reach economical viability. In the first variation, the fibres were isolated via two specific and sequential steam treatments while in the second variation, fibres were isolated using only one steam treatment. Both processes allowed the isolation of a fibre that was comparable to kraft pulp while reducing the amounts of ashes along the process. Compositions of the residual solid fibre at different steps of the treatment were evaluated using ASTM and TAPPI standard methods. Carbohydrates were identified and quantified using HPLC with an anion exchange stationary phase. The qualities of the FIRSST and Kraft pulp produced were compared using standard ATPPC methods. Both pulps showed similar indexes. The two-steps FIRSST process has leaded to direct isolation of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin that could be suitable for the production of energy (biofuels) and high value chemicals, with small investments in terms of chemicals and energy.     

Modeling the dependence of the crop calendar for rain-fed rice on precipitation in Northeast Thailand

Rain-fed lowlands are major agricultural ecosystems used for rice production in Northeast Thailand. Developing a tool to assess the effects of variable water conditions on the regional scale yield is also important to predict the effects of climate change on food supply. To estimate regional yields, we need a simple but accurate measure of the crop calendar (i.e., the distribution of planting dates), which has a strong influence on grain yield. In this article, we modeled the dependence of the crop calendar on rainfall patterns based on a survey of the region’s farmers as a part of an effort to provide a stronger basis for regional yield estimates. Our survey, conducted in 11 provinces for 2 years, confirmed the existence of large windows for sowing and transplanting versus narrow windows for heading and harvesting for rain-fed lowland rice culture in all the provinces. Variable water, soil, and toposequential conditions in the paddy fields were responsible for the large sowing and transplanting windows, whereas the use of photoperiod-sensitive varieties explained the narrow windows for heading and harvesting. The crop calendar was well expressed as a function of cumulative precipitation from June onward. When the crop calendar model was combined with a simple phenology-based model that uses growing degree-days adjusted by a day-length factor, we could estimate the rice crop calendar under rain-fed lowland conditions with acceptable accuracy. The model described in this article will be combined with a crop growth model to improve regional yield estimates for rain-fed lowland rice.     

Yield benefit and underlying cost of insect-resistance transgenic rice: Implication in breeding and deploying transgenic crops

The rapid development of transgenic biotechnology has greatly promoted the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops including the insect-resistant crops worldwide. Apart from the enormous yield benefits brought by the GM crops, the cryptic fitness cost associated with transgenes has also been detected under experimental conditions although it is considered to be rare. To estimate the yield benefit and cost of insect-resistant GM rice, we studied field performances of three insect-resistant GM rice lines, involving their non-GM parental variety as comparison. Great benefits as estimated by the yield-related traits were observed in the GM rice lines when high insect pressure was recorded, but a cryptic yield loss was detected when the level of insect pressure was extremely low. Given the fact that cryptic yield loss presented in the GM rice lines under the low insect pressure, a strategic field deployment should be required when insect-resistant GM rice are commercialized to circumvent the unnecessary yield losses. This is probably true for other insect-resistant GM crops. Effective biotechnology and breeding measures are also needed to particularly minimize the potential underlying cost of an insect-resistance transgene before commercial production of the GM crops.     

Genomic regions associated with the degree of red coloration in pericarp of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The degree of red coloration (DRC) in pericarp of rice depends on the content of flavonoid compounds which have beneficial health effects for humans. In this study, 182 backcross-recombinant inbred lines (BILs) derived from Koshihikari (white pericarp)/Kasalath (red pericarp)//Koshihikari were used to detect the genomic regions associated with DRC through the QTL mapping approach. As a result, a total of four genomic regions were found to associate with DRC on chromosomes 1, 7, 9 and 11, respectively. Interestingly, the two genomic regions having the largest effects corresponded to previously characterized Rc and Rd genes on chromosome 7 and 1, respectively. In addition, two novel genomic regions having minor effects on DRC and located on chromosomes 9 and 11, respectively, are reported here for the first time. These results and the identification of tightly linked molecular markers that flank the genomic regions provide an opportunity for marker-aided improvement of red coloration in pericarp of rice.     

Extreme nighttime air temperatures in 2010 impact rice chalkiness and milling quality

Research shows that elevated nighttime air temperatures (NTATs) contribute to increased chalk formation and reduced milling quality in rice. Arkansas rice-growing regions experienced exceptionally warm weather conditions during the summer of 2010, providing an opportunity to test this hypothesis under extreme conditions. Data from a previous study, conducted in years 2007-2009 (Ambardekar et al., 2011), was extended to include 2010 data, and analyzed to evaluate the correlations of 95th percentiles of NTAT frequencies (NT₉₅) occurring during reproductive (R) stages of six rice cultivars with chalk and peak head rice yields (pHRYs). Long-grain cultivars produced chalk values that were positively correlated to NT₉₅, and pHRYs that were inversely correlated, during the R5 through R8 stages. Medium-grain cultivars, Bengal and Jupiter, which in the original study showed little or no response to elevated NTATs during all R-stages, showed significant positive correlations between chalk, and negative correlations between pHRY, and NT₉₅, during the R7 and R8 stages. The 2007-2009 analyses indicated quadratic relationships of chalk with NT₉₅ and linear relationships of pHRY with NT₉₅. However, addition of the 2010 data indicated that both of these relationships were quadratic in nature. The extreme temperatures observed in 2010 also verified that while cultivars vary in their level of resistance to NTAT effects, all of the rice cultivars analyzed throughout the four-year study exhibited some degree of susceptibility to extreme NTAT temperatures occurring during critical grain-filling stages.     

Effects of double harvesting on estimated total digestible nutrient yield of forage rice

We examined the effects of cultivar (Taporuri, Mohretsu, Tachiaoba, and Hinohikari) on estimated total digestible nutrient (TDN) yield of forage rice in double harvesting. The total estimated whole-plant TDN yield (i.e., of the first crop plus second crop) of Taporuri was the highest in double harvesting. In the first crop, the estimated whole-plant TDN yield of Taporuri was the highest. In the second crop, the estimated whole-plant TDN yield of Taporuri was almost the same as those of Mohretsu and Tachiaoba but higher than that of Hinohikari. We also examined the effects of cultivation method (double harvesting or single harvesting) on estimated TDN yield of forage rice. In Taporuri and Mohretsu, the total estimated whole-plant TDN yield was similar in double harvesting and single harvesting. However, in Tachiaoba and Hinohikari, it was lower in double harvesting than in single harvesting. It is important to maximize the amount of nutrition in leaf and stem rather than panicle because the grain is not digested well by cattle. In the double harvesting, the total estimated leaf blade (leaf) TDN yield of Taporuri was higher than that of Hinohikari and almost the same as those of Tachiaoba and Mohretsu. The total estimated leaf sheath plus stem (stem) TDN yield of Taporuri was the highest. In comparison of the total TDN yield of double harvesting with that of single harvesting, the total estimated leaf and stem TDN yields were higher in double harvesting than in single harvesting in all cultivars except for Hinohikari. Thus, double harvesting of Taporuri is an effective way of reducing the overall loss of nutrition from the crop.     

Molecular Mapping of Sterility QTLs qSS-3, qSS-6a and qSS-7 as Single Mendelian Factors via NIL strategy

Hybrid sterility between Oryza glaberrima and O. sativa seriously hampers the introgression of favorable genes from each other. In order to further understand this issue, identification and isolation of hybrid sterility QTLs as single Mendelian factors are an effective strategy. A genetic map was constructed using a BC₁F₁ population derived from a cross between an O. sativa japonica cultivar and an O. glaberrima accession. Four main-effect QTLs for pollen sterility were detected in the BC₁F₁. Five BC₈F₁ advanced backcross populations were developed via successive backcrosses based on phenotype and molecular selections. The BC₈F₁ populations showed bimodal distribution for pollen fertility and could be classified into semi-sterile and fertile types, fitting single Mendilian factor inheritance ratios. Three QTLs detected in the BC₁F₁ corresponding to qSS-3, qSS-6a and qSS-7 were mapped on chromosomes 6, 3 and 7, respectively, as single Mendilian factors.     

Inheritance of flour paste viscosity is associated with a rice Waxy gene exon 10 SNP marker

Apparent amylose content is a key element for characterizing a rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar for cooking quality. However, cultivars with similar apparent amylose content can have widely varying quality attributes, including major parameters of flour paste viscosity. It has been postulated that the presence of a rice Waxy gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker is associated with elevated Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) properties in specific high amylose rice cultivars. A mapping population derived from a cross between two varieties, Cocodrie and Dixiebelle, having similar high apparent amylose contents, but with different paste viscosity properties and Waxy gene markers was analyzed for the genetic segregation of various pasting properties, measured with RVA instrumentation. Marker inheritance analyses revealed that the Waxy exon 10 SNP marker was associated with the proportion of soluble to insoluble apparent amylose and most RVA pasting measurements. Waxy gene markers can be used to efficiently improve the selection of rice with desirable characteristics, particularly for superior parboiling and canning quality.     

Flowering time in oat: Genotype characterization for photoperiod and vernalization response

Flowering time is an important component in the adaptation of oat to sub-tropical environments. Genotypes differ in their response to photoperiod and to vernalization. The objectives of this study were to identify photoperiod insensitive oat genotypes and then investigate the response of different oat genotypes to a period of vernalization (cold treatment), and to evaluate F₆ recombinant inbred lines from two oat crosses in two different environments (day-length increases and day-length decreases). The genotypes used in the studies were from the UFRGS Oat Breeding Program: UFRGS 8, UFRGS 881971 and UFRGS 930605 and from the University of Minnesota, USA: Amagalon/*Ogle, Coker 492/Starter-1 and PC68/5*Starter, and F₆ lines from the crosses UFRGS 8 × UFRGS 930605 and UFRGS 8 × PC68/5*Starter. UFRGS 8 showed no photoperiod sensitivity by flowering early regardless of the photoperiod length. Late flowering in the winter and early flowering in the summer characterize day-length-dependent genotypes like PC68/5*Starter. UFRGS 881971 responded to vernalization. Genotypes showed variability that can be used in the selection of lines/varieties that more effectively use the complete season.     

Impact of field-scale nighttime air temperatures during kernel development on rice milling quality

Recent research has shown that elevated nighttime air temperatures (NTATs) may contribute to increased chalk and reduced milling quality. The objective of this study was to develop a method to quantify the effects of elevated NTATs on chalk formation and peak head rice yield (pHRY) in field-grown rice cultivars. To do so, 95th percentiles of NTAT frequencies (NT₉₅) occurring during reproductive (R) stages of Bengal, Jupiter, Cypress, LaGrue, Wells, and XL723 cultivars were correlated with chalk levels and pHRYs observed during the 2007 through 2009 harvest seasons. Chalk levels were strongly correlated with NT₉₅ during the R7 and R8 stages for all cultivars, except Bengal. Peak HRYs of Cypress, LaGrue, Wells, and XL723 were linearly and inversely related to NT₉₅ occurring during the R8 stage, while pHRYs of Bengal and Jupiter showed no significant correlations with this percentile at any R-stage. Although strong correlations of chalk levels and pHRYs with NT₉₅ were observed during the R8 stage of cultivar development, it is speculated that rice plants classified in this stage actually exhibit many kernels that lag in development and exist in the R6 and R7 grain-filling stages, where elevated NTATs are thought to have deleterious effects on chalk levels and milling quality.     

Simulating multiple pest damage in varying winter wheat production situations

The production situation–injury profile paradigm can be used as a framework to assess the harmfulness of multiple-pest complexes in a changing agriculture. A mechanistic simulation model for wheat, WHEATPEST, was developed to incorporate drivers of (i) variable production situations and (ii) their related injury profiles. The model simulates the harmful effects of pathogens, pests, and weeds in a simple, open, generic manner. Simulation drivers were derived from published reports, in particular through a meta-analysis of highly detailed farmers’ field surveys in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Preliminary analysis of the model's performances indicates that WHEATPEST conforms with available published reports in a range of production situations and injury profiles. While improvement on some components of the model are discussed, this work points at the need for the collection of cross-disciplinary, reasonably accurate, and standardised data at a system's level, and at the usefulness of modelling tools for basic research and policy.     

Analysis of sample size for variables related to plant,soil, and soil microbial respiration in a paddy rice field

Pre-samplings for sample size determination are strongly recommended to assure the reliability of collected data. However, there is a certain dearth of references about sample size determination in field experiments. Seldom if ever, differences in sample size were identified under different management conditions, plant traits, varieties grown and crop age. In order to analyze any differences in sample size for some of the variables measurable in rice field experiments, the visual jackknife method was applied to pre-samples collected in a paddy rice field in Northern Italy, where a management typical for European rice was conducted. Sample sizes for 14 variables describing plant features (plant density, spikelet sterility, biomass, carbon and nitrogen concentration for the different plant organs and for the whole plant) and for 12 variables describing physical and chemical soil features (texture, pH, water holding capacity, soil organic matter, total carbon and nitrogen concentration, mineral nitrogen concentration) and soil microbial activity were estimated. The elementary units of observation were a 3-plant sample and an aggregate sample of four 125 cm³ sub-samples respectively for plant- and soil-related variables. Sample sizes ranged between 15 and 27 for plant-related variables and between 5 and 6 for soil variables. Relating to plant features, remarkable differences in sample size were observed in carbon concentration values of different plant organs, probably due to maintenance respiration. Homogeneity among sample sizes for soil variables could be explained by the capability of aggregate samples in capturing a big part of the total variance. This study underlines importance of carrying out pre-samplings aiming at sample size determination for different variables describing the cropping system.