Effect of insect pests on pod and seed yields of bambara groundnut,Vigna subterranea L. Verde in Nigeria

Field experiments were carried out at Samaru, Nigeria in the 1993 and 1994 cropping seasons to investigate the effect of insect pests on the yield of bambara groundnut. There was significant reduction in pod and seed yields of bambara groundnut in both years due to insect pests. The application of a mixture of Karate e.c. at 25 g a.i./ha and dimethoate e.c. at 400 g a.i./ha, respectively, at fortnightly intervals from crop flowering significantly increased pod and seed yields of bambara groundnut, preventing pod losses of 67% and 38% and seed losses of 71% and 43% in 1993 and 1994, respectively.     

Relationship between environmental factors,effects of fungicide applications,and premature defoliation of black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

From 1989 through to and including 1994 extensive premature defoliation of black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia L.) was observed in a progeny test plantation in Greene County, in the Georgia Piedmont. During July 1991 and 1992, all observed trees suffered greater than 50% defoliation. Leaflets of black locust showing symptoms of leaf spotting began abscising as early as mid-June following wet springs. Onset and progress of defoliation was followed on 50 trees in two plots in 1993 and 1994. In both years, sample trees were cut at the base and allowed to regrow from sprouts. A protectant fungicide, chlorothalonil (Daconil WDG 1.5 g/l water) was applied to run-off weekly to one-half of the growing sprouts beginning 17 April through 22 August 1994 by backpack sprayer. Air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and leaf wetness were monitored. Abscission of unprotected leaflets in 1993, a dry, hot year, began in mid-July and averaged 36% by late August; abscission of unprotected leaflets in 1994, a wet, cool year, began in mid-June and averaged 80% by late August; whereas, abscission of protected leaflets in 1994 began in late June and averaged 70% by late August. The Gompertz model described the increase of leaflet abscission with time. The estimated rate of leaflet abscission for unprotected leaflets in 1993 was significantly slower ( k = 0.056/wk) compared to the rate of abscission of unprotected leaflets in 1994 ( k =0.070/wk). Estimated rates of leaflet abscission were not significantly different between protected ( k = 0.063/wk) and unprotected trees ( k =0.070/wk) in 1994. Cumulative hours of leaf wetness of 600 h were associated with initial leaf spotting and defoliation in 1993 and in 1994. Delay in leaflet abscission of protected trees indicates that fungal infection may have contributed to premature defoliation of black locust with onset related to moisture conditions favourable for infection.     

The potential for selecting wheat varieties strongly competitive against weeds

The competitive abilities of a wide range of genotypes of wheat (Trilicvm aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) against Lolium rigidum Gaud, (annual ryegrass) were examined 1o determine the potential for breeders to select strongly competitive varieties, Considerable potential within the wheat genome to breed varieties with greater competitive ability was demonstrated. In 1993, 250 genotypes from around the world were screened and in 1994 a subset of 45 (mainly Australian) genotypes were further examined. A uniform density of L. rigidum reduced grain yield of wheat by up to about 80% in 1993 and to 50% in 1994, depending on wheat genotype. Reduction in grain yield was correlated with L. rigidum dry matter. Wheats varied in competitive ability with source, and durum wheats were less competitive than T. aestivum. The ‘old’ standard wheat varieties (released between 1880 and 1950) suppressed the weed more than all the current varieties, with the exception of eight F₁ hybrids. A doubling of the crop seeding rate of 10 of the genotypes in 1994 reduced the biomass of L. rigidum by an average of 25% compared with the standard seeding rate. Ranking of competitive ability of varieties at high density was consistent at both seeding rates. The strongly competitive genotypes had high early biomass accumulation, large numbers of tillers, and were tall with extensive leaf display. The potential for breeding enhanced competitive ability in wheat is discussed.     

Yield reduction in wheat by simulated rat damage

Abstract

A study of simulated rat damage was done to determine the loss of wheat yield when O (control). 10, 30 and 50% ot the wheat stems were cut at tillering, booting, dough and mature crop stages. The yields at harvest from each of 128 1‐m² plots were compared by analysis of variance and least significant difference tests. Yield at the tillering stages was not significantly different from the controls but yields at all other stages differed significantly. Yield losses in tillering and booting stages were not significant for the different damage levels except for 50% stem cutting at the booting stage. The yields from dough and mature crop stages at all damage levels were significantly lower than yields from controls. No significant differences in yield at all growth stages were observed between control plots and those receiving 10% damage, but 30 and 50% damage gave significant losses.     

Some effects of plant densities and carbofuran on the damage by Diopsis thoracica West,and Maliarpha separatella Rag. and yield of rice in Nigeria

Abstract

In a field study of the effects of plant densities and carbofuran on damage by Diopsis thoracica Westwood and Maliarpha separatella Ragonot, significant increases were recorded in the percentage of dead hearts and bored stems in widely spaced rice plants. Carbofuran treatments resulted in significant control of borers, the best treatment being that covering early growth up to 40 days after transplanting. There was a significant depression of yield components and total yield with closer spacing. Yield increases of 59%, 32% and 55% for the 1983 planting, and 55%, 35% and 50% for the 1984 planting, were recorded when carbofuran was applied to cover the periods 0 to 40, 40 to 80, and 0 to 80 days after transplanting, respectively.The percentage of dead hearts and bored stems increased with increasing seedling density. The yield components, however, did not show any significant differences.     

Velvetbean (Mucuna spp.) suppresses speargrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel) and increases maize yield

Speargrass, Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel, is a serious weed, threatening crop productivity in smallholder farms in West Africa. Since the use of more effective practices such as deep tillage and chemical control is beyond the means of resource-poor farmers who carry out most agricultural activities in this region, low-input alternative technology needs to be developed. Field studies were conducted during the 1993/1994 and 1995/1996 growing seasons to investigate the influence of three velvetbean accessions and two levels of fertilizer on the control of speargrass during the year of cover crop planting and one year later. The velvetbean accessions in 1993 were: Mucuna cochinchinensis and M. pruriens var. utilis. In 1995, M. pruriens var. IRZ was included in the study. M. cochinchinensis in 1993 and M. pruriens var. IRZ in 1995 had the highest ground cover rating early in the growing seasons whereas M. pruriens var. utilis had the lowest ground cover rating in both years. Inorganic fertilizer at30 kg ha- 1 each of N, P and K increased velvetbean ground cover by 2-22%, with M. cochinchinensis (14-22%) and M. pruriens var. IRZ (5-15%) showing the highest response in 1993 and 1995, respectively. M. pruriens var. utilis showed the least response in both years. After one growing season M. pruriens var. utilis, M. cochinchinensis, and M. pruriens var. IRZ reduced speargrass shoot density by 50, 76, and 68%, and shoot dry matter by 72, 92, and 79%, respectively. Fertilizer reduced speargrass growth in velvetbean plots, while the opposite occurred in plots without velvetbean. Velvetbean residue effectively suppressed speargrass until the beginning of the subsequent cropping season. Maize grown 1 year after velvetbean required 50% less weeding than plots without velvetbean. Maize shade reduced speargrass shoot growth by 30-80% but regrowth of the weed occurred 4 weeks before maize harvest. Maize grain yield was higher in plots previously seeded to velvetbean than in plots without velvetbean. Speargrass shoot density and dry matter were negatively correlated with maize grain yield (r =_-0.42 and r =_-0.32, respectively, P < 0.01). Although velvetbean may effectively reduce speargrass during the year of establishment and the subsequent cropping phase it has a limited effect on rhizomes and, as such, does not provide a long term control.     

3-取代苯亚甲基-6,7-亚甲二氧基-4-色满酮的合成及抑菌活性

以芝麻酚为起始原料,经过醚化、傅克酰基化、羟醛缩合等反应,设计合成了21个未见文献报道的6,7-亚甲二氧基-4-色满酮类化合物（d1~d21）,其结构均经核磁共振氢谱、碳谱以及红外光谱和质谱确认。初步抑菌活性测定结果表明:在50 mg/L下,中间体色满酮及所有目标化合物对8种供试植物病原菌均有不同程度的抑制作用,其中色满酮对番茄灰霉病菌Botrytis cinerea和烟草赤星病菌Alteraria alternate的抑制率分别为87.9%和56.7%,目标化合物d1和d6对水稻稻瘟病菌Mangnaporthe grisea的抑制率分别为72.2%和52.5%,d6对玉米弯胞病菌Curvulavia lunata和d9对苹果腐烂病菌Valsa mali的抑制率均在70%以上。     

Comparative Analysis of Runo and Sediment Yield with a Rainfall Simulator After Experimental Fire

Changes produced in runoff and sediment levels before and after fire and during the revegetation process were examined using a rainfall simulator. The area was burned in an experimental fire, reaching temperatures from 35° to 563° C. Then it was revegetated using different species combinations. Fifteen permanent plots were established in the burnt area (4 treatments and a control replicated three times). Simulated rainfall of 15 mm per 5 min was applied in each treatment. No significant differences were found in sediment yield and runoff between treatments, but greatest runoff was observed to occur immediately after the fire. A significant relationship was found between runoff and woody cover, and a decrease in runoff can be observed as cover increases. The relationship between sediment yields and runoff rates was also positive. The low rates observed during rainfall simulation are due to the effect of natural vegetation rather than revegetation treatments. The high organic matter content also had an influence on the low rates of runoff and sediment.     

Rust control and EBDC residues in green beans sprayed with mancozeb and sulphur

Rust control and ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) residues in green beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. 'Morgan') were evaluated in two seasons of 1993 in Dschang, Cameroon. Four weekly applications of mancozeb (2.8 kg ha- 1), sulphur (2.24 kg ha- 1), or mancozeb+sulphur (1.4+1.12 kg ha- 1) were initiated from initial rust symptoms. In both seasons, treatments with mancozeb alone resulted in a low area under pustule count progress curve (AUPPC) and a significant increase in leaf area index, and pod and green fodder yields. Pod yields were negatively correlated with AUPPC. Pod yield loss was estimated at 61% and 32% in the early and late seasons, respectively, while losses in green fodder yields were 57% and 24% respectively. EBDC residue levels decreased significantly with a delay in pod harvestand when pods were washed in running tap water. Residue levels were high in the late season, possibly due to low rainfall. Pods exposed to the combined fungicidal treatments accumulated higher levels of residues than those sprayed with mancozeb alone, suggesting a potential risk of EBDC accumulation on pods when EBDCs are mixed with sulphur.     

Study on the effect of four herbicides with and without applied phosphorus on weed control and seed yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at Jobner (Rajasthan) during the winter seasons of 1982 and 1983 to evaluate certain physical and chemical weed control systems in fenugreek at two levels of applied phosphorus. The experiments comprised four herbicides (fluchloralin, pendimethalin, thiobencarb, and chloramben) at two levels each, manual weeding at three levels; and an unweeded check. The second factor, namely, application of phosphorus was evaluated at 0 and 40 kg P₂O₅/ha. The soil of the experiment site was loamy sand, containing 0.16% organic carbon. The results showed that amongst the herbicides, preemergent pendimethalin at 0.75 kg/ha controlled the weeds most effectively and gave 8.91 q/ha fenugreek seed yield, which was more than twice the seed yield obtained from the unweeded check plots. The twice hoed plots were found to give 1.32 q/ha higher seed yield than the pendimethalin herbicide treatment, but the benefit‐cost ratio was found higher for the herbicidal treatment. Application of phosphorus at 40 kg P₂O₅/ha was found to bring about significant increase in the seed yield of fenugreek by 59 kg/ha over control, without any interaction with the weed control treatments.     

Nitrogen fertilization and yield losses of tea to red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis geijskes) in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya

A field trial using a mite-susceptible clone 11/4 of tea whose yield potential is over 3 t ha^-1 year^-1 was conducted to determine how yield losses due to infestation by red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes) relate to nitrogen nutrition. This was done over a 3 year period in plots either receiving 0, 100, or 200 kg N ha^-1 year^-1. For determining the losses due to mites, an acaricide check method of yield loss assessment was used. Mites were controlled in the plots by spraying flucythrinate. The yield varied considerably between seasons with mean yields in the 3 year period ranging from 2.0 to 2.4 t ha ^-1 without fertilizer and 2.4 to 2.6 t ha^-1 year^-1 at 100 kg N and 2.5 to 2.7 t ha^-1 year^-1 at 200 kg N. Application of the acaricide decreased the mite population by 60-74%. Yield loss between sprayed and unsprayed treatments was 12-22% without fertilizer but this was reduced to 5-6% when fertilizer was supplied at 100-200 kg N ha^-1. The reduction in yield losses in fertilized plots indicate the beneficial effects of nitrogen in inducing tolerance to mites and possibly increasing plant vigour. Protecting the tea from mite attack resulted in yield advantage and a net benefit of $US 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 per kg made tea at 0, 100 and 200 kg N ha^-1 respectively. Application of 100 kg N ha^-1 had higher net cost benefit than the 200 kg N application rate. The strategy for control of mites would be to integrate spraying with use of fertilizer.     

Prediction of Heteranthera reniformis competition with flooded rice using day–degrees

In field studies carried out in 1992 and 1993, several durations of growth of Heteranthera reniformis Ruitz et Pavon were established in flooded rice (Oryza sativa L.) to evaluate weed influence on crop yield using day-degree predictive models for weed growth. H. reniformis was allowed to emerge at 7-day intervals from rice emergence until 49 days later. Weeds that emerged with the rice accumulated 403 day-degrees during the first 49 days. Weeds allowed to utilize 308 day-degrees had a dry weight reduction of 20% compared with plants that emerged with the rice. With the loss of all 403 day-degrees dry weight was reduced by about 95%. Maximum leaf area index (LAI) was 2.8, reached at 308 day-degrees. Weed density ranged from 48 to 5 plants m^-2 when all 403 day-degrees were accumulated or lost by the plant respectively. When the weed lost only 95 day-degrees out of the possible 403 (1 week's delay in emergence) rice yield was 34% and 39% lower in 1992 and 1993 respectively. When the weed was allowed to accumulate ail 403 day-degrees yield reduction reached 62% in 1992 and 68% in 1993, very similar to the control plot, which were maintained weedy throughout (64% and 70.5%). After an accumulation of 403 day-degrees the weed reduced the number of rice panicles by 45% in 1992 and 38% in 1993.     

The present status of biological control of Xanthium (Compositae)

Abstract

The economic threshold level of the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) was determined on the radish seed crop, var Punjab Sufed. Spraying oxydemeton methyl at 300 g a.i./ ha, was monitored at arbitrary set aphid levels from 25 to 150 aphids/plant. The maximum cost benefit ratio (1: 13.1) was achieved at an aphid level of 50 per plant, requiring three sprays. Spraying in the middle of February was the most crucial, as delay of 7 days from this stage resulted in significant decreases in yield in the fixed spray schedule and at the 75‐aphid level.     

Herbicides for Nutgrass Control - Conclusions from Ten Years of Testing at Oxford

The present study aimed to evaluate some plant extracts from Plectranthus tenuiflorus, Azadirachta indica, Clerodendrum inerme, Schinus terebinthifolius and Mirabilis jalapa as antiviral materials against Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) in bean plants. The results showed that all the tested plant extracts were effective in reducing the number of local lesions formed by BCMV. The mixing of P. tenuiflorus extracts with BCMV inoculum achieved the highest reduction in BCMV infection (92%), while the mixing of S. terebinthifolius extracts with BCMV inoculum recorded the lowest reduction in BCMV infection (68%). Seed treatment with 1% (w/v) of P. tenuiflorus showed the highest reduction in disease incidence (93% and 85%) under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. Spray treatments of P. tenuiflorus and M. jalapa reduced disease incidence to 12% and 17% under greenhouse conditions, whereas under field conditions they reduced disease incidence to 17% and 23%, respectively. Protein analysis revealed different effects of the tested treatments on bean plants indicating different gene(s) expression. This study suggests the possibility of using plant extracts for controlling BCMV infection.     

Estimation of rice yield losses due to the African rice gall midge,Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagne

Abstract

The African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is an important pest of rice, Oryza sativa, in Burkina Faso as well as other countries in West and East Africa. In spite of its importance, little is known regarding the relationship between gall midge populations and grain yield losses. To determine yield losses the gall midge was reared in cages and adult midges were placed on caged plants of the rice variety ITA 123 at different population levels. The seven treatments consisted of different numbers of insects infested on the plants; 0 insect pairs (non‐infested check), and 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 midge pairs/cage. The loss in yield in relation to the non‐infested control was highly positively correlated (R² = 0.81) with the percentage of gall midge damaged tillers. The infestation by the insect on the plants resulted in the compensatory production of tillers which developed in response to the gall midge damage but the compensation was not sufficient to make up for the loss of yield due to the damaged tillers. Yield loss ranged from 0% in the control to 65.3% in the treatment with 25 pairs of adults. One per cent of tillers damaged resulted in 2% grain yield loss.     

The effect of additional viral infections on garlic plants initially infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allexiviruses</Emphasis>

Yield losses caused by a second viral infection of garlic plants previously infected with either of the isolated Allexiviruses, Garlic virus-A (GarV-A) or Garlic virus-C (GarV-C), were evaluated in a field assay carried out over four consecutive growing seasons. The treatment groups included virus-free plants (VF), plants infected only with GarV-A isolates (A), plants infected only with GarV-C isolates (C), and plants infected with a mixture of viruses that naturally infect garlic, referred to as viral-complex plants (VC). From the first crop cycle the different treatments were infected by other viruses that naturally infect garlic. At the end of the first growth cycle, significant differences in yield were observed among the four treatments. The bulb weight for VF, C, and A treatments was respectively 137%, 116%, and 96% higher than the bulb weight for the VC treatment. After the fourth growth cycle, however, non-significant differences in garlic yield between the VC, C, and A treatments were observed, whereas the yield for the VF treatment was higher than the VC treatment by 22%. Garlic yield decreased more rapidly in plants infected previously with at least one Allexivirus and then infected with other naturally occurring viruses than the plants that were virus-free at the beginning (VF plants).     

‘Instant’ Bordeaux and Burgundy Mixtures

Four annual experiments with garlic (Allium sativum) were established in fields naturally infested with Sclerotium cepivorum, causal agent of garlic white rot, to investigate the effect of time of planting on yield. Initial stands were unaffected by time of planting. Final stands and yields were highest when garlic was planted approximately 1 month earlier (28 January-15 February) when soils were warmer than at the traditional time of planting (15 March-15 April). When garlic was planted at the traditional time, final stands and yields were reduced 56-92% primarily from the attack of S. cepivorum. A 100% loss in yield occurred in some crops planted in cool soils in late March. With an early planting (15 January), final stands were similar to the plantings of 28 January and 15 February, but yields were reduced by half because of a much lower mean weight of the harvested bulbs. In a late planting (15 May), the final stand was 75% lower with correspondingly lower yield than that obtained with the early plantings. The largest bulbs (21.6 g) were obtained from the planting on 28 February; however, the yields from this planting were reduced by half from the planting 2 weeks earlier because of the 50% reduction in final stand. Early planting of garlic is recommended as an important management strategy to avoid white rot in areas with soils infested with sclerotia of S. cepivorum.     

Damage to garlic crops caused byErwinia herbicola

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) plants in an experimental field at Bet Dagan developed a whitish leaf tip dieback in late November 1993. Infected plants were smaller and produced smaller bulbs than healthy plants. Yields were reduced by 35% compared with similar plots which were not affected.Erwinia herbicola (Lohnis) Dye was identified as the causal organism. The very warm winter and the overhead sprinkler system used in the field are thought to have caused the outbreak. Similar but milder symptoms were observed in the 1994/95 and 1995/96 crops, in which only leaf tips were affected and no major yield losses occurred.E. herbicola was isolated from lesions on infected plants in both years.     

Field evaluation and economics of insecticides against the major pests of okra

Abstract

Bio‐efficacy of 15 insecticides was evaluated against the pest complex of okra in the semi‐arid region of Rajasthan during July‐October, 1984. Five sprays given at intervals of 15 days throughout the crop period indicated that fenvalerate (0.02%) was most effective, followed by permethrin (0.02%), cypermethrin (0.02%), carbaryl (0.10%), monocrotophos (0.04%) and dimethoate (0.03%), against leafhoppers, aphids and fruit borer. The maximm yield of marketable fruits was obtained with fenvalerate, followed by cypermethrin, carbaryl, monocrotophos and dimethoate treatments. Highest net‐profit of Rs. 4890.00 was also recorded with fenvalerate treatment, followed by Rs. 4430.00 with carbaryl, Rs. 4148.00 with permethrin, Rs. 3977.00 with monocrotophos and Rs. 3053.00 with dimethoate treatments. A higher benfit cost ratio was found with carbaryl (1:9.78), followed by dimethoate (1:7.85), monocrotophos (1:5.18), methyl demeton (1:5.07), fenvalerate (1:3.43) and permethrin (1:2.41). These insecticides can also be used against insect pests of other vegetable crops of the season.     

Effects of Severity and Timing of Stem Canker (Leptosphaeria maculans) Symptoms on Yield of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) in the UK

The relationships between yield loss and incidence (% plants with stems affected) or severity (mean stem score, 0–4 scale) of stem canker in winter oilseed rape were analysed using data from experiments at Rothamsted in 1991/92, Withington in 1992/93, Boxworth in 1993/94 and Rothamsted in 1997/98. Critical point models and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) models were better than multiple point models for describing relationships between yield (tha^–1) and incidence or severity of stem canker for the four experiments. Since yield is influenced by many factors other than disease, % yield loss was calculated and critical point models and AUDPC models relating % yield loss to stem canker were constructed. The critical point models for % yield loss on stem canker incidence for three of the four experiments were similar, but differed from that for Rothamsted in 1991/92. There were also no differences between models of % yield loss on AUDPC of both incidence and severity for these three experiments. Therefore, general models of % yield loss (L) against AUDPC of incidence (X) or severity (S) of stem canker from growth stages 4.8 to 6.4 were derived from the combined data sets for the three experiments: L=–0.76+0.0075X (R²=35%, p<0.001), L=0.26+0.53S (R²=37%, p<0.001). The relationships between % yield loss and % plants with different stem canker severity scores at different growth stages were also analysed; the greatest yield losses were generally associated with the largest severity scores, for plants assessed at the same crop growth stage, and were also associated with the early development of stem lesions. Further analyses showed that % yield loss was related to incidence or severity of both basal stem cankers and upper stem lesions in experiments at Boxworth in 1993/94 and at Rothamsted in 1997/98.