低磷胁迫对不同基因型水稻阶段生物学特征的影响

采用盆栽试验研究了低磷胁迫下不同基因型水稻在分蘖期、孕穗期和成熟期的生物学特征。结果表明,不同基因型水稻在不同的生长发育阶段对低磷胁迫的反应存在明显差异。分蘖期,耐低磷基因型水稻的耐低磷特性主要表现在相对分蘖数、相对绿叶数和相对地上部干重三个性状上,其中以相对分蘖数的差异较大,但这个时期水稻的任一性状不足以反映其耐低磷特性;孕穗期,耐低磷基因型水稻的相对分蘖数、相对绿叶数和相对地上部干重虽仍表现出明显的优势,但与分蘖期不同的是相对分蘖数受低磷胁迫的影响程度趋于稳定,相对绿叶数的差异明显下降,相对干重的高低逐步成为区别耐低磷基因型的主要依据;成熟期,耐低磷基因型的相对地上部干重优势进一步加强,远远超过其它生物学性状。耐低磷基因型的相对经济产量显著高于低磷敏感基因型。在水稻生长的各个时期中,耐低磷基因型水稻的相对株高、相对叶宽和相对叶长与低磷敏感基因型水稻对应的指标相比均未表现出明显差异。     

Differential Soil Acidity Tolerance of Dry Bean Genotypes

Soil acidity is a major yield-limiting factors for bean production in the tropical regions. Using soil acidity–tolerant genotypes is an important strategy in improving bean yields and reducing cost of production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating 20 dry bean genotypes for their tolerance to soil acidity constraints. An Inceptisol soil was amended with dolomitic lime (2 g dolomitic lime kg^–1 soil) to achieve low acidity (pH = 5.9) and without lime (zero lime kg^–1 soil,) to achieve high acidity (pH = 4.8) levels to evaluate bean genotypes. At both acidity levels, genotypes differed significantly in shoot dry weight and grain yield. Shoot dry weight and grain yield were significantly decreased at the high acidity level compared to the low acidity level. Grain yield was more sensitive to soil acidity than shoot dry weight. Hence, grain yield was used in determination of tolerance index (GTI) to differentiate the range of soil acidity tolerance among bean genotypes. Based on a GTI value, 55% of the genotypes were classified as tolerant, 40% classified as moderately tolerant, and the remaining were grouped as susceptible to soil acidity. The genotype CNFC 10410 was most tolerant and genotype CNFP 10120 was most susceptible to soil acidity. Number of pods and grain harvest index were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. The improvement in grain yield in low acidity may be related to reduction of toxic levels of soil aluminum (Al³⁺) and hydrogen (H⁺) ions by lime addition. At harvest, soil extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) increased with the reduction of soil acidity, and this might have contributed to the better nutrition of beans and lead to higher growth.     

Some Morpho-Physiological Characteristics of Mung Bean Mycorrhizal Plants under Different Irrigation Regimes in Field Condition

In this study we determined some morpho-physiological characteristics of mung bean plants under various irrigation regimes (irrigation after 50, 100, 150 and 200 mm evaporation from pan class A) and mycorrhizal fungi inoculation (Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices). The highest and lowest seed yield was obtained from plants irrigated after 50 and 200 mm evaporation from pan, respectively. Root dry weight, root volume, leaf phosphorus and relative water content were decreased in plants under water deficit stress. Whereas, under various level of severe water deficit the proline content, total soluble carbohydrates and leaf nitrogen were increased. Mycorrhizal colonization was observed to be higher in well-watered plants rather than in stressed plants. Furthermore, the mycorrhizal plants produced a higher seed yield (161 g/m²), leaf phosphorus, leaf nitrogen, chlorophyll index, proline, total soluble carbohydrates content, relative water content, root length, root volume, root dry weight and root/shoot weight ratio as compared with non-mycorrhizal plants.     

Effect of Nitrogen and Trinexapac-Ethyl Rates on the SPAD Index of Wheat Leaves

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and trinexapac-ethyl (TE) rates on the SPAD index in wheat flag leaf. The treatments were five N rates (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 kg ha^?1) combined with four TE rates (0, 63, 125, 188 g ha^?1). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four repetitions. SPAD index, leaf N content and grain yield showed quadratic response to the increase in N rates, whereas area, wet and dry weight of flag leaf presented linear increase. TE caused linear increase in SPAD index, linear decrease in leaf area, reduction in grain yield with smaller N rates and increase with larger N rates. The N content, and the wet and dry weight of flag leaf were not affected by TE. SPAD calibration to estimate N status in wheat should be specific for each TE rate.     

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN DRY BEAN GENOTYPES

Dry bean is an important legume crop for Latin American people and nitrogen is one of the most yields limiting nutrients for bean crop. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate nitrogen (N) use efficiency of 20 dry bean genotypes. Genotypes were grown on an Oxisol and two N levels used were without N application (low level) and an application of 400 mg N kg^?1 (high level). Shoot dry weight, grain yield and yield components, N concentration and uptake in shoot and grain were significantly affected by N and genotype treatments. Grain yield had a highly significant (P < 0.01) association with shoot dry weight, pod number, grains per pod and 100 grain weight. Among the 20 genotypes tested, Perola, CNFR 7847, CNFR 7865, CNFP 7777 and CNFM 6911 were found to produce reasonably good yield at low N rate as well as responded well to applied N. Whereas, some genotypes like BRS Radiante, CNFP 7624, CNFM 7875, CNFM 7886, CNFC 7813, CNFC 7827, CNFP 7677 and CNFP 7775 produced very good yields at higher N rate but very low yields at lower N rate. Hence, these genotypes are good for farmers using higher technology. Nitrogen concentration and uptake were higher in dry bean grains compared with shoot and 63% of N accumulated at zero N rate and 75% N accumulated at 400 mg N rate were translocated to grain across 20 genotypes. Nitrogen uptake efficiencies were having highly significant (P < 0.01) quadratic relationship with grain yield. This indicates that improving N uptake in dry bean plants can increase grain yield.     

不同土壤水势与氮素营养对杂交水稻生理特性和产量的影响

以超级杂交水稻“两优培九”为试验材料,研究了不同土壤水势和氮素营养对其生理特性和产量及氮肥利用率的影响。结果表明, 1）同一土壤水势下,植株地上部分干重与总干重随氮肥水平的提高而提高,而根冠比则降低。2）在同一氮肥水平下,叶片净光合速率、叶绿素a和叶绿素b及其总含量、SPAD值及叶片水势随着土壤水势的降低而降低,而叶绿素a/b、丙二醛的含量和过氧化物酶的活性随之而增加;同一土壤水势下,叶绿素a和叶绿素b及其总含量、SPAD值均随氮肥水平的提高而提高,而叶片水势、叶绿素a/b和丙二醛的含量随之降低。3）在同一氮肥水平下,水稻产量随土壤水势的降低而降低;土壤轻度干旱时,水稻产量高低顺序为高氮中氮低氮;而当土壤水分充足或土壤重度干旱时,则表现为中氮高氮低氮。随着土壤水势的降低,中、高氮处理的氮肥农学利用率降低。试验结果还表明,225 kg/hm2施氮水平在0 kPa土壤水势下有明显的增产效果,过度增施氮肥并不利于水稻增产与氮肥利用率的提高。     

Nutrient Uptake in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption in South America. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate uptake and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients by six dry bean genotypes at two P levels (25 and 200 mg kg^?1 soil). Shoot dry weight and grain yield varied significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with increasing phosphorus (P) levels. Grain harvest index (GHI) and 100-grain weight also differ significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with the increasing P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient and inefficient. The most efficient genotype was CNFP 10104, and inefficient genotypes were CNFP 10103 and CNFP 10120. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod increased significantly with the addition of 200 mg P kg^?1 of soil compared to the low level of P (25 mg P kg^?1). Similarly, nitrogen (N), P, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations and uptake in the shoot and grain also significantly varied among genotypes. Uptake of macro- and micronutrients was greater under the greater P rate compared to the low P rate. This may be related to greater shoot or grain yield at 200 mg P kg^?1 soil compared to 25 mg P kg^?1 of soil.     

Relationships of spectral traits with yield and nutritional quality of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in dry seasons

Four snap bean varieties (green and yellow-podded) were grown in three water supplies (regularly irrigated, deficit-irrigated and non-irrigated) in order to examine the spectral reflectance at leaf and canopy levels, leaf area index (LAI) and their relationships with the yield and nutritional quality at the University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary from 2011 to 2013. Under non-irrigated condition, the plant height decreased, SPAD values were high but LAI and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were low. The difference in SPAD values was higher between the varieties during flowering under non-irrigated condition and it was more pronounced during pod development using deficit irrigation. In dry years, non-irrigated condition SPAD did not correlate with the yield but during pod development it was correlated with the dry matter content of the pods. The relationship of SPAD with protein and crude fiber content of pods was strongly dependent on the cropping years. Under deficit-irrigated condition, NDVI measured during flowering and pod development correlated closely with the yield where a higher NDVI (0.85) predicted either 6 or 9.5 t ha^?1 of yield depending on the variety. Under this condition Serengeti variety with green pods was prominent based on the studied traits among the varieties.     

土壤水变动对冬小麦生长产量及水分利用效率的影响

采用盆栽和管栽试验,研究土壤水变动对冬小麦地上部生长、产量及水分利用效率的影响。结果表明：株高对水分胁迫的发生时期较敏感,叶面积对水分胁迫的持续时间更敏感,与其他水分胁迫处理相比,分蘖至拔节阶段水分胁迫处理的株高最小,分蘖至孕穗阶段水分胁迫处理的叶面积最小。冠重主要受胁迫持续时间的影响,分蘖至孕穗阶段水分胁迫处理的冠重最小。水分胁迫对冬小麦穗数和WUE的影响基本上表现为正效应,而对每穗粒数、千粒重及产量的影响则全部为负效应。在各水分胁迫处理中,拔节至孕穗阶段经中度水分胁迫后抽穗期复水的处理,产量最高,达到充分供水对照的62%;分蘖至拔节阶段经中度水分胁迫后孕穗期复水的处理,WUE最大。试验结果表明,冬小麦株高、叶面积及各产量要素对土壤水变动的响应存在差异。     

Chlorophyll meter estimates leaf area‐based nitrogen concentration of rice

Abstract

The chlorophyll meter (SPAD‐502) can be used to diagnose the nitrogen (N) status of rice (Oryza sativa L) plants to determine the need for fertilizer‐N topdressing. However, accurate estimation of leaf N concentration on a dry weight basis (N_dw) by SPAD requires the adjustment of SPAD values for specific leaf weight (SLW). The objective of this study was to determine if SPAD estimates of leaf N concentration on a leaf area basis (Na) without correcting for SLW. SPAD values were measured from different genotypes at various growth stages with the chlorophyll meter. Leaf N concentration was determined by micro‐Kjeldahl procedure and expressed based on dry weight and leaf area. Specific leaf weight was calculated as the ratio of leaf dry weight to leaf area. At each growth stage, SPAD estimated Na better than Ndw, especially at the middle and later growth stages. When data for all stages were pooled, SPAD values also correlated with Na better than with Ndw (r value of 0.81 versus 0.43). This finding was also true across 80 genotypes. For estimation of N_a by SPAD, therefore, no adjustment of SPAD values for SLW is needed.     

Influence of Nitrogen on Growth,Yield, and Yield Components and Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume and nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors in most of the bean-growing regions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to determine influence of N on growth, yield, and yield components and N uptake and use efficiency of 23 dry bean genotypes. Straw yield, grain yield, yield components, maximum root length, and root dry weight were significantly increased with the addition of N but varied with genotypes. The N × genotype interactions were also significant for most of these traits, indicating variation in responses of genotypes with the variation in N levels. There was significant difference in N uptake and use efficiency among genotypes. Most of growth and yield components were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient, or inefficient group in N-use efficiency. Nitrogen concentration was greater in grain compared to straw, indicating greater N requirement of dry bean genotypes.     

GENETICALLY MODIFIED AND CONVENTIONAL DRY BEAN GENOTYPE RESPONSES TO SOIL FERTILITY

Dry bean is important pulse for the diet of South American population and results related to comparison of genetically modified and conventional dry bean genotypes to soil fertility are limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare genetically modified and conventional dry bean genotypes to soil fertility. Genotypes evaluated were Olathe Pinto, Olathe 5.1 (genetically modified), BRS Pontal, BRS Pontal 5.1 (genetically modified), Pérola and Pérola 5.1 (genetically modified). Fertility levels were 1 g fertilizer (5-30-15) kg^?1 soil (low fertility level) and 2 g fertilizer (5-30-15) per kg soil (high fertility level). These fertility levels were designated as low and high, respectively. Grain yield, number of pods per plants, and seed per pod were significantly increased with the increase in soil fertility. Shoot dry weight, seed per pod, and 100 seed weight were also significantly influenced by genotype treatment. Fertility X genotypes interaction was significant for maximum root length and root dry weight, indicating genotypes responded differently at two fertility levels in relations to these two traits. Shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, and grain harvest index had significant association with grain yield, indicating that increase in these three traits grain yield can be increased. Grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) was having significant linear association with grain yield. Hence, on the basis of GYEI, genotypes were classified as efficient (E), moderately efficient (ME), and inefficient in nutrient use. Three conventional genotypes (Olathe Pinto, BRS Pontal and Pérola) and one genetically modified genotype (Olathe Pinto 5.1) were classified as moderately efficient and two genetically modified genotypes (Pérola 5.1 and BRS Pontal 5.1) were classified as efficient. None of the genotypes fall into the inefficient group.     

DRY BEAN GENOTYPES EVALUATION FOR GROWTH,YIELD COMPONENTS AND PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY

Dry bean along with rice is a staple food for the population of South America. In this tropical region beans are grown on Oxisols and phosphorus (P) is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean production on these soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate P use efficiency in 20 elite dry bean genotypes grown at deficient (25 mg P kg^?1 soil) and sufficient (200 mg P kg^?1) levels of soil P. Grain yields and yield components were significantly increased with P fertilization and, interspecific genotype differences were observed for yield and yield components. The grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) was having highly significant quadratic association with grain yield. Based on GYEI most P use efficient genotypes were CNFP 8000, CNFP 10035, CNFP10104, CNFC 10410, CNFC 9461, CNFC 10467, CNFP 10109 and CNFP 10076 and most inefficient genotypes were CNFC 10438, CNFP 10120, CNFP 10103, and CNFC 10444. Shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, 100-grain weights and number of seeds per pod was having significant positive association with grain yield. Hence, grain yield of dry bean can be improved with the improvement of these plant traits by adopting appropriate management practices. Soil pH, extractable P and calcium (Ca) saturation were significantly influenced by P treatments. Based on regression equation, optimum pH value in water was 6.6, optimum P in Mehlich 1 extraction solution was 36 mg kg^?1 and optimum Ca saturation value was 37% for dry maximum bean yield.     

Potassium-Use Efficiency in Upland Rice Genotypes

Potassium (K) uptake is greatest among essential nutrients for rice. Data related to yield, yield components, and K-use efficiency by upland rice genotypes are limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of K on growth, yield and yield components, and K-use efficiency by upland rice genotypes. Potassium levels applied to an Oxisol were zero (natural K level) and 200 mg K kg¹ of soil and 20 upland rice genotypes were evaluated. Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and spikelet sterility were significantly affected by K and genotype treatments. Genotypes Primavera and BRA 1600 were the most efficient and genotype BRAMG Curinga was most inefficient in producing grain yield. Plant growth (plant height and shoot dry weight) and yield components (panicle number, grain harvest index, 1000-grain weight, and panicle length) were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. However, spikelet sterility was significantly and negatively correlated with grain yield.     

Growth,yield and yield components of dry bean as influenced by phosphorus in a tropical acid soil

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in tropical acid soils. Dry beans are invariably grown as mono-crops or as inter-crops under the perennial tropical crops. Information is limited regarding the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean yield and yield components and P use efficiency in tropical acid soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean growth, yield and yield components and P uptake parameters. Phosphorus rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Soil used in the experiment was an acidic Inceptisol. Grain yield, shoot dry weight, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were significantly (P < 0.01) increased with phosphorus fertilization. Maximum grain yield, shoot dry matter, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were obtained with the application of 165, 216, 162, and 160 mg P kg^?1 of soil, respectively, as calculated by regression equations. Grain yield was significantly and positively associated with shoot dry weight, number of pods, P concentration in grain and total uptake of P in shoot and grain. Phosphorus use efficiency defined in several ways, decreased with increasing P rates from 50 to 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum grain yield was obtained at 82 mg kg^?1 of Mehlich 1 extractable soil P. Results suggest that dry bean yield in Brazilian Inceptisols could be significantly increased with the use of adequate rates of phosphorus fertilization.     

POTASSIUM-USE EFFICIENCY IN COMMON BEAN GENOTYPES

Potassium (K) is one of the most important nutrients limiting yield of common bean in South America. Use of K-efficient crop genotypes along with K fertilizer may be a viable strategy to improve yield and reduce cost of production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate K-use efficiency of 10 promising genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The genotypes were grown on an Oxisol at 0 mg K kg^?1 (low K) and 200 mg K kg^?1 (high K) of soil. Shoot dry weight, grain yield, number of pods, number of grains, 100-grain weight, grain harvest index, and K harvest index were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by level of K as well as genotype, except for the number of pods by genotype. Significant genotypic differences in K-use efficiency were found. On the basis of K-use efficiency (mg grain weight/mg K accumulated in shoot and grain), genotypes were classified as efficient and responsive (ER), efficient and nonresponsive (ENR), nonefficient and responsive (NER), and non-efficient and non-responsive (NENR). Only genotype Diamante Negro was only classified as ER, and genotypes Carioca, Pérola, Rosinha G-2, and Xamego were classified as ENR. Genotypes LM93300166 and LM93300176 were in the group NER, and in the NENR group were genotypes Iraí, Jalo Precoce, and Novo Jalo. From a practical point of view, genotypes which produce high grain yield at a low level of K and respond well to added K are the most desirable because they are able to express their high yield potential in a wide range of K availability.     

RESPONSE OF NON-NODULATING,NODULATING, AND SUPER-NODULATING SOYBEAN GENOTYPES TO POTASSIUM FERTILIZER UNDER WATER STRESS

Soil moisture is a principal environmental factor limiting legume productivity in the tropics and sub-tropics. A pot experiment was conducted at the wire house of National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt to study how potassium (K) fertilizer can mitigate the adverse effect of water stress. Three Japanese soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes, non-nodulating (NN) (En 1282), nodulating (N) (Eneri) and super-nodulating (SN) (En-b0-1) were grown under two potassium fertilizer levels (25 and 150 mg kg^?1 soil as K1 and K2, respectively). The water stress (WS) was conducted for eight days. WS significantly reduced nodules numbers and weights, shoot dry weight, relative water content, seed yield, oil, total carbohydrate contents while protein was significantly increased in the three soybean genotypes compared with well-watered (WW). Water stress and/or K treatments caused significant increase in both free amino acids and proline as well as shoot nitrogen in the three soybean genotypes.     

Screening Upland Rice Genotypes for Manganese‐use Efficiency

Manganese (Mn) deficiency in upland rice grown after common bean or soybean, which received adequate rate of liming on highly weathered Oxisols, is observed. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate Mn‐use efficiency of 10 promising upland rice genotypes. The genotypes were grown on an Oxisol at 0 mg Mn kg^?1 (natural soil Mn level) and 20 mg Mn kg^?1 of soil applied as manganese sulfate. Grain yield, panicle number, and grain harvest index (GHI) were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by genotype. However, shoot dry weight was significantly affected by Mn as well as genotype treatments. Manganese uptake in the shoot as well as in the grain was also affected by genotype treatment. On the basis of Mn‐use efficiency (mg grain weight/mg Mn accumulated in shoot and grain), genotypes were classified as efficient and responsive (ER), efficient and nonresponsive (ENR), nonefficient and responsive (NER), and nonefficient and nonresponsive (NENR). Genotypes Carisma, CNA8540, and IR42 were classified as ER, and genotypes CNA8557 and Maravilha were classified as ENR. Genotype Caipo was in the group NER, and in the NENR group were genotypes Bonança, Canastra, Caraja, and Guarani. From a practical point of view, genotypes that produce high grain yield at a low level of Mn and respond well to Mn additions are the most desirable because they are able to express their high yield potential in a wide range of Mn availability.     

Yield Physiology of Dry Bean

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food legume for the world population. However, its average yield is low worldwide. The main reasons for low yield are biotic and abiotic stresses. Maximum economic yield of a crop can be achieved with appropriate balance between plant and environmental factors during crop growth cycle. Adopting appropriate management practices in favor of high yields can modify some of these factors. Hence, knowledge of yield physiology of dry bean is important for understanding yield formation components during crop growth and development and consequently improving yield. Dry bean growth cycle is divided into vegetative and reproductive growth stages. During vegetative stage, development of roots, trifoliate, node, and branches take place. Main features of reproductive growth stage are flowering, pod and grain formation. Important plant traits associated with yield are root and shoot dry matter yield, pod number, 100 grain weight, leaf area index, grain harvest index, and nitrogen harvest index. These plant traits are genetically controlled and also influenced by soil and plant management practices. Higher yield is possible only when there is an adequate balance among various physiological processes or yield components. The objective of this review is to discuss growth and development of bean plant including yield formation process or traits during crop growth cycle and importance of these yield components in determining yield.     

Effect of nitrogen application during ripening period on photosynthesis and dry matter production and its impact on yield and yield components of semidwarf iniica rice varieties under water culture conditions

Abstract

A water culture pot experiment was conducted to analyze the effects of N application during the ripening period (RP) on photosynthesis, dry matter production, and its impact on grain ripening and yield in two semidwarf indica type varieties viz. Gui Zhao 2 (GZ) and BR3 (BR) compared with a japonica type variety Koganemasari (KO) under four N rates viz. 0 (N₀), 10 (N₁₀), 20 (N₂₀), and 40 (N₄₀) mg L^?1. Results showed that N application enabled to maintain a higher leaf area and delay leaf senescence in both indica and japonica type varieties but the decrease in the rate, of leaf area was higher in the former than in the latter and the rate was reduced with increasing N rates. Flag leaf photosynthesis and SPAD values of N treated plants were higher throughout the RP, showing the presence of a significant correlation either for each variety or all the varieties together. Higher photosynthetic rate was supported by higher leaf chlorophyll (SPAD value basis) content, stomatai conductance, and N concentration in leaf blades. Top dry matter content increased with increasing N rates mainly due to mean leaf area rather than NAR except for BR during RP but it was higher in KO than in GZ and BR. Reduction of shoot weight due to translocation of dry matter to panicles during RP was suppressed by N rates both in GZ and BR while shoot weight increased in the N-treated plants in KO. The dependency of KO on current photosynthates for panicle weight was found to be almost hundred percent while the contribution of stored carbohydrates in shoot before heading to panicle weight in GZ and BR was in the range of 4-27 and 33-54%, respectively and the rest was contributed by current photosynthates. The percentage increased with increasing N rates. Percentage of ripened grains (PRG) increased with increasing N rates in GZ and BR due to the increase in dry matter production and in the photosynthetic rates of apex leaves, despite the larger spikelet number and larger hull size. However, KO showed almost no variation although it had the highest PRG among the varieties. Brown rice yield followed the same pattern as that of PRG in GZ and BR and the highest yield was produced by BR followed by GZ and KO. These results suggest that N application during RP was more effective in increasing yield in the semidwarf indica type varieties than in the japonica type variety.