Effect of Gibberellic Acid Spray during Ontogeny of Mustard on Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Yield Characteristics

In a field trial conducted during 1993–1994, mustard ( Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.) cv. Varuna was sprayed with either deionised water or 10⁻⁵ M GA₃ at 40 (vegetative stage), 60 (flowering stage) or 80 (pod fill stage) days after sowing (DAS) to select the suitable growth stage for spray for augmenting productivity of the crop. Shoot length per plant, leaf number per plant, leaf area per plant, dry weight per plant and leaf area index and accumulation of N, P and K were recorded at 100 DAS. Pods per plant, seeds per pod, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index and seed yield merit were computed at harvest. Growth, NPK accumulation and yield were maximal when spraying was done at 40 DAS. However, spraying at 40 and 60 DAS gave at par values for most of the growth and yield parameters. It was also noted that there was a significant difference in spray treatment at different growth stages only when G A, was sprayed and not when water was sprayed.     

Analysis of Growth and Productivity of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) in Relation to FYM, Nitrogen and Source of Fertilizer

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1992–93 and 1993–94 at Anand to study the effect of FYM, nitrogen and source of fertilizer on growth and yield of mustard [ Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson]. The results showed significant variation in leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), dry matter production and seed yield. The direct effect of farmyard manure (FYM) was conspicuous in improving the growth of mustard. FYM application at 10 tonnes ha⁻¹ significantly increased the LAI, CGR and dry matter accumulation per plant at almost all the stages during first year study (1992–93) and in pooled analysis. Similarly, nitrogen application registered maximum LAI, CGR at 75 kg level and RGR and NAR at 50 kg level at almost all the during both years. Sulphur carrying source (Ammonium sulphate plus single super phosphate) increased all stages growth characters. Maximum dry matter accumulation per plant and seed yield were recorded with highest levels of FYM (20 tonnes ha⁻¹), N (75 kg ha⁻¹) and source having S. Seed yield was strongly associated with LAI and dry matter accumulation per plant at all the stages.     

A mathematical model for the evaluation of cooperation and competition effects in intercrops

Experimental results showing cooperation–competition interactions in dual-component crops for mixtures created from Pisum sativum L. (pea), Vicia sativa L. (spring vetch) and Linum usitatisimum L. (linseed) are studied by means of a mathematical model describing the plant interactions. The model introduces parameters enabling to distinguish competition and cooperation between the species in the crop. The model parameters are established on the basis of the entire vegetation period of plants, so they provide exhaustive characteristics of the plant interactions in the mixtures. The model factors allow the estimation of the mixtures with respect to the final biomass yield as well. The experimental data verify possible economic benefits from the proposed plant mixtures and allow to critically check the beliefs that legumes improve the field productivity. Additionally, for comparison with the biomass yield, the seed yield is analyzed in the respective crops. Especially, it is indicated that the increased biomass yield for linseed in the mixture with a leguminous plant is accompanied with a decrease of the seed yield for this species. As concerns pea in the mixture with linseed, a decrease in the pea biomass was registered when compared to the sole crop but at the same time an increase in the seed yield was achieved in the mixture. No influence on the biomass of the spring vetch was noticed when it was cultivated with linseed but its seed yield appeared to be diminished with respect to the sole crop.     

Strahlungsnutzung durch Bestände ölreicher Körnerfruchtarten — Winterraps, Öllein und Sonnenblume im Vergleich

Radiation use by oil seed crops — a comparison of winter rape, linseed and sunflower For the production of grain crops rich in oil, winter rape, linseed and sunflower are similarly suitable at many arable locations. We wanted to compare the extent to which radiation (PAR) is intercepted and utilized by the individual species for dry matter and yield production. For this purpose, a 2‐year field experiment comprising the factors genotype, N fertilization and soil tillage was conducted. For five phases of crop development, growth rates (CGR, RGR and NAR) and PAR utilization were calculated. At full ripeness, total dry matter, grain, oil and energy yields, the crop‐ and year‐specific PAR supply, its interception and utilization for dry matter production and the resulting energy binding were determined. Due to the different individual vegetation periods, the PAR supply of the crops differed. The crop assimilation areas also differed, with values for winter rape and sunflower higher than those for linseed. The yield productivity of winter rape and sunflower was also higher than that of linseed. N fertilization increased yield to different extents for the different crops. On average, winter rape and sunflower produced the same amounts of dry matter and energy yield. Due to a higher harvest index, sunflower had the highest grain yield, and because the oil concentration in grain was comparatively high sunflower produced the highest oil yield, too. Under cool and wet climate conditions, however, the productivity of sunflower is offset by a relatively high yield risk because of uncertain ripening. The highest PAR utilization by linseed did not compensate for its very short vegetation period in combination with the lowest PAR interception.     

茎瘤芥对硒的吸收、转化及其富集特征研究

为了探讨硒在茎瘤芥中的吸收、富集机制,本试验采用不同浓度(0、1和2.5 mg.L-1)的Na2SeO3进行茎瘤芥叶面喷施田间试验,研究茎瘤芥对硒的吸收、转化和利用规律,以及硒对茎瘤芥生长的影响。结果表明,在适宜硒浓度(1 mg.L-1)下,供试作物茎瘤芥产量提高,未达到显著水平；茎瘤芥中硝酸盐含量下降到最低点,还原糖、游离氨基酸和Vc则为相反趋势,在Se 1 mg.L-1上升到最高,分别与对照组相比增加了46.73%、40.41%和13.36% ；茎瘤芥总硒含量和有机硒含量随硒浓度升高而增加,且呈显著正相关,较对照分别增加了74.0%~271.5%和46.1%~193.9%,而茎瘤芥有机硒转化率也会随硒浓度的增加而显著增加,较对照组分别上升了23.57%和19.33%。     

Dry Matter Production and Productivity as Influenced by Staggered Sowing of Mustard Intercropped at Different Row Ratios with Chickpea

In a 2‐year experiment on Typic Ustochrept soils of the North Plain Zone of India, the effect of different row ratios (3 : 1, 6 : 2, 4 : 1 and 8 : 2) and staggered sowing of mustard (simultaneous and 15 days later) was studied in intercropping of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Nodule number, dry weight, grain yield, protein content and yield were higher in monocrop chickpea compared with intercropping. Among row ratios, except for protein content in grain, all the above parameters were significantly higher in the 4 : 1 intercropping of chickpea + mustard. Similarly, delayed sowing of mustard by 15 days also gave higher plant dry weight (1.80–2.36 g plant^?1), nodule number (0.41–1.56 and 0.5–3.0 at 55‐ and 70‐day stages, respectively), protein yield (63 kg ha^?1), grain yield (290 kg ha^?1) and biological yield (1104 kg ha^?1) than sowing with chickpea. Widening the row ratio and pairing of the rows of mustard were also found to be beneficial in increasing chickpea growth and yield. Like chickpea, sowing of mustard as a monocrop gave higher growth and yield. Delayed sowing by 15 days reduced the growth and yield of mustard drastically. Productivity, measured in terms of land equivalent ratio, was higher for intercropping of chickpea and mustard in the 4 : 1 row ratio than for sowing of chickpea and mustard in sole stands. Interestingly, the land equivalent ratio was also higher in the simultaneously sown crop than for staggered sowing.     

Evaluation of Mustard (Brassica compestris Var. Toria) and Legume Intercropping under 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 Row‐Replacement Series Systems

Field experiments were conducted at Agricultural Experimental Farm, Giridih, Bihar during the winter seasons of 1992–93 and 1993–94 to compare 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 row‐replacement series intercropping of mustard (Brassica campestris Var. Toria) with pea (Pisum sativum), with lentil (Lens culinaris) and with gram (Cicer areitinum L.). Intercropping systems were assessed on the basis of new indices termed ‘actual yield loss’ (AYL) and ‘intercropping advantage’ (IA), as well as several existing intercropping indices such as LER, RCC and aggressivity. Intercropping reduced the yield of component crops, compared with respective pure stands. Mustard + pea in 1 : 1 row‐replacement series gave the highest mustard yield equivalent value (1.00 t/ha). When the actual sown proportion was considered, mustard + lentil (1 : 1) resulted in maximum AYL (+0.438) and IA (+2.889) values. We conclude that AYL and IA are more appropriate, particularly when per plant yield is considered.     

Effect of Climatic Variation on Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) at Different Dates of Sowing

Although experiments have previously been carried out to determine the optimum sowing time of sesame, very few attempts have been made to determine the effects of macro and micro climatic variation on yield. Thus a field experiment was conducted at the University Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, India on an Entisol (alluvial, sandy loam) in the summer seasons of 1996 and 1997 to assess the effects of macro and micro climatic variations on yield of sesame for various dates of sowing. The number of seeds per capsule of sesame was highest in the crop sown on 19 February, although up to the 18 April sowing there was no significant variation. There was no appreciable variation in thousand-seed weight with date of sowing. Crops sown on 19 February and 1 March produced statistically similar yields. The average reduction in yield of sesame was 78.5 and 213 %, respectively, for crops sown on 10 February and 28 April, compared with the crop sown on 19 February. The cultivar Rama produced higher yields than B-67 and Kanke-1. Ambient temperature above 30 °C up to 100 % flowering had a direct positive effect on sesame yield. Crop exposure to 60–70, 70–80 and  80 % relative humidity up to 100 % flowering had a direct negative effect. Temperature profile at 50 days after emergence (DAE), relative humidity at 60 DAE, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at 30 and 40 DAE within the crop canopy had direct positive effects on yield. Regression models suggested that temperature profile and PAR within the crop canopy produced 72 and 35 % variation in yield, respectively.     

Plant Growth Regulators Influence 14CO2 Assimilation and Translocation of Assimilates in Indian Mustard

Effect of plant growth regulators Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), Gibberellic acid (GA₃) and Kinetin on ¹⁴CO₂ assimilation, partitioning of ¹⁴C into major biochemical fractions and translocation of assimilates was studied in different parts of Indian Mustard ( Brassica juncea ) at late ripening stage. Leaves, stem and pod walls are photosynthetically active and are important sources for seed filling. NAA and kinetin increased the ¹⁴CO₂ assimilation rate in all the three photosynthetically active parts. All the three growth regulators increased the export of ¹⁴assimilates out of source organs and increased the movement of assimilates into the reproductive parts (pods). The increased movement of photoassimilates into the developing pods may be due to the stimulation of sink activity by the growth regulators which resulted in the higher demand for photoassimilates. It was suggested that growth regulators may increase yield by altering distribution of assimilates in the mustard plants.     

Response of Mustard to Ethrel Spray and Basal and Foliar Application of Nitrogen

In a field trial conducted during 1992–93 and 1993–94, the effect of basal (B) nitrogen (N) (45 and 60 kg N ha⁻¹) and foliar application (F) of water (W) or 10 kg N ha⁻¹ and 400 or 600 ppm ethrel (E) (2-Chloro ethyl phosphonic acid) at 70 days after sowing was studied on leaf area index and dry mass at 90 days and pod number per plant, seeds per pod, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, oil content and oil vield at harvest of mustard ( Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.) cv. T-59. Recommended basal (B) application of 90 kg N ha (BN₉₀) was used as control. On the basis of 2 year data it was found that basal application of 60 kg N and foliar spray of 10 kg N ha ⁻¹ and 600 ppm ethrel gave higher values for growth and yield characteristics and enhanced seed yield and oil yield by 12.5 and 14.8%, respectively over control BN_90.     

Response of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to Applied Nitrogen with or without Ethrel Spray under Non-irrigated Conditions

Field studies were conducted during the winter seasons of 1995–96 and 1996–97 at the Agricultural Farm of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India on mustard ( Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss., var. Alankar) under non-irrigated conditions, to evaluate the effect of foliar spray of 200 p.p.m. ethrel (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) at flowering growth stage along with basal 0, 40, 80 or 120 kg N ha⁻¹ on net photosynthetic rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (C_S), stomatal resistance (R_S), leaf K content, relative water content (RWC), leaf area index (LAI) and total dry matter (TDM) production monitored at 20 days after spray application, and plant N content, seed N content, nitrogen harvest index (NHI), nitrogen yield merit (NYM), pods plant⁻¹, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index (HI), seed yield merit (SYM) and merit of genotype (MOG) at harvest. Results indicated that, at 0 or 40 kg N ha⁻¹, ethrel did not produce any significance effect, but at basal 80 kg N ha⁻¹, ethrel affected the parameters favourably with the exception of 1000 seed weight, HI, seed N and NHI. Ethrel-sprayed plants utilized N from the soil more effectively and showed increased NYM. Yield attributes, seed yield and merit of genotype (in terms of NYM and SYM) were also enhanced. Ethrel spray enhanced seed yield under water stress conditions mainly by increasing K uptake and retaining higher RWC, thereby decreasing R_S and increasing LAI, P_N and TDM production.     

The Effect of Bradyrhizobium Strains on Monocropped and Intercropped Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Biomass and Protein

An experiment was conducted during rainy season (April-August) of 1994 and 1995 to assess the performance of rice, maize, sesame, greengram and blackgram grown in sole and intercropping system on Gangetic alluvial upland (Entisol) in West Bengal. India. All intercropping systems except sesame + rice had higher total productivity in terms of rice equivalent yield and net returns than all the sole crops. However, maximum advantage was obtained from paired row planted maize blackgram system followed by maize + sesame, maize + blackgram and paired row planted rice + blackgram. Paired row planted maize + blackgram increased land use efficiency (42%), rice equivalent yield (2955 kg ha⁻¹), monetary return (Rs. 7294 ha⁻¹), income equivalent ratio (1.22), monetary advantage (Rs. 3701 ha⁻¹) compared with other cropping systems, which proved to be the most efficient system. The same treatment also indicated a modest competitive ratio (4.65:0.21) and gave a good value for the product of crowding coefficient (8.28).     

Allelopathic Effects of Black Mustard (Brassica nigra) on Germination and Growth of Wild Barley (Hordeum spontaneum)

Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch.] contains water‐soluble allelochemicals that inhibit the germination and growth of other species. This characteristic could be used in weed management programmes. Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effects on wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum Koch.) germination and seedling growth of (i) preceding crops, (ii) fresh black mustard residue incorporation, and (iii) black mustard leaf, stem, flower and root water extract concentrations. Growth of wild barley, as indicated by plant height and weight, was significantly reduced when grown in soil previously cropped to black mustard compared with that cropped to wild barley. Soil incorporation of fresh black mustard roots and both roots and shoots reduced wild barley germination, plant height and weight when compared with a no‐residue control. In bioassays, black mustard extracts reduced wild barley hypocotyl length, hypocotyl weight, radicle weight, seed germination, and radicle length by as much as 44, 55, 57, 63 and 75 %, respectively, when compared with a water control. Increasing the water extract concentrations from 4 to 20 g per 100 ml of water of all black mustard parts significantly increased the inhibition of wild barley germination, seedling length and weight. Based on 8‐day‐old wild barley radicle length, averaged across all extract concentrations, the degree of toxicity of different black mustard plant parts can be ranked in the following order of inhibition: leaves > flowers > mixture of all plant parts > stems > roots.     

Path Analysis of Important Growth Functions of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss)

Field experiment conducted at the Viswavidyalaya Farm during the winter seasons of 1980—81 to 1983—84 to study the effects of major six productive functions viz. number of inflorescence bearing primary branches, number of inflorescence bearing secondary branches, leaf area indices at flowering, number of seeds/siliqua, number of siliqua/m² and test weight of grains on the grain yields of eight elite varieties of Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss) when sown on three different times revealed that correlations between them were close and positive in all the varieties. Path analysis of the data, further, showed that except the inflorescence bearing primary branches and the seeds/siliqua all other attributes showed high direct influences on grain yield; the maximum direct influence was obtained from number of siliqua/m².     

多效唑、矮壮素对杂交小麦及其亲本矮化效应的研究

为了探讨杂交小麦及其亲本杂交制种在喷施不同化控剂对株高和产量的影响,以杂交小麦‘新冬43 号’及其亲本材料为研究对象。选用多效唑(PP333)和矮壮素(CCC)2 种化控剂,在小麦起身期和拔节期分1 次和2 次叶面喷施,研究化控剂对小麦株高的矮化效应及产量的影响。结果表明：喷施矮壮素350 mg/L、多效唑400 mg/L 均能有效降低3 种材料的株高和节间长;多效唑不同剂量与产量为负相关。根据不同种植目的有针对性地选择不同的喷施方法,不仅降低株高提高小麦的抗倒伏性,还可以减少杂交小麦制种过程中亲本之间的株高差,有利于提高制种产量。     

生长调节剂对板栗结实情况和果实品质的影响

为了降低板栗空苞率和提高板栗果实品质,寻求合适的喷施生长调节剂的方法。以‘遵玉’为试材,于不同时期对板栗喷施不同的生长调节剂,探究生长调节剂对板栗结实情况和果实品质的影响。结果表明：盛花始期喷施SA可显著提高板栗实蓬率、每苞中板栗的个数和可溶性糖、淀粉和蛋白质含量,其中以0.2 nmol/L效果最佳,相比于对照组分别提高了15.50%、79.64%、19.20%、11.20%和6.09%;板栗幼胚发育前喷施0.01 mg/L BR可显著提高板栗实蓬率、可溶性糖和蛋白质含量,分别提高了14.16%、26.37%和5.69%,而喷施0.001 mg/L BR可显著提高板栗实蓬率和每苞中板栗的个数,分别提高了19.42%和125.56%,其中每苞坚果个数增幅高达125.56%,可显著提高板栗产量。因此,建议于板栗盛花始期喷施0.2 nmol/L SA,于幼胚发育前喷施0.001 mg/L BR或0.01 mg/L BR,以提高板栗产量和品质。     

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Application on Yield and Fatty acid Composition of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Oil

The effects of nitrogen and sulphur on the yield and fatty acid composition of mustard ( Brassica juncea L.) oil were studied in a field experiment. Significantly higher grain and oil yields were obtained with N and S application. Applications of nitrogen up to 60 kg ha⁻¹ and sulphur up to 40 kg ha⁻¹ favourably influenced the grain yield. Increasing levels of N decreased the oil content while application of sulphur improved the oil content. The contents of linoleic and linolenic acid were maximum (16.82 and 8.73%, respectively) with 60 kg N along with 40 kg S ha⁻¹. No use of fertilizers led to higher contents of undesirable fatty acids such as palmitic (hypercholesterimic) and erucic (do not have food value) acids.     

喷施硼肥对紫花苜蓿光合作用及可溶性糖源库间运转的影响

通过叶面喷施不同次数、不同浓度硼肥,研究其对缺硼土壤条件下紫花苜蓿光合作用及可溶性糖运转的影响,探讨苜蓿吸收硼的规律及高产施硼技术。结果表明,从返青期开始,连续在分枝期和现蕾初期累计喷施1次、2次或3次5个浓度的硼砂,均不同程度影响紫花苜蓿光合特性和可溶性糖源库间的运转。喷施3次0.3%(W/W)的硼砂对提高叶片中硼(B)含量、光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)和叶绿素含量(Chl)作用最显著,较对照提高幅度分别为75%、39%、30%和70%,喷施3次0.2%(W/W)的硼砂对增大叶面积效果最佳,较对照增加37%,并可有效降低叶片可溶性糖含量(50%);一次或多次喷施0.5%(W/W)的硼砂会导致硼中毒现象,抑制光合作用,植株生长受阻。     

不同玉米品种在不同化控剂作用下产量的差异分析

为不同玉米品种寻找出其最适的化控剂,以6 种不同的玉米杂交品种为主因素,以5 种不同的玉米化控剂处理为次因素,采用随机区组设计研究不同玉米品种在不同化控剂处理下各小区产量的变化情况。研究结果表明：‘协玉5 号’品种在化控剂处理下产量增加较其他品种显著,‘协玉3 号’品种不适合化控处理;玉黄金、矮壮素化控剂以及喷水处理并不能显著提高产量,高玉金对产量增加有负效应;同时,‘协玉4 号’、‘太玉339’品种喷矮壮素能提高产量,‘协玉5 号’、‘先玉335’品种喷玉黄金能增产。化控剂对提高玉米产量作用不明显,不同的玉米品种适用不同的化控剂。     

Screening of Photoinsensitive Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes for Ratoon Cropping

Of the 24 genotypes screened for ratooning ability and ratoon grain yield, only ten showed regeneration. RP 1664-4461 had the highest regeneration. Ratoon growth duration varied from 49–61 days. Ratoon grain yield was highest (1.7 t/ha) for RP 1664-4461 and the lowest (0.8 t/ha) for IET 7613. Productivity per day in the ratoon crop was comparable to that of the main crop. Based on grain yield and per day productivity of main and ratoon crops, cultures CR 222 MW 10, Rasi, RP 1664-4461, RP 1165-132-1 and CR 215-55-54-1 appeared promising for ratoon cropping.