Quality of guayule seeds separated by physical attributes

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray) is being developed as a new commercial crop to be grown in arid and semiarid regions. Guayule stands are presently established using transplants; however, establishment by direct-seeding would reduce costs and make production more economical. A major difficulty in field establishment by direct-seeding is the variation in the quality of guayule seeds. Guayule seeds vary greatly in color, size, and weight, which are the attributes believed to be associated with the observed germination differences among and within seed lots. To determine the importance of these attributes, guayule seeds from different seed lots were separated by size (diameter) and color, each separation class was weighed and then seed quality determined by germination percentage and rate. X-ray analysis was used to distinguish filled from unfilled seeds, and this was related to the germination results. In six guayule breeding lines (N565, 11591, AZ-2, AZ-3, AZ-4, and AZ-5), the highest quality seeds were darker (opaque-black and gray), small to medium in diameter (1.4–1.6 mm), and were heavier (a greater proportion of filled seeds). Color appeared to be a more efficient separator for seed quality than seed size; however, separation by size may be acceptable on a large scale and still provide higher quality and more uniform seed lots.     

Effect of plant population on seed yield,mass and size of guayule

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray) is a source of high quality low-allergenic natural rubber. It is a relatively new crop in Australia and optimum plant density for seed production has not been established. The objective of the current experiment was to examine whether seed yield, mass and size are affected by plant population. The effect of plant population on seed yield, mass and size was investigated by planting guayule (AZ-2) at 4444, 8300, 12,500 and 25,000 plants/ha. Data were collected at 16 and 28 months after planting. Seed was harvested manually multiple times over 4 weeks each year following the main flowering period in spring. Harvested seed was threshed and clean seed yield was compared among different plant populations. Seed quality attributes were also compared in terms of 1000-seed mass and seed size. Lowest plant population of 4444 plants/ha provided the highest yield at 28 months but was the lowest yielding at 16 months because the plants had not yet reached full size to compensate for the wider spacing. However, at both ages this treatment produced heavier and larger seeds. The difference in yield or seed mass and size between plant populations ranging from 8300 to 25,000 plants/ha was not significant. Overall results of the study demonstrated that seed yield and seed size, which is important in direct seeding could be affected by plant population.     

杂交水稻亲本混播机械化制种研究进展

混播制种是指将杂交水稻的父母本种子混合播种,通过物理或化学方法将收获的种子区分杂交种和父本种的制种方式,是杂交水稻制种技术的发展方向之。综述了杂交水稻父母本混播制种的研究动态,提出选育大、小粒型亲本,实行父母本机械混播混收全程机械化制种,通过物理方法筛选分离杂交种子与父本种子的设想。     

Preventing an increase in Verticillium wilt incidence in spinach seed production

A semifield assay was conducted from 2009 to 2011 to distinguish between different preventive methods of reducing Verticillium spp. in spinach seed production. The seed treatments for controlling seed infection levels included Thiram, Signum, Trichoderma harzianum, Gliocladium roseum and Natural II, and these were tested in naturally infested and uninfested soil. Even though seed treatment by Thiram and Signum in all cases reduced the incidence of Verticillium spp. on the harvested seed, the soil type had a large influence on the subsequent disease pressure as a significant effect of soil was seen in 2010 and 2011 and a non-significant effect of seed treatment on Verticillium spp. was observed in all experimental years. As no interaction between soil and seed treatment was observed, the seed treatment had no effect on the disease pressure on the seeds subsequently harvested from the infested soil.     

Modifications of a potato harvester for small plot field research

A commercially available one-row harvester was modified to meet a number of needs that are often encountered when conducting field trials with potatoes. The harvester can be utilized for both small plot collection (e.g., 8 m row lengths) as well as for bulk harvesting of larger plots (e.g., 65 m row lengths). The equipment alteration time required for conversion from one system to the other is minimal (less than 30 min) and the harvester has been altered to accommodate typical row widths and harvesting conditions in many N. American potato growing areas. It has been structurally modified to improve stability during operation to overcome a tendency to tip-over under certain circumstances. In addition, bulk harvesting operations with this machine involves a minimum of three persons as compared to a minimum of six generally required for a traditionally utilized digger-picker harvester.     

Two-stage plot harvesting system for potatoes

A harvesting system based on two-stage harvesting was developed for harvesting plots of potatoes. Potatoes were dug with a single row digger and laid on the ground. After the selectors inspected the potatoes, they were harvested by the prototype harvester and placed into boxes for transporting to storage. The two point hitch semi-mounted harvester was light weight and readily maneuverable. A unique foam roller assisted the flow of potatoes onto the harvester. No mixing of potatoes between plots was observed.     

番橄榄种子育苗的影响因子研究

研究不同成熟度、不同大小果核、不同贮藏期、不同浓度赤霉素处理、不同温度处理对番橄榄种子发芽率、发芽势和发芽指数的影响。结果表明：成熟度高的果实其种子发芽率、发芽势和发芽指数远高于中度成熟和初步成熟的种子;大粒果核种子的萌发率高于小粒种子;种子采摘后不宜立即播种,果核经过120-150 d贮藏,有利于种子萌发,但过长时间保存会影响种子萌发;在本实验条件下,赤霉素对番橄榄种子的萌发没有影响;适合番橄榄种子萌发的温度为20-28 ℃。     

Molybdenum-enriched soybean seeds enhance N accumulation, seed yield, and seed protein content in Brazil

High soybean yields require large amounts of nitrogen (N), which can be obtained mainly from symbiotic N₂ fixation. However, the efficiency of this biological process can be limited by micronutrient deficiencies, especially of molybdenum (Mo). In Brazil, soybean generally responds positively to fertilization with Mo in soils of low fertility and in fertile soils depleted of Mo due to long-term cropping. The micronutrient can be supplied by seed treatment, however toxicity of Mo sources to Bradyrhizobium strains applied to seed as inoculant has been observed, resulting in bacterial death and reductions in nodulation, N₂ fixation and grain yield. Therefore, use of seeds enriched in Mo could be a viable alternative to exterior seed treatment, allowing elite inoculant strains of Bradyrhizobium to sustain high rates of biological N₂ fixation. We demonstrated the feasibility of producing Mo-rich seeds of several soybean cultivars, by means of two foliar sprays of 400 g Mo ha⁻¹ each, between the R3 and R5 stages, with a minimum interval of 10 days between sprays. As a result of this method, considerable increases in seed-Mo content were obtained, of as much as 3000%, in comparison to seeds obtained from plants which received no Mo. In field experiments performed in soils with low N content and without any N-fertilizer supply, inoculation of Mo-rich seeds produced plants with increased N and Mo contents in the grain and higher yields of total N and of grain. In most cases, Mo-rich soybean seeds did not require any further application of Mo-fertilizer.     

敌草快对成熟期油菜脱水和种子质量的影响

为适应机械化收获对种子成熟的要求,研究化学催熟剂敌草快对油菜角果脱水和种子质量的影响,选用甘蓝型油菜品种阳光2009在油菜成熟期进行田间喷施敌草快试验,测定菜籽含水量、发芽率、千粒重、品质和敌草快残留。结果表明:于油菜角果黄熟期主花序角果转色时用1.8L/hm2的敌草快水剂喷施处理6d,与自然成熟(喷施等量清水)的对照组和人工割晒组相比,油菜脱水效果显著,角果和籽粒含水量分别为7.8%和10.49%;与对照组相比,角果和籽粒含水量分别下降52.66%和24.84%。该浓度处理下对油菜发芽率、千粒重及品质均未产生显著影响,其中发芽率达99%,贮藏2周的油菜种子中敌草快残留量为0.13mg/kg,符合中国和英国的安全标准;贮藏3周未检测到敌草快残留。建议加快敌草快在油菜催枯用途方面的农药登记,推进我国油菜全程机械化技术的应用。     

Natural seed coats provide protection against penetration by Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) larvae

The seed coat is the first host or non-host tissue contacted by bruchids, suggesting its participation in the evolutionary adaptation of bruchids to favor legume seeds. In the present work, we studied the influence of seed coat on the ability of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae F.) larvae to penetrate, develop in and survive on seeds. Our results showed that the oviposition, larval eclosion and adult emergence of C. maculatus were drastically reduced in some seeds and that the time necessary for the surviving larvae to perforate the seed coat increased by up to 100% in these seeds. The surviving larvae that crossed the Phaseolus vulgaris (Leguminosae B.) seed coat reached only 55.6% of the mass of a normal larva. The seed coat of some seeds was very toxic to insect larval development. Despite individual variations, seed coats were generally highly restrictive to the development and survival of the bruchid. The study of the seed coat efficiency as a protection tissue against penetration of insects can provide an important tool for new strategies for crop protection. The strengthening of the seed coat defense mechanisms may represent an efficient strategy because the seed chemical defense barrier would be moved to the outer structures and damage to the embryo would be minimized or avoided.     

春小麦新春31号种子活力与穗位和籽粒成熟度的关系

为确定新疆主栽春小麦品种新春31号的种子活力与穗位、成熟度的关系,分别在花后15d、20d、25d、30d、35d收获穗上部、中部和下部种子,测量种子长、宽、厚、千粒重等性状,并通过发芽实验分析发芽率、幼苗高度、干鲜重等种子活力指标。结果表明,花后35d收获的穗中部种子发芽率、发芽势均最高。在同一部位,随着收获期的延迟,种子长度、宽度、厚度、千粒重、幼苗干鲜重和种子活力指数呈明显的上升趋势,种子活力指数表现为中部穗位下部穗位上部穗位。经逐步回归分析,种子活力与千粒重和籽粒宽度的相关性最好,因此这两个指标可用作筛选高活力种子的主要指标。     

不同收获期玉米杂交种种子活力研究

选择硬粒型先玉335、马齿型郑单958和吉祥1号3个杂交种,研究河西制种基地玉米杂交种种子成熟度与种子活力的关系。研究结果表明,不同玉米杂交种授粉后不同采收期对种子活力影响影响很大,灌浆前期种子成熟度低,具有一定的发芽率,但种子抗逆能力差,低温冷害后的冷浸发芽率大幅度降低,田间出苗率更低;随着灌浆时期的延后,种子成熟度提高,抗逆能力逐渐增强,授粉后52 d采收3个品种冷浸发芽率达到标准发芽率的96.1%~97.6%,田间出苗率达到标准发芽率的80.4%~82.6%。授粉后57 d采收3个品种冷浸发芽率超过86%,达到标准发芽率的91%;田间出苗率达到最高(91%),是标准发芽率的95%。甘肃武威制种基地先玉335授粉后52 d以后(9月15日)收获,郑单958和吉祥1号授粉后57 d以后收获种子活力达到最高,比目前生产上收获期提前10~15 d,可有效避免早霜对玉米种子冻害的影响。     

Quality and germination capacity of seed material harvested from an Arrhenatherion meadow

Arrhenatherion meadows are an endangered type of semi‐natural grassland in Europe, and their conservation and restoration is an important policy objective. Recent research has led to development of techniques for harvesting seed material from regional donor sites and strategies for re‐establishment of species‐rich grassland, but their practical application requires that consumers are guaranteed sufficient seed quality of directly harvested material. Methods for the evaluation of purity, thousand seed weight (TSW) and germination capacity were developed and tested, a pre‐condition to define the optimal seeding rate for this vegetation type (2000–3000 seeds m^?2). The assessment was based on seed obtained by two harvesting techniques: on‐site threshing (OST) and seed stripping (SS). Materials from both methods obtained 63% pure seeds. The TSW differed significantly between harvesting methods: the OST provided greater seed weight (1·057 g) than the SS (0·84 g). Two trials were implemented to define criteria for the germination capacity test. Organic growing media obtained the best and most homogenous results in a first comparative germination test. In the second trial, different dormancy‐breaking treatments were compared, each with and without pre‐chilling, namely: addition of potassium nitrate (KNO₃), addition of gibberellic acid (GA3) and without addition of chemicals (WA). The germination capacity of the treated variants KNO₃, GA3 and pre‐chilling was lower than that for WA. The harvesting method significantly influenced quality and quantity of the seed material, whereas the substrate and dormancy‐breaking treatments had no effect.     

护苗种衣剂包衣稻种循环水浸种试验初报

通过对水稻护苗种衣剂包衣稻种采用"循环水浸种技术",测试药剂脱落对防病效果影响情况,结果表明:利用有氧恒温浸种机浸种或循环泵浸种,不会造成严重的药剂脱落现象,不会影响药剂的防病效果,而且还可以提高浸种质量,提高籽粒发芽势和出苗率,使得水稻出苗快且整齐。     

The effect of time of harvest on seed production of three red clover cultivars

Small plots of red clover cv. Sabtoron, S123 (diploids) and Hungaropoly (tetraploid) were harvested for seed production at two-week intervals from 19 August to 17 October inclusive in 1981, inflorescence appearance rate, bee density and components of yield having been monitored throughout the summer. Inflorescence appearance rate reached a maximum at the end of July/early August for Hungaropoly and Sabtoron and during mid-August for S123. Bee density followed a similar pattern. Florets and seeds per inflorescence and 1000-seed weight decreased as flowering progressed except during the first three weeks in July. Potential seed yield was calculated from the components of yield for the harvests taken on 3 and 18 September. Losses in seed yield (difference between actual and potential) up to and during harvesting, threshing and cleaning were lower in the tetraploid cultivar (27–39%) than the diploid cultivars (35–l55%). Each cultivar had an optimum harvest time before which yield was affected by immature seeds and beyond which it was adversely affected by shedding of inflorescences and seeds and sprouting of seeds on the inflorescences. The optimum time to harvest Sabtoron was early September, Hungaropoly early to mid-September and the late flowering cultivar S123 mid-September when less than 4% of the inflorescences were still unripe. Seed yield and inflorescences per unit area were lower in the tetraploid cv, Hungaropoly (maximum 542 kg ha⁻¹) than diploid cv. Sabtoron and S123 (864 and 897 kg ha⁻¹ respectively) although the tetraptoid had heavier seeds. It is concluded that the optimum time to harvest red clover for seed production is about three or four weeks after the end of the period of rapid inflorescence production and that this coincides with the time when only a small proportion of unripe inflorescences remain.     

硒肥对制种田玉米杂交种子活力及产量的影响

选取甘肃省3种基因型的玉米主栽品种(早熟、中熟和晚熟)亲本材料，在母本灌浆期喷施硒肥，在母本果穗子粒生理成熟(乳线大约在1/2位置)和完熟(乳线消失)时期测定秃尖长、出籽率、百粒重等产量构成因素，测试种子中硒元素含量和种子活力，分析外源调节物质“富硒叶面调节剂”对制种田玉米产量、子粒硒含量及种子活力的影响。结果表明，喷施有机硒肥对制种玉米部分产量构成因素有一定影响，不同基因型玉米秃尖长减少不显著，出籽率显著增加，显著提高种子中硒含量、种子发芽势和种子发芽率。     

A liquid bioplastic formulation for film coating of agronomic seeds

Interest in industrial and domestic applications of biodegradable plastics from renewable sources is increasing, but their use in agriculture is still limited (e.g., mulching films, plant pots, and plant clips). However, a sprayable liquid bioplastic formulation was recently evaluated for application of microbial biocontrol agents to agricultural and horticultural crops. In this study bioplastic formulation has been evaluated for use in film-coating seeds of two agronomic species, corn and canola. Bioplastic seed coating was achieved using procedures and equipment designed for commercial polymer film-coating of tablets. Germination of both species was unaffected by the thin bioplastic coating. Bioplastic coatings containing spores of the plant-growth promoting fungus, Trichoderma harzianum, significantly stimulated the growth of corn and canola seeds. In corn seedlings, shoot and root lengths were 29% and 44% longer, respectively, in seeds coated with T. harzianum-containing bioplastic than in uncoated seeds. Similarly, in canola seedlings shoot and root lengths were 19% and 20% longer, respectively, in seeds coated with T. harzianum-containing bioplastic than in uncoated seeds. In a paper-roll assay, including T. harzianum spores prevented reduced germination caused by a mixture of the insecticide imidacloprid and the fungicide metalaxyl-M in bioplastic seed coatings. The adhesive and plastic properties of bioplastic reduced dust-off from bioplastic-coated seeds by 96% in corn and 99% in canola compared to seeds coated with a commercial polymer.     

晚茬大麦催芽机播技术

研究总结了啤酒大麦种子的发芽条件,大批量故意种用于机播的浸种催芽方法,推芽种子遇雨时的控芽技术及健芽种子的机播技术。     

Effect of emergence time,inter- and intra-specific competition on growth and fecundity of Echinochloa crus-galli in dry-seeded rice

Since 2005, the evolution and spread of herbicide-resistant Echinochloa crus-galli biotypes have posed a serious threat to crop production in the Philippines. A comprehensive knowledge of E. crus-galli ecology and fecundity is fundamental in managing different biotypes of this weed. It was hypothesized that (a) high weed plant density produces more biomass and fertile seeds per unit area, (b) rice interference reduces the biomass and fecundity of the weed, and (c) a delay in weed emergence reduces the soil seed bank. In 2013, experiments were conducted in the wet season (WS) and dry season (DS), to understand the effect of E. crus-galli densities (40 and 80 plants m⁻²) on its growth, survival, and fecundity, with varying emergence times of 2, 15, 30, and 45 d after rice emergence (DARE). Relative to the weed plants grown without rice interference, E. crus-galli growth and seed production was lower in the presence of rice. Percent survival and plant height of E. crus-galli declined in a linear manner in the DS, and declined in a quadratic manner in the WS. Tiller number, inflorescence number, inflorescence biomass, and shoot biomass per plant declined in an exponential manner, with a delay in emergence of each cohort relative to rice. Across rice seeding rate, weed density, and emergence time, there was a linear relationship (y = 110x − 272 in the DS and y = 100x − 220 in the WS) between E. crus-galli shoot biomass and the number of seeds plant⁻¹. Relative to the late-emerging weed cohorts, E. crus-galli seed production (1320–1579 seeds plant⁻¹), 1000-seed weight (2.2–2.9 g), and seed yield (2808–2334 kg ha⁻¹) were higher when seedlings emerged with the crop (2 DARE). None of the seedlings that emerged 45 DARE produced viable seeds. Seed germination of the first two cohorts (2 and 15 DARE) ranged from 84 to 91%. The delay in emergence of E. crus-galli beyond 30 DARE reduced the percentage of germinable and viable seeds, and increased the percentage of non-viable seeds produced plant⁻¹. The results suggest that cultural weed management approaches that delay the emergence of E. crus-galli can reduce weed biomass and seed production, and is thus valuable for preventing seed rain to the seed bank by noxious weed biotypes in the field.