EFFECT OF DELAYED EMERGENCE ON CORN GRAIN YIELDS

Variable corn emergence results in decreased yields. This study was conducted to determine corn (Zea mays L.) by-plant yield reduction arising from delayed emergence. Treatments included delayed planting of 0, 2, 5, 8, and 12 days at two nitrogen (N) rates. Corn was planted by hand to maintain 17.8 cm plant-to-plant competition. Fifteen plants within a row were divided into five 3-plant sequences (middle plant delayed and 2-adjacent non-delayed plants). Under irrigation, grain yields decreased when the middle plant was delayed 2, 5, 8, and 12 days, by 3, 10, 19, and 25%, respectively. At the rainfed site, grain yields decreased when the middle plant was delayed 2, 5, 8, and 12 days, by 14, 25, 23, and 11%, respectively. Over all sites and years, for each day delay in emergence (one out of every 3 plants), corn grain yields decreased 0.225 to 1.379 Mg ha^?1 day^?1.     

INFLUENCE OF CORN (ZEA MAYS L.) CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT ON RESIDUE PRODUCTION

The amount and composition of crop residues added to soil in agroecosystems can influence decomposition processes and soil organic matter levels. This study aimed to evaluate residues (quantity and quality) of different corn cultivars commonly used in Brazilian cropping systems. The experiment was conducted for two seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) in Rolândia, Paraná State, Brazil. Ten corn cultivars that represent five degrees of breeding development (i.e., landrace, commercial variety, double cross, triple cross, and single cross hybrids) were evaluated. At harvest, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) of non-yield residue and grain were determined. Except for grain C, other measures (grain N concentration, residue C and N concentration, and C:N ratio) varied among cultivars. In general, the hybrids had higher residue C and lower residue N concentrations than the landraces and commercial varieties. Findings suggest that breeding selection may have altered residue production and composition, which may influence soil C dynamics.     

EFFECT OF DELAYED NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) GRAIN YIELDS AND NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY

Maize grain yield potential can be estimated mid-season using NDVI at the V8 growth stage, thus affording delayed sidedress nitrogen (N) application. Several combinations of preplant and sidedress N at various growth stages were evaluated. Maize grain yields were maximized with 90 kg N ha-1 preplant followed by 90 kg N ha-1 sidedress at V6 or V10 (8 of 9 site-years). Delaying N application until V10 growth stage when preplant N was applied did not result in lower yields. Mid-season N supplies fertilizer at the time when crop need and N uptake are at a maximum, and thus facilitates more efficient N use. Lowest nitrogen use efficiencies (NUE) were observed with higher N rates and when all N was applied preplant. Highest NUE's were achieved with 45 kg N ha-1 preplant followed by 45 kg N ha-1 sidedress applied at V6 growth stage (8 of 9 site-years) and at V10 (6 of 9 site-years).     

提高玉米花药培养愈伤组织诱导率的研究

以3个玉米(Zeo mays L.)自交系为父本分别与其它一些自交系杂交。将杂交 F_1和花粉纯系作为接种材料来源,结果表明:以易诱导的自交系作为杂交亲本之一,其杂种 F_1花药愈伤组织诱导率和绿苗分化率高。玉米幼穗预处理试验结果表明:采种前一周分2次注射10ml 0.6％硼酸入植株幼茎内,其愈伤组织诱导率较高。     

BY-PLANT PREDICTION OF CORN GRAIN YIELD USING OPTICAL SENSOR READINGS AND MEASURED PLANT HEIGHT

Indirect sensor-based measurements have made on-the-go by-plant recognition possible. This in turn has enabled high resolution by-plant management. The objective of this study was to estimate final grain yield of each corn (Zea mays L.) plant by collecting the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), plant height, and distance between plants at the 8-leaf growth stage (V8). The NDVI readings were collected every 1.2 cm in rows 15 to 30 m in length, and average NDVI per plant was calculated by assuming each plant occupied half the distance between it and its neighbors and calculating an average NDVI value within that respective area. First, an equation was developed to calculate the distance occupied by each plant. Then plant height was used in an equation to estimate competition among plants. A combined model employing plant height, area occupied, and NDVI were used to successfully predict by-plant corn grain yields at V8.     

MAIZE GRAIN YIELD RESPONSE TO VARIABLE ROW NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

Crop yields are affected by the rate and method of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application. This study was conducted to determine the effects of applying variable N rates by row on maize grain yields. The effects of variable rates and row application were investigated at the R.L. Westerman Irrigation Research Facility near Stillwater, Oklahoma on a Port-Oscar silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, super active, thermic Cumulic Haplustolls) and at Hennessey, Oklahoma on a Bethany silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic Pachic Paleustolls). For 2005 that was characterized by high yields, significant yield differences occurred in non-fertilized rows adjacent to N (67, 100, 134 kg N ha^?1) fertilized rows, but not when adjacent to low N [34 and 67 (some cases) kg N ha^?1]. In 2006, which had a dry growing season, grain yields were significantly lower than those produced in 2005. With few exceptions, rows receiving N did not produce significantly higher yields in 2006. In 2007, trends were similar to those observed in 2005. Excluding 2006, all site-years showed a significant reduction in yield when N fertilizer was not applied to each row. In order to maximize corn grain yields, N fertilizer should be applied by row, while alternate row N application should be avoided.     

USING PSEUDOMONAS SPP. AND ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI TO ALLEVIATE THE STRESS OF ZINC POLLUTION BY CORN (ZEA MAYS L.) PLANT

The objective was to test the single and combined use of Pseudomonas spp. and Glomus versiforme on the stress of high zinc (Zn) concentration in soil on corn growth as such data are little. Accordingly, in a greenhouse research work the effects of Zn concentrations (control, 100, 200 and 300 mg kg ^?1 ) and the microbial treatment (control, Pseudomonas spp. and G. versiforme) were tested on corn (single cross 704) growth. Almost three months after planting, plants were harvested. Plant dry weight and Zn uptake were determined. Zn significantly (P = 0.01) affected different measured parameters. The microbes increased plant dry weight related to the control treatment and the highest increase was related to the bacterial application (1.28 times higher). Both bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi and their combined use decreased Zn concentration in plant. The right combination of soil microbes can efficiently affect the process of bioremediation with respect to plant properties.     

CHANGES IN ENDOGENOUS HORMONAL STATUS IN CORN (ZEA MAYS) HYBRIDS UNDER DROUGHT STRESS

Corn has several mechanisms that allow it to perceive the incoming water deficit and rapidly regulate its growth and physiology to cope with this stress. Among these regulated physiological responses, phytohormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA₃), indole acetic acid (IAA), and zeatin (ZT) have important roles. To evaluate changes in hormonal status of corn hybrids under different drought stress levels, a greenhouse study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran, during summer 2010. Treatments consisted of drought stress in five levels: 100% field capacity (F.C.) as control, 80, 60, 40, and 20% F.C. and three corn hybrids, including single cross 704 (SC704), Maxima, and double cross 370 (DC370). Results showed that drought stress significantly affected phytohormones concentration, ABA concentration was increased and GA₃, IAA and ZT concentrations were decreased. Indeed, there was an initial increase (about 13.5% more than control) in IAA concentration. In severe drought condition, ABA concentration was eventually decreased (37.8% less than the first drought level, i.e., 80% F.C.). The ratios of GA₃, IAA and ZT to ABA concentration were also decreased. Among hybrids, SC704 showed the highest phytohormone concentrations and DC370 had the highest ratios of GA₃, IAA, and ZT to ABA concentrations. Overall, the results of this study suggest that although mild drought stress was associated with greater ABA concentration, it had negative impact on GA₃, IAA, and ZT concentrations. Furthermore, SC704 hybrid appeared to be more resistant to drought stress than the other hybrids.     

ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA,AZOSPIRILLUM AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS APPLICATION TO BABY CORN (ZEA MAYS L.): EFFECTS ON PRODUCTIVITY,NUTRIENTS USE EFFICIENCY,ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND SOIL FERTILITY

The study was investigated at Agricultural Experimental Farm, Giridih, India during winter seasons of 2007–2008 and 2008–2009. Plants grown with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) [nitrogen (N): phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅): potassium oxide (K₂O) = 150:60:60 kg ha^?1] + AM + Azospirillum (T₁₅) produced maximum chlorophyll, baby cob, and green fodder yield. Root biomass was highest with application of 150% RDF + arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) + Azospirillum (T₁₆). Co-inoculated plants produced higher chlorophyll, root biomass resulted higher cob and green fodder yield. Biofertilizers supplied along with chemical fertilizers saved 70, 29, and 33 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O per hectare, respectively. Nutrient (NPK) uptake was greatest in T_15. Residual soil fertility in terms of NPK was recorded maximum in T_16. Although, co-inoculated plots built up higher residual soil fertility as compare to sole inoculation. Nutrients use efficiency and benefit cost ratio were higher due to application of 50% RDF with co-inoculants. T₁₆ was most costly whereas T₁₄ (50% RDF + AM + Azospirillum) was most beneficial.     

INCREASING SAR OF IRRIGATION WATER AGGRAVATES BORON TOXICITY IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

We evaluated the effect of boron (B) application on shoot growth and shoot B concentration and uptake by two maize cultivars (‘FHY-396’ and ‘Sonari’) on a loam soil irrigated with water of different sodium absorption ratio (SAR) values [control, 5 and 15 (mmol_c L^?1)^1/2]. Plants were harvested after forty days of growth. Shoot dry matter decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with B application due to toxicity marked by leaf injury. Toxic effect of B was further aggravated by increasing SAR of irrigation water. In both cultivars concentration and uptake of B was significantly (P < 0.05) increased over control with B application and SAR of irrigation water. Shoot Ca concentration decreased with increasing SAR and B application. The phenomena of B toxicity and low Ca marked by reduction in shoot dry matter of plants irrigated with high SAR water could be important in management of brackish water used for irrigating crops on arid and semiarid region soils.     

玉米须多糖对老年大鼠的抗氧化作用研究

研究了玉米须多糖对老年大鼠的抗氧化作用。按200mg/(kg.d)和400mg/(kg.d)的多糖剂量给老年大鼠连续灌胃30d,测血清丙二醛(MDA)含量,脑和肝组织脂褐质(Lf)含量,皮肤和肝组织羟脯氨酸(Hyp)含量及血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性。结果表明:两剂量组均能明显降低老年大鼠血清MDA含量及脑和肝组织Lf含量,明显提高血清SOD、CAT、GSH-Px活性及皮肤和肝组织Hyp含量。     

CUMULATIVE AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF ZINC SULFATE ON GRAIN YIELD,ZINC, IRON,AND COPPER CONCENTRATION IN CORN AND WHEAT

Re-application of zinc (Zn) sulfate for corn (Zea mays L.) production in rotation of wheat-corn has varied effects on yield of crops grown in Zn deficient soils. Therefore, this study was done as split plots in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) where the main plots were control with and without Zn application in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Sub-plots were of control, without Zn fertilizer, base application of 75 kg per hectare (kg Zn ha^?1), 25% and 50% less than base application and as foliar spray in combination with the 4 soil Zn treatments for corn production. Effect of previous Zn application on grain Zn concentration of corn was significant (P < 0.01). Zinc concentrations in treatments of without previous Zn (nil Zn) application and with Zn application were 28.1 and 31.8 mg kg^?1, respectively. Soil application of 75 kg ha^?1 and foliar application of Zn sulfate gave the highest yield (8853 kg ha^?1) showed an increase of 25 percent in compared with nil-Zn. Although re-application of Zn has small effect on yield, but resulted in was the highest grain concentration.     

EFFECT OF CADMIUM ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF WHEAT AND CORN TO IRON DEFICIENCY

This work evaluated the effect of cadmium (Cd) on the physiological responses of corn (Zea Mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to iron (Fe) deficiency. For this purpose, seedlings of corn and wheat were cultivated under controlled conditions, plants were grown in different strength Hoagland's solutions for one month. In the fifth week, some seedlings were still in full strength Hoagland's solution (+Fe) and others were in full strength Hoagland's solutions without iron (?Fe). The plants were exposed to different cadmium (Cd) concentrations for four days. The plant chlorophyll content of young leaves, Fe and Cd content in shoots and roots, biomass production, and phytosiderophores (PS) release by roots were assessed. Results showed that Cd decreased the chlorophyll content of young leaves, accompanied by a significant shoot and root biomass reduction for Fe-deficient and Fe-sufficient wheat and corn across all Cd treatments. However, chlorophyll content and shoot and root biomass of Fe-deficient wheat and corn were lower than Fe-sufficient plants at different Cd concentrations. Iron-deficiency induced Cd accumulation compared to Fe-sufficient in wheat and corn; however, a depressive effect of Cd on iron acquisition in shoots and roots of Fe-deficient and Fe-sufficient wheat and corn across all Cd treatments was observed. Cadmium also inhibited PS release in Fe-deficient and Fe-sufficient wheat and corn. Iron-deficient PS release was higher than Fe-sufficient corn and wheat across all Cd treatments. These results suggested that Cd might reduce capacity of plants to acquire iron from solution by inhibiting PS release.     

EFFECT OF CHLORIDE FERTILIZERS AND LIME ON WHEAT GRAIN YIELD AND TAKE-ALL DISEASE

One experiment was initiated in the fall of 1991 to evaluate the effect of chloride (Cl) fertilizers on the suppression of take-all disease (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici Walker) in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Preplant and topdress rates of potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) (0, 34, 67 and 101 kg Cl ha^?1) were applied each year. In 1995, plots were split in half whereby one half received 2.24 Mg of 76% ECCE lime ha^?1 to elevate the pH and potentially increase disease incidence. Wheat grain yield was not affected by lime applications in any year (1995–1999). Plots exhibited visual symptoms of take-all in almost all years, however, grain yields increased in only two of eight years by the application of CaCl₂ and KCl. Applied fertilizer Cl for take-all disease suppression was inconsistent, even following the application of lime where increased soil pH can increase disease severity.

     

INTERACTIVE EFFECT OF SULFUR AND NITROGEN ON GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF OILSEED CROPS (BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS L. AND ERUCA SATIVA MILL.) DIFFERING IN YIELD POTENTIAL

Field experiments were conducted to determine the interactive effect of sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) on growth and yield attributes of oilseed crops [Brassica campestris L. (V₁) and Eruca sativa Mill. (V₂)] differing in yield potential. Two combinations of S and N (in kg ha^?1): 0S + 100N (?S+N;T₁) and 40S + 100N (+S+N;T₂) were used. Biomass accumulation, leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), and photosynthetic rate in the leaves were determined at various phenological stages. The results showed that the combined application of S and N (+S+N) significantly (P<0.05) improved the growth and yield attributes of both the genotypes compared with N applied alone (?S+N). Genetic variability was observed between the two genotypes in response to combined application of S and N (T₂). Genotype V₁ had higher biomass accumulation, photosynthetic rate, seed yield, oil yield, biological yield, and harvest index when compared with genotype V₂. Treatment T₂ resulted in 142, 95, 56, and 349% enhancement in biomass accumulation, leaf-area index (LAI), leaf-area duration (LAD) and photosynthetic rate, respectively in comparison with treatment T₁ in genotype V₁. Seed yield, oil yield, biological yield, and harvest index were improved by 141, 171, 85, and 30%, respectively, by treatment T₂ in comparison with T₁. In the case of genotype V₂, increase in biomass accumulation, LAI, LAD, and photosynthetic rate due to application of treatment T₂ were 156, 137, 125 and 467%, respectively, over the results of T₁. Seed yield, oil yield, biological yield and harvest index improved by 193, 251, 98, and 48%, respectively, with this treatment. On the basis of results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that sulfur must be included in the nutrient management package for optimum growth and yield attributes of oilseed crops. Furthermore, the yield potential of oilseed crops with low seed and oil yield can be improved using this treatment as achieved in our study in case of taramira (Eruca sativa Mill.), a genotype with low seed and oil yield.     

玉米几个数量性状的基因效应分析

用世代均数法分析了玉米10个数量性状的基因效应。以 P_1、P_2、F_1、B_1、B_2和 F_26个世代作材料,用 Mathef 和 Jinks(1977)提出的估计参数模式进行统计分析,结果表明,玉米棒四叶叶面积、双穗间距、果穗重、籽粒重、出籽率等数量性状显性效应贡献最大,而抽雄期、抽丝期、抽丝间隔、穗轴重的加性效应贡献最大;上述9个性状都存在着显著或极显著的上位性效应,其作用太小因性状而异。双穗率无显著的上位性效应,适合加性—显性模式,它可能主要受加性效应的影响。     

Comparative Efficacy of White Mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Seed Meals as Bioherbicides in Organic Broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. Botrytis) and Spinach (Spinacea oleracea) Production

White mustard and soybean seed meals were compared for weed control and yield of organically grown broccoli and spinach. The meals were incorporated into the soil 2 weeks before crop planting at two rates (1.24 and 4.48 t ha^?1). Weed densities and hand-weeding time were recorded twice during the growing seasons and weed biomass was measured at crop harvest. Compared to the 1.24 t ha^?1 soybean treatment, weed densities were 52 to 95% and 41 to 45% less at 3 and 6 weeks after planting, respectively, in both crops with the 4.48 t ha^?1 white mustard seed meal treatment. Time required for hand weeding at these times was also reduced by up to 82% and 48%, respectively. Broccoli yield was similar in all the treatments, but spinach yield was greatest in the 4.48 t ha^?1 treatments for both seed meals. Petiole nitrate and nutrient concentrations in both crops were generally similar in all the treatments.     

不同灌溉量下微水溶性缓释肥料在春玉米的肥效及环境效应研究

应用田间试验研究了适用于半干旱气候条件下的微水溶性缓释肥料(简称W,下同)在不同灌溉量下对春玉米生长的影响及环境效应。试验中设置了空白不施肥处理(CK)、常规灌溉尿素处理(N)、常规灌溉微水溶性缓释肥处理(W1)和减量灌溉微水溶性缓释肥处理(W2)。试验结果表明:与CK处理相比,W1处理显著提高了春玉米植株株高,W2处理显著提高了春玉米植株与籽粒全N、K含量及产量,但叶绿素、株高未显著提高,N处理仅显著提高了籽粒全N含量(p<0.05)。与N处理相比,W1处理显著提高了春玉米植株株高、肥料磷钾利用率与产量(p<0.05),土壤硝态氮残留峰值出现于80cm土层,淋失量显著减少(p<0.05);W2处理显著提高了春玉米植株与籽粒全N含量、肥料氮磷钾利用率与产量(p<0.05),土壤硝态氮残留峰值出现于60cm土层,淋失量显著减少(p<0.05)。由此说明,微水溶性缓释肥料具有一定的增产效果和节水功效,硝酸盐淋失量显著降低。     

改良剂对玉米和大豆间作植株锌铬积累的影响

通过盆栽试验,研究改良剂石灰和过磷酸钙对玉米、大豆间作植株各器官锌铬积累的影响。结果表明,不同改良剂处理后,能显著降低土壤中锌、铬有效态含量,植株各器官锌含量为:对照>低浓度石灰>高浓度石灰;铬含量为:对照>高浓度过磷酸钙>低浓度过磷酸钙,单作>间作。在间作下施用低浓度过磷酸钙改良效果最优,其中玉米根、茎、叶的锌、铬含量分别比只施用低浓度过磷酸钙单作降低30.72%、35.96%和29.51%,69.98%、64.21%和51.56%;比不施加改良剂的对照间作玉米降低55.57%、59.68%和66.57%,64.10%、76.79%和80.75%;大豆根、茎、叶的锌、铬含量分别比其只施用低浓度过磷酸钙单作降低0.26%、4.91%和16.42%,14.25%、8.16%和23.33%,比不施加改良剂的对照间作降低63.95%、69.54%和65.49%,54.15%、57.14%和57.14%。间作条件下,低浓度过磷酸钙处理在不增加大豆对锌铬吸收的前提下,大幅降低玉米对重金属的吸收,显著增加玉米产量。     

EFFECTS OF MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON TOLERANCE CAPABILITY OF CORN GROWN UNDER SALT STRESS CONDITION

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effect of salinity on the efficacy of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Glomus mossea and natural mycorrhiza, of Glomus species, was investigated in terms of growth and nutrition of corn plant (Zea mays L). Plants were grown under different salinity levels imposed by 2.0, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, 8.0, 12.0 dS m^?1of Hoagland's Solution [sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄)_, Calcium dichloride (CaCl₂), and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) 7:9:3:1 ratio, respectively]. Both types of mycorrhizal fungi did not display significant protection in the host plant against the detrimental effects of the soil salinity. The effect of inoculation on growth varied only with the level of salinity. Maximum root colonization and spore numbers were observed in plants cultivated with low salinity levels. It was found that significant interaction between AMF x Salinity level for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) of shoot, and for Zn and Mn, of root.