Comparison of Sugar Beet Cropping Systems with Dead and Living Mulch using a Glyphosate-resistant Hybrid

The aim of this study was to evaluate new options for sugar beet mulch systems, using a glyphosate‐resistant hybrid. In four field trials – conducted in 2002 and 2003 at two sites in a major sugar beet‐growing region in the central Germany – three different mulch systems (straw, non‐winterhardy and winterhardy cover crop) and an alternative seedbed preparation method (rotary band tillage) have been tested in comparison with a control treatment (plough, no mulch, broadcast seedbed preparation) representing the common German practice. In all systems, a set of eight different weed control programmes, including two reference treatments, one with selective conventional herbicides and five exclusively using glyphosate, has been evaluated for efficacy. It could be shown that the integration of winterhardy cover crops into sugar beet mulch systems reduced the risk of nitrogen loss by leaching. The changes in the nitrogen dynamics neither influence the yield nor the technical quality of the sugar beet. The field emergence of sugar beet decreased while using a winterhardy cover crop, but was not altered by the seedbed preparation method. Compared with the conventional broadcast seedbed preparation, the rotary band tillage did reduce the weed density. The lowest weed density was observed in the straw mulch system. It was not possible to control the remaining plants of the winterhardy cover crops completely with selective herbicides. If glyphosate was used until the four‐leaf stage of the sugar beet, a regulation of the winterhardy cover crop was achievable. With glyphosate it was also feasible to control older weeds together with the newly emerging ones with post‐emergence applications only. For most of the mulch systems tested, the sugar beet was very sensitive to weed competition between the four‐ and 10‐leaf stage. If the weeds within the sugar beet rows were controlled during this sensitive period with an early glyphosate band application, the remaining weeds between the rows could be left uncontrolled until the 10‐leaf stage of the sugar beet without any yield loss. Only in the combination of winterhardy cover crop × rotary band seedbed preparation, the weeds and cover crop had to be controlled directly after emergence of the sugar beet.     

Annual Medicago as a Smother Crop in Soybean

Use of conservation tillage and narrow row spacing in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production has led to increased use of herbicides for weed control. Some producers are seeking alternative weed control methods, such as smother crops, that would reduce dependence on chemical weed control. A successful smother crop must compete strongly with weeds but minimally with the crop. In four environments, we intercropped three annual Medicago spp. (medics) with soybean to test their utility as a smother crop for weed control. Annual medics were intercropped with soybean at rates of 0, 85, 258, or 775 seeds m^?2, and the intercrops were grown with and without weed control. Increasing medic seeding rate decreased weed yields but also reduced soybean herbage and grain yields. For the weed‐controlled treatment, average soybean grain yields declined 7 kg ha^?1 for every 10 seeds m^?2 increase in medic seeding rate. Soybean grain yield was lower when grown with Medicago scutellata L. cv. Sava than when grown with Medicago polymorpha L. cv. Santiago or Medicago lupilina L. cv. George. Soybean grain yield was negatively related (r=?81) to medic herbage production. In the autumn following soybean harvest, medic residue ranged from 200 to 3700 kg ha^?1 depending on the location and seeding rate. Medics provided residue for soil protection, suppressed weeds, but also reduced soybean yields.     

Weed Control of Four Higher Plant Species in Paddy Rice Fields in Southeast Asia

Four higher plants, namely glory bowers (Clerodendrum trichotomum L.), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.), beggarweed (Desmodium triflorum L.) and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.), with the strong allelopathic potential among 19 allelopathic species from Southeast Asia, were tested for their effects on weed emergence in paddy soil and field. In a greenhouse experiment, D. stramonium, D. triflorumand M. azedarach exhibited similar inhibitory magnitude at 1 t ha^?1 achieving more than 90 % weed control. C. trichotomum achieved about 70 % weed reduction at 2 t ha^?1. In paddy fields, D. triflorum was the most promising material for weed control and attained the highest rice yield among treatments, at the concentration of 2 t ha^?1, whereas the inhibition of D. stramonium and M. azedarach was weakened in the greenhouse. No injury of rice plants was observed. These plants might be used as natural herbicides to reduce the dependence on synthetic herbicides.     

氨基酸合成抑制剂类除草剂诱导油菜雄性不育效果评价

甘蓝型油菜对以乙酰乳酸合酶为靶标的磺酰脲类等除草剂很敏感, 其中部分除草剂具有很强的化学杀雄作用。本文通过油菜抽薹期叶面喷施试验, 比较26种能够抑制氨基酸生物合成的除草剂及复配剂对甘蓝型油菜雄蕊育性的影响。结果显示除过双草醚、麦喜、胺苯磺隆外, 其余23种除草剂均对油菜具有不同程度杀雄作用。其中600 mg hm^–2的咪唑乙烟酸、150mg hm^–2的吡嘧磺隆、240 mg hm^–2的烟嘧磺隆、200 mg hm^–2的单嘧磺隆和120 mg hm^–2的氯磺隆具有较高杀雄率, 但容易产生药害。而60~90 mg hm^–2的酰嘧磺隆、苯磺隆及其复配剂对油菜杀雄率大于95%, 持续时间长, 对雌蕊结实性能影响较小, 且在20个甘蓝型油菜品种(系)上杀雄效果稳定, 可以作为油菜等植物的最佳化学杀雄剂活性成分。本试验证明可以从氨基酸合成抑制型除草剂中筛选化学杂交剂, 为进一步开发化学杀雄剂提供了参考。     

Assessing fitness parameters of hybrids between weed beets and transgenic sugar beets

Herbicide resistance is a desired trait for sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) production because it is a low‐competitor crop that requires careful weed management. However, gene flow to weed beet (also B. vulgaris) could jeopardize the weed control strategy by causing the emergence of resistant weed beets; it could also lead to further adaptation of weed beet as a troublesome weed for other crops by selecting more competitive plants. To evaluate the hazard that such a selection process represents, apart the herbicide resistance, we investigated the morphology and reproduction of progeny of weed beets having inherited a herbicide resistance gene. First‐generation resistant weed beet exhibited traits likely counter‐selected. But such crop traits rapidly disappeared with backcrossing to weedy relatives: no biologically relevant difference was noted between resistant and susceptible near‐isogenic siblings in the various experiments. In the absence of resistance selection, our data indicate low chances for weed beet to evolve more competitive forms than present weed beet populations. However, they also suggest that there is no fitness cost limiting transgenes spread.     

Is the Companion Crop Harmless to Alfalfa Establishment in the Highlands of East Anatolia?

This study documented the effects of barley companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage on alfalfa establishment in a highland area. Alfalfa was established with barley at seeding rates of 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha^?1 and cut at the milk‐dough and ripe grain stages. In most cases, hay yield and composition of herbage were affected by companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage. Total hay yield increased from 3294 to 5131 kg ha^?1 when the companion crop seeding rate was increased from 0 to 180 kg ha^?1 at the milk‐dough stage. Legume and weed growth was suppressed by the companion crop during establishment, but using a barley companion crop decreased alfalfa plant losses in the seeding year. Few residual effects of barley were seen on hay yield in the subsequent year, but residual effects of companion crop treatments on weed suppression continued in all clippings of the second year. The results suggest that alfalfa should be sown with a barley companion crop in highland areas with adequate moisture. The seeding rate for barley is about the same as that for barley grown alone, and the companion crop could be harvested for hay or grain in the establishment year.     

Herbicidal Activity of Stylosanthes guianensis and its Phytotoxic Components

Stylosanthes guianensis is a popular pasture legume and cover crop. The legume possessed strong allelopathic potential and suppressed spontaneous growth of paddy weeds. In a bioassay, aqueous extract of S. guianensis remarkably inhibited germination and growth of barnyardgrass and monochoria. Application of 1 ton ha^?1 upland parts of S. guianensis significantly reduced paddy weed biomass by 80 % and increased rice yield by 40 % when compared with the control. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis reveals the presence of several allelochemicals in S. guianensis including phenolic acids, coumarin and long‐chain fatty acids. Stylosanthes guianensis may be used as a source of natural herbicide for reducing the dependency on synthetic herbicides in agricultural production.     

Energy Input and Output Analysis of four Field Crops in California1

Four crops, corn (Zea mays L.), sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), fodder beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) were grown in irrigated plots at the experimental farm of the University of California, Davis, in 1980 and 1981. Six fertilizer N levels ranging from 0 to 280 kg ha^?1 were used to estimate the most efficient N input for each of the tested crop in terms of energy input and output analysis. Calculations of cultural energy input costs in relation to potential ethanol yield showed production requirements of: corn 30.9 GJ ha^?1, sweet sorghum 30.4 GJ ha^?1, fodder beet 49.4 GJ ha^?1 and sugarbeet 41.0 GJ ha^?1. Highest average energy inputs were for liquid fuels for operations 35%, irrigation 23% and fertilizer nitrogen 19%. Fodder beet had the highest fermentable carbohydrate yield at 13.05 Mg ha^?1 followed by sugarbeet at 11.5 Mg ha^?1. Sweet sorghum and corn yields were lower at 9.71 and 8.09 Mg ha^?1, respectively. Crop production inputs of energy per liter of potential ethanol were: corn 6.42 MJL^?1 sweet sorghum 5.25 MJL^?1, fodder beet 6.35 MJL^?1 and sugarbeet 5.95 MJL^?1.     

Genetically manipulated pineapple: transgene stability, gene expression and herbicide tolerance under field conditions

Pineapple plants transformed with the bar gene for bialaphos resistance were evaluated for transgene stability, gene expression and tolerance to glufosinate ammonium, the active ingredient of the herbicide Basta^® X, under field conditions. Genetically modified plants of the cv. Phuket were micropropagated, rooted and established in a shade house before transfer to an experimental plot. Seven months after transfer to the field, plants were tolerant to 1600 ml/rai of the herbicide Basta^® X (stock concentration 15% w/v glufosinate ammonium), this being twice the dose recommended for field application of the herbicide. Genetically modified plants remained green and healthy following spraying with the herbicide. In contrast, non‐transformed pineapple plants of the same cv. became necrotic and died within 21 days of spraying with the herbicide at a reduced concentration of 800 ml/rai. Bar gene stability and expression in clonally‐derived plants were assessed by PCR, RT‐PCR and Southern analyses at 120, 210, 240, 270 and 380 days following transfer of the plants to the field. The bar gene was stable and expressed in transgenic plants throughout the duration of the trial. Fruit characteristics and yield were not affected by transgene introduction and expression. Transgenic plants tolerant to glufosinate ammonium should facilitate more effective weed control in pineapple plantations without damage to the crop.     

Crop and Weed Growth in a Sequence of Spring Barley and Winter Wheat Crops Established Together from a Spring Sowing (Relay Cropping)

A relay cropping system of cereals, whereby winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was undersown in two‐row spring barley (Hordeum distichum L.), was established in a field trial in central Sweden in 1999 and continued until 2000. The purpose of the study was to examine crop and weed responses to different plant densities of the undersown winter crop. Winter wheat was sown at four seed rates (187, 94, 47 and 0 kg ha^?1) immediately after the sowing of barley. Barley was harvested in the first autumn after sowing and winter wheat in the second autumn. The grain yield of barley was not affected by the seed rate of wheat, and averaged 4580 kg ha^?1. Winter wheat did not vernalize during the first growing season but remained at the vegetative stage. The grain yield of wheat was 1990 kg ha^?1 for the lowest and 5610 kg ha^?1 for the highest seed rate of wheat. Whilst the undersowing process itself stimulated weed emergence in this experiment, increasing the undersowing seed rate reduced the population of perennial weeds by 40–70 %. In the second growing season, the total biomass of weeds was 66 % higher at the highest seed rate compared with the lowest seed rate.     

The relevance of N fertilization for the amount of total greenhouse gas emissions in sugar beet cultivation

The agricultural sector is highly affected by climate change and it is a source of greenhouse gases. Therefore it is in charge to reduce emissions. For a development of reduction strategies, origins of emissions have to be known. On the example of sugar beet, this study identifies the main sources and gives an overview of the variety of production systems. With data from farm surveys, calculations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in sugar beet cultivation in Germany are presented. Emissions due to the production and use of fertilizers and pesticides, emissions due to tillage as well as field emissions were taken into account. All emissions related to the growing of catch crops during fall before the cultivation of sugar beet were also included. The emissions are related to the yield to express intensity.The median of total GHG emissions of sugar beet cultivation in Germany for the years 2010–2012 amounted to 2626 equivalents of CO₂ (CO₂eq) kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ when applying mineral plus organic fertilizer and to 1782 kg ha⁻¹ when only organic fertilizer was applied. The CO₂eq emissions resulting from N fertilization exclusively were 2.5 times higher than those caused by diesel and further production factors. The absence of emissions for the production of organic fertilizers led to 12% less total CO₂eq emissions compared to the use of mineral fertilizer only. But by applying organic fertilizer only, there were more emissions via the use of diesel due to larger volumes transported (126 l diesel ha⁻¹ vs. 116 l ha⁻¹ by applying mineral fertilizer exclusively).As there exists no official agreement about calculating CO₂eq emissions in crop production yet, the authors conclude that there is still need for further research and development with the aim to improve crop cultivation and crop rotations concerning GHG emissions and the therewith related intensity.     

Intercropping for the Improvement of Sorghum Yield, Soil Fertility and Striga Control in the Subsistence Agriculture Region of Tigray (Northern Ethiopia)

Striga hermonthica is a major biotic constraint in the dry and less fertile areas of northern Ethiopia. Emphasis is being placed on improved cropping systems to address the interrelated problems of Striga and soil fertility decline. The potential benefits of intercropping were investigated at two sites representing different environments for crop yield improvement, soil fertility maintenance and Striga control. Ten food legume and oilseed crop species were compared in inter‐row arrangement with sorghum under non‐fertilized conditions. In most cases, there was no significant negative impact of intercropping on sorghum growth and development. Among the intercrops, two cowpea varieties – cv. TVU 1977 OD and cv. Blackeye bean – produced the highest supplemental yield of up to 329 and 623 kg ha^?1 grain and 608 and 1173 kg ha^?1 biomass at Adibakel and Sheraro respectively. Treatment differences on Striga infestation and measured soil fertility indicators were not significant. Nevertheless, valuable grain and biomass obtained from the legume intercrops, without seriously compromising sorghum yield, could offer multiple benefits as a source of protein, additional income, feeds for animals and manure in the subsistence agriculture regions of northern Ethiopia.     

Introgression of phenoxy herbicide resistance from Raphanus raphanistrum into Raphanus sativus

Phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4‐D) and 4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy acetic acid (MCPA) are selective herbicides used extensively in agriculture for weed control. Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) is a problem weed across the globe and heavily infests crop fields in Australia. Phenoxy herbicides are used to selectively control dicot weeds, including wild radish. As a result of selection, phenoxy‐resistant wild radish populations evolved in Western Australia. In this research, introgression of phenoxy resistance from wild radish to cultivated radish (Raphanus sativus) was investigated following classical breeding procedures. F₁ progeny were generated by crossing MCPA‐resistant R. raphanistrum and MCPA‐susceptible R. sativus. F₁ hybrids were screened for MCPA resistance. The MCPA‐resistant F₁ hybrids were used to produce three generations of backcross progeny. Genetic analyses of F₁ and backcross progeny demonstrated introgression of the MCPA‐resistant trait from wild radish to cultivated radish. Implications of phenoxy resistance introgression into cultivated radish include potential development of herbicide‐tolerant radish cultivars or other members of the Brassicaceae family.     

Analysis of Water Non-limiting and Water Limiting Yields and Yield Gaps of Groundnut in India Using CROPGRO-Peanut Model

To assess the scope for enhancing productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in India, well‐calibrated and validated CROPGRO‐Peanut model was used to assess potential yields (water non‐limiting and water limiting) and yield gaps of groundnut for 18 locations representing major groundnut growing regions of India. The average simulated water non‐limiting pod yield of groundnut for the locations was 5440 kg ha^?1, whereas the water limiting yield was 2750 kg ha^?1 indicating a 49 % reduction in yield because of deficit soil moisture conditions. As against this, the actual pod yields of the locations averaged 1020 kg ha^?1, which was 4420 and 1730 kg ha^?1 less than the simulated water non‐limiting and water limiting yields, respectively. Across locations, the simulated water non‐limiting yields were less variable than water limited and actual yields, and strongly correlated with solar radiation during the crop season (R² = 0.62, P ≤ 0.01). Simulated water limiting yield showed a significant positive, but curvilinear relationship (R² = 0.73, P ≤ 0.01) with mean crop season rainfall across locations. The relationship between actual yield and the mean crop season rainfall across locations was not significant, whereas across seasons for some of the locations, the association was found to be significant. Total yield gap (water non‐limiting minus actual yields) ranged from 3100 to 5570 kg ha^?1, and remained more or less unaffected by the quantity of rainfall received across locations. The gap between simulated water non‐limiting and water limiting yields, which ranged from 710 to 5430 kg ha^?1, was large at locations with low crop season rainfall, and narrowed down at locations with increasing quantum of crop season rainfall. On the other hand, the gap between simulated water limiting yield and actual farmers yield ranged from 0 to 3150 kg ha^?1. It was narrow at locations with low crop season rainfall and increased considerably at locations with increasing amounts of rainfall indicating that type of interventions to abridge the yield gap will vary with the rainfall regimes. It is suggested that improved agronomic management (such as high yielding cultivars, balance crop nutrition and control of pest and diseases) in high rainfall regimes and rainfall conservation and supplemental irrigations in low rainfall regimes will be essential components of the improved technologies aimed at abridging the yield gaps of groundnut.     

Early assessment of ecological services provided by forage legumes in relay intercropping

In organic agriculture, weeds and nitrogen deficiency are the main factors that limit crop production. The use of relay-intercropped forage legumes may be a way of providing ecological services such as weed control, increasing N availability in the cropping system thanks to N fixation, reducing N leaching and supplying nitrogen to the following crop. However, these ecological services can vary considerably depending on the growing conditions. The aim of this study was to identify early indicators to assess these two ecological services, thereby giving farmers time to adjust the management of both the cover crop and of the following crop.Nine field experiments were conducted over a period of three years. In each experiment, winter wheat was grown as sole crop or intercropped with one of two species of forage legumes; Trifolium repens L. or Trifolium pratense L. Two levels of fertilization were also tested (0 and 100 kg N ha⁻¹). After the intercropping stage, the cover crop was maintained until the end of winter and then destroyed by plowing before maize was sown. Legume and weed biomass, nitrogen content and accumulation were monitored from legume sowing to cover destruction.Our results showed that a minimum threshold of about 2 t ha⁻¹ biomass in the aboveground parts of the cover crop was needed to decrease weed infestation by 90% in early September and to ensure weed control up to December. The increase in nitrogen in the following maize crop was also correlated with the legume biomass in early September. The gain in nitrogen in maize (the following crop) was correlated with legume biomass in early September, with a minimum gain of 60 kg N ha⁻¹ as soon as legume biomass reached more than 2 t ha⁻¹.Legume biomass in early September thus appears to be a good indicator to predict weed control in December as well as the nitrogen released to the following crop. The indicator can be used by farmers as a management tool for both the cover crop and following cash crop. Early estimation of available nitrogen after the destruction of the forage legume can be used to adjust the supply of nitrogen fertilizer to the following crop.     

Low-input cropping systems to reduce input dependency and environmental impacts in maize production: A multi-criteria assessment

Intensification of cropping systems in recent decades has increased their productivity but affected air, soil and water quality. These harmful environmental impacts are exacerbated in Maize Monoculture (MM) and hasten the need for solutions to overcome the trade off between crop yield and environmental impacts. In a three-year cropping systems experiment, a conventional intensive maize monoculture (MM_Conv), with a winter bare fallow, deep soil tillage, non-limiting irrigation was compared to three Low Input Cropping Systems (LI-CS) designed as alternatives to the conventional system. They were managed with decision-rules implemented to reach specific objectives of input reduction. The LI-CS designed with Integrated Weed Management (IWM) techniques and other sustainable cropping practices, were:(i) MM_LI—an IWM Low Input MM; (ii) MM_CT—a Conservation Tillage combined with cover crop MM; and (iii) Maize-MSW—an IWM maize grown in rotation with soybean and wheat. A comprehensive multi-criteria assessment was carried out to quantify the agronomic, economic, social, and environmental performances of each system. A canonical discriminant analysis of performance metrics revealed large differences between the four systems. Yields were significantly higher in MM_Conv (11.0 Mg ha⁻¹) and MM_LI (10.3 Mg ha⁻¹) than in Maize-MSW (8.6 Mg ha⁻¹) and MM_CT (7.8 Mg ha⁻¹). MM_CT had the largest weed infestation (density and biomass) despite the greatest use of herbicides. The Herbicide Treatment Frequency Index (HTFI), used to indicate differences in herbicide use, revealed that the MM_LI (HTFI = 1.0) and Maize-MSW (1.1) halved the herbicide use as compared to the MM_Conv (2.1), despite having similar weed abundance levels. The LI-CS, especially MM_CT, produced high biomass winter cover crops and then less nitrogen fertilization was required as compared to MM_Conv. Gross margins in the MM_LI (1254 € ha⁻¹) and MM_Conv (1252 € ha⁻¹) were higher than the MM_CT (637 € ha⁻¹) and Maize-MSW (928 € ha⁻¹). MM_LI and MM_Conv had similar labour requirements. Water drainage, pesticide leaching, energy use, and estimated greenhouse gas emissions were higher in MM_Conv than in the LI-CS in most years. Results from this research show good potential for the MM_LI to reduce the environmental impacts of MM_Conv while maintaining its economic and social performance.     

Potassium nutrition for improving stubble bud sprouting,dry matter partitioning,nutrient uptake and winter initiated sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) ratoon yield

A field experiment was conducted for two crop cycles during 2003–2005 and 2004–2006 at Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow to improve bud sprouting, dry matter accumulation (DMA), nutrient uptake and ratoon yield by using potassium fertilizer. Potassium (K) fertigation in standing plant cane increased the number of buds per stubble and number of stalks in ratoon cane. K content of stubble increased by 16.7% with K fertigation. The content of reducing sugars in buds at the time of ratoon initiation improved significantly with K fertigation. It improved dry matter accumulation, number of millable canes, individual cane weight, ratoon cane and sugar yields. Thus, it could be concluded that application of 66 kg K ha^?1 with irrigation water in standing plant cane before harvest improved bud sprouting, dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake in ratoon crop. Irrigation in standing plant cane increased ratoon cane (69.9 t ha^?1) and sugar yields (7.6 t ha^?1). This increase for ratoon cane and sugar yield was 8.7 and 5.55%, respectively over the control. Further, it increased ratoon cane yield by 15.21% (74.1 t ha^?1) and sugar yields by 13.9% (8.2 t ha^?1) with K fertigation over the control. Thus, K nutrition holds great promise for improving growth of ratoon cane and sugar yields.     

Tall Fescue Adaptation to Low Nitrogen Fertilization in Relation to Germplasm Type and Endophyte Infection

Efficient crop growth with low nitrogen (N) application is becoming a requirement to face the concern on excessive N emission to the environment and the increasing cost of fertilizers. This study compared six natural populations and three improved varieties of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) for dry‐matter yield over 4 years under ordinary N fertilization (450 kg ha^?1 in the 4 years) and very low N fertilization (only 40 kg ha^?1 prior to sowing). Both endophyte‐infected (EI) and endophyte‐free (EF) forms of each accession were sown. On average, ordinary fertilization implied 30 % higher yield than very low fertilization and the EI germplasm outyielded the corresponding EF germplasm (+4.4 %). Mean yield of improved varieties was higher than that of natural populations under ordinary fertilization (P < 0.05), whereas the two germplasm groups did not differ under very low fertilization. Accession × N fertilization interaction was found among natural populations but not among varieties (P < 0.05). A few natural populations were top‐yielding under very low fertilization and may be exploited, possibly in combination with endophyte infection, to select tall fescue varieties with enhanced performance under limited N application.     

Greenhouse and field techniques for testing sugar beet for resistance to Rhizoctonia root and crown rot

Rhizoctonia‐resistant sugar beet varieties are the key to an integrated control strategy for Rhizoctonia root rot. Because of the unpredictable occurrence of Rhizoctonia solani in the field testing of sugar beet for resistance to Rhizoctonia root rot is difficult. The aim of the study was to develop advanced greenhouse and field techniques which allow a reliable assessment of sugar beet for resistance to R. solani. A highly infectious liquid inoculum was used for the first time in this study. It can be produced in large quantities of a standardized quality, sterile, and exactly quantified according to its carbon content. In a greenhouse trial, sugar beet grown in the same way as field grown beet was inoculated by applying a suspension of Rhizoctonia mycelium (equivalent to 10 mg carbon per plant) to the beet crown. After 3 weeks, inoculation had led to uniform and severe root rot. Disease symptoms were similar to those found under natural conditions in the field. No ‘escapes’, i.e. susceptible plants apparently expressing resistance were observed in the test. A new nine‐class disease scale was established and a Rhizoctonia index (RI) was calculated. Reliability of disease assessment was demonstrated on progeny of plants, selected from segregating populations, showing Rhizoctonia resistance more closely related to the resistant parent lines than to the susceptible ones. Sugar beet varieties could be assessed in the greenhouse within only 11 weeks. All varieties were affected by the pathogen but partially resistant varieties could be clearly recognized by a significantly lower Rhizoctonia index. Significant differences in susceptibility were also found within the group of new resistant genotypes. Infection studies performed in the field showed the superiority of the new liquid inoculum compared with a solid form and revealed the influence of inoculation date and inoculum level on the development of Rhizoctonia root rot. In field tests performed at different sites under different environmental conditions, susceptible and partially resistant sugar beet varieties could be reproducibly rated according to their susceptibility to R. solani. On average, susceptible varieties showed a Rhizoctonia index of 8 while resistant genotypes ranged from 5 to 6. The newly developed techniques allow fast and reliable evaluation of sugar beet for resistance to R. solani.     

Maturity Class and P Effects on Soya Bean Grain Yield in the Moist Savanna of West Africa

Field trials were replicated at four sites in the moist savanna ecological zone of West Africa to study the effect of maturity class and phosphorus (P) rate on grain yield and total protein yield (TPY) of some new soya bean varieties. Grain yield and TPY averaged 1.43 Mg ha^?1 and 587 kg ha^?1, respectively. Without P application grain yield and TPY were not significantly different among the varieties. In addition, at zero P treatment, grain yield and TPY were not significantly different among three sites where available P was 6.2 mg kg^?1 or less. P application depressed grain yield and TPY at a site where the available soil P was high (16.2 mg kg^?1). With P application grain yield and TPY were in the range of 1.2–2.28 Mg ha^?1 and 505–948 kg ha^?1, respectively, for the varieties compared with 0.99–1.12 Mg ha^?1 and 454–462 kg ha^?1 when P was not applied. The response of grain yield to 30 kg P ha^?1 was substantial at Gidan Waya (113 %), Kasuwan Magani (63 %) and Fashola (60 %), three sites where available soil P was low. The application of 30 kg P ha^?1 increased grain yield by 21 % in early, 26 % in medium and 58–70 % in the late varieties. Significant variety by P rate interaction effects were observed on grain yield and TPY but not on grain protein concentration (GPC). TPY showed greater response to P in the late varieties than in the early or medium. While seed size correlated significantly and positively with GPC, P application had no significant effect on GPC.