Effects of Applying Potassium,Zeolite and Vermiculite on the Radiocesium Uptake by Rice Plants Grown in Paddy FieldSoils Collected from Fukushima Prefecture

Abstract

Radionuclides were released into the environment as a consequence of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident that occurred on 11 March 2011. Radiocesium at an abnormal concentration was detected in brown rice produced in paddy fields located in northern part of Fukushima Prefecture. We examined several hypotheses that could potentially explain the excessive radiocesium level in brown rice in some of the paddy fields, including (i) low exchangeable potassium content of the soil, (ii) low sorption sites for cesium (Cs) in the soil, and (iii) radiocesium enrichment of water that is flowing into the paddy fields from surrounding forests. The results of experiments using pots with contaminated soil indicated that the concentration of radiocesium in rice plants was decreased by applying potassium or clay minerals such as zeolite and vermiculite. The obtained results indicated that high concentrations of radiocesium in rice are potentially a result of the low exchangeable potassium and sorption sites for Cs in the soils. Application of potassium fertilizer and clay minerals should provide an effective countermeasure for reducing radiocesium uptake by plants. Radiocesium-enriched water produced by leaching contaminated leaf litter was used to irrigate rice plants in the cultivation experiments. The results indicated that the radiocesium concentrations in rice plants increased when the radiocesium-enriched water was applied to the potted rice plants. This indicated the possibility that the radiocesium levels in brown rice will increase if the nuclide is transported with water into the rice paddy fields from surrounding forests.     

Establishment of legumes in grass swards: effects of pesticides on slugs,insects, legume seedling numbers and forage yield and quality*

Three legumes, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), were planted with a minimum-tillage drill into eight grass fields, three in early spring, two in late spring and three in late summer, in Pennsylvania. The objective was to use pesticides at planting time to control slugs and insects which attack legume seedlings and ascertain whether pest control prevented seedling loss and increased yields of grass and legume dry matter (DM), in vitro DM digestibility and crude protein (CP). Methiocarb bait alone or in combination with carbofuran granules or spray applied at planting sometimes controlled the slugs Derocerus reticulatum (Müller), D. laeve (Müller) and Arion fasciatus Nilsson and improved establishment of seedling red clover and alfalfa but not birdsfoot trefoil. Increased yields of DM, digestible DM, CP and legume DM after treatment was greatest in late-spring sowings. Larvae of the clover root curculio, Sitona hispidulus (F.), attacked roots of legumes in the spring following the year of sowing. Late spring and summer sowings without pesticides sustained considerable seedling losses from pests, whereas seedlings from early spring sowings in untreated areas were injured less.     

A Survey of Woody Tropical Species for Boron Retranslocation

Abstract

The mobility in phloem of boron (B) has been reported to vary among plant species. Boron is phloem immobile in many species and completely mobile in others. Recent reports regarding phloem B mobility or immobility only considered temperate plants, and there is no information on tropical species. Information of phloem B mobility is useful for improving the diagnosis of B deficiency and management of B status in crop production. This study aimed to survey tropical species for their B mobility. Leaf samples of 17 species, including cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), custard apple (Annona squamosa L.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.), Indian walnut (Samanea samen (Jacq.) Marrill.), cork wood tree (Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers.), tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.), guava (Psidium guajava L.), star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.), coffee (Coffea arabica L.), lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle.), longan (Euphoria longana Lam.), lychee (Lychi chinensis Sonn.) and teak (Tectona grandis L.) were collected in the position of the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL), the middle leaf age of a branch (ML) and the oldest leaf (OL). Based on a premise that the nutrient concentration gradient between young and old leaves will be steeper in those species in which B is immobile, B concentration in the different leaf positions was examined in comparison with calcium (Ca is phloem immobile) and potassium (K is phloem mobile). Concentrations of K in all leaf types were not significantly different or decreased with leaf age, while Ca concentrations were always higher in the older leaves. Three species; tamarind, guava and teak, showed concentration gradients of B that were similar to K. The results suggested that B may be retranslocated from older to younger leaves of these species, hence indicating that B may be phloem mobile in these species. However, this hypothesis needs confirmation through studies examining retranslocation of B using ¹⁰B isotope or identification of B-complexing molecules in the phloem, e.g. sugar alcohols.     

不同叶龄期晒田对水稻茎蘖动态与产量的影响

为探索水稻晒田最佳时期,以杂交水稻中迟熟组合岗优827为材料,进行了不同叶龄期晒田处理试验。结果表明:叶龄11叶晒田处理岗优827产量最高,为887.1 kg/667 m2;10叶晒田处理次之,其产量为831.5 kg/667 m2;12叶晒田处理第3,其产量为804.8 kg/667 m2;不晒田处理产量最低,为753.7 kg/667 m2。说明在有效分蘖期或稍前够苗晒田能大幅度提高水稻岗优827产量。     

Quantitative trait loci responsible for the difference in γ-oryzanol content in brown rice between japonica-type and indica-type rice cultivars

γ-Oryzanol is a main oleophilic component in rice bran oil and has been well recognized as a good dietary supplement for human health, as well as having uses in industrial materials. japonica-type rice cultivars generally showed significantly higher contents of total γ-oryzanol in brown rice compared with indica-type cultivars, although within-group variation was significant. The objective of this study was to explore quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for the difference in the γ-oryzanol content between japonica-type and indica-type rice cultivars, using recombinant inbred lines (RILs), backcross inbred lines (BILs), and corresponding chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) derived from crosses between japonica-type and indica-type. Results from RILs and BILs showed that eight QTLs were detected with R² from .09 to .16. Nine candidate regions for QTL were also suggested from corresponding CSSLs. These QTLs from RILs and BILs and the candidate regions from CSSLs were not overlapped, although one QTLs was mapped near the boundaries of the respective candidate region. At four QTLs and three candidate regions, alleles or segments from japonica-type caused higher contents than those from indica-type. On the other hand, at the other four QTLs and six candidate regions, alleles or segments from indica-type caused higher contents than those from japonica-type, which is a reverse result to the parental differences. This result strongly suggested that alleles with increasing effects on γ-oryzanol content could be accumulated not only from japonica-type but also from indica-type, leading to a potential for increase in γ-oryzanol content in future breeding programs.     

Changes in Seed Quality during Maturation of Sunflower under High or Changeable Water Table Conditions

Abstract

Growth, yield and quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in a rotational paddy field were compared with those in an upland field. In the rotational paddy field the growth was significantly suppressed and the seed and oil yields were significantly lower than those in the upland field. In the maturing period, oil accumulated in seeds until about 25 d after flowering (DAF) in both fields, but less in the rotational paddy field than in the upland field. Differences in oil contents (per seed) between the fields were seen from about 25 DAF onward. The fatty acid in seeds changed with maturing of plants. In mid-oleic hybrids, oleic acid increased remarkably until about 25 DAF and then decreased slightly; linoleic acid content decreased until about 14 DAF and then tended to increase. In linoleic acid hybrids, oleic acid increased until about 14 DAF and then decreased; the linoleic acid content tended to be low until about 14 DAF and then increased. Although the temporal patterns of fatty acid compositions during seed maturation were similar in both fields, the oleic acid content tended to be lower in the rotational paddy field even under the same climatic conditions and ripening periods. The differences between the fields were seen clearly from around 25 DAF. We discuss our findings with regard to physiological changes in developing seeds and the effects of high or changeable soil moisture content on sunflower growth and quality.     

Modelling the comparative productivity and profitability of grass and legume systems of silage production in northern Europe

A pre‐existing mechanistic model of grass growth, developed to simulate grass production in the UK, was extended to include a variety of grass–legume mixtures and used to predict comparative yields across a range of sites in northern Europe, using experimental data from a series of experiments at fifteen sites. Specifically, predictions were made of the comparative yields of grass (Lolium perenne L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), red clover (T. pratense L.), lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), lotus (Lotus corniculatus L.) and galega (Galega orientalis Lam.). The results indicated that the model could generate simulated differences in yields between forage crops, which accorded with observed rankings. However, the predictions were more accurate for total yields than individual cuts, for a country than for an individual site, and for monocultures than for grass–legume mixtures. Nevertheless, the results appeared sufficiently robust to be used to prepare forecasts of yield productivity in different agro‐climatic zones in northern Europe. Using estimates of the production costs and economic values for the forages, it was also possible to assess their comparative profitability. The study indicated that red clover, whether grown singly or in a mixture with grass economically outperformed all silage systems based on pure grass swards, even those receiving 400 kg N ha^?1. White clover and lucerne were also consistently more profitable than grass‐based systems, receiving 200 kg N ha^?1. In relative terms, lucerne appeared to be more profitable in the south and east of the region, while white clover outperformed lucerne in the north and west. In the north and east of the region, there was some evidence that galega might also hold promise as a silage crop, but lotus was not found to be viable under north European environmental conditions.     

Effects of Application of Alfalfa Pellet on Germination and Growth of Weeds

Summary

Allelopathy is well known as an interaction among plants (including microbes) through chemicals produced by plants. Recently, many investigations have evaluated the possibility of the use of allelo-pathic substances as a natural herbicide. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is reported to contain allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of weeds. Experiments were conducted in Laboratory of Crop Science, Experimental Farm of Miyazaki University and Kobayashi city in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan to determine the allelopathic impact of alfalfa pellet (commercial forage fodder) on germination and growth of lowland weeds, and its potential as a natural herbicide in paddy field. The results indicated that alfalfa pellet significantly inhibited germination and growth of 4 weed species, viz., Echinochloa orygicola, Digitaria ciliaris, Cyperus difformis and Monocholia vaginalis in rice paddies. Among the 4 tested weeds, the maximum inhibitory effect of alfalfa pellet was seen against Cyperus difformis. The degree of inhibition of weed growth by alfalfa pellet became stronger as the application of concentration increased. The results showed that alfalfa pellet might be used as a natural herbicide in rice paddies and might reduce the amount of herbicide used in paddy fields.     

Effects of winter flooding on weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.), characterised by competitiveness, seed longevity, and dormancy is a troublesome weed to rice fields. Furthermore, its close botanical affinity to cultivated rice makes its control particularly difficult. However, winter flooding of rice fields can be an efficient technique to control weedy rice infestation by promoting weed seed decay, animal predation, or germination.     

Assessment of the camellia seed meal impact on loaches in paddy fields

In Taiwan, Camellia seed meal is often sprayed on rice paddies during rice transplantation season to stop the growth of Pomacea canaliculata. However, the application of camellia seed meal endangers muciferous mollusks and fishes in paddy fields. Though researchers have examined the effects of the saponin in the camellia seed meal on Pomacea canaliculata, previous studies ignore the effects of saponin on fish. Loaches often inhabit the rivers, lakes, ponds, paddy fields, and canals of low elevation where there have muddy layer with plant chips. This study uses vanillin-sulfuric acid method and field tests on loaches in paddy fields to determine the duration of camellia seed meal’s effect on loaches (Misgurnue Angullicaudatus). Results indicated that the best application to stop the growth of Pomacea canaliculata is to seal the rice field immediately after transplantation, apply the camellia seed meal, and then irrigate the field 2?days after camellia seed meal application for the summer transplantation, and 3?days for the spring transplantation. Water should not be drained from the paddy field after the application of camellia seed meal to reduce the chance of endangering loaches in irrigation canals. Field Tests show that high water temperature during summer also has a negative effect on loaches in paddy fields and irrigation canals.     

Voles,trees, and woody debris structures as habitat: Balancing forest crop protection and biodiversity

Relatively homogeneous early successional habitats develop after clearcutting and wildfire that voles of the genera Microtus and Myodes may colonize and generate population fluctuations. In these habitats, vole populations may reach pest status by their feeding on newly planted tree seedlings. Strategic management of excess woody debris into piles and windrows helps diversify new clearcuts by enhancing populations of forest-floor small mammals, including voles, and some of their predators.This study tested the hypotheses (H) that (H₁) abundance of voles and incidence of feeding damage to tree seedlings will be higher in windrow than dispersed (conventional) sites of woody debris, and (H₂) there will be a gradient of damage with the highest incidence immediately adjacent to windrows. A third hypothesis (H₃) predicts that feeding damage to trees will increase in relation to windrow size. Microtus voles and red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi) were live-trapped for three years (2010–2012) in replicated sites with woody debris dispersed and in windrows at three study areas in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. Incidence of feeding damage and mortality to tree seedlings by voles was measured in all sites. Mean abundance of M. gapperi, Microtus, and total voles were all significantly (P ≤ 0.04) higher (up to 3.4 times) in windrow than dispersed sites, and hence the abundance part of H₁ was supported. Mean annual percentage of trees damaged by voles was significantly (P ≤ 0.03) higher in windrow than dispersed sites over the two winters and for cumulative incidence of damage, and hence the tree damage part of H₁ was supported. Mortality of trees followed this pattern but was not formally significant. Trees planted immediately adjacent to a windrow had significantly (P < 0.01) greater feeding damage than seedlings planted further away, and hence H₂ was supported. There were significant linear relationships between mean percentage of trees killed (r = 0.67; P < 0.01) and mean number of total voles, and also with mean volume of woody debris per meter length of windrow (r = 0.98; P < 0.01). Thus, H₃ was also supported. To minimize overall mortality of trees, it is likely worthwhile to not plant trees near windrows. Slightly reduced stocking (<5% net forest area) and potential loss of some trees to voles need to be balanced alongside biodiversity and conservation considerations provided by woody debris structures.     

Improving riparian greenspace established in river watersheds

The purpose of this study was to analyze the propriety of establishing riparian greenspace for watersheds of four major rivers in South Korea and suggest strategies for improving the analyzed problems. Growth environments, vegetation structures, planting techniques, and tree growth and management conditions were analyzed targeting 45 sites. Soils at the sites had organic matter of 1.3 % and cation exchange capacity of 4.4 cmol⁺/kg, which are poor conditions for tree growth. A tree diameter at breast height of <7 cm accounted for 77 % of all trees planted, and mean tree cover was only 28 % due to planting of mainly small trees. Planting techniques were represented by single-layered planting (84 %) consisting of a single species or a few species in similar size. Approximately 11 % of all planted trees withered, and many trees had poor growth. The growth ratios for shoot and leaf length in planted trees compared with normally growing trees were 57 and 77 %, respectively. Oppression by invasion of herbaceous and climbing plants associated with negligent maintenance hindered normal tree growth at some sites. Strategies to improve these problems and promote the function of riparian greenspaces suggest securing a minimum width and connectivity of greenspace, analyzing growth ground prior to planting, improving the soil environment, woodchip mulching on ground surfaces, middle/high density plantings mixed with fast-growing trees, edge planting to protect internal growth environment, and multilayered and grouped ecological planting reflecting natural riparian forest structures.     

Effect of water management on soil respiration and <Emphasis Type="Italic">NEE</Emphasis> of paddy fields in Southeast China

Water management is an important factor in regulating soil respiration and the net ecosystem exchange of CO₂ (NEE) between croplands and atmosphere. However, how water management affects soil respiration and the NEE of paddy fields remains unexplored. Thus, a 2-year field experiment was carried out to study the effects of controlled irrigation (CI) during the rice season on the variation of soil respiration and NEE, with flooding irrigation (FI) as the control. A decrease of irrigation water input by 46.39% did not significantly affect rice yield but significantly increased irrigation water use efficiency by 0.99 kg m^?3. The soil respiration rate of CI paddy fields was larger than that of FI paddy fields except during the ripening stage. Natural drying management during the ripening stage resulted in a significant increase of the soil respiration rate of the FI paddy fields. Variations of NEE with different water managements were opposite to soil respiration rates during the whole rice growth stages. Total CO₂ emission of CI paddy fields through soil respiration (total R _soil) increased by 11.66% compared with FI paddy fields. The increase of total R _soil resulted in the significant decrease of total net CO₂ absorption of CI paddy fields by 11.57% compared with FI paddy fields (p < 0.05). There were inter-annual differences of soil respiration and the NEE of paddy fields. Frequent alternate wetting and drying processes in the CI paddy fields were the main factors influencing soil respiration and NEE. CI management slightly enhanced the rice dry matter amount but accelerated the consumption and decomposition of soil organic carbon and significantly increased soil respiration, which led to the decrease of net CO₂ absorption. CI management and organic carbon input technologies should be combined in applications to achieve sustainable use of water and soil resources in paddy fields.     

Starch digestibility and the estimated glycemic score of different types of rice differing in amylose contents

Three types of rice cultivars (indica, japonica and hybrid rice) with four levels of amylose were selected for assessing variability in starch digestibility. A vitro enzymatic starch digestion method was applied to estimate the glycemic index in vivo based on the kinetics of starch hydrolysis in vitro. The results indicated that significant differences in term of glycemic response were observed in three types of rice. Amylose content had an obviously impact on the estimated glycemic score (EGS) value and resistant starch (RS) content. The contents of RS were increased with the increasing amylose in the same type of rice. Japonica rice was significantly lower in RS content compared to indica rice and hybrid rice with similar amylose. The high amylose rice cultivar ZF201, which was characterized by low major RVA parameters, i.e. peak viscosity (PKV), hot paste viscosity (HPV) and cool paste viscosity (CPV), were obviously higher in RS content and lower in EGS. The retrogradation of cooked rice led to a reduction of HI and EGS of all varieties. Starch hydrolysis tends to be more quick and complete for the waxy and low amylose rice than for the intermediate and high amylose rice.     

Impact of nitrogen fertilization on Mexican rice borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) injury and yield in bioenergy sorghum

The Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a serious pest of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), corn (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and related graminaceous bioenergy crops. A two-year field study was conducted in Jefferson County, TX to examine the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on E. loftini infestations and subsequent yields in cultivars of high-biomass and sweet sorghum. In 2013, percentage of bored internodes and number of adult emergence holes per stalk increased with higher N rates; however, only the percentage of bored internodes was impacted by N in 2014. Yields from both years indicated that N rate was positively associated with increases in stalk weight and ethanol productivity, but not sucrose concentration. Because higher N rates were associated with increased yields despite having greater levels of E. loftini injury, our data suggest that increases in yield from additional N outweigh decreases from additional E. loftini injury. Fertilization rates maintained between the recommended 45 and 90 kg N/ha minimize risks of negative area-wide impacts from increased production of E. loftini adults, while still allowing for optimum yields.     

Enhancing the parasitism of insect herbivores through diversification of habitat in Philippine rice fields

The diversification of farming landscapes is proposed as a method to increase farm productivity while at the same time enhancing pest regulation services provided by the natural enemies of insect herbivores. In this study, areas of diversified and conventional rice fields (with 2–14 fields per area?=?0.42–1.31 ha) were established at three sites in the Philippines. The diversified areas had a series (>?40 per hectare) of small (<?2 m²) vegetable patches interspersed along rice bunds (levees). The abundance of planthopper and lepidopteran pests in these areas was monitored during two consecutive cropping seasons using sweep nets with rice yield and damage recorded at the end of each season. Mortality of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and yellow stemborer (Scirpophaga incertulas) eggs was monitored through field exposures of infested rice plants. There were no differences in rice yields between the conventional and diversified areas; however, a range of vegetables were produced as a supplementary product from the diversified rice areas. Diversification had no effect on planthopper or leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) abundance at the sites. Adult stemborers (Scirpophaga incertulas) were more abundant in the diversified areas; however, stemborer damage was similar between area treatments in both years. Vegetable patches did not increase parasitism of planthopper eggs; however, egg parasitism was highest close to the vegetable patches, suggesting that egg parasitoids interacted with the patches. Mortality of stemborer eggs was higher in the diversified areas than in the conventional areas. Parasitism due to Trichogramma japonicum and other egg parasitoids was also higher in the diversified areas. These results indicate the potential for vegetable patches to enhance the biological control services provided by egg parasitoids in rice fields; however, the study also indicates a need to carefully select vegetable crops that avoid any potential benefits for rice pests. We discuss the need for further research into diversified farms as a means of achieving sustainable rice production in Asia.     

Tracing the fate of nitrogen with <Superscript>15</Superscript>N isotope considering suitable fertilizer rate related to yield and environment impacts in paddy field

While the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer is believed to dramatically influence rice fields and improve the soil conditions in paddy fields, fertilization with low use efficiency and nitrogen loss may cause environmental pollution. In this paper, ¹⁵N-labeled urea was used to trace the fate of nitrogen at four rates (0, 75, 225 and 375 kg N/ha) of urea fertilizer over three split applications in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, in 2014. Plant biomass, the soil nitrogen content of different layers, NH₃ volatilization and N₂O emissions were determined using the ¹⁵N abundance to calculate the portion from nitrogen fertilizer. The results indicated that rice yields increased with the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer. NH₃ volatilization is the main nitrogen loss pathway, and N₂O emissions were significantly associated with nitrogen application rates in the paddy. The percent of nitrogen loss by NH₃ volatilization and N₂O emissions increased with the nitrogen application rate. This study showed that the suitable N fertilizer in a loam clay paddy, considering the yield requirements and environmental issues, is approximately 225 kg N/ha in Hangzhou, with a distribution of 50.06% of the residual in the rice and soil and 48.77% loss as NH₃ volatilization and N₂O emissions. The nitrate from fertilization mainly remained in the 0–20 cm level of the topsoil.     

Historical Changes in Urban Rice Production Systems in Tokyo,Japan

Abstract

Historical changes in planting area, yield improvements, and production of both paddy and upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Tokyo and the whole of Japan from 1877 to 2003 were reviewed. The area of rice in Tokyo was at its peak (17,000 ha) at the beginning of the 20th century but dramatically reduced thereafter except for the period of 1950s, to200 and 30 ha for paddy and upland rice, respectively, in 2003, due to urbanization. After the 1950s, the land-use efficiency rate in Tokyo was reduced from 180 to 100% and rice self-sufficiency rate from 4 to 0.1%. There was historical yield improvement of paddy rice in Tokyo particularly after 1960s in the Southern and Northern Tama regions, but the current yield level in Tokyo (ca. 400 g m-²) is lower than that in the whole of Japan (more than 500 g m-²) eventhough crop damage due to low temperatures is not serious.The reasons were discussed from the viewpoints of (1) less agricultural inputs and agronomic management, (2) declining rice research after the 1970s, (3) higher elevating air temperature(e.g. 1.4°C for the last 40 years), in Tokyo, and (4) yield component differences. Upland rice in Tokyo has a planting area comparable with paddy rice (ca. 7,000 to 8,000 ha) during the 1950s, but yield improvement during the last 50 yearsis not noticeable (ca. 150 g m-²) with no development of cultivars, and with greater fluctuation of crop situation index due to drought compared with paddy rice. This review paper discusses the importance of urban rice production system, along with a proposal of the alternatives.     

江苏中部轻型栽培稻田杂草群落特征及草害综合评价

 利用“七级目测法”结合定量分析和综合评价对江苏中部的扬州、泰州和南通3个地区6种不同栽培模式稻田的杂草群落进行了调查研究,以期揭示经多年轻型栽培的稻田杂草群落结构及杂草危害特点。在轻型栽培稻田中共发现杂草36种,隶属于18个科33个属。其中,杂草种类较多的科依次为禾本科、莎草科、菊科、玄参科、泽泻科、千屈菜科等。在3个地区皆表现出较高的优势度和发生频率的杂草有4种：稗、水苋菜、鳢肠和千金子,其发生频率都达到或接近100%。然而,地区间草害水平存在差异,扬州地区的杂草危害最重,泰州地区次之,南通地区相对最轻。不同的稻作模式皆对应着不同的优势杂草。机插秧模式中优势度值与发生频率皆较高的杂草为鸭舌草、水苋菜;麦套稻模式中,主要的优势杂草包括水苋菜、马唐、鸭舌草、半边莲等;抛秧稻田中为稗、鸭舌草、水苋菜等;水直播稻作模式下是稗、水苋菜、鸭舌草等;旱直播模式中为稗、水苋菜、千金子等。与传统的手工插秧相比,轻型栽培稻作模式下的杂草群落中,不仅物种丰富度高,而且优势度也高。6种稻作模式杂草危害程度由低到高的顺序为：传统手工插秧＜机插秧＜抛秧＜水直播＜旱直播＜麦套稻。     

Nitrogen and Potassium Fertility Impacts on Aggregate Sheath Spot Disease and Yields of Rice

Abstract

Aggregate sheath spot (AgSS), a disease caused by Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae, is one of the major rice (Oryza sativa L.) diseases in California. A three year study was initiated in 1998 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertility on the severity of AgSS. A field with a history of AgSS was divided in two: in one the straw was incorporated and in the other the straw was removed. Rice was fertilized annually with five rates of N ranging from 0 to 200 kg ha-¹ (main plot) and six rates of K ranging from 0 to 125 kg ha-¹ (sub-plot). Soil K levels in both fields declined over time and by the third year, soil K was below the critical level of 60 μg K g-¹ soil in both fields. There was a grain yield response to K fertilizer in all 3 years in the field where straw was removed and in the third year when straw was incorporated. Where there was a significant response to K fertilization, yields increased by 560 kg ha-¹. In all fields and years there was a significant yield response to N fertilizer. AgSS severity decreased with increasing N and K fertilizer rates and leaf N and K concentrations at panicle initiation. Furthermore, the leaf N concentration required for maximum rice yields was lower than the leaf N concentration which resulted in the lowest severity of AgSS .