Impact of Boron Deficiency on Changes in Biochemical Attributes,Yield, and Seed Reserves in Chickpea

To determine the effect of boron (B) deficiency on biomass, reproductive yield, metabolism, and alterations in seed reserves of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cv. ‘13.G‐256,’ plants were grown in refined sand until maturity at deficient (0.033 mg L^?1) and adequate (0.33 mg L^?1) B, supplied as boric acid (H₃BO₃). Boron‐deficient plants exhibited visible deficiency symptoms in addition to reduced number of pods and seeds, resulting in lowered biomass and economic yield. Boron deficiency lowered the concentration of B in leaves and seeds, photosynthetic pigments (leaves), Hill reaction activity, starch (in leaves and seeds), and proteins and protein N (in seeds), whereas phenols, sugars (in leaves and seeds), and nonprotein N (in seeds) were elevated. Specific activity of peroxidase (POX) increased in leaves and pod wall and decreased in seeds, while activity of acid phosphate and ribonuclease were stimulated in leaves, seeds, and pod wall in B‐deficient chickpea.     

Effect of nitrogen application on seed yield,pod and seed characteristics of okra

Four okra cultivars [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] were cultivated for two growing periods at nitrogen (N) application rates of 150, 300 and 450 mg N L^?1. There was no effect of N on pod size (length and diameter) or on the number of seeds per pod and seed size (mean 1000 seed weight), all these characteristics of which related to the genotype. High N application (450 mg N L^?1), increased the seed yield of the cultivar with the lowest flower induction (Boyiatiou), but only in experiment 2. In Veloudo, seed yield was highest at 300 mg N L^?1, whereas in Pylaias and Clemson 450 mg N L^?1 reduced seed yield. In all cultivars, seeds produced at an N rate of 450 mg N L^?1 exhibited a significantly higher percent germination N, possibly by reducing the incidence of seed hardness.     

Boron fertilization improves seed yield and harvest index of Camelina sativa L. by affecting source-sink

The impact of soil (1, 2 kg ha^?1) and foliar (100, 200 mg L^?1) boron (B) with control (no B) was evaluated on phenology and yield formation of Camelina each applied at stem elongation and flowering stages. Foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil B (2 kg ha^?1) resulted in earlier flowering and maturity, increased fruit bearing branches (19.68%), number of siliqua, seeds per siliqua (4.6%), biological yield (15%), seed yield (24%), harvest index (11.4%) and oil contents (23%) than no B. Increased fruit bearing branches, seed filled siliqua or seed numbers, harvest index and oil quality can be attributed to changes in dry matter accumulated of stem with simultaneous increase in siliqua dry weight with foliar or soil applied B. In crux, foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil applied (2 kg ha^?1) B seems promising to improve seed and oil yield, harvest index of Camelina sativa under B deficient condition.     

Efficiency of Sulfur Application on Soybean in Two Types of Oxisols in Southern Brazil

Modern agricultural techniques have been increasing the yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) while also causing increasing removal of sulfur (S) from the soil. Besides this, the use of concentrated fertilizers with this element and inadequate soil management, with consequent formation of organic matter with low S concentrations, has been causing frequent symptoms of deficiency in the plants. To assess the effect of S on soybean yield and to establish critical levels of sulfur sulfate (S-SO₄^2-) available in the soil, two experiments were conducted over a 2-year period in the Paraná State, Brazil, in fields containing Typic Haplorthox and Typic Eutrorthox soils, located in the Ponta Grossa and Londrina Counties, respectively. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five S rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha^?1) and four replicates. The source used was elementary S with 98 percent purity. The maximum estimated yields on average for the 2 years were obtained with application of 49.9 and 63.0 kg ha^?1 in the Typic Haplorthox and Typic Eutrorthox soils, for an overall average of 56.4 kg ha^?1, with concentrations of available S-SO₄^2- in the 0- to 20-cm depth of 16.9, 19.3m and 17.1 mg kg^?1, respectively, values greater than the 10 mg kg^?1 indicated as the adequate concentration for soybean plant. In turn, at the 21- to 40-cm depth, the S concentrations were 49.5, 74.2, and 56.4 kg ha^?1. The efficiency of the fertilization diminished with increasing S rates, in both soil types, while the greatest yield efficiency was obtained in the plants grown in the Typic Haplorthox soil.     

Magnesium-manganese interaction in soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements

Manganese (Mn) deficiency in soybean has occurred mainly in soils with surface dolomite lime application, which increases pH and the magnesium (Mg) concentration in the surface layer. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Mg on the Mn uptake in four soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design, in 4 × 2 × 4 factorial scheme [four soybean cultivars, two Mg rates (0.1 and 1.0 mmol L^?1) and four Mn rates (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 µmol L^?1)], with four replicates. The cultivars used in the experiment were: IAC 17 and FT Estrela (for soils fertility or high nutritional demand) and IAC 15–1 and DM Nobre (for soils partially corrected or medium nutritional demand). The root dry weight (RDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), SDW/RDW ratio, chlorophyll content, seed yield and foliar concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Mg, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Mn, and zinc (Zn) were determined. The application of the highest Mg rate increased seed yield. This was also observed with a Mn rate up to 3.0 μmol L^?1. There was an interaction of Mg and Mn in the plant, and it was found that the IAC 17 cultivar was the most sensitive to Mn, while FT Estrela had the lowest performance. N, P, K, and Zn concentrations were significantly influenced by Mn rates. The Mg and Mn rates had a significant effect on Mg foliar concentrations. The rate of 1.0 mmol L^?1 of Mg provided the lowest levels of nutrients to the plant and increased SDW and seed yield, regardless of the nutritional requirement of each cultivar.     

Co-inoculation of soybeans and common beans with rhizobia and azospirilla: strategies to improve sustainability

Plant–microorganism associations have long been studied, but their exploitation in agriculture partially or fully replacing chemical fertilizers is still modest. In this study, we evaluated the combined action of rhizobial and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria inoculants on the yields of soybean and common bean. Seed inoculation with rhizobia (1.2?×?10⁶ cells seed^?1) was compared to co-inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense in-furrow (different doses) or on seeds (1.2?×?10⁵ cells seed^?1) in nine field experiments. The best in-furrow inoculant dose was 2.5?×?10⁵ cells of A. brasilense seed^?1 for both crops. Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum increased soybean yield by an average 222 kg?ha^?1 (8.4 %), and co-inoculation with A. brasilense in-furrow by an average 427 kg?ha^?1 (16.1 %); inoculation always improved nodulation. Seed co-inoculation with both microorganisms resulted in a mean yield increase of 420 kg?ha^?1 (14.1 %) in soybean relative to the non-inoculated control. For common bean, seed inoculation with Rhizobium tropici increased yield by 98 kg?ha^?1 (8.3 %), while co-inoculation with A. brasilense in-furrow resulted in the impressive increase of 285 kg?ha^?1 (19.6 %). The cheaper, more sustainable inoculated treatment produced yields equivalent to the more expensive non-inoculated + N-fertilizer treatment. The results confirm the feasibility of using rhizobia and azospirilla as inoculants in a broad range of agricultural systems, replacing expensive and environmentally unfriendly N-fertilizers.     

Effect of Cattle Manure and Sulfur on Yield and Oil Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) Inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans in Calcareous Soil

The effect of cattle manure and sulfur fertilizer on seed yield and oil composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) under inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans was investigated in a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design. Experimental factors consisted of cattle manure (M) (M₀: 0, M₁: 10; and M₂: 20 t ha^?1), sulfur (S) (S₀: 0, S₁: 250; and S₂: 500 kg ha^?1) and T. thiooxidans (B): inoculated (B₁) and non-inoculated (B₀). Results demonstrated that the application of T. thiooxidans, cattle manure, and S fertilizer decreased the soil pH. The largest number of seed per fruit (367), highest fruit yield (70.57 t ha^?1), seed iron (Fe) content (16.26 mg 100 g^?1), and seed yield (111 kg ha^?1) was obtained when 20 t ha^?1 manure was applied in combination with 500 kg ha^?1 S inoculated with T. thiooxidans. In this condition, the content of S, Fe, phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) in plant shoots was increased by 44.8%, 22.58%, 33.89%, and 10.38%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the highest content of seed protein was observed in 10 t ha^?1 manure and 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer inoculated with T. thiooxidans. When 250 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer was applied, 20 t ha^?1 manure decreased seed P content sharply. At the rate of 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer, the highest content of seed P was obtained from 20 t ha^?1 manure. Totally, 20 t ha^?1 cattle manure, along with 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer as well as T. thiooxidans inoculation, improved oil and seed yield of medicinal pumpkin.     

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT HARVEST TIME AND SULFUR FERTILIZATION ON AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF LENTIL

The effects of sulfur (S) fertilization and harvest time on amino acid composition of seeds of field-grown lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) at two different sites were studied. The aim of this study was to determine amino acid content of seed protein and to increase low levels of sulfur amino acids and trytophan in lentil seeds, which are major components for grain quality, with sulfur fertilization and farming practices in lentil. For this purpose, lentil was sown at two locations on 18 and 19 October 2007, 0 kg S ha^?1, 25 kg S ha^?1, and 50 kg S ha^?1 rates were used in the study. The plants were harvested at three different periods: early, optimal, and late period. According to the results, amino acid contents of protein were increased by sulfur fertilization and by the late harvest period.     

Evaluation of growth indices and quantitative traits of safflower under organic farming and conventional agriculture

Application of organic fertilizers in sustainable agriculture systems improves yield sustainability of field crop production. The current research has been formed to investigate the effects of various levels of vermicompost (zero, 3, 6 and 9 t ha^?1) in combination with foliar spraying of potassium humate (0, 1, 2 and 3 mL L^?1) on spring safflower, in Iran during 2012–2013. In addition, inorganic fertilization has been considered as conventional agriculture (CA). In the current experiment, growth indices, seed yield, yield components and flower yield were evaluated. The results showed that the maximum leaf area index, total dry weight and crop growth rate have been determined at 9 t ha^?1 vermicompost and 3 mL L^?1 K-humate while the maximum netto assimilation rate has existed in CA at the emergence of flower buds. Likewise, the results indicated that vermicompost leads to a significant increase in seed yield, flower yield and yield components except 1000 seed weight. Flower yield, head number per plant and seed number per head were affected by K-humate concentrations and increased significantly from 1 to 3 mL L^?1. It should be mentioned that 9 t ha^?1 vermicompost and 3 mL L^?1 K-humate produced the highest seed and flower yield.     

EFFICACY OF GYPSUM AND MAGNESIUM SULFATE AS SOURCES OF SULFUR TO RAPESEED IN LATERITIC SOILS

A field experiment conducted on rapeseed (Brassica juncea L.) during 2005–2006 in a typical lateritic soil (Alfisol) of West Bengal, India revealed that sources of sulfur viz. gypsum and magnesium sulfate and levels of sulfur (0, 20, 40, 60 kg S ha^?1) have significant influence on grain yield, total biological yield, sulfur concentration in grain and stover, total sulfur uptake, oil content and oil yield and chlorophyll content. The maximum grain yield (18.28 q ha^?1) and oil yield (8.59 q ha^?1) was obtained with magnesium sulfate followed by gypsum yielded the grain yield of 17.99 q ha^?1 and oil yield of 8.22 q ha^?1 at 40 kg S ha^?1. Overall, the best performance was recorded when sulfur was applied at 40 kg S ha^?1 either as magnesium sulfate or gypsum. Results revealed that magnesium sulfate may be considered as the better source of sulfur than gypsum to raise the mustard crop in sulfur deficient acidic red and lateritic soils of West Bengal and if farmers apply either magnesium sulfate or gypsum to soils, the possible deficiency of sulfur and magnesium/calcium in soils and plants can be avoided.     

RESPONSE OF SOYBEAN TO SOIL APPLIED SULFUR AND BORON IN A CALCAREOUS SOIL

A greenhouse experiment with soybean grown on sulfur (S) and boron (B) deficient calcareous soil was conducted for two years in northwest India to study the influence of increasing sulfur and boron levels on yield and its attributing characters at different growth stages (55 days, maturity). The treatments included four levels each of soil applied sulfur viz. 0, 6.5, 13.4, 20.1 mg S kg^?1 and boron viz. 0, 0.22, 0.44, 0.88 mg B kg^?1 at the time of sowing. The highest dry matter yield at 55 days after sowing, DAS (19.3 g pot^?1) and maturity (straw yield ?25.2 g pot^?1 and grain yield ?7.3 g pot^?1) was recorded with B_0.44 S_13.4 treatment combination. The combined applications of sulfur and boron yielded highest oil content with B_0.44S_13.4 (21.7%) treatment level. Chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’ increased significantly with successive levels of sulfur and boron addition at 55 DAS. The mean sulfur and boron uptake in straw and grains increased significantly with increasing levels of sulfur and boron up to 13.4 mg kg^?1 and 0.44 mg kg^?1 and decreased non-significantly thereafter. At both the growth stages, a synergistic interactive effect of combined application of sulfur and boron was observed with B_0.44 S_13.4 treatment level for sulfur and boron uptake in straw and grains.     

MOLYBDENUM STRESS AFFECTS VIABILITY AND VIGOR OF WHEAT SEEDS

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Sonalika was grown in refined sand at variable molybdenum (Mo) supply ranging from acute deficiency (0.00002 mg L^?1) to excess (10 mg L^?1). Deficiency as well as excess of Mo decreased significantly the biomass, grain yield, Mo content in leaves and seeds and activity of nitrate reductase in leaves. The effect of high (>0.02 mg L^?1) Mo was more marked than its deficiency on wheat. Low and excess Mo deteriorated the quality of grains by lowering the content of starch, sugars, protein, non-protein, and total nitrogen (N) as well as that of prolamin, glutelin, and globulin fractions of seed proteins and increasing the content of albumin and electrical conductivity (EC) of seed leachate. Molybdenum deficiency and excess both resulted in production of lightweight immature seeds, poor in vigor and germination potential. The post fertilization developmental stages required one tenth of the adequate Mo supply for normal bold seed production in wheat. The values of sufficiency and threshold of toxicity in leaves were 0.13 and 1.15 μ Mo g^?1 dry matter of wheat.     

Macro-Nutrient Concentration and Content of Irrigated Soybean Grown in the Early Production System of the Midsouth

Macro-nutrients in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) have not been extensively researched recently. Concentrations and contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) were determined for three irrigated cultivars grown using the early soybean production system (ESPS) on two soils (a sandy loam and a clay) in the Mississippi Delta during 2011 and 2012. Data were collected at growth stages V3, R2, R4, R6, and R8. No change in macro-nutrients due to soil type or years occurred and modern cultivars were similar to data collected >50 years ago. Mean seed yield of 3328 kg ha^?1 removed 194.7 kg N ha^?1, 16.5 kg P ha^?1, 86.0 kg K ha^?1, 17.5 kg Ca ha^?1, 9.0 kg Mg ha^?1, and 10.4 kg S ha^?1. Increased yields over the decades are likely due to changed plant architecture and/or pests resistance, improved cultural practices, chemical weed control, and increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). Yield improvements by genetically manipulating nutrient uptake appear to be unlikely.     

Effect of molybdenum stress on growth,yield and seed quality in black gram

Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) var. Shyam plants were raised in refined sand at four levels of molybdenum (Mo), i.e., low (0.002 µM) to excess (2 µM) for 70 days. The molybdenum deficiency symptoms appeared as interveinal chlorosis of young and middle leaves. Compared to control (0.2 µM Mo), total dry matter, seed yield and seed protein decreased at low and excess Mo. The concentration of Mo in leaves and seed as well as activity of nitrate reductase increased with an increase in Mo supply. Low and excess Mo deteriorated the quality of seeds by lowering the content of starch, sugars, protein, and nitrogen and increasing electrical conductivity of seed leachate. Molybdenum deficiency and excess both resulted in production of lightweight immature seeds, poor in vigor and germination potential. The values of sufficiency and threshold of toxicity in leaves were 0.078 and 2.15 µg Mo g^?1 dry matter of black gram.     

Alleviation of salinity stress in red cabbage plants by urea and sulfur applications

Environmental stresses, such as salinity, are becoming critical constraints to plant production especially in arid and semi-arid regions, one of the main targets of agricultural studies is to combat the environmental stresses on plants. An open field experiment was carried out to study the influence of sulfur (S) and urea on red cabbage plants under salt stress. The experiment was arranged as a split-plot design with three replications, the main plots included sulfur levels (0, 350, and 700 kg ha^?1), while subplots included urea levels (0, 1, 2, and 4 g L^?1). Results showed that urea spraying and sulfur soil additions resulted in improvement of growth and yield, and raised the level of potassium and nitrogen while lowering sodium content in plant leaves under salt stress conditions. Generally, larger and heavier heads were found with the application of 700 kg ha^?1 sulfur and 2 g L^?1 urea.     

Response of Sunflower to Sources and Levels of Sulfur under Rainfed Semi‐arid Tropical Conditions

Sulfur (S) is one of the severely limited nutrients in rainfed semi‐arid tropical Alfisols. Its application plays an important role in improving the yield and quality of oilseed crops. To identify the optimum level of sulfur for greater yield and oil content in the sunflower crop (MSFH‐8) through suitable sources, a field experiment involving varying levels of S through two sources (gypsum and elemental S) in combination with standard levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was conducted on a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustalf) at Hayathnagar Research Farm of Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, situated at an altitude of 515 m above mean sea level and on 78° 36′ E longitude and 17° 18′ N latitude. The response to S application in sunflower crop in terms of growth parameters, yield components, nutrient uptake, and seed oil content was conspicuous. The application of graded levels of sulfur at rates of 20, 40, and 60 kg ha^?1 applied through elemental S significantly increased the seed yield of the sunflower crop over the control by 5.4, 10.7, and 18.1% respectively, whereas the corresponding increases in case of gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) were 25.1, 28.8, and 33.9% respectively. The greatest seed yield of sunflower (1175 kg ha^?1) and percentage oil content (39.7%) was obtained with 60 kg S ha^?1 through gypsum under rainfed conditions. Our study clearly indicated that the application of S at relatively high levels significantly increased the uptake of N, P, and S. The percentage oil content in seed recorded a positive and highly significant relationship with the uptake of N (r = 0.958**), P (r = 0.967**), and S (r = 0.951**), signifying the importance of balanced nutrition in influencing the oil content of seed in sunflower. The application of S through gypsum at rate of 60 kg S ha^?1 along with 40 kg N and 30 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 was most superior in enhancing the seed yield and percentage oil content in seed.     

Direct and Residual Effect of Sulphur Fertilization on Yield,Uptake and Use Efficiency in Indian Mustard and Succeeding Rice Crop

A field experiment was conducted on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) with five levels of sulfur (S), 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg S ha^?1 in sub-tropical Inceptisol of Jammu, North India. The residual effect of S on rice crop was evaluated. The seed and stover yield of mustard increased in the linear order up to 60 kg S ha^?1 but significant yield increase was obtained up to 30 S kg ha^?1 which was 21.4 percent higher in comparison to the yield obtained in control. The uptake of S at maturity was significantly affected with all the levels of S application. The seed S uptake increased significantly up to 30 kg S ha^?1 and stover 45 kg S ha^?1. The residual effect of S was convincing in enhancing the rice yield to the tune of 5.3% over control, but was statistically non-significant. The S uptake was also favourably influenced by the residual S which was evidenced through increased S use efficiency. Agronomic and physiological efficiency as well as S recovery were all greatly influenced by direct and residual effect of S. Apparent S recovery was higher at 30 kg S ha^?1 in mustard (12.06%).     

Improving of seed quality of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) by increasing seed phosphorus content in a calcareous soil

Phosphorus (P) sufficiency during seed formation and development can affect the quality of seeds production. For increasing P content of black seed (Nigella sativa) in a calcareous soil, series of experiments were conducted in completely randomized factorial design with 4 replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2012 and 2013. The combinations of vermicompost (V), sulfur (S), and Thiobacillus bacteria (T) were mixed with a calcareous soil fertilized with 0, 30 and 60 kg P ha^?1 in pots and incubated for 63 days. At the end of incubation period, black seeds were sown in the pots and plants were grown to maturity. Results showed that S+T and V treatments were significantly increased soil available P, emergence, plant P content, seed yield and vigor of the seeds production. There were positive relationship between soil and plant P concentration with the quality of seeds production.     

Effect of Zinc Humate on Growth of Soybean and Wheat in Zinc‐Deficient Calcareous Soil

Abstract

Humic acids have many benefits for plant growth and development, and these effects may be maximized if these materials are combined with micronutrient applications. In the present study, pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) humate and ZnSO₄ on growth of wheat and soybean in a severely Zn‐deficient calcareous soil (DTPA‐Zn: 0.10 mg kg^?1 soil). Plants were grown for 24 (wheat) and 28 days (soybean) with 0 or 5 mg kg^?1 of Zn as either ZnSO₄ or Zn humate. Zinc humate used in the experiments was obtained from Humintech GmbH, Germany, and contained 5% of Zn. When Zn was not supplied, plants rapidly developed visible symptoms of Zn deficiency (e.g., chlorosis and brown patches on young leaves in soybean and necrotic patches on middle‐aged leaves in wheat). Adding Zn humate eliminated Zn‐deficiency symptoms and enhanced dry matter production by 50% in soybean and 120% in wheat. Zinc‐humate and ZnSO₄ were similarly effective in increasing dry matter production in wheat; but Zn humate increased soybean dry matter more than ZnSO₄. When Zn was not supplied, Zn concentrations were 6 mg kg^?1 for wheat and 8 mg kg^?1 for soybean. Application of Zn humate and ZnSO₄ increased shoot Zn concentration of plants to 36 and 34 mg kg^?1 in wheat and to 13 and 18 mg kg^?1 in soybean, respectively. The results indicate that soybean and wheat plants can efficiently utilize Zn chelated to humic acid in calcareous soils, and this utilization is comparable to the utilization of Zn from ZnSO₄. Under Zn‐deficient soil conditions, plant growth and yield can be maximized by the combined positive effects of Zn and humic acids.     

Zinc Biofortification in Sixty Groundnut Cultivars Through Foliar Application of Zinc Sulphate

A field experiment with 60 groundnut cultivars, in a calcareous soil having 1.20 mg kg^?1 available zinc (Zn), foliar application of 0.2% aqueous solution of zinc sulphate thrice at 40, 55 and 70 days at 500, 500 and 1000 L ha^?1, respectively, increased the number of pods, pod yield, shelling and 100 seed mass and seed zinc (Zn) content, significantly. The seeds Zn content in groundnut cultivars ranged 38–70 mg kg^?1 with an average of 48 mg kg^?1 without Zn and 58 mg kg^?1 with Zn. Foliar Zn application increased 22% Zn in seed. This increase was more than 10% in 48 out of 60 cultivars. The cultivars GG 7, GG 20, Tirupati 4, DH 8, JSP 19, TKG 19 A, CSMG 884 and S 206 showed > 50 mg kg^?1 Zn, > 10% increase in seed Zn with Zn application and > 250 g m^?2 pod yield.