Growth,morphological and yield responses of irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes to water stress

Water shortages is a major constraint in wheat production in South Africa. It is important therefore to assist irrigated wheat farmers to identify water stress tolerant growth stages in irrigated wheat genotypes. This study evaluated new wheat genotypes for water stress at different growth stages. An 8 (genotypes) × 2 (water treatments) × 3 (growth stages) factorial experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The results indicated that plant height was not affected (p > .05) by water stress at tillering and grain filling. Water stress imposed at the tillering stage reduced the number of fertile tillers (p < .05) in susceptible genotypes while at the flowering and grain filling stages all genotypes were tolerant (p > .05). Aboveground biomass was only affected (p < .05) by water stress imposed at the tillering stage. Water stress reduced grain yield on the genotypes where stress was imposed at the tillering stage (p < .05); whereas when stress was imposed at flowering and grain filling the grain yield was not reduced (p > .05). This study provided evidence to suggest that most genotypes were tolerant to water stress at the flowering and grain filling stages.     

Selection and characterization of wheat genotypes for saline soils prone to water‐logging

Wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.) genotypes were screened and characterized for performance under salt stress and/or water‐logging. In a solution‐culture study, ten wheat genotypes were tested under control, 200 mM–NaCl salt stress and 4‐week water‐logging (nonaerated solution stagnated with 0.1% agar), alone or in combination. Shoot and root growth of the wheat genotypes was reduced by salinity and salinity × water‐logging, which was associated with increased leaf Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations as well as decreased leaf K⁺ concentration and K⁺ : Na⁺ ratio. The genotypes differed significantly for their growth and leaf ionic composition. The genotypes Aqaab and MH‐97 were selected as salinity×water‐logging‐resistant and sensitive wheat genotypes, respectively, on the basis of their shoot fresh weights in the salinity × water‐logging treatment relative to control. In a soil experiment, the effect of water‐logging was tested for these two genotypes under nonsaline (EC = 2.6 dS m^–1) and saline (EC = 15 dS m^–1) soil conditions. The water‐logging was imposed for a period of 21 d at various growth stages, i.e., tillering, stem elongation, booting, and grain filling alone or in combinations. The maximum reduction in grain yield was observed after water‐logging at stem‐elongation + grain‐filling stages followed by water‐logging at grain‐filling stage, booting stage, and stem‐elongation stage, respectively. Salinity intensified the effect of water‐logging at all the growth stages. It is concluded that the existing genetic variation in wheat for salinity × water‐logging resistance can be successfully explored using relative shoot fresh weight as a selection criterion in nonaerated 0.1% agar–containing nutrient solution and that irrigation in the field should be scheduled to avoid temporary water‐logging at the sensitive stages of wheat growth.     

Enhancing nutrient translocation,yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system through zinc nutrition and residual effect of green manuring

Abstract

Efficient nutrient and water use are two important considerations to obtain good harvests of wheat. This necessitates the development of an effective nutrient management technique that not only increases yield, but simultaneously can save nutrient and water use. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to evaluate the residual effect of sesbania and rice bean (in-situ), subabul (ex-situ) green manuring and Zinc (Zn) fertilization, using chelated Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Zn-EDTA) on nutrient use, yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system. Among residual effects of green manure crops and Zn fertilization, sesbania and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake and yields than other green manure crops and Zn treatments. Residual effect of sesbania saved about 46.5?×?10³ and 30.5?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne of wheat over subabul and rice bean, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS saved about 55.5?×?10³, 47?×?10³ and 13?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne wheat over residual effect of 5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application, 2.5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application + 1 foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at flowering and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at active tillering?+?flowering?+?grain filling, respectively. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between Zn uptake and grain yield.     

Water Use and Soil Fertility under Rice–Wheat Cropping System in Response to Green Manuring and Zinc Nutrition

ABSTRACT

Soil fertility and water use are two important aspects that influence rice productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of in-situ (sesbania and rice bean) and ex-situ (subabul) green manuring along with zinc fertilization on water productivity and soil fertility in rice under rice–wheat cropping system at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Sesbania incorporation recorded higher total water productivity (2.20 and 3.24 kg ha^?1 mm^?1), available soil nutrients, organic carbon, alkaline phosphatase activity, microbial biomass carbon and increased soil dehydrogenase activity by 39.6 and 26.8% over subabul and rice bean respectively. Among interaction of green manures and zinc fertilization, subabul × foliar application of chelated zinc-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after transplanting recorded highest total water productivity (2.56 and 3.79 kg ha^?1 mm^?1). Foliar application of chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after transplanting recorded significantly higher water productivity than other Zn treatments, however it was statistically similar with foliar application of zinc at active tillering + flowering + grain filling. Sesbania × 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA, recorded highest available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron than other green manure and Zn fertilization interactions, although it was statistically similar with rice bean × 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application. Sesbania × foliar application of 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application recorded highest soil enzymatic activities and microbial biomass carbon.     

Nutrient uptake,partitioning, and removal in two modern high-yielding Colombian rice genotypes

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the difference on growth between a rice cultivar with Clearfield^® technology (Only Rice 228) and a hybrid (Benja 1); to characterize nutrient uptake, distribution, accumulation and removal between these two commercial genotypes. Tests under shade house and field conditions were performed to estimate macro and micronutrient uptake patterns. Plants were sampled at nine growth stages (emergence, initiation of tillering, active tillering, initiation of panicle primordia, booting, flowering, milky, soft dough and mature grain) and divided into different organs for nutrient determination. The results showed that “Benja 1” plants (92 d) had a shorter cycle than “Only Rice 228” (OR 228) plants (118 d). “OR 228” exhibited a greater biomass production (16.575?kg ha^?1 vs. 12.621?kg ha^?1) in field. The nutrient acquisition was faster in the hybrid Benja 1 between tillering initiation and the milky grain stage in which the N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, B, and Cu uptake was more evenly and highly distributed throughout these stages in both conditions. “Benja 1” showed a higher nutrient harvest index (HI). HI values above 50% (P (62%), N (61%), Cu (67%), S (55%), and Mg (52%)) were found in Benja 1 under field conditions. The results also highlight Si removal in both rice genotypes, in which Benja 1 stands out. These results provide information on the nutrient uptake and partitioning of modern rice genotypes, and give the knowledge to optimize fertilizer programs and timing recommendations for rice biomass and grain production in Colombia.     

Genotype-by-environment interaction of elite heat and drought tolerant bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions

ABSTRACT

The selection of relatively high and stable yielding genotypes is key in wheat breeding programs to improve yield performance under heat and drought-stressed environments. This study determined grain yield response and stability among elite heat and drought tolerant bread wheat genotypes under simulated drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) environments to select promising parents for breeding. Twenty-four elite bread wheat genotypes selected from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) drought and heat tolerant nursery were assessed under NS and DS conditions using a 7?×?4 alpha-lattice design under rainout shelter (RS) and glasshouse (GH) environments. Grain yield data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype and genotype-by-environment (GGE) biplot analyses. ANOVA and AMMI revealed highly significant (p?≤?0.001) differences among test genotypes (G), environments (E) and G?×?E interaction effects suggesting differential responses for selection. The GGE biplot explained 83.76% of total variation and aided in selection of high-yielding and stable heat and drought tolerant wheat genotypes such as LM13, LM22, LM95 and LM100. These selections are recommended for breeding for yield gains under heat and drought-stressed environments.     

Development of Critical Values for the Leaf Color Chart,SPAD and Fieldscout CM 1000 for Fixed Time Adjustable Nitrogen Management in Aromatic Hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The nitrogen (N) requirement of hybrid rice is generally greater than in conventional rice varieties. Recommendations for N monitoring at regular intervals of 7–10 days through leaf greenness are available, but farmers are accustomed to apply fertilizer N at selected growth stages only. An inexpensive leaf color chart (LCC) and nondestructive chlorophyll meters were evaluated for site-specific N management strategy in world’s first aromatic rice hybrid PRH-10 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Two field experiments were conducted on PRH-10 with four levels of N (0, 70, 140, and 210 kg ha^?1) during June–October of 2010 and 2011 to determine the LCC, soil–plant analysis development (SPAD), and Fieldscout CM 1000 (CM 1000) values for achieving economic optimum grain yield at three critical growth stages (tillering, panicle initiation, and flowering). Quadratic regression between N levels and grain yield were used to determine economic optimum grain yield (6427 kg ha^?1 in 2010 and 6399 kg ha^?1 in 2011) corresponding to optimum economical dose of 151 kg N ha^?1 (2010) and 144 kg N ha^?1 (2011). Nitrogen concentration in fully expanded youngest leaf correlated significantly (P < 0.01) and positively with LCC score, SPAD value, CM 1000 value, and total chlorophyll concentration at tillering, panicle initiation, and flowering for both years. The critical LCC score, SPAD, CM 1000 values, chlorophyll concentration, and leaf N concentration obtained were at tillering 4.4, 42.3, 285, and 2.16 mg g^?1 fresh weight and 3.29%; at panicle initiation 4.4, 43.0, 276, and 2.16 mg g^?1 fresh weight and 3.02%; and at flowering 4.5, 41.7, 270, and 2.05 mg g^?1 fresh weight and 2.83%, respectively. Corrective N application should be done when observed leaf N indicator values at a particular growth stage reach or go below the critical values.     

Effects of Urea Foliar Application on Grain Yield and Quality of Winter Wheat

The effects of urea foliar application rates at different growth stages of wheat on protein and yield of winter wheat were evaluated in a factorial experiment. Time of application and amounts of urea foliar application rates were the treatments. Urea was applied at four stages including tillering, jointing, anthesis, and grain filling, and urea foliar application rates were 22.5, 45, 67.5, and 90 kg ha^?1 (12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50% of total urea application). Our data demonstrated that urea application time had significant effects on grain weight, number of seeds per spike, plant height, and protein content. Furthermore, total dry weight, grain weight, harvest index, 1000-seed weight, plant height, and protein content were significantly affected by amounts of urea foliar application. The effects of time?×?rate of urea foliar application on grain yield, 1000-seed weight, and plant height were significant.     

Improving the performance of bread wheat genotypes by managing irrigation and nitrogen under semi-arid conditions

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity is generally affected by water limitation and inadequate nitrogen supply especially under semi-arid environment. The current study was conducted to determine whether the crop yield and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) could be manipulated through alteration of nitrogen and irrigation application. To meet the desired objectives, a two-year field study was carried out in 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, in a split-split plot arrangement with three factors i) irrigation in main plots, ii) nitrogen in sub-plots, and iii) twenty genotypes in sub-sub plots on a sandy loam soil. The analysis of variance revealed that the wheat performance was affected by genotypes and alteration of irrigation and nitrogen application with respect to IWUE and final grain yield. IWUE under water stress conditions was observed 56% higher than normal irrigated. Much higher values of IWUE under water stress indicated that the existing optimum water requirements of the crop needs to be revaluated. The regression model indicated that addition of nitrogen and irrigation patterns along with morphological traits cannot explain variation in yield related traits more than 65% under semi-arid conditions. Therefore, for better crop yields in semi-arid environment, more physiological parameters should be considered in evaluation of yield.     

Genotype × environment interactions for wheat grain yield and antioxidant changes in association with drought stress

The phenotypic performance of a genotype is not necessarily the same under diverse agro-ecological conditions. Two commercial wheat cultivars and 33 wheat landrace varieties were selected for screening drought tolerance and the investigation of genotype × environment interactions (GEI). The study site experiences drought stress at reproductive stages. Fully irrigated along with two drought stress trials at early heading (EHS) and 50% heading stages (HDS) were performed in 2 years. The highest antioxidant and proline contents were accumulated under EHS. Reduction in cell membrane stability in EHS was 90.9% in 2011–2012. The lowest grain yield belonged to EHS (3.2 t ha^?1) while the highest (6.8 t ha^?1) was observed in the irrigated trial. GEI analysis indicated that the Pinthus’s coefficient was not an efficient index for screening GEI. Positive correlations were found between GEI parameters such as regression deviation, Wricke’s ecovalence and Shukla’s variance. Regression coefficients over trials ranged from 0.65 to 1.42, indicating genotypes had different responses to environmental changes. Regression models, GEI variances and grain yield showed that some varieties (KC4557, KC4862, KC3891, KC4495, and KC4633) had higher stability under drought stress and fully irrigated conditions and can be involved in breeding programs for drought stress tolerance.     

集雨补灌春小麦花后干物质积累分配及灌浆特性

研究了集雨补灌条件下陇中半干旱区春小麦产量水分效应、开花后干物质积累分配及籽粒灌浆特性。结果表明,集雨补灌对旱地作物具有补偿或超补偿效应,具有明显的增产效应,可提高产量水平、水分利用效率(WUE)及灌水利用效率(IWUE)。孕穗期补灌的WUE最高,而拔节期 孕穗期分期补灌的IWUE最高。经模拟,春小麦的叶、茎、鞘干物质积累动态不同于穗及全株。补灌小麦的干物质积累量、日生产量及相对生长率(RGR)均高于对照。在干物质运转分配方面,补灌小麦较之于对照表现为移动量大,转换率高。补灌延长了春小麦灌浆持续期及提高了平均灌浆速率。     

不同氮利用效率小麦氮代谢相关基因的表达特征

深入理解小麦氮利用效率基因型差异的分子生物学机理对于氮高效小麦的分子育种具有重要指导意义。本试验选用两个不同氮利用效率的小麦基因型,设置不同氮水平,分别在小麦的5个生育期收获采样,研究不同氮利用效率小麦基因型中5个氮代谢相关基因的表达特征。研究结果表明,在氮利用方面,无论是在低氮还是高氮条件下,氮利用高效小麦XY107的籽粒氮利用率均高于氮利用低效小麦LM1;在基因表达方面,在低氮条件下,小麦地上部谷氨酰胺合成酶基因(TaGS1c)、丙氨酸转氨酶基因(TaAlaAT)和丙酮酸磷酸双激酶基因(TaPPDK)的表达水平在抽穗期以后均显著增强,且在氮高效小麦XY107中的表达水平显著高于在氮低效小麦LM1中的表达水平;而在高氮条件下,只有基因TaPPDK的表达水平在抽穗期以后显著增强,且在氮高效小麦XY107中的表达水平显著高于在氮低效小麦LM1中的表达水平。本研究发现,TaGS1c、TaAlaAT和TaPPDK 3个基因在决定小麦氮利用效率的基因型差异方面发挥着重要作用。     

Effects of different water regimes and nitrogen application strategies on grain filling characteristics and grain yield in hybrid rice

In order to optimize N application and understand how the different combinations of water and N management affect grain filling characteristics and yield, we designed three irrigation regimes (W₁ submerged irrigation, W₂ alternate irrigation, W₃ dry cultivation), and different N application strategies at 180 kg ha^?1 in 2010 and 2011. The relationship between grain filling characteristics and grain yield formation were respectively investigated. The results revealed that there were obvious interacting effects of irrigation regime and N application strategies on grain yield and grain-filling characteristics as well. Compared with W₁ and W₃ treatments, under W₂, the N-fertilizer should account for 30% base, 30% tillering, and 40% panicle fertilizer with the last being applied equally at 4th and 2nd leaves emerged from the top. Correlation analysis revealed that grain filling rate during middle grain-filling stage was the largest and contribute more than 50% to grain-filling. Grain yield was significantly related to grain filling rate (G_max or G_mean), final weight of a kernel (A), and mean grain filling rate (MGR) of the early, mid and late stages during grain filling in inferior spikelets, which is the important reason for water and N coupling effect further to increase yield and fertilizer use efficiency.     

Growth and Iron Uptake of Lowland and Aerobic Rice Genotypes under Flooded and Aerobic Cultivation

With increasing water shortages in China, rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation is gradually shifting away from continuously flooded conditions to partly or even completely aerobic conditions. The effects of this shift on the growth and iron (Fe) nutrition of different aerobic and lowland rice genotypes are poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of cultivation system (aerobic vs. flooded), genotype (five aerobic rice varieties and one lowland rice variety), and Fe fertilization [no Fe and 30 kg ha^?1 ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄·7H₂O] on rice grain yield and Fe nutrition. Plants were sampled at tillering and physiological maturity. In both aerobic and flooded plots, Fe application significantly increased shoot dry weight, shoot Fe concentration, and shoot Fe content at tillering but not physiological maturity. At physiological maturity, grain yield and Fe and grain harvest indices were significantly lower in aerobic than in flooded plots. Shoot dry weight and shoot Fe content differed among genotypes at tillering and at physiological maturity. The grain harvest index of aerobic rice genotype 89B-271-17(hun) was significantly greater than that of the other five genotypes when no Fe was applied. Because soil Fe fertilization did not improve the Fe nutrition of rice in aerobic plots, the results indicate that the shift from flooded to aerobic cultivation will increase Fe deficiency in rice and will increase the problem of Fe deficiency in humans who depend on rice for nutrition.     

Genetic variability and estimates of heritability in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) genotypes grown in a semiarid zone of Sudan

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate nine genotypes of sorghum grown for two consecutive cropping seasons in 2006 and 2007 under rain-fed conditions in a semiarid zone at the Research Farm of El Fasher Research Station, Sudan. The objective of the study was to assess genetic variability and heritability among sorghum genotypes using phenotypic morphological traits. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used for the experiment. The grain yield (kg ha^?1), the number of heads/plant, followed by straw yield (kg ha^?1) had the highest genotypic coefficients of variation in both seasons. High heritability (above 95%) was shown for plant height in both seasons. High genetic advance was reported in straw yield, 1000-grain weight and days to flowering in both seasons. Highly significant differences among genotypes were found for all characters. The high-yielding genotype was Adv-Edo-CWS (E-9) with grain yields of 2780.6 kg ha^?1. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with straw yield (r = 0.91), number of heads/plant (r = 0.69), plant height (r = 0.53) and 1000-grain weight (r = 0.36). However, it was significantly and negatively correlated with days to 50% flowering (r = ?0.21). Based on their positive association with grain yield, the character’s straw weight, number of heads/plant, plant height and 1000-grain weight would be the preferable selection criteria for sorghum improvement program in the country.     

不同水分条件下冬小麦的水分利用效率、产量和可溶性糖含量

以我国北方12个冬小麦品种(系)和美国德州3个冬小麦品种(系)为材料,在甘肃陇东黄土高原旱作和拔节期有限补灌条件下,研究了不同基因型小麦之间产量、水分利用效率(WUE)和灌浆期穗下节可溶性糖含量的差异。结果表明:不论旱作还是有限补灌,不同基因型冬小麦之间产量、WUE、穗下节可溶性糖含量均存在明显差异,随着灌浆过程的进行穗下节可溶性糖含量呈先升高后降低的变化趋势,灌浆中后期达到最大。小麦穗下节可溶性糖含量在旱作条件下高于有限补灌。在2008年9月至2009年6月生育期降雨较常年减少1/3,属于严重干旱年份,小麦灌浆初期和中期穗下节可溶性糖含量与籽粒产量和水分利用效率无明显相关性,但到灌浆中后期和后期却达到显著相关;小麦拔节期补灌100mm水分后,不同基因型小麦表现出明显的水分补偿或超补偿效应,并且灌浆期穗下节可溶性糖含量与产量、WUE均呈显著正相关,并在灌浆中后期和后期达到极显著相关。因此,旱地冬小麦灌浆中后期和后期穗下节可溶性糖含量可作为筛选高效用水品种的参考指标之一。     

Leaf gas exchange and water-use efficiency of dry-land wheat genotypes under water stressed and non-stressed conditions

The objective of this study was to determine drought tolerance characteristics of dryland wheat genotypes based on leaf gas exchange and water-use efficiency in order to identify promising genotypes for drought tolerance breeding. Physiological responses of ten genetically diverse wheat genotypes were studied under non-stressed (NS) and water stressed (WS) conditions using a 2?×?10 factorial experiment replicated 3 times. A highly significant water condition?×?genotype interaction (P?<?0.001) was observed for photosynthetic rate (A), ratio of photosynthetic rate and internal CO₂ concentration (A/C_i), ratio of internal and atmospheric CO₂ (C_i/C_a), intrinsic (WUE_i) and instantaneous (WUE_inst) water-use efficiencies suggesting genotypic variability among wheat genotypes under both test conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified three principal components (PC’s) under both test conditions accounting for 84% and 89% of total variation, respectively. Bi-plot analysis identified G339 and G344 as drought tolerant genotypes with higher values of A, T, gs, A/C_i, WUE_i and WUE_inst under WS condition. The current study detected significant genetic variation for drought tolerance among the tested wheat genotypes using physiological parameters. Genotypes G339 and G344 were identified to be drought tolerant with efficient A, T, gs, A/Ci and water-use under water stressed condition.     

Agro-morphological characterisation and selection of sorghum landraces

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown under rain-fed conditions is frequently affected by drought stress at different stages, resulting in reduced grain and biomass yield. The aim of this study was to characterise sorghum landraces and to select farmer-preferred medium-maturing genotypes under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Hundred and ninety-six sorghum accessions were evaluated at Kobo site of the Sirinka Agricultural Research Center in 2014/2015 in Ethiopia. Data collected from 14 traits were subjected to analysis of variance, cluster analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis, path coefficient analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Significant genotypic differences (p?<?0.05) were observed. Medium-maturing and drought tolerant sorghum genotypes including E-72457, E-72438, E-72435, E-206214, E-72449, E-75460 and E-75458 with superior agronomic performance were recommend for large-scale production or for further breeding. The genotypes evaluated under rain-fed and irrigated conditions were grouped into five and six clusters, respectively, representing varied different heterotic groups. Grain yield had significant and positive correlation with yield-related traits assessed under the two test conditions. Further, path coefficient analysis revealed that days to maturity under rainfed condition and harvest index under irrigated condition had the highest positive direct effects on grain yield, therefore can be targets for direct selection. Overall, there was marked genetic diversity among the tested genotypes. Suitable medium-maturing farmers-preferred accessions selected from the study will be useful for effective breeding for drought tolerance and medium-maturity.     

The variation of phosphorous content,grain yield,and rhizosphere microbial biomass among durum wheat cultivars under salinity stress

ABSTRACT

The effectiveness of plant–soil synergies is largely modulated by interaction between cultivar and rhizosphere microbiome. We evaluated the agronomic performance of six durum wheat cultivars, in two semi-arid locations in Tunisia that differed in their irrigation water salinity: S1 (6 dS m^?1) and S2 (12 dS m^?1). The two-consecutive-year field experiments assessed the effects of the microbial biomass carbon (MBC), leaf phosphorus (LP) and rhizosphere phosphorus (P) on the grain yield (GY) and yield components at tillering and flowering stages. Overall, in saline conditions, cultivars differed in above- and below-ground traits, particularly, with tolerant cultivars presenting relatively greater MBC, P and LP. Furthermore, in S2, GY positively correlated with MBC (r = 0.69), LP (r = 0.80) and P (r = 0.79). Additionally, in S2, MBC positively correlated with P (r = 0.87) and LP (r = 0.85) at flowering. This result was further confirmed by multiple linear regression (step-wise) analysis, which revealed that MBC and LP were the determinant components of GY variability under S2. The present study demonstrates that LP and soil P are mandatory for improving the management of durum wheat. Salinity tolerance was largely affected by the cultivars’ rhizosphere MBC.     

Plant development and nutrient uptake rate in Dendrobium nobile Lindl

Abstract

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is one of the most cultivated and distributed orchids around the world; however, information on its nutrition is scarce. Our objective was to study the plant development and nutrient accumulation in plants of D. nobile weekly fertilized with 100?mL Sarruge nutrient solution at 75% concentration. One plant per replication was randomly collected every month, along 12 months, totaling four plants. Dry matter (DM) and nutrient accumulation were determined for the different plant parts. Plants had already accumulated nearly 50% of total DM up to the flowering stage (240 days after first fertilization, DAFF). Order and amount of accumulated nutrients, at 360 DAFF, was, in mg per plant: K (701.07)?>?N (339.44)?>?Ca (289.03)?>?Mg (135.44)?>?P (118.83)?>?S (23.56); in µg per plant, it was Fe (14,122.35)?>?Zn (5,277.82)?>?Mn (3,216.87)?>?B (1,253.02)?>?Cu (271.25).