Effect of Soil Fertilizer,Foliar Fertilizer,and Growth Regulator Application on Milk Thistle Development,Seed Yield,and Silymarin Content

Abstract

An important consideration for milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) cultivation is regulating development to lengthen the reproductive stage and increase seed yield with high silymarin content. The treatment of milk thistle with foliar fertilizers and growth regulators—thidiazuron (Dropp^®), 2,3,5‐triiodobenzoic acid (Tiba^®), mepiquat chloride (Pix^®), and prohexadione‐Ca (Regalis^®)—resulted in an increase in the proportion of mature flower heads. Highest seed yield was observed in plants treated with Pix^® and mineral soil fertilization, whereas in plants treated with foliar fertilizers, highest yields were observed with Pix^® and Regalis^®. The highest content of silymarin was found in plants treated with Dropp^® and foliar fertilizer. Generally, treatment of milk thistle with plant‐growth regulators in combination with soil or foliar mineral fertilizers increased the total amount of silymarin by increasing seed yield per hectare.     

Risks of Boron Toxicity in Canola and Lupin by Forms of Boron Application in Acid Sands of South-Western Australia

Boron (B) deficiency frequently occurs on soils that are low in organic carbon (C) (<1.0% organic C), pH (soil pH_Ca <5.0), and clay content (<5% clay). Acid sands with these soil properties are common in south-western Australia (SWA). Moreover, hot calcium chloride (CaCl₂) extractable B levels are commonly marginal in the acid sands of SWA. This study examined the effects of soluble and slow release soil-applied B fertilizer and foliar B sprays on crops most likely to respond to B fertilizer on these soils, canola (oil-seed rape, Brassica napus L.) and lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.).

At 25 sites over three years, canola was grown with (0.34 kg ha-¹) or without B applied as borax [sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O) 11% B], and this was followed by nine experiments with B rates [0, 0.55, 1.1 kg ha^?1, applied as borax or calcium borate (ulexite, NaCaB₅O₆(OH)₆·5(H₂O), 13% B] and foliar sprays (0.1% solution of solubor, 23% B) in 2000–2001. A further five sites of B rates and sources experiments were carried out with lupin in 2000–2001. Finally, foliar B sprays (5% B w/v as a phenolic complex) at flowering were tested on seven sites in farmers’ canola crops for seed yield increases. No seed yield increases to soil-applied B were found while foliar B application at flowering increased canola seed yield in only one season across seven locations. By contrast, borax fertilizer drilled with the seed at sowing decreased canola seed yield in nine of 34-farm sites, and decreased lupin yield in two of five trials. Toxicity from drilled boron fertilizer decreased yield could be explained by decreases in plant density (by 22–40%) to values lower than required for optimum seed yield. Seedling emergence was decreased by borax applied at sowing but less so by calcium borate. Foliar B spray application never reduced seed yield due to toxicity effects.

Boron fertilizer drilled with the seed increased the B concentration in plant dry matter at early to mid-flowering. Boron application decreased the oil concentration of grain of canola at four sites. The oil yield of canola was significantly decreased at seven sites.

Notwithstanding the marginal B levels on acid sands of the SWA region, care needs to be taken on use of borax fertilizer as toxicity was induced in canola and lupin; with 0.34 to 1 kg B ha^?1(3-10 kg borax ha^?1) at sowing depressing seed yield, mostly by decreasing plant density. Rather than making general recommendation for B fertilizer application based on 0.01M CaCl₂ soil extractable B, soil and plant analysis should be used to diagnose B deficiency and B fertilizer use limited to calcium borate or foliar borax rather than soil-applied borax on low B sands.     

EFFECT OF NANOSCALE ZINC OXIDE PARTICLES ON THE GERMINATION,GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEANUT

An investigation was initiated to examine the effects of nanoscale zinc oxide particles on plant growth and development. In view of the widespread cultivation of peanut in India and in other parts of the globe and in view of the potential influence of zinc on its growth, this plant was chosen as the model system. Peanut seeds were separately treated with different concentrations of nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) and chelated bulk zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) suspensions (a common zinc supplement), respectively and the effect this treatment had on seed germination, seedling vigor, plant growth, flowering, chlorophyll content, pod yield and root growth were studied. Treatment of nanoscale ZnO (25 nm mean particle size) at 1000 ppm concentration promoted both seed germination and seedling vigor and in turn showed early establishment in soil manifested by early flowering and higher leaf chlorophyll content. These particles proved effective in increasing stem and root growth. Pod yield per plant was 34% higher compared to chelated bulk ZnSO₄. Consequently, a field experiment was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 with the foliar application of nanoscale ZnO particles at 15 times lower dose compared to the chelated ZnSO₄ recommended and we recorded 29.5% and 26.3% higher pod yield, respectively, compared to chelated ZnSO₄. The inhibitory effect with higher nanoparticle concentration (2000 ppm) reveals the need for judicious usage of these particles in such applications. This is the first report on the effect of nanoscale particles on peanut growth and yield.     

The effects of different methods of zinc application on canola seed yield and oil content

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) as a microelement plays a salient role in the vital processes of plants such as metabolism and nutrition. This experimental study was conducted in the research field of Agriculture Faculty, Zanjan University using two genotypes of canola as main factor (Okapi and Tassilo) and zinc fertilizer application method in 7 levels including control, foliar spraying (2, 3.5, and 5?g/L) at the beginning of flowering and soil application (25, 50, and 75?kg/ha) were considered as sub-plot factor. The results showed that the application of zinc significantly increased the chlorophyll content as compared to control treatment. The highest chlorophyll content was observed in foliar spraying of 3.5 and 5?g/L zinc in Okapi cultivar. While, the highest value of RWC content resulted only with spraying 5?g/L of zinc. The result showed that zinc foliar of 5?g/L obtained the highest oil and seed yields and seed yield components. In addition, the highest qualitative seed traits (oil and protein content and zinc content in seed and plant) resulted with spraying 5?g/L of zinc. Also, Okapi cultivar had more quantitative and qualitative yields than Tassilo cultivar. The foliar spray of 5?g/L Zn can be recommended to increase the quantity and quality seed yield of canola.     

Effect of dose and type of fertilizer on flowering and fruiting of vanilla plants

Nutritional status affects the processes of flowering and fruiting of plants. This study was conducted to determine the effects of fertilizer application on flowering, fruiting, and leaf nutrient content of Vanilla planifolia (Jacks. ex Andr). Treatments consisted of the application of grade 10-20-20 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer to the substratum in annual doses of 20, 50, and 100 g/plant plus a monthly application of foliar fertilizer. Two more treatments were foliar fertilization and no fertilization (control). Treatments increased the number of inflorescences and flower buds per plant, as well as the number and weight of fruits per plant, and decreased the abortion of flowers and immature fruits. These effects depended on the type of fertilizer, the amount applied, and the time of evaluation. The best results were obtained with the 100 g/plant/year treatment with an annual production of 1.5 kg of fruits per plant in the second year. Unfertilized plants produced 0.55 kg/plant/year. Differences were also found in foliar content of N, P, K, and copper (Cu) between vegetative and reproductive branches. Application of fertilizer to the substratum appears to improve reproductive parameters of vanilla plants and the production of beans, while foliar fertilization alone was ineffective in increasing crop productivity. Nutrients also seem to translocate from mature leaves to fruit racemes.     

Essential Oil Variation of Salvia officinalis Leaves during Vegetation after Treatment with Foliar Fertilizer and Thidiazuron

The essential oil yield and chemical composition of Salvia officinalis L. (Dalmatica origin) have been analyzed. Leaf samples for essential oil analysis were harvested at different developmental stages after treatment with foliar fertilizer Agroleaf^® and foliar fertilizer + thidiazuron. In total, 10 constituents were identified and quantified. The main compounds in the essential oil that increased during the vegetative to the fruiting‐set stage are α‐thujon and camphor, whereas borneol, viridoflorol, and manool decreased. The effect of thidiazuron applied together with foliar fertilizer was established mainly at the flowering stage, increased essential oil yield by 16% over the control, and positively affected the percentage of β‐caryiophylene, α‐humulene, viridoflorol, and manool. Application of foliar fertilizer resulted in a greater increase of essential oil yield at the flowering stage in the combined foliar and thidiazuron application over the control. Both treatments decreased camphor at flowering and fruiting stages.     

干旱胁迫下施钾水平对油菜生长特性、籽粒品质和钾素利用的影响

[目的]探究长期干旱胁迫下不同施钾水平对油菜生长、籽粒品质、钾素利用的影响,旨在明确不同钾肥水平下油菜通过调节生长和营养分配应对干旱胁迫的机制,为油菜抗旱栽培提供科学依据.[方法]以抗旱油菜品种油研57和干旱敏感品种川油36为试验材料,采用盆栽土培试验,每盆装风干土10 kg,设置K2O施用量0、80和160 mg/k...     

Grain Yield and Active Substances of Milk Thistle as Affected by Soil Salinity

The ripe seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn) contain active substances of flavonoides that are important in the pharmaceutical industry. Evidence showed that stress conditions such as salinity can affect growth and development of plants, including active substances of some medicinal plants. Silymarin and silybin are important active materials of milk thistle whose concentrations correspond to some degree of plant stress. To test for this relationship, a pot experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with seven level of salinities (0.35, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 dS/m) for two genotypes, Ahwaz wild type and cultivated German origin (Royston). At the harvest, the results have showed that both genotypes grow satisfactorily and had a normal size in soils up to salinity of 9 dS/m, compared to the control plants. However, growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of capitula per plant, main shoot capitulum's diameter, and seed yield and yield components per plant was reduced with salinity greater than 9 dS/m in both genotypes. However, concentrations of active substances (silymarin and silybin) in seeds significantly increased compared to the control plants. Results from the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that the amount of silybin was approximately four times greater in plants cultivated under a salinity of 15 dS/m than in the plants grown under nonsaline conditions. Our results suggested that both types of milk thistle survive under salinity as high as 15 dS/m levels and produced seeds with rich in active substances.     

水氮耦合对滁菊产量和品质的影响

采用二因素二次回归旋转组合设计,以盆栽试验方式研究了水、氮因子对滁菊产量和品质的影响,探讨了滁菊人工栽培适宜的水氮管理模式。研究结果表明,水氮耦合对滁菊花产量、叶片水提总黄酮和氯原酸含量、滁菊花水提总黄酮和氯原酸含量均有极显著影响,水氮间存在显著交互作用。氮肥因子对滁菊花产量、总黄酮含量、氯原酸含量的影响大于水分因子。当土壤水分水平为0.284 1,氮肥水平为0.403 7时,即田间持水量80%,氮肥用量0.257g/kg时,滁菊花产量最高,达18.09g/株;当土壤水分和氮肥用量均为-1.414水平时,即田间持水量50%,氮肥用量为0g/kg时,滁菊花总黄酮含量和氯原酸含量最大。从滁菊花产量、品质角度综合考虑,滁菊生育前期水氮管理以中水中氮较为适宜,滁菊现蕾开花期以低水低氮较为适宜。     

Effect of seed and foliar application of nano-zinc oxide,zinc chelate,and zinc sulphate rates on yield and growth of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars

Nanofertilizers have received considerable attention due to their increased uptake by plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and also different zinc (Zn) fertilizers (Zn sulfate, Zn chelate) on vegetative and yield traits of two pinto bean cultivars “KS21191” and “KS21193”. This experiment was a factorial based on completely randomized design with 24 treatments (three fertilizer applications and eight levels of Zn fertilizer). The results showed that twice foliar application compared to seed application and once foliar application improved growth and yield characteristics of both pinto bean cultivars. Also, compared to control treatment, zinc nanofertilizers improved vegetative characteristics (such as plant height, internode length, root and shoot dry, and fresh weight), yield (pods number and seed weight) and quality (zinc content in seed) of both pinto bean cultivars. Among the zinc fertilizer treatments, 0.10% and 0.15% of ZnO nanoparticles were as a superior treatment.     

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.     

Uptake and nutrient balance of nitrogen,sulfur, and boron for optimal canola production in eastern Canada

Balanced plant nutrition is essential to achieve high yields of canola (Brassica napus L.) and get the best economic return from applied fertilizers. A field study was conducted at nine site‐years across eastern Canada to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and boron (B) fertilization on canola nutrient uptake, nutrient balance, and their relationship to canola yields. The factorial experiment consisted of four N rates of 0 (N0), 50 (N50), 100 (N100), and 150 (N150) kg ha^?1, two S rates of 0 (S0) and 20 (S20) kg ha^?1, and three B treatments of 0 (B0), 2 kg ha^?1 at preplant (B2.0P), and 0.5 kg B ha^?1 foliar‐applied at early flowering stage (B0.5F). Each site‐year used the same experimental design and assigned treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Fertilizer S application greatly improved seed yields at six out of nine site‐years, and the highest N use efficiency was in the N150+S20 treatment. Sulfur application generally increased seed S concentration, seed S removal, and plant total S uptake, while B fertilization mainly elevated straw B concentration and content, with minimal effect on seed yields. At the early flowering stage, plant tissue S ranged from 2.2 to 6.6 mg S g^?1, but the N : S ratio was over or close to the critical value of 12 in the N150+S0 combination at five site‐years. On average across nine site‐years, canola reached a plateau yield of 3580 kg ha^?1 when plants contained 197 kg N ha^?1, 33 kg S ha^?1 and 200 g B ha^?1, with a seed B content of 60 g B ha^?1. The critical N, S, and B values identified in this work and their potential for a posteriori nutrient diagnosis of canola should be useful to validate fertilizer requirements for canola production in eastern Canada.     

Effect of different foliar zinc application at different growth stages on seed zinc concentration and its impact on seedling vigor in rice

This study evaluated how zinc (Zn) concentration of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed may be increased and subsequent seedling growth improved by foliar Zn application. Eight foliar Zn treatments of 0.5% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄?·?7H₂O) were applied to the rice plant at different growth stages. The resulting seeds were germinated to evaluate effects of seed Zn on seedling growth. Foliar Zn increased paddy Zn concentration only when applied after flowering, with larger increases when applications were repeated. The largest increases of up to ten-fold were in the husk, and smaller increases in brown rice Zn. In the first few days of germination, seedlings from seeds with 42 to 67?mg Zn?kg^?1 had longer roots and coleoptiles than those from seeds with 18?mg Zn?kg^?1, but this effect disappeared later. The benefit of high seed Zn in seedling growth is also indicated by a positive correlation between Zn concentration in germinating seeds and the combined roots and shoot dry weight (r?=?0.55, p?相似文献   

Foliar Application of Manganese Increases Seed Yield and Improves Seed Quality of Cotton Grown on Calcareous Soils

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is often grown on calcareous soils where manganese (Mn) deficiency is quite common. Despite the fact that Mn deficiency can limit cotton productivity the effect of foliar application of Mn was not determined. A field study was conducted to determine if foliar Mn applications during anthesis affects the growth and yield of cotton. Manganese increased the chlorophyll content by up to 17% compared with the control treatment with no difference between the two rates of Mn. Moreover, Mn increased the seed yield by an average of 30%, the number of bolls per plant by 31%, the number of bolls per square meter by 31% and boll retention by 37% compared with the control, but it did not affect the mean boll weight and the quality of the fibers. Foliar application of Mn increased seed germination by an average of 14% and increased seed vigor (AA) by an average of 28% compared with the control treatment. The results obtained here suggest that foliar Mn application can improve the lint and seed yield and also the seed quality of cotton grown for seed production on calcareous soils.     

Chemical and productive properties of two Sardinian milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) populations as sources of nutrients and antioxidants

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (milk thistle), grown as a medicinal plant in several countries, is considered as a weed in pastures and cereal crops but also as an interesting plant for biomass production. As an additional contribution to the full exploitation of a such promising species, two Sardinian populations of S. marianum were investigated for chemical composition, bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties at vegetative and reproductive stages. Dry matter yield was affected by the phenogical stage and differed between populations, ranging from 148 to 246 g plant^?1. Chemical composition did not differ between populations. Antioxidant capacity detected by means of ABTS [(2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt)] and by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) methods ranged from 3.45 to 5.42 and 3.83 to 6.32 mmol/100 g dry weight of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, respectively. Differences in antioxidant capacity and bioactive compound contents in the different plant organs were found and also a significant linear correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenolics and flavonoids, at flowering compared to vegetative stage. Research highlights antioxidant capacity in different organs of milk thistle and encourages the exploitation of biomass also as functional food, source of natural antioxidants and as a complementary fodder.     

氮磷钾配施对紫云英鲜草产量、养分含量的影响

采用部分"3414"肥料效应试验设计方案进行田间试验,研究了氮、磷、钾配施对紫云英性状指标、鲜草产量及植株养分含量的影响,并筛选出适宜的氮、磷、钾肥用量。结果表明,施肥处理比不施肥处理,株高、茎粗、分枝、根瘤数、单株重和鲜草产量最大增幅分别为13.50%、42.34%、18.75%、18.18%、87.07%和33.22%。与不施肥处理相比,9个施肥处理紫云英鲜草产量平均增产9 591.9 kg/hm2,提高了13.50%。处理7(N0P3K2)即高量磷和中量钾配施的鲜草产量最高,达到94 641.6 kg/hm2,与不施肥处理相比,增产了33.22%。处理7对紫云英植株养分含量(N、P、K)的累积最大,与不施肥处理相比,N、P、K养分含量分别提高了16.53%、34.40%、24.47%。可见,增施磷钾肥是提高当前肥力水平下紫云英产量与植株养分累积的有效途径。合理施用N、P、K肥能明显促进紫云英的生长,提高产量和养分积累量,对翻压紫云英作绿肥,减少化肥施用量,有重要的生态环境效益。     

Response of mustard to seed treatment with pyridioxine and basal and foliar application of nitrogen and phosphorus

In a simple randomised field trial conducted during 1985–86/ 1986–87, the effect of basal nitrogen (45 and 60 kg N/ha) and basal phosphorus (15 and 20 kg P/ha) applications together with the soaking of seeds in 0.025% aqueous pyridoxine hydrochloride solution for 4h and foliar applications of 15 kg N/ha and 5 kg P/ha in two installments at 70 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) was studied on the performance of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Recommended basal applications of 90 kg N/ha and 30 kg P/ha (BN₉₀P₃₀) was used as the control. The parameters studied included leaf area index (LAI) at 60, 80, and 100 DAS, net assimilation rate at 60–80 and 80–100 day intervals, and pods/plant, seeds/pod, seed yield, oil content, and oil yield at harvest. In general, the pyridoxine treatment proved superior over water soaking. The higher basal fertilizer dose was effective and foliar application of N and P gave higher values as compared to the water foliar application alone. The combination of pyridoxine + BN₆₀P₂₀+ FN₁₅FP₅ significantly enhanced the performance of the crop and enhanced seed yield and oil yield by 15.8 and 13.5%, respectively, over the check BN₉₀P₃₀ treatment.     

SULFUR AND BORON-MAGNESIUM-ZINC COMPOUND FERTILIZER CONTRIBUTE TO THE REPRODUCTIVE GROWTH OF JATROPHA CURCAS L.

Jatropha curcas L., a native tree to Mexico and Central America, is cultivated in many counties of China as a source for biodiesel. The effects of different fertilizers on the growth of Jatropha curcas L. were studied under soil conditions of low nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and boron (B) in soil. Compared with 16N-16P-16K compound fertilizer, both sulfur (S) and a B-management (Mg)-zinc (Zn) compound fertilizer both increased the oil concentration of the seed, and promoted the reproductive growth. Only the fertilizer S increased the seed yield and the Acid value of the oil, while the B-Mg-Zn compound fertilizer declined the Acid value of the oil and induced the differentiation of female flowers. Boron-Mg-Zn compound fertilizer induced a smaller increase in the oil concentration of Jatropha curcas seed than fertilizer S and the largest increase in growth rate of trees. Moreover, Jatropha curcas showed a higher requirement of S for the reproductive phase than for its vegetative growth. Jatropha curcas may belong to the species with restricted B mobility, and B fertilizer should be sprayed as a foliar fertilizer. However, further research on the S nutrition of Jatropha curcas is required.     

Seasonal critical concentration and relationships of leaf phosphorus and potassium status with biomass and yield traits of soybean

Analysis of uppermost fully expanded leaves is useful to detect a deficiency of mineral nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in soybean. Although, the leaf P or K status aids in fertilizer management, information on nutrient seasonal relationships with growth and yield traits at maturity are limited. To investigate this, soybean was grown under varying P or K nutrition under ambient and elevated CO₂ concentrations. Results show significant relationships of the relative total biomass and yield‐related traits with the foliar P and K concentrations measured several times in the season across CO₂ levels. However, the relationships established earlier in the season showed that the growth period between 25 and 37 d after planting (DAP), representing the beginning of flowering and pod, respectively, is the best for leaf sampling to determine the foliar P or K status. The leaf P and K status as well as the critical leaf P (CLPC) and K (CLKC) concentrations for traits such as seed yield peaked around 30 DAP (R2 stage) and tended to decline thereafter with the plant age. The CLPC and CLKC of seed yield indicate that the leaf P and K concentration of at least 2.74 mg g^?1 and 19.06 mg g^?1, respectively, in the uppermost fully expanded leaves are needed between 25 and 37 DAP for near‐optimum soybean yield. Moreover, the greatest impact of P and K deficiency occurred for the traits that contribute the most to the soybean yield (e.g., relative total biomass, seed yield, pod and seed numbers), while traits such as seed number per pod, seed size, and shelling percentages were the least affected and showed smaller leaf critical concentration. The CLPC or CLKC for biomass and seed yield was greater under elevated CO₂ 24–25 DAP but varied thereafter. These results are useful to researchers and farmers to understand the dynamics of the relationship of pre‐harvest leaf P and K status with soybean productivity at maturity, and in the determination of suitable growth stage to collect leaf samples.     

Effects of foliar fertilization on yield,protein, oil and elemental composition of two soybean varieties

Abstract

The effects of foliar fertilization on the yield and seed composition of two soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) varieties were investigated under mid‐Missouri conditions over a 2‐year period. The foliar fertilizer treatments consisted of (i) 80–8–24–4 (NPKS) kg/ha, (ii) 40–4–12–2 (NPKS) kg/ha, and (in) control (no foliar treatment) with the optimum proportion of N:P:K:S in the solution 10:1:3:0.5 respectively. Nutrient sources were urea, potassium polyphosphate, and potassium sulfate. Water solutions of fertilizers (pH 6.9) containing 0.1% Tween 80 (v/v) were sprayed on the plants using a CO₂ ‐ pressurized back‐pack sprayer. Foliar fertilizer was split between four equal applications during the seed filling period. The variety Mitchell at the higher rate and the variety Williams at the lower fertilizer application rate produced slight, though statistically insignificant, yield increases. At the higher rate of application, the seed protein contents of both varieties increased, while the oil contents decreased. The concentrations of P and K in the seeds were not affected by foliar fertilization, but at the higher rate, there was a small decrease in S content of Williams variety.