Development of Standard Concentrations of Foliar Nutrients for Saskatoon

Soil and foliar samples were collected from saskatoon orchards in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, Canada from 1997 to 1999 and analyzed for macro- and micronutrient content. Foliar samples were collected twice a month from the end of May until September in 1997 to examine the pattern of change in foliar nutrient concentrations throughout the season and to determine the most stable time period for foliar sampling. This period was determined to be from the last week in July until mid-August. Nutrient concentrations of foliar samples collected during this period from 1997 to 1999 were summarized according to the mean, median, minimum, and maximum values. Mean foliar nutrient concentrations were as follows: 2.48% nitrogen (N), 0.18% phosphorus (P), 1.15% potassium (K), 0.15% sulfur (S), 1.52% calcium (Ca), 0.50% magnesium (Mg), 6.9 ppm copper (Cu), 106 ppm iron (Fe), 124 ppm manganese (Mn), 16 ppm zinc (Zn), and 27 ppm boron (B). A number of significant positive correlations were found between soil and foliar levels of a nutrient, with the majority of these correlations occurring for the nutrients Cu, P, and Mn. Another study conducted during 2001–2002 examined differences in the foliar nutrient concentrations of the saskatoon cultivars ‘Smoky’ and ‘Thiessen’ sampled from nine orchards in Saskatchewan. Foliar concentrations of N, K, S, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B were significantly higher in ‘Smoky’ than in ‘Thiessen,’ whereas foliar K content was higher in ‘Thiessen’ than in ‘Smoky’.     

Effects of High Boron Concentration and Scion-Rootstock Combination on Growth and Nutritional Status of Olive Plants

Own rooted olive plants (Olea europaea L.) of the cvs. ‘Megaritiki’ (M), ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’ (C), ‘Amfissis’ (A), ‘Kalamon’, ‘Koroneiki’, ‘Agiou Orous’, and wild olives, as well as the scion x rootstock combinations CxC, MxC, MxM, AxM, CxM, AxA, and CxA were irrigated with a nutrient solution containing 10 mg boron (B)/L for two months. In all the own rooted plants and in the rootstock—scion combinations of the same cultivar stem growth rate was decreased due to high B. The lowest B concentration in leaves and roots was found in ‘Kalamon’ and wild olives, respectively. ‘Megaritiki’ had higher leaf B concentration when grafted on ‘Megaritiki’ or ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’ compared to own rooted plants. The same cultivar as own rooted plant had higher root B concentration than as rootstock of the other tested cultivars.     

IRON EFFICIENCY IN KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS NOT RELATED TO PHYTOSIDEROPHORE RELEASE

Some Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) is susceptible to iron (Fe)-deficiency chlorosis. Under Fe-deficiency stress, phytosiderophore is produced and released by the roots of many grasses to solubilize soil Fe and enhance uptake. In other species, quantifying phytosiderophore screens for Fe-deficiency resistant cultivars. A hydroponic study was conducted at 1 and 10 μM solution Fe to variously stress ‘Baron’, ‘Award’, ‘Limousine’, and ‘Rugby II’ KBG cultivars. One μM Fe solution produced more Fe-deficiency stress in all cultivars compared to 10 μM, resulting in greater chlorosis and phytosiderophore release but reduced shoot and root Fe concentrations and shoot weight. Of the four cultivars, Baron was the most susceptible to Fe deficiency and exhibited severe Fe chlorosis and low shoot Fe but, surprisingly, produced the most phytosiderophore. These results imply that Fe-deficiency susceptibility in KBG may be less related to phytosiderophore release and more related to inefficient uptake or utilization mechanisms.     

SUBSOIL ROOT GROWTH OF FIELD GROWN SPRING WHEAT GENOTYPES (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) DIFFERING IN NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY PARAMETERS

In a two-year (1999–2000) field experiment four Swiss spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (cvs. ‘Albis’, ‘Toronit’ and ‘Pizol’ and an experimental line ‘L94491’) were compared for genotypic differences in the root parameters that determine uptake potential and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE):root surface area (RSA) and its components, root length density (RLD) and the diameter of the roots. The genotypes were grown under no (N0) and under ample fertilizer nitrogen (N) [ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃); N1; 250 kg N ha^?1] supply. Root samples were taken from all the genotypes at anthesis from the subsoil (30–60 cm). Genotypic effects on RLD and RSA were evident only in 2000 and large amounts of N fertilizer usually diminished root growth. Adequate soil moisture in 1999 may have favored the establishment of the root system of all the genotypes before anthesis. Parameters of NUE for each genotype were also determined at anthesis and at physiological maturity. ‘Albis’ the least efficient cv. in recovering fertilizer N (ranged from 36.5 to 61.1%) with the lowest N uptake efficiency (0.47 to 0.79 kg kg^?1) had the lowest RLD and RSA in both seasons. Among genotypes ‘Toronit’, a high-yielding cv., efficient in recovering fertilizer N, exhibited the higher NUE (22.4 to 29.3 kg kg^?1) and tended to have the highest values of RLD and RSA. Nitrogen fertilization also led to an increase in the proportion of roots with diameters less than 300 μm and decreased the proportion of roots with diameters of 300 to 700 μm. These trends were more pronounced for cv. ‘Pizol’ in 1999 and for cv. ‘Toronit’ in 1999 and 2000. By anthesis in a humid temperate climate, there are no marked differences in the subsoil root growth of the examined genotypes. Some peculiarities on the root growth characteristics of the cultivars ‘Albis’ and ‘Toronit’ may partially explain their different NUE performance.     

PLANT NUTRITION IN RESPONSE TO DRIP VERSUS BASIN IRRIGATION IN YOUNG ‘NAGPUR’ MANDARIN ON INCEPTISOL

Evaluation of drip irrigation treatments scheduled at 40, 60, 80, and 100% of alternate day cumulative pan evaporation (Ecp) against basin irrigation method was undertaken in 1-year-old ‘Nagpur’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees budded on rough lemon [Citrus jambhiri (L)] rootstock on an alkaline Inceptisol soil type for three seasons during 2003–2005. Growth responses showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher annual increase in tree height (0.44–0.50 m), scion girth (37–45 mm), and canopy volume (0.508–0.986 m³) under drip-irrigation except irrigation at 40% Ecp, compared to tree height (0.40 m), scion girth (36 mm), and canopy volume (0.463 m³) under basin irrigation. The highest magnitude of increase in different growth parameters was observed with drip irrigation at 80% Ecp, which produced the net water saving of 32% over basin irrigation method. Response on leaf nutrient composition under drip irrigation at 80% Ecp likewise produced the similar response, [2.27% nitrogen (N), 1.98% potassium (K), and 121.8 ppm iron (Fe)], significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than under basin irrigation (1.12% N, 1.04% K, and 98.3 ppm Fe), with other nutrients, e.g., phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) remained unaffected.     

Mineral Concentration,Sugar Content and Yield of Iranian ‘Khatooni’ Melon Affected by Grafting,Pruning and Thinning

Macroelements in leaves and fruits, sugar of fruits, and yield of ‘Khatooni’ melon were compared with melons grafted onto rootstocks cvs. ‘Ace’, ‘Shintozwa’, and ‘ShintoHongto’, and trained into three methods: T1) no pinching and fruit thinning; T2) pinched to produce two lateral branches; and T3) pinched to two branches and all flowers and lateral branches from lower nodes thinned. Concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) increased in leaves onto ‘Shintozwa’, whereas opposite trends observed for magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca). N, P, and K in leaves were significantly higher by 21.5%, 17.2%, and 18.6%, respectively in grafted. N, P and K in fruits onto ‘Ace’ and ‘Shintozwa’ were higher, with exception of Ca and Mg in non-grafted. ‘Ace’ and ‘Shintozwa’ resulted in significant increase in Khatooni yield. T3 showed the highest yield. Soluble solids concentration (SSC) was higher in non-grafted fruits. T2 produced fruits with the highest SSC.     

YIELD AND GROWTH RESPONSE OF STRAWBERRY TO PLANT GROWTH-PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA INOCULATION

This study was conducted to examine the effect of inoculation of plant growth-promotion Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on phenological data, total yield and fruit quality characteristics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) cv. ‘Fern’ during 2006 and 2007. All bacterial root inoculations significantly increased yield per plant (1.98–20.85%), average fruit weight (3.05–19.26%) and first quality fruit ratio (10.30–32.05%) compared to control, whereas the bacterial inoculations did not affect leaf area, first flowering and harvest dates in strawberry cv. ‘Fern’. The bacteria also increased soluble solid content (SSC) and vitamin C in strawberry cv. ‘Fern’. The vitamin C contents of fruits ranged from 47.41 mg 100 g^?1 (control) to 53.88 mg 100 g^?1 (RC05), while SSC values varied between 10.16% (control) and 12.83% (RC01). Results of this study show that RC19 (Bacillus simplex), RC05 (Paenibacillus polymyxa), and RC23 (Bacillus spp.) have the potential to increase the yield and growth of strawberries.     

Screening Kentucky bluegrass for aluminum tolerance

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a growth‐limiting factor in acid soils for many turfgrasses. The genetic diversity among turfgrass cultivars for Al tolerance is not well known. One hundred‐fifty Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) genotypes (cultivars, selections, and breeding lines) belonging to seven ecotypes were selected to screen for Al tolerance under greenhouse conditions using solution culture, sand culture, and an acid Tatum subsoil (Clayey, mixed, thermic, typic, Hapludult). This soil had 69% exchangeable Al and a pH of 4.4. An Al concentration of 320 μM and a pH of 4.0 in a modified 1/4 strength Hoagland nutrient solution was used in solution screening and sand screening. The grasses were seeded and grown four to five weeks before harvesting. Differences were identified among cultivars and the seven ecotypes by measuring relative growth. ‘Battan’, ‘Viva’, and ‘Nassau’ were the most Al‐tolerant cultivars based on the rank average of the three screening methods. Among the seven ecotypes, BVMG, which refers to cultivars such as ‘Baron’, ‘Victa’, ‘Merit’, and ‘Gnome’, were most Al tolerant while Midwest ecotypes, which are frequently referred to as common Kentucky bluegrasses, consistently exhibited the least Al tolerance. The results indicate that the Kentucky bluegrass cultivars vary genetically in Al tolerance and that there is potential to improve such tolerance with breeding and to refine cultivar‐specific management recommendations regarding soil pH.     

DRIS NUTRIENT NORMS FOR PINEAPPLE ON ALFISOLS OF INDIA

Sub-optimum production in pineapple fields in India is a common feature in Alfisols. The diagnosis and management of nutrient constraints assume a greater significance in maximizing production sustainability. DRIS norms were computed from the data bank of 324 sub-plots on leaf mineral composition, soil available nutrients, and corresponding mean yield representing three diverse pineapple belts for 3 seasons during 2002 –04. DRIS norms derived primarily from basal portion of ‘D'leaves sampled at 4th to 5th month suggested optimum leaf nutrient concentration viz. 1.21–1.85% nitrogen (N), 0.13–0.18% phosphorus (P), 1.19–1.62% potassium (K), 0.27–0.35% calcium (Ca), 0.43–0.56% magnesium (Mg), and 78.4–102.5 iron (Fe), 41.5–58.3 manganese (Mn), 7.4–10.2 copper (Cu), and 12.2–15.8 zinc (Zn) (ppm) in relation to fruit yield of 55–72 tons ha^?1. Likewise, DRIS norms for soil fertility corresponding to similar level of fruit yield were determined. The norms were further observed validating the leaf/soil test values obtained from productive plots, suggesting the DRIS as a dynamic interpretation tool for diagnosis of nutrient constraints using both, leaf as well as soil analysis.     

Responses of biomass and several photosynthetic indicators to manganese excess in triticale

Triticale (X Triticosecale, Wittmack) is generally accepted as a very rustic crop which can grow in difficult soils such as those with low pH, where aluminum (Al) and/or manganese (Mn) are frequently in excess. The first aim of the present work was to establish the parameters for the future evaluation of Mn excess tolerance. Plants were grown in pots with sand fed with a nutrient solution (pH 4.5) to which MnSO₄ .4H₂O was added. The biomass of plants (cv. Arabian) grown during one monm in a range of Mn concentrations (2,2.75,11, 16.5,22, 33, and 44 ppm) was determined in Experiment I. Subsequently a shorter range (10, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) was chosen and used with four cvs. (Arabian, Beagle, Borba, and TTE 9201) during the complete growth period (Experiment II). During this experiment the effects of Mn concentrations on the net photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic capacity, photochemical efficiency of PSII, quantum yield of photosynthetic non cyclic electron transport and leaf content of chlorophylls, and carotenoids in the several cvs. were studied. The final biomass and yield were taken as the ultimate criteria for ranking the cvs. It was concluded that 10 ppm Mn concentration was optimal for the growth and 50 ppm the lowest limit to produce toxicity which indicates that triticale was rather tolerant. All the physiological parameters determined after one month of growth and the performance of the photosystems were negatively affected by the Mn concentrations, but the changes were not sufficient to be used for an early (one month old plants) ranking of the cvs. consistent with the biomass and final grain yield. However, all the results agree that the cv. Arabian was the most sensitive because it suffered the strongest decreases and was affected by 50 ppm Mn concentration. The plants of the cv. TTE 9201 were the least affected as far as photosynthetic parameters are concerned.     

Diagnosis of Nutrient Constraints in Citrus Orchards of Humid Tropical India

ABSTRACT

Citrus growing in humid, tropical India is concentrated in east to northeast India. The region is well known for large-scale commercial cultivation of Citrus reticulata Blanco, cultivar ‘Khasi,’ mandarin. Extensive surveys were conducted covering as many as 108 orchards from 52 locations representing eight states, namely West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. Expressed in milligrams per kilogram, the optimum values for available nutrients in soil were determined to be as: nitrogen (N) (220.8–240.6), phosphorus (P) (21.2–45.6), potassium (K) (252.2–300.8), calcium (Ca) (278.1–318.6), magnesium (Mg) (67.2–92.5), iron (Fe) (82.2–114.6), manganese (Mn) (21.4–32.8), copper (Cu) (0.82–2.62), and zinc (Zn) (2.18–4.22) using multivariate quadratic regression analysis. The corresponding leaf-nutrient values, expressed in percent, were: N (2.23–2.49), P (0.10–0.11), K (1.86–2.12), Ca (2.12–2.32), and Mg (0.28–0.38), and in ppm were Fe (148.2–179.8), Mn (72.2–84.8), Cu (10.4–18.6), and Zn (24.2–38.8). These reference values of soil and leaf analysis were later observed to be well within the range of values obtained for high-performance orchards (45–62 kg tree^?1), confirming the hypothesis that soil fertility and leaf nutrient levels maintained under high yielding orchards could be used provisionally as nutrient diagnostics. Nutrient constraints in the form of N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, and Zn were identified using these diagnostics, which deserve a place in a fertilizer program of mandarin orchards of the region to obtain sustainable optimum fruit yield.     

Effects of Nitrogen and Sulfur on Total Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity in Two Genotypes of Leaf Mustard

Leaf mustard (Brassica juncea Coss) is widely used for both fresh and processed markets in southern China. It contains high nutritional and medicinal compounds, which are important for maintaining optimum health. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) nutrition on total phenolics and antioxidant activity in two genotypes of leaf mustard (cvs. ‘Xuelihong’ and ‘Zhujie’). Plants were greenhouse-grown using nutrient solutions with two levels of nitrogen (10 and 25 mM) and three levels of sulfur (0.5, 1, and 2 mM). Total phenolic concentrations were considerably decreased by increasing nitrogen supply, whereas increased by increasing sulfur supply. Total phenolic concentrations in cv ‘Zhujie’ was higher than in cv ‘Xuelihong’. Three assays including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, β -carotene bleaching (BCB), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Increasing nitrogen supply reduced DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP value, but increased antioxidant activity using BCB assay. Increasing sulfur supply increased antioxidant activity with all three tests. The effects of genotype on DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP value were not significant, however, antioxidant activity using BCB assay was significantly higher in cv ‘Zhujie’ than in cv ‘Xuelihong’. A significantly positive correlation was found between DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic concentrations in two genotypes, FRAP value and total phenolic concentrations in cv ‘Xuelihong’.     

Host preference and influence of the sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

Three eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) varieties – ‘Dafeng’, ‘Beisite’, and ‘Baiyu’ – were used in this experiment to discover the least susceptible variety among them to sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) infestation. The investigations were carried out after completing one generation of whitefly based on two points of view. Initially, host preference and suitability of whitefly was investigated based on adult feeding, oviposition, and developmental time. Therefore, it was investigated based on growth responses of eggplant. The average developmental time was shortest for the cohort reared in ‘Dafeng’ (21.3 days), while the longest period (23.2 days) was recorded in ‘Baiyu’. In comparison with the control, less significant changes in the six growth parameters, viz. plant height (12.6%), leaf area (12.7%), dry matter (8.2%), absolute growth rate (26.0%), relative growth rate (25.0%), and net assimilation rate (22.2%) were found in ‘Baiyu’ infested by B. tabaci. Adult attraction and oviposition were reduced while developmental time was increased in ‘Baiyu’ compared with the other two varieties. In addition, the reduction percentages of all the six plant-growth parameters of ‘Baiyu’ were comparatively less than other two varieties to whitefly stress. Our research is focused on a shorter development time; higher feeding, oviposition, and the reduction percentage of plant growth indicate that a plant is a suitable host. In view of this, the present findings indicate that ‘Baiyu’ is less susceptible than the other two varieties, ‘Dafeng’ and ‘Beisite’, for whitefly infestation.     

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ROOTSTOCKS ON GROWTH,CHLOROPHYLL A FLUORESCENCE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF TWO GRAFTED SCIONS OF TOMATO

Two tomato scions (cvs. ‘Raf’ and ‘Gorety’) were grafted on three different rootstocks: S. torvum, ‘Beaufort’ (Lycopersicum esculentum × Lycopersicum hirsutum) and intermediate grafting of eggplant ‘Cristal’ between tomato and S. torvum (double graft). Plants were grown in Mediterranean greenhouse conditions. The response to grafting was measured through growth parameters, F_v/F_m and leaf macronutrients analysis, and it was compared with non-grafted plants. The scions grafted on S. torvum in simple and double graft showed lower fresh and dry weight of leaves, number of commercial fruits, plant height, F_v/F_m and decreased their capacity to absorb several nutrients resulting in a lower mineral concentration in scions leaves, as a result of a thickened graft union. On the other hand, both scions showed a good response when grafted on the rootstock ‘Beaufort’, with which growth parameters, yield and photosynthetic capacity were similar to non-grafted plants.     

Spur light exposure as a primary external cause for derivation of dris norms in walnut trees

Spur leaf macroelement profile of walnut (Juglans regia, cvs. ‘Hartley’ and ‘Serr') was characterized by a modified diagnostic and recommendation integrated system (DRIS), using canopy photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) density exposure as a primary external determinant (5) of leaf mineral content. Spur N, P, Ca and Mg content was linearly correlated with PPF and SLW when expressed on the basis of leaf area (A) while that of K was linearly correlated with SLW on % DW basis (W). Mineral ratios, relevant for the DRIS analysis, were calculated using all four possible combinations of Area and Weight expressions (A/A, A/W, W/A, W/W) and correlated with spur leaf SLW. The particular expressions chosen for the DRIS analysis were based on their highest correlation to spur SLW and included N/K and P/K, based on A/W expression of the respective nutrients, and the reciprocal (W/A) expression for all other ratios. The dimensionless mineral ratios based on Weight per Weight (W/W) or Area per Area (A/A), which eliminated the DW contribution, were not related to light exposure and SLW.

Derivation of DRIS norms were based on the mineral profile of highly exposed spurs (10.8±3.1 and 8.8±3.9 mol m^‐2d^‐1 PPF in ‘Hartley’ and ‘Serr’, respectively), characterized previously to be highly productive. Calculated DRIS indices of gradually less exposed and less productive spurs revealed a strong exponential imbalance of K or K and N (increasingly positive) in ‘Hartley’ and ‘Serr’, respectively, vs Ca and Mg (increasingly negative). DRIS indices of P became slightly negative in ‘Hartley’ and positive in ‘Serr’, as spur light exposure decreased. The calculated Nutritional Imbalance Index (Nil) value of walnut spurs exposed to decreasing light intensities increased exponentially. The modification of the existing procedures of DRIS analysis that reflects the light exposure of the leaf and takes into account its DW component, is proposed.     

Study of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition of Proteas Cultivated under Subtropical Conditions

Abstract: A study of soil physicochemical characteristics and mineral nutrition of four cultivars of Leucospermum cordifolium (‘Scarlett Ribbon,’ ‘High Gold,’ ‘Veldifre,’ ‘Sunrise’) and Leucospermum patersonii species was carried out along 2 years in commercial protea plantations, distributed throughout a subtropical region (La Palma Island, Canarian Archipelago). Soils presented a slightly acid pH range, whereas organic matter showed suitable values. Generally, available soil phosphorus (P) contents were less than 25 mg kg^?1, with high available potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels, though the ratio of Ca of the sum of available cations was usually appropriate. Despite the high electrical conductivity (EC) levels (4.31–8.87 dS m^?1) determined in some soils, no salinity symptoms were ever detected. Distribution and behavior of foliar nutrients nitrogen (N), P, K, Ca, magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) along time showed that nutritional needs varied in some cases among cultivars and species. L. patersonii presented the least N concentration, whereas ‘High Gold’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the greatest levels. Data denoted that P requirements were larger in younger plants, during the recovery after pruning, and while new buds developed. ‘Sunrise’ cultivar stood out for its large foliar levels of P, whereas ‘Scarlett Ribbon’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the least K contents. As a general pattern, K decreased in winter samplings. L. patersonii species and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ exhibited the highest Ca values, and the same was true for Mg only in the species. A special need for Na appeared in all the cultivars and species studied. L. patersonii and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ showed the greatest Na levels. A general stabilization of nutrient concentrations was observed in the fourth, fifth, and/or sixth samplings, so that November is recommended for taking samples for current foliar analysis. In this context, foliar ranges for the studied nutrients are suggested.     

Relationship of fertilizers on soil ph and fruit disorders of apples and pears

Abstract

In nutrition experiments of fruit‐growing areas of central Washington state, ‘Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica) orchards and ‘d'Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) orchards with the lowest soil pH values had a high incidence of fruit disorders and the lowest concentration of leaf calcium (Ca). In contrast, orchards with the highest soil pH values had the highest concentration of soil Ca (meq 100 g^‐1) and the lowest incidence offrait disorders (bitter pit for apples and alfalfa greening, black end and cork spot for pears). Apple orchards with the highest soil pH values also had ‘Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples containing the highest concentration of Ca, but Ca concentrations in ‘d'Anjou’ pears were not significantly different among the different soil pH groups.     

Selecting the ideotype of improved rice cultivars using multiple regression and multivariate models

ABSTRACT

Plant breeders require a classification of the limitations and the capabilities that exist in plants by appropriate statistical methods; this issue leads to the concept of the ideotype. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the ideotype of improved rice cultivars. The experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications and 13 improved rice cultivars in northern Iran in 2016 and 2017, the required data for determining ideotype was collected. The results demonstrated that the optimal values of six important traits which selected by the multiple regression model explained 64% of the paddy yield (PY). The determined ideotype would increase PY from 6,623 kg ha^?1 to 8764–9685 kg ha^?1. Selection of desirable phenological traits revealed the highest correlation with the first canonical variable, can cause of selection of superior cultivars with the best agronomic traits. The most genetic distance was observed between cv. ‘Kados’, ‘Shiroodi’ and ‘Dasht’ using mahalanobis method. It was concluded that the methods used in this study, owing to its concern with the genetic variations between cultivars, can be used in determining plant ideotypes in conjunction with other methods and it can guide plant breeders to move through ideotype crops.     

Optimum nutrient levels in a container growing medium determined by a saturated aqueous extract

Abstract

Red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) seedlings were grown for 15 weeks over a range of nutrient regimes to calibrate a test procedure used for monitoring nutrient status of a common container growing medium. The test was based on a saturated aqueous extract of the growing medium, obtained by suction displacement. Seedling growth and nutrition exhibited typical responses of deficiency, sufficiency, luxury consumption and toxicity over the range of substrate fertility examined. Water extractable nutrients of the growing medium were related to yield and nutrient uptake of the seedlings. Ranges of nutrient levels associated with maximum dry matter production were selected as provisional values for optimum growth of containerized red pine seedlings. The following critical nutrient levels were considered optimum for red pine seedlings managed under similar cultural conditions: 15–65 ppm N (as NH₄ ⁺), 35–95 ppm P, 25–115 ppm K, 30–60 ppm Ca, 15–35 ppm Mg, and electrical conductivity of 1.0–2.2 dS/m.     

THE POTASSIUM STATUS OF MALAWI SOILS

Twenty surface soils from four main Soil Groups in Malawi and their sub-soils were divided into three groups based on cation exchange capacity (group I, CEC < 50; group II, 50–100; and group III > 100μeq g^–1). In each soil group the maximum amounts of K removed by successive extraction with 0.005 M CaCl₂ solution were well related to the potassium potential pK–0.5p(Ca + Mg), exchangeable K, ‘step K’, and the quotient ‘step K’/CR.K, where CR.K is ‘constant-rate’potassium. In Group III soils only, ‘step K’/CR.K values were significantly correlated with pH, clay, and CEC, and this suggested that the soils were relatively rich in K⁺ specific binding sites. In 27 soils from an NPK factorial experiment on tea, the rate of depletion of extractable K reserve increased with ammonium sulphate treatment, whereas K fertilizers tended to off-set significantly (P= 0.001) the depletion of K reserve. The values for the change in free energy ΔG =RT In a_K/ (a_(Ca+Mg)) ^½, ranged from –12 to –16 kJ mol^–1, and field observations showed that tea plants growing on soils having ΔG values less than –15 kJ mol^–1 responded to K fertilizers. The investigation has indicated that heavily cropped soils are likely to show crop responses if the intensive cropping system does not include supplementation of K.