Growth and fatty acid composition of sesame (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sesamum indicum</Emphasis> L.) genotypes as influence by planting dates and nitrogen fertilization in semiarid region of Northwest,Pakistan

A field experiment was conducted on silty clay loam soil in the years 2011–2012. Two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars (Local Black and Local White) were evaluated using various 3 different sowing dates (20th June, 10th and 30th July) and four agrotechnical level (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha^–1) at New Developmental Farm The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sowing dates on growth, yield and oil fatty acid composition of two sesame cultivars grown under different nitrogen fertilization. Results showed that cv. Local Black was characterized by significantly higher content of oil (47%), seed yield (696 kg ha^–1) and oil yield (335 kg ha^–1) while cv. Local White had higher palmitic acid (8%) and linoleic acid (38.7%). Yield and its main components were positively affected by the earlier sowing date. With regard to fatty acid composition, a decrease in oleic and stearic acid and an increase in linoleic and palmitic acid were observed. At early sowing, oleic and palmitic acid decreased whereas linoleic and stearic acid increased. The decrease in the oleic/linoleic acid ratio observed at early sowing, suggests a possible role of temperature on the activity of oleate desaturase in the developing seeds. Intensive technology of cultivation (120 kg N ha^–1), compared to the economical technology (40 kg N ha^–1), significantly increased the seed yield of both sesame cultivars. This was due to higher number of branches, Capsules m^–2, capsules plant^–1, seeds capsule^–1 and 1000 seed weight (g). The intensive technology of cultivation had a beneficial effect on the content of palmitic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid in sesame seed.     

Cool Season C3-Grasses (Wheat,Rye, Barley,and Oats) Differ in Shoot: Root Ratio When Applied With Different NPK Sources

Shoot:root (S:R) response in four winter C₃-grasses (cereals) viz. wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.) was investigated under eight different NPK sources (S₁ = 20-20-20, S₂ = 20-27-5, S₃ = 7-22-8, S₄ = 10-10-10-20S, S₅ = 11-15-11, S₆ = 31-11-11, S₇ = 24-8-16, and S₈ = 19-6-12) in pot experiment at Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas, USA during winter 2009–2010. The experiment was performed in completely randomized design (CRD) with three repeats. The objective of this experiment was to investigate whether the S:R of winter cereals differ or not when applied with different NPK sources. Considerable variations in the shoot: root was noticed in the four grasses at different growth stages, i.e., 30, 60 and 90 days after emergence (DAE) when applied with different NPK fertilizers sources. Wheat had the highest S:R of 3.4 at 30 days after emergence (DAE), barley at 60 DAE (6.5), while oats at 90 DAE (3.9). Among the NPK sources, crops had the highest S:R of 3.6, 6.2 and 3.7 when applied with S₃, S₂, and S₆ at 30, 60 and 90 DAE, respectively. Shoot to root ratio showed positive relationship with increase in shoot weight and negative relationship with increase in root weight. The NPK fertilizer S₆ (31: 11: 11), an acid loving fertilizer had negative effects on the shoot and root development of cool season cereals, but among these cereals under study, barley and oats roots were affected more than wheat and rye. It was concluded from this present study, that the four cool season cereals responded differently in terms of shoot: root to different NPK fertilizers at different growth stages.     

AGRONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY OF P-FERTILIZERS APPLIED AT DIFFERENT PLANTING DENSITIES OF MAIZE IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN

The use of appropriate source of phosphorus (P) fertilizer at different planting densities has considerable impact on growth, grain yield as well as profitability of maize (Zea mays L). Field experiment was conducted in order to investigate the impact of P sources [(S₀ = P not applied, S₁ = SSP (single super phosphate) S₂ = NP (nitrophos), and S₃ = DAP (diammonium phosphate)] on maize growth analysis, yield and economic returns planted at different planting densities (D₁ = 40,000, D₂ = 60,000, D₃ = 80,000, and D₄ = 100,000 plants ha^?1) at the New Developmental Agricultural Research Farm of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, during summer 2006. This paper reports the profitability data with two objectives: 1) to compare agronomic efficiency and profitability of P-fertilizers, and 2) to know whether plant densities affect agronomic efficiency and profitability of P-fertilizers. Application of DAP and SSP resulted in higher partial factor productivity (PFP) (63.58 and 61.92 kg grains kg^?1 P), agronomic efficiency (AE) (13.01 and 13.71 kg grains kg^?1 P) and net returns (NR) (Rs. 16,289 and 16,204 ha^?1), respectively, while NP stood at the bottom in the ranking with lower PFP (57.16 kg grains kg^?1 P), AE (8.94 kg grains kg^?1 P) and NR (Rs. 4,472 ha^?1). Among the plant densities, D₃ stood first with maximum PFP (69.60 kg grains kg^?1 P), AE (18.21 kg grains kg^?1 P) and NR (Rs. 21,461 ha^?1) as compared to other plant densities. In conclusion, the findings suggest that growing maize at D₃ applied with either SSP or DAP is more profitable in the wheat-maize cropping system in the study area.     

Wheat and Rye Differ in Drymatter Partitioning,Shoot-Root Ratio and Water Use Efficiency Under Organic and Inorganic Soils

Shoot-root ratio (S:R), dry matter partitioning (DMP), and water use efficiency (WUE) response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) vs. rye (Secale cereale L.) was investigated under organic [organic compost (OC), Miracle Grow (MG), sunshine peat moss (SPM), and Garden Basic peat humus (GBPM)], and inorganic soils [canyon soil (CS) and amarillo soil (AS)] in pot experiment at Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA, during winter 2009–2010. The experiment was performed in completely randomized design (CRD) with three repeats. The objective of this experiment was whether S:R, DMP, and WUE of wheat versus rye differ under organic and inorganic soils. The results revealed that both crops responded differently in terms of S:R, DMP, and WUE under different organic and inorganic soils. Wheat had higher WUE than rye at different growth stages. Among the soil types, the three organic soils (MG, SPM, and GBPS) had higher WUE than the two inorganic (CS and AS) soils. The higher WUE of both crops when grown in organic soils such as MG, SPM, and GBPS was due to the higher dry matter partitioning to shoots and roots. The total dry weight plant^?1 showed positive relationship with WUE.     

Effect of feeding different levels of discarded date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on digestibility,milk yield,and composition in Damani sheep

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Poor quality feed and lack of feed resource conservation in Pakistan are the major constraints influencing livestock production systems in the country. In...     

Effects of hybrid and bacterial inoculation on fermentation quality and fatty acid profile of barley silage

This study estimated the effects of hybrid and bacterial inoculant on fermentation quality and fatty acid profile of barley silages. Yuyeon (Silkless) and Youngyang (Silking) barley hybrids were harvested at 24.9 and 27.1% dry matter, respectively, and chopped to 10 cm lengths. Each hybrid was treated with or without an inoculant (2 × 10⁴ colony‐forming units/g of Lactobacillus plantarum). A total of 48 silos were prepared in an experiment with a 2 × 2 (hybrid × inoculant) treatment arrangement with four replications and three ensiling durations (2, 7 and 100 days). After 100 days of ensiling, Yuyeon silage had higher (P < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility and C18:3n‐3 than Youngyang silage. Youngyang silage had higher (P < 0.05) acetic acid and C18:2n‐6 than Yuyeon silage. Inoculation reduced the C18:3n‐3 concentration of both hybrids and increased (P < 0.05) the C18:2n‐6 of Youngyang. However, fermentation quality was not improved by the inoculant. These results indicate that Yuyeon hybrid might have better potential benefits on animal performances due to its smooth awn and silkless nature, and higher in vitro dry matter digestibility. Its higher C18:3n‐3 would be better for improving fatty acid profile of meat or milk than Youngyang hybrid.     

Effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 fatty acid ratio on nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of Hanwoo heifers

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 fatty acid (FA) ratio on digestibility, blood metabolites and FA profile of Hanwoo heifers. Fifteen Hanwoo heifers (22 ± 3 months old; 357 ± 69.7 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with n‐6/n‐3 FA ratios of 2.07, 5.18 and 7.37. The animals were housed individually in digestion crates and fed total mixed rations at 2.2% of body weight for 2 weeks of adaptation and 1 week of collection. Treatment effects on in vivo digestibility, plasma metabolite and fatty acid profiles, and in vitro ruminal fermentation and fatty acid profiles were examined. In vivo digestibility was not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio. However, in vitro dry matter digestibility and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and propionate decreased (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio. Plasma insulin and progesterone increased linearly (P < 0.05), but linolenic acid and total n‐3 FA decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing n‐6/n‐3 ratio. Increasing the dietary n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio can increase the n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio in plasma and ruminal fluid as well as plasma progesterone secretion.     

Bio-active compost from pea plant enriched with chicken manure and oilseed rape cake and its effect on yields and nutrient recovery efficiencies of wheat and rice

Two factorial pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of biodecomposer (BD) and nutrient supplemented compost of pea residue on wheat and rice. Compost was prepared with green pea plant residue (PP), in the presence or absence of BD, without or with dried chicken manure (CM) and/or oilseed rape cake (RC). We assessed the effect of compost on yields and nutrient recovery efficiencies of both crops. Results revealed that BD reduced composting duration and enriched compost with N, P and K. Composts with CM and CM plus RC increased grain yields of wheat and rice. The composts increased grains of wheat and rice nearly 5 and 1.6 times, respectively, above the control. Nitrogen, P and K recovery efficiencies were positively correlated with yields, suggesting that supplementation in composting with CM or CM plus RC enabled effective accumulation of the nutrients, resulting in higher yield. Moreover, BD increased 9.4% of wheat and 6.9% of rice grains. So, composting of PP, in the presence of BD, with CM or CM plus RC is recommend for a pea-wheat-rice cropping system to improve soil fertility and effectiveness of pea on the system.     

Effects of NPK source on the dry matter partitioning in cool season C3-cereals (wheat,rye, barley,and oats) at various growth stages

Dry matter (DM) partitioning into root, leaf, stem, shoot dry weight plant^?1 response in four cool season C₃-cereals viz. wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.) was investigated at 30, 60 and 90 days after emergence (DAE) under eight nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) sources: S₁ = 20-20-20, S₂ = 20-27-5, S₃ = 7-22-8, S₄ = 10-10-10-20S, S₅ = 11-15-11, S₆ = 31-11-11, S₇ = 24-8-16, and S₈ = 19-6-12 in pot experiment at Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A&;M University, Canyon, Texas, USA during winter 2009-10. A considerable variation in DM partitioning into various plant parts was observed in the four crop species at different growth stages and NPK source. At 30 DAE, 27% of the total DM per plant (TDMPP) was partitioned into roots and 73% into shoots (19% stems + 54% leaf). Only16 % of the TDMPP was partitioned into roots and 84% into shoots (18 % stem + 66 % leaf) at 60 DAE. At 90 DAE, 29% of TDMPP was partitioned into roots and 71 % into shoots (33 % stems + 38 % leaf) at 90 DAE. Percent DM partitioning into stems ranked first (33%) at 90 DAE > at 30 DAE (19%) > at 60 DAE (18 %). With advancement in crops age, DM partitioning into various crop parts increased. The root DM plant^?1 (RDMPP) increased from 11.5–722 mg plant^?1; stem DM plant^?1 (STDMPP) from 8.3–889.0 mg plant^?1; leaf DM plant^?1 (LDMPP) from 23.1–1031.0 mg plant^?1; shoot DM plant^?1 (SHDMPP) from 31.3–1921 mg plant^?1, and TDMPP increased from 42.9–2693.0 mg plant^?1 at 30 and 90 DAE, respectively. Because of the higher N contents in S₇ (24:8:16) and S₆ (31:11:11) reduced the DM partitioning into various plants parts as well as TDMPP at all three growth stages. The adverse effects of S₆ and S₇ on DM partitioning was more on oats > rye > wheat > barley. The S₄ with 10:10:10 (NPK) and :20S was not toxic at 30 DAE, but at 60 and 90 DAE it became toxic that adversely affected the DM partitioning as well as TDMPP probably may be due its high sulfur (20%) content which lacking in other NPK sources. The DM partitioning to various parts of barley and wheat was more than oats and rye at different growth stages (barley > wheat > rye > oats). Since the DM portioning values were determined on the average of five plants in pot experiment under organic soil at field capacity; in case of field experiments more research is needed on various crop species/varieties under different environmental conditions particularly under moisture stress condition.     

Assessment of Chemical and Manual Weed Control Approaches for Effective Weed Suppression and Maize Productivity Enhancement Under Maize-Wheat Cropping System

Effective weed management in maize-wheat (M-W) cropping systems are accountable for higher yield and plant biomass. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual weeding and chemicals (pre- and post-emergence herbicide) for actual weed control to enhance maize yield and M?W system productivity. Herbicides were treated as pre-emergence (sole), post-emergence (sole) and its combined application (pre- and post-emergence) for weed eradication and suppression. Sole pre-emergence herbicide (acetyclour?+?atrazine) and sole post-emergence herbicides (nicosulfuron), and its mixed application were used in the experiments. The experiment was comprised on 6 treatments with one weedy check or control plot: W1?=?weedy check, W2?=?acetyclour?+?atrazine, W3?=?atrazine, W4?=?nicosulfuron, W5?=?nicosulfuron?+?atrazine, W6?=?acetyclour?+?atrazine?+?nicosulfuron and W7?=?manual weeding. Main weeds were Cyperus rotundus, Tribulus terrestris, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Cynodon dactylon. Experiential findings revealed that manual weeding was found most effective in terms of controlling weed and suppression. Among the herbicides application, promising results in terms of weed destruction and suppression were shown by combined application of acetyclour?+?atrazine?+?nicosulfuron which effectively controlled weeds as compared to other treatments. It was concluded that manual weeding drastically reduced weeds frequency and biomass while among the herbicides application acetyclour?+?atrazine and nicosulfuron could be promising for weeds suppression and clamp downing as compared to all other treatments under M?W cropping system.