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14 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. in Potato Cultivation—Preliminary Research on Biostimulating Effect

by Pavol Findura, Sławomir Kocira, Patryk Hara, Anna Pawłowska, Agnieszka Szparaga and Plamen Kangalov

Agriculture 2020, 10(8), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10080356 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4972

Abstract

Nowadays the size and quality of potato yields is very important aspect in agriculture, due to the continuous climate change. Plants exposed to abiotic stress need new protection tools such as plant biostimulant. The new definition of this product include plant extracts as [...] Read more.

Nowadays the size and quality of potato yields is very important aspect in agriculture, due to the continuous climate change. Plants exposed to abiotic stress need new protection tools such as plant biostimulant. The new definition of this product include plant extracts as novel biostimulants. The aim of the study was to assess whether the extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. would act as classic biostimulants, by affecting metabolic pathways. Since these are pilot studies, the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline and polyphenols was chosen as indicators of changes in plants. The experiment was carried out under controlled environmental conditions on a very early cultivar Irys. The obtained results showed that foliar treatment of plants with extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. had a positive effect on the increase of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content and its total concentration in potato leaves. The highest increase in the total chlorophyll content, amounting to 26.27% on average, was observed in plants sprayed with macerate at the dose of 0.6 mL·plant^-1. Additionally, an increase in the carotenoids content was observed in plants sprayed with macerate. The study demonstrated that the polyphenols level was largely dependent on the method of extracts production and the dose of the tested extracts. Macerate and infusion applied in a higher dose induced in plants the changes in the concentration of polyphenols. The overall evaluation of the effectiveness of the tested preparations showed higher effectiveness of the macerate for all the analyzed traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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16 pages, 4815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Ag Nanoparticles on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Green Beans in Normal and Chill Temperatures

by Roman Prażak, Agata Święciło, Anna Krzepiłko, Sławomir Michałek and Marta Arczewska

Agriculture 2020, 10(8), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10080312 - 27 Jul 2020

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 7667

Abstract

The study analysed the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on seed germination, field emergence and the physiological parameters of seedlings of two bean cultivars, ‘Bali’ and ‘Delfina’, under normal and chill temperatures. AgNPs solutions (0.25, 1.25 and 2.5 mg dm⁻³) were [...] Read more.

The study analysed the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on seed germination, field emergence and the physiological parameters of seedlings of two bean cultivars, ‘Bali’ and ‘Delfina’, under normal and chill temperatures. AgNPs solutions (0.25, 1.25 and 2.5 mg dm⁻³) were applied together with the microbial preparation Nitragina (containing Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli) on seeds as a short-term pre-sowing treatment. Low concentrations of AgNPs (0.25, 1.25 mg dm⁻³) had an immediate beneficial effect, resulting in fast and uniform germination in laboratory and field conditions, as well as a positive effect in the later stages of seedling development, manifested as an increase in the average seedling height, fresh and dry weight and net photosynthesis. Particularly, favourable effects were noted in suboptimal temperature conditions, suggesting that AgNPs activate plant mechanisms of tolerance to environmental stress. The highest concentration tested of AgNPs was not particularly effective for the plants but had a strong antimicrobial effect, which was beneficial in period of seed germination, but at the later stage of plant development was unfavourable probably due to disruption of symbiosis between the bean seedlings and rhizobia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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13 pages, 1103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Plant Growth Regulators on Soft White Winter Wheat under Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Scenarios in Irrigated Fields

by Ruijun Qin, Christos Noulas, Don Wysocki, Xi Liang, Guojie Wang and Scott Lukas

Agriculture 2020, 10(7), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10070305 - 20 Jul 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6800

Abstract

Lodging in cereal crops can result in yield loss and harvesting difficulties for growers. Application of plant growth regulator (PGR) has been an indispensable management practice to reduce lodging problems that are often exacerbated during high wind growing conditions and/or high nitrogen (N)/water [...] Read more.

Lodging in cereal crops can result in yield loss and harvesting difficulties for growers. Application of plant growth regulator (PGR) has been an indispensable management practice to reduce lodging problems that are often exacerbated during high wind growing conditions and/or high nitrogen (N)/water environments, but the data is limited in the Columbia Basin of Oregon. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two PGR products (chlormequat chloride-CC, trinexapac-ethyl-TE) at different rates and application timings on two soft white winter wheat varieties (ORCH-102 and SY Ovation). Crop growth (stem height and thickness), yield-related (spike density as ears m⁻², seeds per spike, grain weight) and quality parameters (test weight, protein) were measured for two cropping seasons from October 2017 to July 2019 following the application of the two PGR products at tillering (GS21-26), stem elongation (GS30-32), and/or flag leaf (GS37-39) stages under a high-N fertilizer scenario. In both growing seasons, no lodging problems were recorded for any treatments. The plant height was reduced after PGR application, but the impact on stem thickness was limited. PGR application slightly affected wheat yield, yield components, testing weight, and protein level in both growing seasons. Our results suggested that the effect of PGR application is relatively limited if no lodging problem occurred. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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10 pages, 782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Living Mulch Management Spatially Localizes Nutrient Cycling in Organic Corn Production

by Peyton Ginakes, Julie M. Grossman, John M. Baker and Thanwalee Sooksa-nguan

Agriculture 2020, 10(6), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10060243 - 23 Jun 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3371

Abstract

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum) is a perennial living mulch species that can be used in conjunction with zone tillage to reduce nitrogen pollution, maintain ground cover, and provide nitrogen to crops. In such systems, kura clover is maintained between crop rows [...] Read more.

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum) is a perennial living mulch species that can be used in conjunction with zone tillage to reduce nitrogen pollution, maintain ground cover, and provide nitrogen to crops. In such systems, kura clover is maintained between crop rows by limiting tillage only to within-row areas. However, the effect of zone-tilled living mulches on soil quality and nutrient cycling in these distinct regions is relatively unexplored. We examined three pools of labile soil organic matter (SOM): microbial biomass, particulate organic matter (POM), and permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC). Soil samples were collected from both within-row and between-row locations of a zone-tilled kura clover living mulch at three time points per year: before spring zone tillage, approximately ten days after spring zone tillage and corn (Zea mays) planting, and at corn harvest in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, POM and POXC decreased within rows relative to between-row regions after tillage, suggesting that zone till management stimulated decomposition of readily available SOM to effectively localize nutrient cycling in this region and slow mineralization between rows where living kura clover remained. This work shows that zone-tilled living mulches may be a promising avenue for enhancing the synchrony of nutrient mineralization specifically within crop rows, while maintaining year-round ground cover between rows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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13 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Azospirillum brasilense Can Impressively Improve Growth and Development of Urochloa brizantha under Irrigation

by Bruno Rafael de Almeida Moreira, Ronaldo da Silva Viana, Vinícius Lopes Favato, Paulo Alexandre Monteiro de Figueiredo, Lucas Aparecido Manzani Lisboa, Celso Tadao Miasaki, Anderson Chagas Magalhães, Sérgio Bispo Ramos, Charlene Raquel de Almeida Viana, Vanessa Dias Rezende Trindade and André May

Agriculture 2020, 10(6), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10060220 - 10 Jun 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3087

Abstract

Development of strategies to ensure grazing systems are sustainably produced in harsh environments, while not fertilizing them conventionally, is challenging. Figuring out the extent to which dose of inoculation and period of watering can positively influence the establishment of an effective symbiosis between [...] Read more.

Development of strategies to ensure grazing systems are sustainably produced in harsh environments, while not fertilizing them conventionally, is challenging. Figuring out the extent to which dose of inoculation and period of watering can positively influence the establishment of an effective symbiosis between U. brizantha cv. Marandu and Azospirillum brasilense is the point of this research. The treatment consisted of mixing 1 kg seeds with the inoculant of the strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 at 5, 10, 20, and 40 mL kg⁻¹, 2 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹. The plants grew in pots watered 2, 4, 8, and 16 days after sowing over thirty-days, twice. The bioagent at 5–10 mL kg⁻¹ enabled the plants watered up to 4 days after sowing to peak the production of dry mass of shoots (28.50 g) and roots (12.55 g). The efficiency of the symbiosis goes down quickly with increasing dose and delay of watering. Hence, if the dose of inoculant is higher than 10 mL kg⁻¹, it cannot successfully act in plants watered at least 8 days after sowing anymore. In conclusion, A. brasilense can assist in U. brizantha cv. Marandu growth and healthy development unless a lack of water in the substrate and an overdose collectively deter its potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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27 pages, 2765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Approach to Unravelling Smallholder Yield Levels: The Case of Small Family Farms, Eastern Region, Ghana

by Ibrahim Wahab, Magnus Jirström and Ola Hall

Agriculture 2020, 10(6), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10060206 - 6 Jun 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4015

Abstract

Yield levels and the factors determining crop yields is an important strand of research on rainfed family farms. This is particularly true for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which reports some of the lowest crop yields. This also holds for Ghana, where actual yields of [...] Read more.

Yield levels and the factors determining crop yields is an important strand of research on rainfed family farms. This is particularly true for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which reports some of the lowest crop yields. This also holds for Ghana, where actual yields of maize, the most important staple crop, are currently about only a third of achievable yields. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the factors underpinning these yield levels is key to improving them. Previous research endeavours on this frontier have been incumbered by the mono-disciplinary focus and/or limitations relating to spatial scales, which do not allow the actual interactions at the farm level to be explored. Using the sustainable livelihoods framework and, to a lesser extent, the induced innovation theory as inspiring theoretical frames, the present study employs an integrated approach of multiple data sources and methods to unravel the sources of current maize yield levels on smallholder farms in two farming villages in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study relies on farm and household survey data, remotely-sensed aerial photographs of maize fields and photo-elicitation interviews (PEIs) with farmers. These data cover the 2016 major farming season that spanned the period March–August. We found that the factors that contributed to current yield levels are not consistent across yield measures and farming villages. From principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR), the timing of maize planting is the most important determinant of yield levels, explaining 25% of the variance in crop cut yields in Akatawia, and together with household income level, explaining 32% of the variance. Other statistically significant yield determinants include level of inorganic fertiliser applied, soil penetrability and phosphorus content, weed control and labour availability. However, this model only explains a third of the yields, which implies that two-thirds are explained by other factors. Our integrated approach was crucial in further shedding light on the sources of the poor yields currently achieved. The aerial photographs enabled us to demonstrate the dominance of poor crop patches on the edges and borders of maize fields, while the PEIs further improved our understanding of not just the causes of these poor patches but also the factors underpinning delayed planting despite farmers’ awareness of the ideal planting window. The present study shows that socioeconomic factors that are often not considered in crop yield analyses—land tenure and labour availability—often underpin poor crop yields in such smallholder rainfed family farms. Labour limitations, which show up strongly in both in the MLR and qualitative data analyses, for example, induces certain labour-saving technologies such as multiple uses of herbicides. Excessive herbicide use has been shown to have negative effects on maize yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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11 pages, 3551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of LEDs in the Red Spectrum on the Germination, Early Seedling Growth and Antioxidant Metabolism of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) and Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

by Cristobal Javier Solano, José A. Hernández, Juan Suardíaz and Gregorio Barba-Espín

Agriculture 2020, 10(6), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10060204 - 5 Jun 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7512

Abstract

(1) Background: In recent years, the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for plant production purposes has expanded. However, LEDs’ effect on seed germination and early seedling growth has been scarcely documented. (2) Methods: In this work, the effect of monochromatic red light [...] Read more.

(1) Background: In recent years, the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for plant production purposes has expanded. However, LEDs’ effect on seed germination and early seedling growth has been scarcely documented. (2) Methods: In this work, the effect of monochromatic red light (RL, 100 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) for up to 60 min applied to seeds of pea and melon was analyzed in terms of seedling growth and antioxidant enzymes levels. An experimental LED chamber coupled to an electronic control system was developed for this purpose. (3) Results: RL did not alter the germination rate, but significantly improved the early seedling growth. Pea and melon seedlings showed the highest increase in fresh weight and length upon 15 min RL treatment of the seeds, whereas longer exposure times decreased seedling growth. Interestingly, RL favored the development of secondary roots in both species, which could favor the nutrition and water uptake by the seedling. The ability of the seedlings to respond to a hypothetical LED irradiance-induced oxidative stress was reflected differently on the antioxidant system of pea and melon. (4) Conclusions: These findings can be relevant for designing seed priming treatments to improve plant vigor, thus enhancing the productivity of important crop plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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20 pages, 3723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combined Effect of Different Sowing Methods and Seed Rates on the Quality Features and Yield of Winter Wheat

by Angelique Twizerimana, Etienne Niyigaba, Innocent Mugenzi, Wansim Aboubakar Ngnadong, Chuan Li, Tian Qi Hao, Bosco J. Shio and Jiang Bo Hai

Agriculture 2020, 10(5), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10050153 - 6 May 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6617

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main staple foods worldwide. Wide precise sowing (Wps) is a sowing method believed to produce the highest winter wheat grain yields; however, the reasons for its high yields and its effect on quality traits [...] Read more.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main staple foods worldwide. Wide precise sowing (Wps) is a sowing method believed to produce the highest winter wheat grain yields; however, the reasons for its high yields and its effect on quality traits have not been effectively studied. Hence, a two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three sowing methods, dibbling (Db), drilling (Dr), and Wps and seed rates (112.5 kg ha⁻¹, 150 kg ha⁻¹, 187.5 kg ha⁻¹, and 225 kg ha⁻¹) on grain yield and the quality of winter wheat. Wps, Dr, and Db produced statistically similar results in terms of the grain yield and most of the quality traits measured. The grain yield increased significantly with the increasing rate, the highest being 7488.89 kg ha⁻¹ at a seed rate of 225 kg ha⁻¹. The total protein, albumin, and globulin were not affected by the sowing methods, but prolamin and glutelin were affected by the Dr and Wps, respectively. The total starch in both years, and the amylose and amylopectin in the first year, were affected only by the seed rates, with 60.11%, 23.2%, 38.63%, or higher values. The results indicated that for the wheat yield and quality traits, Wps, Dr and Db can mostly be used interchangeably. For the protein, starch, and grain yield, the suitable seed rates were 112.5 kg ha⁻¹, 150 kg ha⁻¹, and 225 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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22 pages, 4949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crop Sensor Based Non-destructive Estimation of Nitrogen Nutritional Status, Yield, and Grain Protein Content in Wheat

by Marta Aranguren, Ander Castellón and Ana Aizpurua

Agriculture 2020, 10(5), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10050148 - 1 May 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4614

Abstract

Minimum NNI (Nitrogen Nutrition Index) values have been developed for each key growing stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum) to achieve high grain yields and grain protein content (GPC). However, the determination of NNI is time-consuming. This study aimed to (i) determine [...] Read more.

Minimum NNI (Nitrogen Nutrition Index) values have been developed for each key growing stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum) to achieve high grain yields and grain protein content (GPC). However, the determination of NNI is time-consuming. This study aimed to (i) determine if the NNI can be predicted using the proximal sensing tools RapidScan CS-45 (NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge)) and Yara N-Tester^TM and if a single model for several growing stages could be used to predict the NNI (or if growing stage-specific models would be necessary); (ii) to determine if yield and GPC can be predicted using both tools; and (iii) to determine if the predictions are improved using normalized values rather than absolute values. Field trials were established for three consecutive growing seasons where different N fertilization doses were applied. The tools were applied during stem elongation, leaf-flag emergence, and mid-flowering. In the same stages, the plant biomass was sampled, N was analyzed, and the NNI was calculated. The NDVI was able to estimate the NNI with a single model for all growing stages (R² = 0.70). RapidScan indexes were able to predict the yield at leaf-flag emergence with normalized values (R² = 0.70–0.76). The sensors were not able to predict GPC. Data normalization improved the model for yield but not for NNI prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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13 pages, 467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

European Borage (Borago officinalis L.) Yield and Profitability under Different Irrigation Systems

by Ali Reza Seifzadeh, Mohammad Reza Khaledian, Mohsen Zavareh, Parisha Shahinrokhsar and Christos A. Damalas

Agriculture 2020, 10(4), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10040136 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4095

Abstract

European borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a cultivated medicinal plant in Iran, but common agronomic practices about profitable cultivation are mostly unknown. A 2-yr field experiment (2013 and 2014) was conducted in Guilan Province of northern Iran to evaluate European borage yield [...] Read more.

European borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a cultivated medicinal plant in Iran, but common agronomic practices about profitable cultivation are mostly unknown. A 2-yr field experiment (2013 and 2014) was conducted in Guilan Province of northern Iran to evaluate European borage yield and profitability under irrigation with surface and drip irrigation systems. Treatments included (i) rainfed production (I0, control), (ii) single irrigation (I1) applied with surface irrigation alone and drip irrigation alone, and (iii) two irrigations (I2) applied with surface irrigation alone and drip irrigation alone. In 2013, I1 increased flower dry weight by 41.0% and seed weight by 7.1% compared with rainfed European borage, while with I2, the increases in those traits were 23.4% and 0.6%, respectively. In 2014, I1 increased flower dry weight by 78.0% and seed weight by 21.3% compared with rainfed European borage, while the respective increases were 51.8% and 17.3% with I2. On average, drip irrigation provided higher flower dry weight and seed weight by 39.3% and 12.6%, respectively, compared with surface irrigation. Drip irrigation increased variable costs by 165.2% compared with surface irrigation but resulted in increased gross income by 23.2%. Partial budgeting showed that I1 with drip irrigation provided the maximum net profit in both years. Based on the final rate of return, investing in the treatment I1 with drip irrigation was better than investing in the other treatments. Moreover, I1 with drip irrigation showed the highest value of economic water productivity and could be considered for improving the net income of European borage farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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9 pages, 1536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effects of Allelopathic Aqueous Plant Extracts, as Potential Preparations for Seed Dressing, on the Modulation of Cauliflower Seed Germination

by Pavol Findura, Patryk Hara, Agnieszka Szparaga, Sławomir Kocira, Ewa Czerwińska, Peter Bartoš, Janusz Nowak and Krzysztof Treder

Agriculture 2020, 10(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10040122 - 10 Apr 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6827

Abstract

Allelopathic plants can be widely used in bio-farming considering their potential role in the improvement of seed germination. The study presented in this work was designed to evaluate the effects of two extraction methods and the effects of allelopathic aqueous extracts from twenty [...] Read more.

Allelopathic plants can be widely used in bio-farming considering their potential role in the improvement of seed germination. The study presented in this work was designed to evaluate the effects of two extraction methods and the effects of allelopathic aqueous extracts from twenty plants as seed dressing preparations on the number of germinating and infested seeds of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea convarietas L. botrytis var. botrytis). Plant extracts (in the form of cold-soaked macerates and infusions) were used for seed dressing. The percentages of normally germinating, non-germinating, and pathogen-infested seeds were determined in a paper test. Of the 20 herbal plant species used in the study, the biopreparations extracted from Zea mays L. moles were the most effective as they evoked the most beneficial effects on both seed germination and reduction of infestation by microbial pathogens. The study also showed that infusions used for seed treatment were better at improving cauliflower seed germination than were macerates. This method of extract preparation probably enabled an increase both in the availability and activity of allelochemical compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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12 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glyphosate Plus Carboxylic Compounds Boost Activity of Free Radical-Scavenging Enzymes in Sugarcane

by Bruno Rafael de Almeida Moreira, Ronaldo da Silva Viana, Paulo Alexandre Monteiro de Figueiredo, Lucas Aparecido Manzani Lisboa, Celso Tadao Miasaki, Anderson Chagas Magahães, Sérgio Bispo Ramos, Charlene Raquel de Almeida Viana, Vanessa Dias Rezende Trindade and André May

Agriculture 2020, 10(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10040106 - 3 Apr 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2657

Abstract

Drought, heat, and salinity, as well as pests, are stressing agents, which have impressively declined the productivity and quality of sugarcane crop in harsh environments. Our study aimed to examine the effect of various chemical ripeners as alternatives to enhancing the reactiveness of [...] Read more.

Drought, heat, and salinity, as well as pests, are stressing agents, which have impressively declined the productivity and quality of sugarcane crop in harsh environments. Our study aimed to examine the effect of various chemical ripeners as alternatives to enhancing the reactiveness of the enzymatic antioxidant system of sugarcane crop. The field experiment consisted of spraying the ingredients, ethephon, ethyl-trinexapac, glyphosate, carboxylic compounds (MTD) and methyl-sulfumeturon on the Brazilian commercial varieties, SP80-1842 and SP80-3280, before flowering stage. The enzymatic assay comprised the monitoring of the rate of degradation of free radical by ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the extract from leaves of 11-month-old plants. Spraying glyphosate at 0.15 L ha⁻¹ with MTD at 1.00 L ha⁻¹ provided the highest activity of CAT, 0.65 µmol H₂O₂ min⁻¹ mg⁻¹ protein, in variety SP80-1842 Spraying glyphosate at 0.15 L ha⁻¹ with ethephon at 0.33 L ha⁻¹ caused the highest activity of APX, 1.70 nmol ascorbate min⁻¹ mg⁻¹ protein, in variety SP80-3280. The conclusion is, therefore, that mixtures of glyphosate with the insecticide/acaricide, MTD, and with the synthetic ethylene-releasing product, ethephon could help sugarcane crop grow adequately under uncontrollable or unpredictable agroecosystems like marginal lands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

12 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zonal Tillage as Innovative Element of the Technology of Growing Winter Wheat: A Field Experiment under Low Rainfall Conditions

by Iwona Jaskulska, Dariusz Jaskulski, Marek Różniak, Maja Radziemska and Lech Gałęzewski

Agriculture 2020, 10(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10040105 - 3 Apr 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3088

Abstract

Zonal tillage, including strip-till, can have a positive effect on soil properties, seed germination, plant emergence, growth, and yield of crops. The aim of this two-factor field experiment was to compare different technologies of basic soil tillage, fertilisation, and sowing of winter wheat [...] Read more.

Zonal tillage, including strip-till, can have a positive effect on soil properties, seed germination, plant emergence, growth, and yield of crops. The aim of this two-factor field experiment was to compare different technologies of basic soil tillage, fertilisation, and sowing of winter wheat carried out after two post-harvest agrotechnical practises in a region with low rainfall. The three treatments of the first factor were: conventional technology (CT)—plough tillage, pre-sowing fertilisation, seedbed preparation and sowing; reduced technology (RT)—plough tillage replaced with deep loosening and (ST)—one pass strip-till technology using a hybrid machine. Agrotechnical practises carried out after the harvest of the previous crop were the second factor treatments, i.e., crushed straw and shallow tillage (TS), mulch from crushed straw (MS). The measurement of the treatment effects included changes in soil moisture, plant emergence, yield components and their correlation, grain yield, and the dependence of the yield components on soil moisture. Wheat growing in ST technology resulted in a higher soil moisture than in RT and CT. Only immediately after winter was the soil moisture similar. Grain yield in ST was similar as in CT and significantly, up to 10.4%, higher than in RT. The higher ST grain yield resulted from uniform plant emergence, greater ear density, and grain weight per ear. The correlation between yield components was weaker in ST than in CT and RT. The positive dependence of the size of the crop components on soil moisture was also weaker. The agrotechnical practises performed right after the previous crop harvest affected neither the soil moisture during the growing season of winter wheat, nor the grain yield and its components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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19 pages, 5451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Morphological Growth, Yield, and Postharvest Fruit Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.) Grafted on Cucurbitaceous Rootstocks

by Waqas Aslam, Rana Shahzad Noor, Fiaz Hussain, Muhammad Ameen, Saif Ullah and Hong Chen

Agriculture 2020, 10(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10040101 - 2 Apr 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6822

Abstract

Grafting is a substitute technique to boost tolerance against abiotic stresses, which also diminish root syndromes from soil-borne pathogens and increase crop production. This piloted study evaluates the tongue grafting technique and investigates the influence of grafting hybrid cucumber (Kalam F₁) [...] Read more.

Grafting is a substitute technique to boost tolerance against abiotic stresses, which also diminish root syndromes from soil-borne pathogens and increase crop production. This piloted study evaluates the tongue grafting technique and investigates the influence of grafting hybrid cucumber (Kalam F₁) scion onto local cucurbitaceous and hybrid rootstocks on plant morphology, fruit yield, nutrients concentration in different plant organs, and postharvest fruit quality during three seasons of 2017 to 2019, consecutively. The research design was completely randomized (CRD), and the effects of grafted rootstocks were determined with comparison of percent plant survival, growth characteristics, fruit yield, and texture properties (during storage). The experimental results indicated that all rootstocks presented compatibility with hybrid cucumber (Kalam F₁) scion and showed significant comparable performance with hybrid rootstock during all seasons in terms of vegetative growth, yield, and storage except pumpkin (68% during the 1st, 74% during the 2nd, and 71% during the 3rd seasons). The plants with Bottle gourd (Lagrenaria siceraria) rootstock showed the highest survival rate as compared to all other cucurbitaceous and hybrid rootstocks during three seasons: 94%, 98%, and 93%, respectively. Similarly, the other factors such as plant height (613, 622, and 615 cm), fruit weight (282, 281, and 277 g), fruit shape index (7.77, 8.18, and 8.25), Total soluble solids (TSS) (5.1%, 5.17%, and 4.96%), fruit dry matter (4.55%, 4.625, and 4.57%), fruit yield (4.37, 4.9, and 3.95 kg/plant), and disease resistance index (<3) during three seasons were comparable with all other cucurbitaceous and hybrid rootstocks. The lower survival rate of pumpkin rootstock made a significant poor performance with lower growth, yield, nutrients, and storage than all other cucurbitaceous rootstocks. Ridge and Bitter gourds showed improved results for vegetative growth, yield, fruit characteristics, nutritional values, and storage performance than that of hybrid cucumber rootstock. The fruit textural and physical properties were found significantly better at 10 °C than 25 °C for 10 days of storage without quality deterioration, while no impact was perceived on physical properties of the fruit. According to economic analysis, the grafted cucumber production system showed higher net return and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) in comparison with the real rooted hybrid cucumber production system, which was assumed to be profitable practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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14 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Greenhouse Tomato Yield and Aerial Dry Matter

by Kelvin López-Aguilar, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Susana González-Morales, Antonio Juárez-Maldonado, Pamela Chiñas-Sánchez and Alvaro Morelos-Moreno

Agriculture 2020, 10(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10040097 - 1 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4354

Abstract

Non-linear systems, such as biological systems, can be simulated by artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. This research aims to use ANN to simulate the accumulated aerial dry matter (leaf, stem, and fruit) and fresh fruit yield of a tomato crop. Two feed-forward backpropagation [...] Read more.

Non-linear systems, such as biological systems, can be simulated by artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. This research aims to use ANN to simulate the accumulated aerial dry matter (leaf, stem, and fruit) and fresh fruit yield of a tomato crop. Two feed-forward backpropagation ANNs, with three hidden layers, were trained and validated by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm for weights and bias adjusted. The input layer consisted of the leaf area, plant height, fruit number, dry matter of leaves, stems and fruits, and the growth degree-days at 136 days after transplanting (DAT); these were obtained from a tomato crop, a hybrid, EL CID F1, with indeterminate growth habits, grown with a mixture of peat moss and perlite 1:1 (v/v) (substrate) and calcareous soil (soil). Based on the experimentation of the ANNs with one, two and three hidden layers, with MSE values less than 1.55, 0.94 and 0.49, respectively, the ANN with three hidden layers was chosen. The 7-10-7-5-2 and 7-10-8-5-2 topologies showed the best performance for the substrate (R = 0.97, MSE = 0.107, error = 12.06%) and soil (R = 0.94, MSE = 0.049, error = 13.65%), respectively. These topologies correctly simulated the aerial dry matter and the fresh fruit yield of the studied tomato crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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9 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Use of Biopreparations as Seed Dressings

by Sławomir Kocira, Patryk Hara, Agnieszka Szparaga, Ewa Czerwińska, Hristo Beloev, Pavol Findura and Peter Bajus

Agriculture 2020, 10(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10040090 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3317

Abstract

In laboratory tests, the effectiveness of water plant extracts obtained from 20 species of herbal plants on the degree of contamination of white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba L.) by fungal and bacterial pathogens was evaluated. The analysis showed that the contamination of [...] Read more.

In laboratory tests, the effectiveness of water plant extracts obtained from 20 species of herbal plants on the degree of contamination of white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba L.) by fungal and bacterial pathogens was evaluated. The analysis showed that the contamination of the tested seed material was statistically significantly influenced by the plant species from which the biopreparations were obtained. However, there were no significant differences in the method of preparation of extracts for the examined traits. The tested natural preparations had a different effect on limiting the superficial growth of bacteria and fungi on seeds. However, infusion and macerate obtained from the bark of Salix alba L. were the most effective in limiting the contamination with both bacterial and fungal pathogens. The number of seeds infected with fungi after the application of these preparations was 24.25% on average, whereas in the case of bacterial colonization of the tested material, the value of this indicator was 1.00% on average. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

13 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responses of Yield and Protein Composition of Wheat to Climate Change

by Benyoh Emmanuel Kigha Nsafon, Sang-Chul Lee and Jeung-Soo Huh

Agriculture 2020, 10(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10030059 - 2 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3879

Abstract

Global wheat demand is expected to continue to increase due to the projected increase in the World’s population but regrettably, wheat yield is expected to decrease due to the progressively changing climate. Although the effects of temperature, soil moisture and nutrient absorption on [...] Read more.

Global wheat demand is expected to continue to increase due to the projected increase in the World’s population but regrettably, wheat yield is expected to decrease due to the progressively changing climate. Although the effects of temperature, soil moisture and nutrient absorption on the yield of wheat have been studied extensively to address the threats posed by climate change on food security, the combined effects of these factors have been studied to a lesser extent. This study thus aims to investigate the interactive effects of different regimes of fertilizer and soil moisture on the yield and amino acid composition of wheat. Twelve treatments under different regimens of soil moisture and fertilizer, replicated ten times in a randomized block design were considered in the greenhouse and in the field. The study reveals that variation in each factor had a significant effect on wheat but soil moisture was the principal factor controlling yield and protein accumulation. Application of organic fertilizer to wheat increased amino acid accumulation when the average temperature was at 18 °C, with minimum temperature (Tmin) and maximum temperature (Tmax) of −6 °C and 42 °C respectively. However, application of inorganic fertilizer to wheat enhanced amino acid accumulation when the average daily temperature was at 8 °C, with Tmin and Tmax of −10 °C and 26 °C respectively. Our results also show that a decrease in soil moisture from 100% to 30% in the greenhouse improved the quantity of amino acid in the grain by 26.4% and 56.8% for organic and inorganic treatments respectively. Also, grain amino acid concentration increased by 16.6% and 4.76% when soil moisture dropped from 100% to 30% for the organic and inorganic treatments in the field respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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13 pages, 697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remedial Application of Urea Eliminates Yield Losses in Wheat Waterlogged during Stem Elongation

by Jinfeng Ding, Peng Liang, Desheng Guo, Dejun Liu, Mingxiao Yin, Min Zhu, Chunyan Li, Xinkai Zhu and Wenshan Guo

Agriculture 2020, 10(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10010023 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4292

Abstract

Waterlogging remains a critical constraint to wheat production in areas with high rainfall. Exogenous application of nitrogen (N) can effectively diminish the adverse effects of waterlogging, but varies with specific events. To provide highly efficient remedial strategies, this pot study investigated the effects [...] Read more.

Waterlogging remains a critical constraint to wheat production in areas with high rainfall. Exogenous application of nitrogen (N) can effectively diminish the adverse effects of waterlogging, but varies with specific events. To provide highly efficient remedial strategies, this pot study investigated the effects of urea application following 10 days of waterlogging initialing at the stem elongation stage (Zadoks growth stage, GS33). The remedial measures included foliar spray of urea solution at a single dose (0.108 g urea per pot) at the 0th day after finishing waterlogging (FU1) and twice at the 0th and 7th day (FU2), and soil surface spray of urea solution at single and double doses when soil water content was approximately 80% of field capacity (SU1 and SU2, respectively). Waterlogging significantly reduced grain yield, total N uptake, and N partial factor productivity (by 11%, 18%, and 11%, respectively), but subsequent remedial measures improved these to variable degrees. Reduction in grain yield owing to waterlogging could be effectively alleviated and even eliminated using these remediations. Grain yield and N partial factor productivity were higher under FU2 and SU2 than FU1 and SU1. Among all treatments, plants under SU2 exhibited the highest total N uptake and top-dressing N recovery. Diminished yield losses were attributed to (1) increased kernel number per spike resulting from increased spikelet fertility and kernel number per spikelet and (2) increased photosynthetic production by delaying senescence (improved chlorophyll content and maintained green leaf area) of the top leaves. This study suggests that urea application for a brief period of time following waterlogging during the stem elongation stage has remarkable remedial effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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12 pages, 1810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiology and Yield of Confection Sunflower under Different Application Schemes of Mepiquat Chloride

by Spyridon D. Koutroubas and Christos A. Damalas

Agriculture 2020, 10(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10010015 - 10 Jan 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4480

Abstract

The use of plant growth regulator mepiquat chloride (MPC) has been a widespread practice for the control of vegetative growth in cotton production for several decades. As a growth retardant, MPC could potentially provide a means of controlling plant height in field sunflower [...] Read more.

The use of plant growth regulator mepiquat chloride (MPC) has been a widespread practice for the control of vegetative growth in cotton production for several decades. As a growth retardant, MPC could potentially provide a means of controlling plant height in field sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), but this possibility has not been studied. Field experiments over two years were conducted in northern Greece to study the influence of MPC at rates of 37.5 plus 37.5 g ha⁻¹ (named double application) and 37.5 plus 37.5 plus 37.5 g ha⁻¹ (named triple application) on sunflower growth and yield. MPC provided a height reduction of 9.5% (25 cm) with the double application and a height reduction of 14.4% (49.2 cm) with the triple application at maturity. The number of nodes was also reduced, indicating shorter plants, whereas stem width did not show a consistent response. Moreover, MPC resulted in increased crop growth rate with the triple application scheme. MPC reduced nitrogen utilization efficiency in both growing seasons. However, a reduction in achene yield per plant by 19.9% was observed with the triple application scheme. The achene yield reduction resulted by the reduction in the 100-achene weight (22.3%), given that the number of filled achenes was similar to control. None of the application schemes reduced seed nitrogen and oil content. The results from testing application schemes could be a basis for further research on the use of MPC in this crop, e.g., different timing of applications could be tested for benefits to height reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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11 pages, 2564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrogen Sulfide Affects the Root Development of Strawberry During Plug Transplant Production

by Jiangtao Hu, Yali Li, Ya Liu, Dong Il Kang, Hao Wei and Byoung Ryong Jeong

Agriculture 2020, 10(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10010012 - 5 Jan 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4534

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is endogenously produced in plant cells and plays an essential role in root development. Given its potential for future agricultural applications, the optimal concentration of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H₂S donor) and the potential mechanisms for [...] Read more.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is endogenously produced in plant cells and plays an essential role in root development. Given its potential for future agricultural applications, the optimal concentration of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H₂S donor) and the potential mechanisms for root development in the strawberry ‘Seolhyang’ were investigated in this study. The results showed that NaHS with a concentration of 1.250 mM had a positive effect on root development in strawberry. Further experiments showed that exogenous NaHS elevated the H₂S content in the root. The dry root weight was increased by the 1.250 mM NaHS treatment, but was reduced by the hypotaurine (an H₂S scavenger) treatment. Similar changes were found between H₂S and soluble sugar contents, indicating that H₂S enhanced the accumulation of soluble sugar. Therefore, it is suggested that the accumulation of soluble sugar induced by H₂S is either directly or indirectly involved in root development in strawberry during plug production. Moreover, superoxide dismutase was shown to have contributed to the elevated H₂O₂ contents. These results contribute to our understanding of the role that H₂S plays and some of the relevant mechanisms in which H₂S regulates root development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Agronomic Practices for Maximizing Crop Growth and Yield)

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