Search

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) grain contains abundant protein, starch, and minerals. However, there are obstacles to growing peas that achieve consistently high protein and mineral concentrations. Seven pea cultivars were planted at seven locations with contrasting soils and environmental factors to evaluate the genetic and environmental effects on pea yield and quality. Correlations and principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to correlate pea grain yield and protein with mineral concentrations in pea grain and soil. Significant cultivar × location interactions were observed on pea grain yield but not on pea grain protein concentration. Some cultivars demonstrated more sensitivity to the environment than others in terms of grain yield potential and stability. The lack of a cultivar × location interaction for pea grain protein concentration indicates consistent genetic control of this quality parameter. Although there was a negative relationship between pea grain yield and protein concentration at the cultivar level at each environment, this correlation became weaker while pooling the data from all environments (site‐years) due to the confounding effect from environments. Pea grain mineral concentrations were significantly affected by cultivar and location, but location generally affected the mineral levels more than cultivar. Grain mineral nutrients, especially macronutrients, were highly correlated with soil minerals. The three distinct clusters formed in the PCA indicate mega environments that determine pea grain yield and quality, and understanding the mega environments in combination with improved soil fertility management may represent the most effective means of increasing pea grain yield, protein, and targeted mineral levels. Core Ideas: Grain yield, protein, and mineral concentration are affected by cultivar and environment.Grain protein is more consistently controlled by genetics across environments than yield.Grain mineral concentrations are correlated with soil minerals, especially macronutrients.Mineral concentrations are affected by cultivar and location, with location having the larger effect.Clusters of mega environments may be identified for consistent yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'MT Sidney' (Reg. no. CV‐1199; PI 699957) hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was released by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station in January 2021 as a new cultivar adapted to Montana's rainfed growing environments. MT Sidney was a selection from the cross MT1274/'RB07' and was tested in Montana as experimental line MT1716 from 2018 to 2020. MT1274 is an unreleased, Montana experimental line, and RB07 was released by the University of Minnesota in 2007 for high yield, moderate Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance, and good end‐use quality. MT Sidney was in the top‐yielding statistical group in our advanced yield trial that includes 'Vida' (PI 642366), the most widely grown cultivar in Montana. MT Sidney also has significantly higher test weight and an earlier heading date than Vida. Multiple years of FHB resistance screening indicate MT Sidney is moderately resistant to FHB. MT Sidney was released based on high yield potential, high test weight, early heading date, and moderate FHB resistance. Core Ideas: MT Sidney is a new high‐yielding hard red spring wheat cultivar adapted to Montana rainfed environments.MT Sidney has an early heading date and above‐average test weight.MT Sidney has moderate FHB resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is the major input for cereal grain production. N management in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) is critical for optimizing grain yield, protein concentration, and utilization efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer. A two-year study was conducted in the semi-arid region of the US Northern Great Plains (NGP) to investigate nitrogen input levels and application methods under fallow-durum and pea-durum systems. A durum wheat (cv. Joppa) was planted in the field following fallow or field pea with N input levels of 65 and 135 kg ha−1 and four application methods for each N input level. Results showed that water was the major limiting factor determining grain yield and protein concentration. Grain yield was greater but with similar protein concentration following fallow (1958 kg ha−1, 16.7%) than following field pea (1754 kg ha−1, 16.4%). Increasing N input from 65 kg ha−1 to 135 kg ha−1decreased grain yield from 1933 to 1779 kg ha−1 but improved protein concentration from 16.3 to 16.8%, which resulted in a negative nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Application method of N did not significantly affect yield and protein, but there was a trend of yield increase via split application of N at the lower rate in a wetter year. The drought in 2017 resulted in lower test weight and harvest index (HI). The HI was lower in the135 kg ha−1 N rate than in the 65 kg ha−1 N rate, especially in the dryer year. Excessive N inputs in a water-limited environment may result in 'haying-off'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascochyta blight (caused by Ascochyta rabiei) is a primary concern of chickpea production worldwide. Intercropping chickpea with a non‐host crop has the potential to suppress this disease and improve resource use efficiency for enhanced crop yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seeding rate and row configuration of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)–flax (Linum usitatissimum L) intercropping on (1) yield and seed quality, (2) disease incidence and severity of Ascochyta blight of chickpea, and (3) land productivity of this intercropping system. Field trials were conducted at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center, Sidney, MT, and the Southern Agricultural Research Center, Huntley, MT, in 2020 and 2021. Chickpea was planted with flax in four intercropping configurations (70% chickpea–30% flax in mixed rows, 50% chickpea–50% flax in alternate rows, 50% chickpea–50% flax in mixed rows, and 30% chickpea–70% flax in mixed rows). Chickpea yield decreased with increased flax proportion in the mixed rows intercrop. Flax displayed higher competitiveness than chickpea, resulting in decreased yield and protein concentration in chickpea but increased yield and protein content in flax. Land equivalent ratio of intercropping was greater than one, showing improved land productivity (2%–23% greater than monocropping). Intercropping reduced Ascochyta blight disease incidence and severity; the 50% chickpea–50% flax and 30% chickpea–70% flax intercropping configurations could reduce the disease severity to 50% (in Huntley) and 67% (in Sidney) of that in the monocropping. These results indicated that seed ratio and planting configurations of chickpea–flax intercropping may be manipulated to increase land use efficiency and reduce Ascochyta blight in chickpea. Canadian Development Center 'CDC Leader' yielded greater than Royal in the higher disease pressure environment in Huntley indicated that selection of disease resistant cultivars is important for managing Ascochyta blight in chickpea. Core Ideas: Flax is more competitive than chickpea, and an alternative row configuration has less interspecies competition than mixed rows.A seeding rate of 50% chickpea and 50% flax resulted in the maximum combined yield and land productivity.Intercropping chickpea with flax showed reduced Ascochyta blight incidence and severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Lustre' (Reg. no. CV‐1193, PI 695072) is a spring durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.)] developed by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2020. Lustre was bred using the single seed descent method and was selected for its yield performance under dryland conditions across Montana, low grain Cd accumulation, good pasta firmness, high grain protein, high yellow semolina color, and low semolina ash. Lustre performs well in both the north central and northeast regions of Montana, where most Montana durum is produced and intended for pasta production. Lustre has similar stripe rust tolerance and susceptibility as top‐grown durum cultivars in the state with susceptibility at the seedling stage and high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance. Lustre is moderately susceptible to Fusarium head blight like other durum cultivars. Lustre is resistant to the predominant races of stem and leaf rust and is moderately tolerant to fungal leaf spot complex. Lustre is approximately 89 cm tall, with a yellow green color and a heading date 1 d later than the cultivar 'Mountrail'. Lustre has an erect flag leaf and an erect tapering head having white glumes and awns. Core Ideas: Lustre is a new durum wheat.Lustre yields well in north central and northeast Montana.Lustre is a standard height durum with white glumes and awns.Lustre has low grain Cd content, high grain protein, and high yellow semolina color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important source of protein, starch, and mineral nutrients in many parts of the world. However, the impact of environment and cultivar on the enrichment of these nutrients is not well understood. Four lentil cultivars ('Avondale', 'CDC Richlea', 'CDC Maxim', and 'CDC Imvincible') varying in color, seed size, and maturity were evaluated at five Montana locations with diverse climatic and soil conditions over 3 yr. Significant cultivar, location, and year effects were found for yield, protein, starch, and minerals. Grain protein concentration was the highest at Moccasin (262 g kg−1) and lowest at Richland (246 g kg−1), whereas starch concentration was the highest at Richland (455 g kg−1) and lowest at Moccasin (441 g kg−1). Among cultivars, Avondale was the top yielding cultivar (1965 kg ha−1) and adaptable to most of the environments; CDC Imvincible was the top protein producer (265 g kg−1); and CDC Richlea is the leading starch producer (456 g kg−1). Grain protein concentration was negatively correlated with starch. Lentil grains varied in nutrient concentrations across locations, with the northcentral Montana region producing 10‐ to 20‐times greater selenium concentration than other locations. CDC Maxim had the highest iron (62.1 mg kg−1) and zinc (31.5 mg kg−1) concentrations. Seed protein concentration was positively correlated with phosphorus, sulfur, copper, and boron. Seed starch is positively correlated with magnesium and manganese. Results suggest that plant breeding and production site selection could enrich lentil nutrient concentrations to help combat malnutrition in the world. Core Ideas: Lentil grain produced at different locations showed significant differences in nutrient concentrations.Different cultivars showed different capacities of enriching protein and minerals.Protein is negatively correlated with starch and positively correlated with certain mineral elements.Plant breeding and production site selection could enhance lentil nutrient concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilization is critical to ensure high-yield and high-quality wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production while minimizing its environmental footprint and production costs. A two-yr field trial was conducted in a dryland research farm in Montana with a clay loam soil to evaluate the response of spring bread wheat (cv. Velva) and durum (Triticum durum Defs cv. Joppa) to N rate (45 vs. 90 kg ha−1), N source (urea vs. SuperU®), and application method (broadcast vs. banding). Compared to broadcast application, fertilizer banding reduced plant density by 6% without affecting the final grain yield. Nitrogen rate had a significant effect on grain yield. Neither nitrogen source nor application method affected grain yield when N was applied at 90 kg N ha−1. Grain yield increased from 3171 to 3652 kg ha−1 with increasing N rate from 45 to 90 kg ha−1 in the year with ample rainfall, whereas yield remained unchanged in the drier year. Protein concentration was higher in broadcasting treatment compared to banding at 90 kg N ha−1. However, at 45 kg N ha−1, protein concentration in the grain was not affected by method of application. The source of fertilizer did not show a significant effect on grain protein concentration. Our data indicated no agronomic benefit in using SuperU compared to conventional urea or banding fertilizer vs. broadcasting in this dryland system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp seed protein has the potential to be used in food systems as an emulsifying agent; however, there are still some shortcomings associated with hemp seed protein, such as poor solubility and tendency to aggregate. This study aims to improve the dispersibility of hemp seed protein as an emulsifier by complexing with pectin, driven by electrostatic force. Three protein to pectin ratios were used for complexation, from 1:1, 2:1 to 4:1. The complexation improved the polydispersity of hemp seed protein when dispersed in the aqueous phase. The hemp seed protein displayed multimodal size distribution in water at pH = 3.0 due to aggregation, while the incorporation of pectin helped to diminish those aggregated proteins. When the hemp seed protein was used to stabilize the oil‐in‐water emulsion, its stabilized emulsion showed promising homogenous droplet size distribution after emulsification. However, during the accelerated storage conditions (55°C), the emulsion stabilized solely by hemp seed protein was subjected to extensive coalescence. From day 0 to 9, the droplet size (d4,3) increased by 50 folds from 3.215 to 161.6 µm. In contrast, the hemp seed protein–pectin complex exhibited extraordinary stability during the storage test, where size evolution in all three samples was negligible compared to the emulsion stabilized by hemp seed protein. Rheological characterization suggests that pectin provided physical strength, which may help the emulsion droplets to maintain structural integrity under environmental stress. The underlying mechanism could be associated with the formation of a three‐dimensional structure by pectin through bridging adjacent emulsion droplets. Practical Application: Hemp seed protein is gaining more and more attention as an emerging plant protein. Recently, hemp seed protein has been explored as an emulsifier, but its stabilized emulsion encounters instability issues during storage. Our study suggests pectin could be used as a co‐stabilizer for hemp seed protein emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'ND Crown' (Reg. no. CV‐342, PI 694865), a large‐seeded kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), was developed by the North Dakota State University Pulse Crops Breeding Program and approved for release by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. ND Crown, the first chickpea cultivar from the program, was selected specifically for adaptation to North Dakota growing conditions on the basis of its high yield potential, medium maturity, large seed size, and moderate resistance to Ascochyta blight. Based on 21 environments (location‐years) of yield trials across North Dakota and Montana, ND Crown had an average yield (2,152 kg ha−1) that was similar to the commercial chickpea cultivars 'CDC Frontier' (2,248 kg ha−1) and 'CDC Orion' (2,108 kg ha−1) but significantly greater than 'Sierra' (1,262 kg ha−1). ND Crown was moderately resistant to Ascochyta blight, with similar reaction as CDC Frontier and CDC Orion under moderate disease pressure. Under high disease pressure, ND Crown displayed significantly lower Ascochyta blight severity than CDC Frontier and CDC Orion. ND Crown exhibited an upright indeterminate growth habit and resistance to lodging. ND Crown had a greater percentage of large seeds (>8 mm) and higher 1,000‐seed weight than CDC Frontier but was similar to CDC Orion. As a high‐yielding large‐seeded chickpea cultivar, ND Crown is a promising alternative to CDC Frontier and CDC Orion in North Dakota and nearby states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'ND Dawn' (Reg. no. CV‐30, PI 694866), a semi‐dwarf, semi‐leafless, large‐seeded yellow field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar, was developed by the pulse crops breeding program at North Dakota State University and approved for release by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. ND Dawn, the first yellow field pea cultivar from the program, was developed by the bulk‐pedigree method. Based on 18 environments (location‐years) of yield trials across North Dakota, ND Dawn had similar seed yield (2,843 kg ha−1) with the commercial yellow pea cultivars 'AC Agassiz' (2,875 kg ha−1) and 'DS Admiral' (2,799 kg ha−1) but significantly greater than 'CDC Golden' (2,633 kg ha−1). ND Dawn was also tested across eight environments in Montana, where it had an average seed yield of 3,803 kg ha−1, which was significantly greater than 'Delta' (3,554 kg ha−1) but similar to DS Admiral (3,686 kg ha−1) or AC Agassiz (3,565 kg ha−1). ND Dawn matures in approximately 94 d. It is resistant to lodging, with a plant height index of 0.66. It has uniform round seed, with size larger than Agassiz, a medium‐seeded yellow pea cultivar. ND Dawn's protein content, 24%, is acceptable to get a premium price in the current market for high‐protein pea. ND Dawn and AC Agassiz exhibited similar responses to Fusarium root rot based on a field trial inoculated with multiple Fusarium species pathogenic to pea. In an irrigated field trial conducted under high Ascochyta blight pressure, ND Dawn yielded similarly to AC Agassiz and 'CDC Striker' despite having a higher leaf necrosis percentage. Other agronomic traits of ND Dawn are within market acceptable ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotating summer fallow with wheat (Triticum spp.) is done in dryland grain farming at upper latitudes to stabilize yields over time and to prevent crop failure. However, summer fallow is costly since weeds must be controlled and crops are not grown. Replacing summer fallow with grain crops can generate low economic returns. Previous research indicated that annual cool‐season forages can be substituted for summer fallow in dryland cropping systems. Our objective was to determine if annual warm‐season species were suited for forage production in monocultures and polycultures in the U.S. northern Great Plains. Dry matter (DM) production by 20 warm‐ and cool‐season crop monocultures and 4 polycultures was determined across six environments during 2016, and by 25 warm‐ and cool‐season crop monocultures and polycultures across four environments from 2016 through 2018. Maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture produced forage DM in amounts equal to, or greater than, those produced by other warm‐ and cool‐season crop treatments (P < 0.05). Maize DM production averaged 2.5 to 5.7 Mg ha−1, depending on the study and environment. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) also produced relatively large amounts of forage DM. Polycultures failed to produce more DM than monocultures consistently (P > 0.40). These results indicate that maize and other warm‐season crops are adapted for dryland forage production in cool regions at upper latitudes. Additional research is needed to determine the impacts of annual warm‐season forages on grain yield in a forage‐wheat crop sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common micronutrient deficiency in human population, especially in regions where grain cereals are the primary supply of daily calorie intake. Zinc also performs an important role in plant growth and Zn deficiency can limit crop yield and quality. A 3‐yr field study was conducted to determine response of wheat cultivars to foliar application of Zn. Zinc sulfate was sprayed on plant canopy at a rate of 1.12 kg Zn ha−1 once (at heading) or twice (at heading and flowering). One application of Zn at heading increased grain Zn concentration by a range of 5.8 to 9.5 mg kg−1 corresponding to a 17–47% increase over the unfertilized control in various years. With the application of Zn at both heading and flowering, grain Zn concentration reached 44.3 and 52.4 mg kg−1 (in Years 2 and 3), implying an increase of 35–93% compared to the untreated control. The second application of Zn at flowering was necessary to produce grains with Zn concentration above the target level of 40 mg kg−1 to have a nutritional effect. Zinc application also marginally increased grain yield. This yield increase, however, was not adequate to offset additional production costs associated with Zn fertilization. The economic analysis revealed that the net return from the first and second Zn application was −1 and +13 USD ha−1, respectively. Therefore, it is unlikely that farmers will be motivated to adopt this system unless a price incentive or government payments are provided for farmers for producing Zn‐biofortified grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation is important to sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) production and efficient irrigation management is critical for yield, sugar concentration, water use, and environment quality. Two irrigation studies were conducted to investigate sugarbeet response to deficit irrigation under conventional tillage (CT) and no‐till (NT) systems in 2016 and 2018. The irrigation treatments included full irrigation (100% crop evapotranspiration, 100ETc) and deficit irrigation (66% crop evapotranspiration, 66ETc), and two irrigation cutoff dates (15 and 30 d before harvest). Plant population, soil moisture, sugarbeet root yield, sucrose concentration, and impurity value were measured. Although deficit irrigation at 66ETc did not affect the sugarbeet root yield, sucrose concentration, and sugar yield in 2016, it reduced the root yield, sugar yield, and extractable sugar yield by 5.5, 1.2, and 1.2 Mg ha−1 under CT and 12.4, 2.1, and 1.9 Mg ha−1 under NT systems in 2018. Soil moisture in NT showed great depletion at 15‐ and 38‐cm depths in July and August in 2018. Results indicate the potential of implementing a deficit irrigation strategy in sugarbeet to reduce the water supply and increase the water use efficiency, but in‐situ soil moisture sensors should be installed to monitor soil moisture to avoid severe water stress. Stopping irrigation 30 d before harvest slightly reduced the sugarbeet root yield but did not affect extractable sugar yield, suggesting that omitting one irrigation late in the growing season may not reduce root yield and quality. Deficit irrigation in conjunction with a no‐till system could reduce production costs and bring environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Current knowledge of yield potential and best agronomic management practices for perennial bioenergy grasses is primarily derived from small‐scale and short‐term studies, yet these studies inform policy at the national scale. In an effort to learn more about how bioenergy grasses perform across multiple locations and years, the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE)/Sun Grant Initiative Regional Feedstock Partnership was initiated in 2008. The objectives of the Feedstock Partnership were to (1) provide a wide range of information for feedstock selection (species choice) and management practice options for a variety of regions and (2) develop national maps of potential feedstock yield for each of the herbaceous species evaluated. The Feedstock Partnership expands our previous understanding of the bioenergy potential of switchgrass, Miscanthus, sorghum, energycane, and prairie mixtures on Conservation Reserve Program land by conducting long‐term, replicated trials of each species at diverse environments in the U.S. Trials were initiated between 2008 and 2010 and completed between 2012 and 2015 depending on species. Field‐scale plots were utilized for switchgrass and Conservation Reserve Program trials to use traditional agricultural machinery. This is important as we know that the smaller scale studies often overestimated yield potential of some of these species. Insufficient vegetative propagules of energycane and Miscanthus prohibited farm‐scale trials of these species. The Feedstock Partnership studies also confirmed that environmental differences across years and across sites had a large impact on biomass production. Nitrogen application had variable effects across feedstocks, but some nitrogen fertilizer generally had a positive effect. National yield potential maps were developed using PRISM‐ELM for each species in the Feedstock Partnership. This manuscript, with the accompanying supplemental data, will be useful in making decisions about feedstock selection as well as agronomic practices across a wide region of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of crop rotation diversity and extensive tillage leaves the soil in many sugarbeet-based production systems vulnerable to wind erosion. Intercropping sugarbeet ( Beta vulgaris L.) with a living mulch is a practice that aims to protect sugarbeet seedlings from blowing soil and provide ecosystem services such as enhancing soil organic matter, reducing sedimentation in surface-irrigated farms, and improving soil biological activity. If managed improperly, nevertheless, the living mulch can compete with sugarbeet and reduce its production. Selection of an appropriate crop species along with timely termination are the two critical points that need to be researched in order to minimize the impact of living mulch on sugarbeet performance while still offering ecosystem services. A 4-yr field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of living mulch and its termination time on sugarbeet population, root yield, and purity. Over four years of the study, living mulch terminated at sugarbeet V2 growth stage had no significant effect on sugarbeet yield and quality. However, when living mulch termination was delayed to V4 and V6 growth stages, root yield declined by 17 and 14 Mg ha −1 , respectively, compared to 66.4 Mg ha −1 yield in the control. Living mulch had a positive impact on root quality traits by increasing sucrose concentration and decreasing root impurities (sodium, potassium, and amino-N concentration in the beet). The results indicated that planting sugarbeet with a living mulch can offer ecosystem services without negatively impacting sugarbeet productivity (recoverable sucrose yield) if terminated no later than V2 growth stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its health benefits, resistant starch (RS) has received increasing attention from the public, and there is a need to develop methods to measure the amylose and RS concentration in pea (Pisum sativum L.) flour. The aim of this study was to develop a visible and near-infrared reflectance (vis-NIR) model for the simultaneous determination of amylose, RS, and digestible starch (DS) in pea flour. A total of 123 dry pea samples consisting of different pea varieties grown in different environments were collected, and ground to flour, and then the vis-NIR spectra were scanned. The amylose, RS, and DS contents of the pea flours were also measured by an enzymatic colorimetric assay. The spectra data were calibrated with the enzymatic colorimetric-assayed values. Results showed that amylose, RS, and DS in the pea flours can be simultaneously estimated using the vis-NIR spectra. Instead of using the full spectrum (300-2300 nm), we found the most efficient wave bands lying in the visible region between 370 and 560 nm and the NIR spectra in the range of 1600-1800 nm. Using the stepwise regression with backward elimination method, the multiple linear regression (MLR) models were developed from the most efficient wavelengths. The MLR models had the determination coefficients R2 of 0.95, 0.76, 0.80, and 0.88 for amylose, RS, DS, and total starch, respectively. The correlation coefficients between model estimated and the enzymatic colorimetric assayed values were 0.97, 0.80, 0.85, and 0.93 for amylose, RS, DS, and total starch, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic and environmental factors lead to a variation in yield and protein content of dry pea (Pisum sativumL.) seeds. The quality of seed, particularly seed vigor, also influences the establishment of crop and thus final grain yield. The area and production for dry peas are increasing in the Northern Great Plains but knowledge is lacking on how the pea lines/varieties differ in the seed vigor at seven leaf stage. This field and greenhouse study evaluated the eight dry pea lines/varieties for seedling vigor indices and correlated them with grain yield and protein concentrations. Significant differences were observed among the lines/varieties for nodule number plant−1in greenhouse, and grain yield in field conditions. The highest number of nodules plant−1was obtained with the line MT632, which were at par with lines MT457, and MT190. The highest Vigor Index I was achieved with line MT632 associated with their more shoot lengths as compared to other lines/varieties. The highest Vigor Index II was obtained by variety Majoret and line MT632. The variety DS Admiral yielded 5205 kg ha−1, which was 17.4 and 33.3% higher than lines MT460 and MT190, respectively. The highest seed protein content was obtained with variety Majoret (23.4%) having highest Vigor Index II and seed yield (4940 kg ha−1) at par with variety DS Admiral. The lowest seed protein was found with variety DS Admiral (20.3%). The line named MT190 showed lowest yield potential along with the lower protein contents also. Studies show a positive and significant correlation between biomass and Vigor Index I only. Plant nitrogen uptake was positively and significantly correlated with biomass and Vigor Index I in greenhouse only. The results also indicated that seed vigor indices did not reveal any significant correlations with dry peas yield and protein content, so more efforts are needed to evaluate varieties for higher yield and protein content during initial stages of growth in order to maximize their acreage and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainties exist about the importance of rhizobia inoculant and starter nitrogen (N) application in dry pea (PisumsativumL.) production. Three field experiments were conducted to evaluate how rhizobia inoculant and starter N fertilizer affect pea seed yield and protein concentration in a semi-arid environment in central Montana. Commercial rhizobia inoculant was mixed with seed prior to planting at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Starter N fertilizers were applied into the same furrow as seed at 0, 22, 44 and 88 kg ha−1as urea, slow-release polymer-coated N fertilizer (ESN), and a combination of both. The application of rhizobia inoculant had no or a very small beneficial effect on pea yield in lands with a previous history of peas. In a land without pea history, application of rhizobia increased pea seed yield by 16%. The positive effect of starter N was only pronounced when initial soil N was low (≤ 10 kg ha−1nitrate-nitrogen), which increased net return by up to US$ 42 ha−1. In this condition, application of slow-release N outperformed urea. However, application of starter N (especially with urea) had a negative effect on pea establishment, vigor and seed yield when soil initial N was high (≥ 44 kg ha−1NO3-N). The results indicate that the rate, placement and form of the starter N must be optimized to benefit pea yield and protein without detrimental effects on germination and nodulation. Moreover, application of starter N must be guided by the soil nitrate content. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lentils (Lens culinarisL.) are an important component of the dryland farming systems in the western USA. Optimum nitrogen (N) management can enhance yield and quality of lentils. We conducted a field (at two locations, one with previous history of lentil and the other one without lentil history) and a greenhouse study to evaluate response of lentil to the application of rhizobium inoculant and starter N (control, 22 kg N ha−1in the form of urea [U], 22 kg N ha−1in the form of slow-release or environmentally safe nitrogen [ESN], and 22 kg N ha−1U + 22 kg N ha−1ESN). In both, the field and the laboratory studies, lentil yield did not respond positively to the experimental treatments. Lentil average yield was 1216 and 1420 kg ha−1at the field condition. In this rain-fed system, lentil yield was mainly limited by moisture availability, and the application of an external N did not contribute to the yield enhancement. Both of these treatments, however, increased protein content. Compared to the control, the application of rhizobium plus U and ESN enhanced protein content by about 34% (from 23.1 to 30.9%). The application of U+ESN also considerably increased postharvest residual nitrate (NO3)-N in the soil, which can be easily leached and creates environmental pollution. Briefly, the application of U+ESN increases lentil protein content, but more efforts are needed to optimize N management in lentils in order to reduce the environmental concerns in the shallow soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial grass mixtures planted on Conservation Reserve Program ( CRP) land are a potential source of dedicated bioenergy feedstock. Long-term nitrogen (N) and harvest management are critical factors for maximizing biomass yield while maintaining the longevity of grass stands. A six-year farm-scale study was conducted to understand the impact of weather variability on biomass yield, determine optimal N fertilization and harvest timing management practices for sustainable biomass production, and estimate economic viability at six CRP sites in the United States. Precipitation during the growing season was a critical factor for annual biomass production across all regions, and annual biomass production was severely reduced when growing season precipitation was below 50% of average. The N rate of 112 kg ha−1 produced the highest biomass yield at each location. Harvest timing resulting in the highest biomass yield was site-specific and was a factor of predominant grass type, seasonal precipitation, and the number of harvests taken per year. The use of N fertilizer for yield enhancement unambiguously increased the cost of biomass regardless of the harvest timing for all six sites. The breakeven price of biomass at the farmgate ranged from $37 to $311 Mg−1 depending on the rate of N application, timing of harvesting, and location when foregone opportunity costs were not considered. Breakeven prices ranged from $69 to $526 Mg−1 when the loss of CRP land rental payments was included as an opportunity cost. Annual cost of the CRP to the federal government could be reduced by over 8% in the states included in this study; however, this would require the biomass price to be much higher than in the case where the landowner receives the CRP land rent. This field research demonstrated the importance of long-term, farm-scale research for accurate estimation of biomass feedstock production and economic viability from perennial grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damping-off and root rot are diseases of concern in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production and can cause seedling loss, increase weed populations, and reduce yield. A complex of soilborne pathogens is responsible for damping-off and root rot in the Northern Great Plains. Species within this complex include Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia solani. Currently, partially resistant cultivars and fungicide seed treatments are the most effective for control of damping-off and root rot. This study examined 25 chickpea cultivars and breeding lines with and without a fungicide seed treatment (fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, and metalaxyl) for stand establishment and grain yield in field conditions. Experimental plots were located in dryland and irrigated fields at the Eastern Agriculture Research Center (EARC) in Sidney MT in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Stand counts were recorded three times to calculate area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). Yield, and protein content (only in 2021) was assessed after harvest. In 2021, pathogens were isolated from chickpea roots showing signs of root rot and identified as Fusarium solani. The results showed that the seed treatments effectively decreased soilborne disease development (75%–84%) and improved chickpea yield (11%–14%) in 2020 and 2021, and increased protein content (0.6%) in 2021. Different cultivars did not have a consistent impact on disease development and yield protection. NDC160166 and NDC160236 displayed consistently lower disease and higher yield and might be a future source of disease resistance. Yield of untreated seeds decreased and AUDPC increased for all cultivars/lines in both years. A negative correlation was also observed between protein content and chickpea yield in 2021. • The seed treatment (fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, and metalaxyl) controlled chickpea soilborne diseases and improved yield. • Cultivars performed differently in seed yield, seed protein content, and disease development. • NDC160236 consistently displayed high yield potential. • NDC160049, NDC160133, NDC160146, NDC 160236, NDC160166 and Royal showed more tolerance to soilborne disease in 2020. • Fusarium solani was isolated and identified from chickpea root rot in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promotion of dry pea ( Pisum sativum L.) and lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.) production in cereal dominated cropping systems require identifying high yielding and widely adapted genotypes for a diverse range of environments. However, this information is rarely available in the semi-arid temperate region. We carried out two separate experiments consisting of seven genotypes of dry pea in 25 environments and eight genotypes of lentil in 16 environments to determine yield performance and stability. The results showed that environments (E) and genotypes (G) and interaction (G × E) effects were highly significant ( P < 0.0001) for both experiments. Average grain yield among genotypes varied from 2243 to 2680 and from 1229 to 1643 kg ha −1 for dry pea and lentil, respectively. The G × E accounted 5.4 and 15.8% of the total sum of square for dry pea and lentil experiments, respectively. The G × E effects were crossover type for both experiments revealing inconsistent performance of genotypes across environments. Based on interaction principal component analysis of G × E, the dry pea genotypes, Montech 4152 followed by SW Midas and DS Admiral showed combination of better yield performance and stability. Among the lentil genotypes, CDC Richlea followed by Avondale showed less fluctuation to environmental changes but produced similar yields compared with the high yielding lentil genotypes. Therefore, these dry pea and lentil genotypes can be recommended for cultivation in wide range of environments in the temperate semi-arid climates and similar ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelina ( Camelina sativa L. Crantz) is a promising bioenergy crop, but a sustainable production system for this crop has not yet been well developed. There is also concern about competing land use between crop productions for bioenergy or food use. One approach to overcoming this concern and developing sustainable production systems for bioenergy crops is potentially replacing the fallow period in wheat-based cropping systems with bioenergy crops. The agronomic and economic benefits of growing camelina in rotation with winter wheat were evaluated in a replicated rotation study from 2008 to 2011 in the Northern Great Plains (NGP), focusing on the effects on wheat yield and overall profitability of the cropping system. Average winter wheat yields were 2401 and 1858 kg ha −1 following camelina and barley, respectively, representing a 13.2 and 32.8% winter wheat yield reduction compared to the fallow–winter wheat rotation (2766 kg ha −1 ). Lower winter wheat yield in the alternative systems were offset by 907 kg ha −1 camelina and 1779 kg ha −1 barley yields. Economic analyses revealed that at existing market prices and production costs, the traditional fallow–winter wheat rotation provides greater net returns to growers due to substantially lower variable costs of the system. Scenario analyses that use more optimized, lower cost camelina production practices show that the net profits of camelina–wheat system could be closer to those in the fallow–wheat system. However, higher grain price and/or greater grain yield of camelina are essential to attract producers to include camelina in their cropping systems. Although the fallow–wheat system resulted in higher short-run net returns, the total biomass production and crop residue return to soil is much greater in camelina–wheat than fallow–wheat rotation, which is likely to improve soil quality and productivity in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotational effects and economic potential of incorporating fall-seeded pea (Pisum sativum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) into conventional wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-based cropping systems in the northern Great Plains are not well understood. Two 2-yr crop rotation experiments were conducted in central Montana to investigate how winter pea hay, lentil green manure, and lentil grain affects subsequent winter wheat yield and protein content, as well as the economic returns of the systems under no-till conditions. In Exp. 1, a winter pea hay-winter wheat (WP-WW) rotation was compared to fallow-winter wheat (FW-WW) and spring wheat-winter wheat (SW-WW) rotations. In Exp. 2, a winter lentil for green manure-winter wheat [WL(m)-WW] rotation was compared to a winter lentil grain-winter wheat [WL(g)-WW] rotation. Four different rates of N were applied to the winter and spring wheat. Winter wheat yield in the WP-WW rotation was 2193 kg ha-1, which was equivalent to the yield in the FW-WW rotation (2136 kg ha-1), and much greater than the SW-WW rotation (1155 kg ha-1). Averaged over all N rates, the WP-WW, FW-WW, and SW-WW systems had $196, $116, and $41 ha-1 net return, respectively. In Exp. 2, the WL(m)-WW rotation produced greater grain yield and protein content at lower N input levels, indicating a greater N benefit. Nevertheless, the WL(g)-WW system generated $213 ha-1 net profit while the WL(m)-WW system produced $92 ha-1. Therefore, the winter pea cover crop, used for livestock feed, improves the system profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of pea, lentil and chickpea, as a forage and food source, has increasingly become a popular agricultural practice in the northern Great Plains. While many local soils are rich in phosphorus (P), it has been commonly believed that P-fertilization still has potential to promote production. A two-year (2003-2004) field study was conducted to fine-tune P fertilization strategies in a clay loam soil (14 mg Olsen-P kg-1, sodium bicarbonate extractable soil P) of central Montana. Treatments included three varieties for each of the three crop species (pea: Majorest, Mozart and Delta; lentil: Vantage, Richlea and Brewer; and chickpea: Yuma, Myles and Chico), a control (0 P) and three P rates (7.3, 14.7 and 22.0 kg P ha-1) in triple super-phosphate (TSP), arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Responses of grain and forage yield to P addition varied depending on crop species and varieties within each species. Grain yields correlated quadratically to the rate of P applied for Majoret, Mozart and Brewer. Forage yield of Majoret, Mozart, Vantage and Richlea was significantly increased with P addition. P-addition enhanced vegetative growth as evidenced by the increased shoot-grain ratio. Chickpea varieties did not respond to P fertilization. The best yielding variety in this soil was Mozart, Vantage and Myles from each species, respectively. To facilitate decision making for producers, the relationship between the increased yield and the rate of P application was quantified. Averaged over two years, by growing Majoret, Mozart, Vantage and Richlea for forage at low rate of P application (7.3 kg P ha-1), income was about 1.8-2.3 times of the cost of P fertilizer applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preferential flow allows agricultural chemicals to rapidly move past crop root zone to subsoil, potentially contaminating groundwater. Deep shrinkage cracks in a shrink/swell soil may serve as preferential flow channels. Design and operation of an irrigation system is critical in shrink/swell soils in order to reduce or eliminate preferential flow while providing sufficient water for plant growth. The objective of this study was to compare microsprinkler irrigation (MI) and surface flood irrigation (FI) systems for their ability to reduce preferential flow and chemical leaching through a shrink/swell soil in a pear orchard. The MI system applied water at a rate of 2.8 mm h−1, and the FI followed the traditional orchard irrigation method. Bromide tracer was applied to the pear orchard. Soil cores and percolate samples from passive capillary samplers (PCAPS) installed at 1.2 m depth were collected to test for the presence of Br tracer in the soil and percolate. The MI system greatly decreased water and Br leaching from soil to the PCAPS in comparison to FI. The percolate in MI was nearly zero. Most of the loss of Br occurred in the first one or two FI events. MI systems, such as that used in this study should be considered as an alternative to FI in such shrink/swell soils to reduce macropore flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Camelina ( Camelina sativa ) is a promising biofuel feedstock to fill the fallow period in dryland wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) −fallow cropping system of the U.S Northern Great Plains (NGP). Responses of camelina to tillage system (conventional tillage [CT] and no-till [NT]), nitrogen (N) rate (0, 45, 90 kg ha −1 ), and nitrogen source (urea and an enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizer [EENF] containing urease and nitrification inhibitors) were evaluated in a 2-yr (2013–2014) field experiment in a dryland farming system of central Montana. Grain yield, biomass, oil content, and oil yield of camelina displayed significant first-order effects of tillage, N rate, and N source when averaged across each of the other factors, but interaction effects were not significant. Camelina tended to yield greater in CT than NT by about 26%. Application of EENF significantly increased grain yield when compared with U, which was more pronounced under CT. Dose response of camelina grain yield, biomass, and grain protein to N rate in the range of 0 to 90 kg ha −1 was linear, whereas N fertilization showed a detrimental effect on oil accumulation in seeds. Although oil content declined in response to N application, oil yield (kg ha −1 ), which is the most important criterionin seedoil derived biofeedstock, positively responded to N application. Our results clearly demonstrated the need for further research to optimize management strategies for successful camelina production under NT system. Our results also indicated the potential of EENF in enhancing the yield of camelina, especially under CT system. Irrespective of tillage system and source of N, application of 90 kg N ha −1 (minus soil mineral N) led to the highest yield of camelina in this environment, but yield gain in response to N application greater than 45 kg ha −1 was very small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter (OM) oxidized by slightly alkaline KMnO 4 , termed permanganate-oxidizable carbon (POXC), has recently emerged as a standardized indicator of active, labile carbon within soil quality frameworks. Yet, qualitative information on POXC, particularly in semiarid drylands, is very scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize POXC within three long-term field experiments in Montana, USA: (i) across a wide range of edaphic (e.g., % clay) and management conditions (e.g., cropping intensity) ( n  = 148); and (ii) to identify the molecular composition of soil OM before and after KMnO 4 treatment using electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS). The content of POXC was significantly greater under perennial (382–685 mg/kg) or annual cropping (404–607 mg/kg) than fallow-wheat (359–543 mg/kg) systems. Soil OM changes, however, were equally or better expressed when considering soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration. The occurrence of POXC paralleled SOC ( R  = 0.87; P  < 0.001) and total nitrogen (TN) ( R  = 0.82; P  < 0.001) concentrations, regardless of soil textural differences. The ESI FT-ICR MS analyses of aqueous soil extracts indicated that the KMnO 4 reaction oxidized dissolved OM of diverse molecular character. OM molecular composition after KMnO 4 treatment was enriched by strongly reduced chemical constituents (O/C < 0.4) at greater condensed aromaticity (AI > 0.67) and hydrogen saturation (aliphatic composition; H/C > 1.5) across all heterogeneous groups (C c H h N n O o S s ). Although POXC is a rapid assay widely used for characterizing soil OM dynamics, it may not provide a clear advantage over SOC concentration in semiarid drylands. The view of POXC as a merely labile, simple biodegradable OM fraction needs to be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of ammonia (NH 3 ) emission in agricultural systems is highly important from agronomic, ecologic, and economic standpoints. We studied NH 3 volatilization from surface applied urea and SuperU ® (urea containing urease and nitrification inhibitors) and its interaction with tillage system (conventional tillage and no-tillage) in a dryland arable soil. Agronomic efficiency of the fertilizers was also assessed by measuring yield, agronomic N-efficiency, and apparent N-use of camelina ( Camelina sativa L.). Results indicated significant variation between the field and laboratory experiments. Due to wet spell around the time of fertilization, cumulative volatilization was significantly lower in the field study. NH 3 emission associated with SuperU in the field study was about 45% lower than regular urea, which was attributed to a) activity of urease inhibitor delayed SuperU hydrolysis for about five days and b) a rainfall occurred four days after fertilization that likely carried more fertilizer into the soil from SuperU than urea. In the incubation study, NH 3 loss was notable and superiority of SuperU was not seen. The results suggest that just replacing urea with SuperU would not result in mitigation of NH 3 emission, but it provides a greater chance for N to enter the soil by one way or another (rainfall in our study). Our results did not show any appreciable interaction between N fertilizers and tillage systems. Application of SuperU in the first year of the study resulted in a significantly higher camelina yield and agronomic N-efficiency, but in the second year, due to unfavorable environmental condition, camelina did not grow well thus did not respond positively to N fertilization. The superiority of SuperU over urea in terms of NH 3 volatilization and agronomic efficiency may be achieved if farmers apply the fertilizer timely in accordance with weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) hinder dryland wheat production worldwide. Montana, a leading U.S. wheat production region, has climatic conditions favorable for Pratylenchus spp. A 2006-2007 statewide soil survey revealed damaging populations of Pratylenchus neglectus, primarily in winter wheat production areas of Montana, whereas P. thornei was not found. Analyses of wheat yields in infested fields revealed negative correlations between yields and spring nematode populations (all P < 0.05 and all R² > 0.2). Statewide yield losses due to root lesion nematodes were an estimated 12 and 15% for winter wheat in 2006 and 2007, respectively. A subsequent study conducted in 2008 to 2009 revealed significant differences in reproductive success of P. neglectus among seven rotation treatments (P < 0.001). Nematode populations persisted from spring to fall under fallow, barley, pea, and camelina; increased under winter wheat and canola; and decreased under lentil. Populations were sustained through winter following winter wheat and barley but declined following canola, camelina, pea, lendl, and fallow. A screening of 19 barley lines for resistance to P. neglectus revealed significant variation in resistance among entries (P < 0.001), with 'Harrington' barley displaying promising levels of resistance. Development of resistant wheat cultivars remains a principal goal in managing this nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada have seen an increase in pulse crops like pea, lentil, and chickpea acreage in dryland and irrigated systems. Rotating pulse crops into cereal crop production systems could reduce the demand for nitrogen fertilizer due to the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen fixing bacteria called diazotrophs. Legume-diazotroph relationships are well studied, but little is known about the free-living bacteria of the bulk soil in the legume-cereal rotation systems. Here we determine the community structure of the overall (16S) and diazotroph (nifH) soil microbiome in pulse-cereal rotations across the state of Montana. Many variables influenced the microbial community structure, but and among them, irrigation caused a significant shift in the composition of the communities and co-occurrence network topology. Interestingly, the diazotrophic communities in dryland soil are more robust and contain more generalist compared to irrigated soils. Co-occurrence networks support the identification of different diazotrophic keystone taxa such as Firmicutes in irrigated and Proteobacteria in dryland soils. Linking farm management practices and crop productivity with microbial community structure dynamics is an initial step in establishing a knowledge base for farmers to exploit the soil microbiota to maintain healthy soil for crop production. • Geographic location, farm management, and edaphic factors affect the free-living microbiome. • Irrigation disrupts general (16S) and diazotroph (nifH) bacteria communities differently. • Co-occurrence shifts in diazotrophic communities are due to irrigation. • Nitrogen-fixing keystone species are affected by irrigation in bulk soil [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a key rotational crop and is increasingly important in the food processing sector for its protein. This study focused on identifying diverse high seed protein concentration (SPC) lines in pea plant genetic resources. Objectives included identifying high-protein pea lines, exploring genetic architecture across environments, pinpointing genes and metabolic pathways associated with high protein, and documenting information for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based marker-assisted selection. From 2019 to 2021, a 487-accession pea diversity panel, More protein, More pea, More profit, was evaluated in a randomized complete block design. DNA was extracted for genomic analysis via genotype-by-sequencing. Phenotypic analysis included protein and fat measurements in seeds and flower color. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) used multiple models, and the Pathways Association Study Tool was used for metabolic pathway analysis. Significant associations were found between SNPs and pea seed protein and fat concentration. Gene Psat7g216440 on chromosome 7, which targets proteins to cellular destinations, including seed storage proteins, was identified as associated with SPC. Genes Psat4g009200, Psat1g199800, Psat1g199960, and Psat1g033960, all involved in lipid metabolism, were associated with fat concentration. GWAS also identified genes annotated for storage proteins associated with fat concentration, indicating a complex relationship between fat and protein. Metabolic pathway analysis identified 20 pathways related to fat and seven to protein concentration, involving fatty acids, amino acid and protein metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These findings will assist in breeding of high-protein, diverse pea cultivars, and SNPs that can be converted to breeder-friendly molecular marker assays are identified for genes associated with high protein., (© 2024 The Author(s). The Plant Genome published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Crop Science Society of America.)

Ascochyta blight (AB), caused by the pathogen Ascochyta rabiei , is a major threat to chickpea production worldwide, causing major yield losses and decreasing quality. Control of AB requires integrating pest management options including resistant cultivars and fungicide applications. To address this, fungicides with different modes of action were evaluated on three chickpea cultivars with differing levels of susceptibility to AB under irrigated and dryland conditions in 2015 to 2017. The fungicides were applied once or twice and compared with a no-fungicide application control on AB score and yield. The mean grain yields across locations and years were 1,753, 1,283, and 981 kg/ha, with a corresponding AB mean score of 2.6, 3.2, and 3.3 on 0 to 7 scale (where 0 is no disease and 7 is completely dead) for the moderately resistant, moderately susceptible, and susceptible chickpea cultivars, respectively. Fungicide application was not enough to control disease throughout the season. The use of AB-resistant cultivars had the most significant impact on minimizing the disease and maximizing yield, irrespective of year and location. This study supports previous research indicating that planting AB-resistant chickpea cultivars is essential for disease control, regardless of the fungicides applied.