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Storing lentil is a strategy used by growers to manage price volatility. However, studies investigating the impact of storage conditions on the market and end use properties of lentil are limited. This study examined the effects of storage temperature (4, 15, 25, and 35 °C) and grain moisture (10 and 14%, w/w) on traits related to market (seed coat colour), viability (germination capacity), and end use properties (hydration capacity, milling efficiency, and cooking quality) in four red lentil cultivars (PBA Bolt, PBA Hallmark, PBA Hurricane, PBA Jumbo2) over 360 days. Storing lentil at 14% moisture content and 35 °C significantly (p = 0.05) darkened seed coat after 30 days, caused complete loss of viability within 180 days and reduced cooking quality (cooked firmness) after 120 days across all tested cultivars. Storing lentil at 10% moisture content and 35 °C reduced hydration capacity after 30 days, and milling efficiency after 120 days across all cultivars tested. PBA Jumbo2 exhibited a higher rate of degradation in hydration capacity and cooking quality, and a lower rate of degradation in the other traits studied. Storing lentil at ≤15 °C prevented degradation of all quality traits. These findings will support improved lentil storage protocols to maintain quality and improve economic outcomes for the pulse industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil seed coat colour influences market value, whilst germination is associated with crop establishment and hydration capacity with optimal processing outcomes. Storing lentil grain assists growers in managing price fluctuations; however, exposure to oxygen at higher temperatures during extended storage degrades seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacity. Depleting oxygen prevents such degradation in other crops; however, studies in lentil are limited. This study examined the effects of oxygen-depleted modified atmospheres and temperatures on seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacity in two red lentil cultivars, PBA Hallmark and PBA Jumbo2, stored for 360 days. Small volumes of lentil grain were placed in aluminium laminated bags filled with nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), or air and stored at either 15 or 35 °C. At 35 °C in an air atmosphere, the lentil's seed coat significantly (p = 0.05) darkened after 30 days of storage, whereas germination and hydration capacities decreased after 60 days regardless of cultivar. In contrast, N2 and CO2 atmospheres maintained initial seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacities in both cultivars throughout the study period regardless of temperature. Storing lentil grain in an oxygen-depleted modified atmosphere may assist to maximise returns to grower and maintain key quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion of long-term pasture to cropping was investigated for its effects on nitrous oxide ([N.sub.2]O) emissions in a 2-year field experiment in the high-rainfall zone of south-western Victoria. Early termination (pasture terminated 6 months before sowing) followed by winter (ETw) and spring (ETs) crops and late termination (pasture terminated 1 month before sowing) followed by a winter crop (LTw) were compared with continuous, mown pasture (MP). Emissions of [N.sub.2]O were measured with an automated gas sampling and analysing system. Emissions from MP were the lowest throughout the study, resulting in annual losses of 0.13 kg [N.sub.2]O-N [ha.sup.-1] in the first and the second years of the experiment. [N.sub.2]O-N loss was 0.6 kg [ha.sup.-1] from treatments without fallow in both years (LTw in 2013 and ETs in 2014). In the first year, annual losses from previous fallow in ETw and ETs plots were 7.1 and 3.6 kg [N.sub.2]O-N [ha.sup.-1], respectively. Higher annual [N.sub.2]O losses from treatments with fallow periods continued in the second year of the study and were 2.0 and 1.3 kg [N.sub.2]O-N [ha.sup.-1] from ETw and LTw treatments, respectively. High emissions were associated with N mineralisation and the accumulation of N[O.sub.3]-N in the soil during the extensive fallow period after early pasture termination or wheat harvest. Soil water content was a key factor influencing the temporal fluctuations in [N.sub.2]O emissions. Low emissions occurred when water-filled pore space was 65%, suggesting that denitrification was the major source of [N.sub.2]O emission. Crop grain yield was not affected by the duration of fallow (and therefore timing of pasture termination) in the first year, but was lower (P Additional keywords: fallow, nitrous oxide losses, pasture--crop system., Introduction Nitrous oxide ([N.sub.2]O) is a potent greenhouse gas, with an ozone-depleting potential ~300 times that of carbon dioxide (C[O.sub.2]) and 12 times that of methane (C[H.sub.4]) (Crutzen and Ehhalt [...]

The effects of elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 (e[CO2]) on the nutritive value of wheat vegetative matter and grain as a feedstock for ruminants were investigated in a study undertaken at the Australian grains free‐air CO2 enrichment (AGFACE) facility. The study included two commercial wheat cultivars (Janz and Yitpi) and two genetic selections from a Seri/Babex population (SB003 and SB062) which had previously been characterised for low and high water‐soluble carbohydrate accumulation efficiency. The trial was grown under ambient (~390 µmol/mol) and elevated (~550 µmol/mol) CO2 conditions, and plants harvested at tillering, anthesis and physiological maturity. Composition analyses to determine the nutritive value for ruminant feed were undertaken on stems, leaves and grain. Plant and grain nitrogen were reduced in the e[CO2] treatments, and as expected, the water‐soluble carbohydrates increased. All genotypes responded to e[CO2] with the effects of altered composition evident within 60 days of sowing. Determinants of ruminant feed quality such as neutral and acid detergent fibre and estimated in vitro metabolisable energy were not significantly affected. The reduced plant and grain N will impact on the nutritive value and supplementation may be required. The impact of e[CO2] on chemical composition of wheat plants may be greater if the predicted climate change is associated with concomitant abiotic stress such as high ambient temperature or low soil moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The inclusion of pulses in traditional wheat‐based food products such as bread, cakes, and pasta is increasing as the food industry and consumers are recognizing the nutritional benefits due to high protein, antioxidant activity, and good sources of dietary fiber of pulses. In all crops, including cereals, oilseeds, and pulses, variability in chemical composition is known to exist due to genetic differences and environmental effects. This study reports the effect of genotype and environment on seed composition and the rheological properties of field‐pea genotypes for both field‐pea flour and isolated starch. RESULTS: Genotype had a significant effect on the chemical composition (protein, total starch, water‐soluble carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds), the mean starch granule size, and rheological properties (peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, peak time, and pasting temperature) of the field peas. The growing environment also had a significant effect on starch granule size, phytic acid, water‐soluble carbohydrates, some phenolic compounds, and pasting characteristics of field peas. Genotype × environment (G × E) interactions were observed for protein, some phenolic compounds, and some pasting characteristics. CONCLUSION: Genotype and the growing environment had a significant effect on the chemical composition and rheological properties of the field pea. The variability in composition and quality traits could be exploited through plant breeding and optimized agronomic practices to increase production of field peas with the desired quality traits. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) management is critical to the profitability of grain production systems, however careful management of fertiliser is needed to minimise environmental impacts. We investigated the effect of five N fertilisation strategies on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of rainfed wheat grown on a clay soil in a temperate, semi-arid environment of south eastern Australia during 2013 and 2014. Treatments included urea application (50 kg N/ha) at sowing with and without nitrification inhibitor (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) and surface broadcasting of urea with and without urease inhibitor (n-butyl thiophosphoric triamide) at the end of tillering plus an unfertilised control. Daily N2O emissions were low and responsive to in-season rainfall and fertiliser addition at sowing. Cumulative emissions from sowing until harvest were highest where N was applied at sowing in 2013; 160 g N2O-N/ha, while the 0 N control emitted 28 g N2O-N/ha (over 201 days). Emissions during 2014 were 77% lower than 2013 due to dry seasonal conditions; cumulative emissions were 49 g N2O-N/ha where N was applied at sowing, with background emissions of around 0 g N2O-N/ha (over 177 days). Inhibitors showed limited scope for reducing N2O emissions in this environment, however deferring N application until the end of tillering reduced N2O emissions. Grain yield responses to fertiliser were significant; increasing grain yield by 11-31% and NUE was generally high (recovery efficiency > 68%). However, deferring N application until the end of tillering in 2014 reduced yield (− 19%) and recovery of applied N (− 74%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat production will be impacted by increasing concentration of atmospheric CO2 [ CO2], which is expected to rise from about 400 μmol mol−1 in 2015 to 550 μmol mol−1 by 2050. Changes to plant physiology and crop responses from elevated [ CO2] (e[ CO2]) are well documented for some environments, but field-level responses in dryland Mediterranean environments with terminal drought and heat waves are scarce. The Australian Grains Free Air CO2 Enrichment facility was established to compare wheat ( Triticum aestivum) growth and yield under ambient (~370 μmol−1 in 2007) and e[ CO2] (550 μmol−1) in semi-arid environments. Experiments were undertaken at two dryland sites (Horsham and Walpeup) across three years with two cultivars, two sowing times and two irrigation treatments. Mean yield stimulation due to e[ CO2] was 24% at Horsham and 53% at Walpeup, with some treatment responses greater than 70%, depending on environment. Under supplemental irrigation, e[ CO2] stimulated yields at Horsham by 37% compared to 13% under rainfed conditions, showing that water limited growth and yield response to e[ CO2]. Heat wave effects were ameliorated under e[ CO2] as shown by reductions of 31% and 54% in screenings and 10% and 12% larger kernels (Horsham and Walpeup). Greatest yield stimulations occurred in the e[ CO2] late sowing and heat stressed treatments, when supplied with more water. There were no clear differences in cultivar response due to e[ CO2]. Multiple regression showed that yield response to e[ CO2] depended on temperatures and water availability before and after anthesis. Thus, timing of temperature and water and the crop's ability to translocate carbohydrates to the grain postanthesis were all important in determining the e[ CO2] response. The large responses to e[ CO2] under dryland conditions have not been previously reported and underscore the need for field level research to provide mechanistic understanding for adapting crops to a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Crop exposure to salinity can be episodic. The effects on the crop are the sum of those manifest whilst stress establishes, persists and abates. This paper reports on the response of grapevines during stress abatement. It follows from Stevens et al. (2011a) which reported on the response over three consecutive seasons of Colombard vines (Vitis vinifera) on Ramsey rootstock (Vitis champinii) to irrigation with saline water (EC i 3.5dS/m) during specific growth stages, and with non-saline water (EC i 0.5dS/m) during the rest of the season. Over the next four seasons all vines were irrigated with non-saline water (EC i 0.4dS/m). The current paper characterises recovery during this period using key traits including growth, yield and concentrations of Na+ and Cl− in root and leaf lamina. By harvest in the second season following cessation of saline irrigation, the soil salinity and leaf lamina Na+ and Cl− concentrations in previously salinised vines had fallen below the levels associated with salinity-induced yield loss. Maximum yield loss of 22% averaged over the four seasons was higher than the maximum of 15% during saline irrigation. Yield losses were associated with loss of berry weight. Following cessation of saline irrigation, a reduction in bunch numbers caused an additional yield loss. A reduction in pruning weights did not emerge until after saline irrigation ceased. Salinity's sting can be in its tail. Losses of yield, bunch number and pruning weight were independent of season, whilst those in berry weights diminished over the four seasons. In the last two seasons, yield loss could not be attributed to osmotic or toxic effects of salinity. Another unidentified effect of salinity was stressing the vines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wheat production will be impacted by increasing concentration of atmospheric CO2 [CO2 ], which is expected to rise from about 400 μmol mol(-1) in 2015 to 550 μmol mol(-1) by 2050. Changes to plant physiology and crop responses from elevated [CO2 ] (e[CO2 ]) are well documented for some environments, but field-level responses in dryland Mediterranean environments with terminal drought and heat waves are scarce. The Australian Grains Free Air CO2 Enrichment facility was established to compare wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth and yield under ambient (~370 μmol(-1) in 2007) and e[CO2 ] (550 μmol(-1) ) in semi-arid environments. Experiments were undertaken at two dryland sites (Horsham and Walpeup) across three years with two cultivars, two sowing times and two irrigation treatments. Mean yield stimulation due to e[CO2 ] was 24% at Horsham and 53% at Walpeup, with some treatment responses greater than 70%, depending on environment. Under supplemental irrigation, e[CO2 ] stimulated yields at Horsham by 37% compared to 13% under rainfed conditions, showing that water limited growth and yield response to e[CO2 ]. Heat wave effects were ameliorated under e[CO2 ] as shown by reductions of 31% and 54% in screenings and 10% and 12% larger kernels (Horsham and Walpeup). Greatest yield stimulations occurred in the e[CO2 ] late sowing and heat stressed treatments, when supplied with more water. There were no clear differences in cultivar response due to e[CO2 ]. Multiple regression showed that yield response to e[CO2 ] depended on temperatures and water availability before and after anthesis. Thus, timing of temperature and water and the crop's ability to translocate carbohydrates to the grain postanthesis were all important in determining the e[CO2 ] response. The large responses to e[CO2 ] under dryland conditions have not been previously reported and underscore the need for field level research to provide mechanistic understanding for adapting crops to a changing climate., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Copper (Cu) concentrations were measured in Australian vineyard soils to assess the extent and magnitude of Cu accumulation resulting from the use of Cu-based fungicides and to indicate the likely risks to long-term soil fertility. Soil samples were collected from 98 vineyards across 10 grape-growing regions of Australia and analyzed for total Cu concentrations. Ninety-six percent of vineyards surveyed had elevated Cu concentrations in soil compared to the background Cu concentrations in nearby soil in its native state. Concentrations of total B, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn were similar to background concentrations and below reported toxicity guideline values. Cu concentrations in Australian vineyard soils were generally much lower (6-150 mg kg (-1)) than those reported in the soils of vineyards in parts of Europe (i.e., 130-1280 mg kg (-1)). Concentrations of total Cu were generally below those concentrations reported to cause lethal effects to soil invertebrates; however, Cu exceeded concentrations known to cause sublethal effects (i.e., inhibit growth, affect reproduction, induce avoidance behavior) to those (or related) invertebrates.