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Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that has multiple biochemical effects ranging from a nutritional deficiency at low levels to toxicity at high levels. Its quantification in environmental systems is vital to protect the health of people and animals. This study developed and validated methods to determine the total selenium (Se) concentration in soil, maize plants, and maize flour. The performance of the methods was ascertained using matrix certified reference materials (CRMs), namely NMIJ CRM 7303-a (trace elements in lake sediments), NIST SRM 1646-a (estuarine sediments), NIST SRM 1570-a (spinach leaves), NIST SRM 1571 (orchard leaves), NCS ZC 73010 (maize flour) and NIST RM 8437 (hard red spring wheat flour). All methods fulfilled the performance requirements of the AOAC International. An acceptable accuracy was achieved with percentage recoveries between 57 and 102% and E n ‐ scores within ±1 limits. Repeatability ( RSD r , %) and intermediate precision (RSD R , %) ranged from 4 to 12%, and 9 to 15%, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for soil were 0.024 ng. g−1 and 0.082 ng. g−1, respectively. The LODs and LOQs for maize plants and flour were 0.0036 and 0.0179 ng. g−1, respectively. The performance characteristics of the methods were comparable with previously reported methods, confirming reliability. The measurement uncertainty was evaluated following the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM). Relative expanded uncertainty at a 95% level of confidence (k = 2) was less than 24% for the final measurement results for all the different matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although accurate forecasting of the production of major cereal crops is important to make policy decisions related to their supply, demand and import/export, very little work has been done in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to develop the best performing trend models for area, production, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], and maize (Zea mays L.) in Ethiopia, and to provide forecasts for 2019 to 2023. For each crop, the best-performing model was selected among linear, quadratic, exponential growth, and S-curve trend models using five performance measures (mean absolute percent error [MAPE], mean absolute deviation [MAD], mean squared deviation [MSD], coefficient of efficiency [E], and index of agreement [d]). Quadratic trend model was the best for area of wheat and teff, production of wheat, teff, and maize, and wheat and maize yields. S-curve and Linear trend models were the best for area of maize and yield of teff, respectively. Forecasts for 2019 to 2023 using the best-performing model revealed that cultivated area for these three cereals will decrease by 3,581 ha in Ethiopia, but their combined total production will increase by 4,896,630 tons, and productivity of wheat, teff, and maize will increase by 20.3%, 13.2%, and 13.8%, respectively, which is slightly higher than the projected population growth (10.9%) during this time. Although these results indicate that Ethiopia is on track to meet the second SDG, government policymakers and other stakeholders can use these findings to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature inhibits the growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The current study attempts to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of exogenous trehalose for the improvement of maize and wheat responses to heat stress. Results show that, in maize seedlings, exogenously-supplied trehalose was able to effectively elevate the capacity of photosynthetic carbon assimilation and improve the carbohydrate content via up-regulating the transcript levels of key enzymes including phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit. Besides, it was also able to improve C4 pathway enzyme activities, including PEPC, NADP-MDH, NADP-ME and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RUBPCase). In wheat seedlings, exogenously-supplied trehalose promoted photosynthetic carbon assimilation by elevating the activity of RUBPCase. These results show that exogenous trehalose improved photosynthetic carbon assimilation capacities in maize and wheat seedlings under heat stress through different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionome is defined as the mineral element composition of an organism or tissue and is genetically and environmentally influenced. Although nutrient deficiency changes the plant ionome, the differences among different species have not been elucidated fully. In the present study, we examined the ionomic responses to nutrient deficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) to understand the differences in response to nutrient deficiency among different plant species. The plants were cultivated in fields with four fertilizer treatments: complete fertilization, without nitrogen, without phosphorus, and without potassium. Each plant species was sampled just before the flowering stage, and mineral concentrations of each organ were analyzed. The species-specific and nonspecific changes in accumulation by the treatment were observed in different elements. Under phosphorus deficiency, sunflower showed a different variation in the ionome profile than the other species, particularly in the increased accumulation of many metal elements. Increased accumulation of many elements was observed in all plant species under potassium deficiency. Under nitrogen deficiency, leaf molybdenum accumulation was increased in non-leguminous plants. An unknown role of molybdenum in the metabolic responses to the nitrogen deficiency was predicted. To carry out further research based on the results of such ionomics studies may reveal the unknown function of essential elements in metabolic responses in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research into the effects of ultrafine bubbles (UFB) on plant growth have been contradictory. To facilitate the resolution of these contradictions, the aim of the present study was to clarify the interspecific differences in growth responses among cereal/leguminous species under different levels of UFB concentrations. Seedlings of six species were grown hydroponically with three different UFB concentrations and two levels of plant nutrition to evaluate biomass and elongation growth. UFB growth promotion under zero-nutrition occurred in all species. Interspecific differences were noted in response to differing UFB concentration levels. Rice and soybean had higher above-ground biomass production at both low and high concentrations. Conversely, other crops exhibited promoted growth at only one of the concentrations. Negative effects occurred in full nutrient conditions except for root elongation. This study demonstrated that growth-promoting effects with UFB depended on the crop species being tested and the concentration of UFB used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is the most deficient nutrient in agricultural soils after nitrogen. Additionally, exogenously applied P quickly transforms into less soluble compounds through various chemo-sorption reactions resulting in poor fertilizer use efficiency (15–25%). Therefore, this pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of foliar P (0, 45, 90 and 135 mM KH2PO4) in conjunction with soil applied P (0, 10 and 20 mg P kg−1) for enhanced growth and P use efficiency of maize and wheat in calcareous soils. There was a linear increase in plant height and biomass both with the increasing application of soil and foliar P in both wheat and maize crop. However, the effect of foliar P was more pronounced in P deficient condition compared to 10 or 20 mg P kg−1. Soil applied P at 10 and 20 mg P kg−1 increased plant dry biomass by 10.8 and 16.8% in maize and by 29.9 and 35.5% in wheat over control, respectively. Foliar P application didn't improve soil phosphorus. The interaction between soil and foliar P was significant (p ≤.05) showing that increase of either foliar or soil P application, tissue P content of both maize and wheat increased. In both season the higher foliar P solution resulted in higher P uptake though the increase in wheat were lower than maize. Therefore, the low recovery of soil P associated with poor soil characteristics could be corrected through its foliar application if administered at proper growth stage with suitable concentration strength and appropriate source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic bacteria are those that colonise the internal tissues of plant without negative impact on plant health. This work aims to isolate the endophytic bacteria colonising Triticum vulgare and Phragmites australis and evaluate their compatibility as biostimulants to maize. Three of the six obtained isolates were selected upon their surpassing ability to stimulate the growth of maize seedlings (maximum of 18% increase in germination and 2.4-fold increase in the number of lateral roots). These isolates were molecularly identified as Klebsiella MK2R2, Bacillus B2L2 and Enterobacter E1S2. The response of maize seedlings to the combined effect of these isolates revealed that Bacillus B2L2, containing treatments, surpassed the other treatments in growth vigour parameters and upon this result these treatments were applied in a field experiment either alone or in combination with 100% N fertilisation. Maize plants, inoculated with Klebsiella MK2R2 and Bacillus B2L2 either alone or in combination with Enterobacter E1S2 in the presence of urea, surpassed significantly other treatments as the weight of ear increased almost two times and the number of grains increased 1.8 times compared to the control values. It could be concluded that the obtained strains are compatible biostimulants to maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term agricultural research with annual and perennial cropping systems provides significant insight into the carbon sequestration potential of agriculture in the East Mediterranean region of Anatolia. This study explored the effect of different application rates of phosphorus (P) fertilizer on the storage and quality of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil CO2 flux to assess the relationship between SOC and P application. The study was based on the hypothesis that long-term P fertilization can affect carbon sequestration in soil and impact soil CO2 flux. The objectives of the present study were to: (i) analyze the effect of long-term inorganic chemical P fertilization on SOC content and (ii) estimate the effect of long-term P fertilization on CO2 flux. Under crop rotation, corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (CW system) were exposed to four fertilizer doses (0, 50, 100, and 200 kg ha−1), which were repeated annually over 20 years. During plant growth, bare soil and treated soil CO2 fluxes were determined several times. The results demonstrated that P fertilizer did not have a direct impact on the SOC of the summer-maize growing season and had a positive impact on SOC during the winter-wheat growing season. P fertilization levels have positive impact on atmospheric CO2 capture and increased SOC content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of cereal types (maize or wheat) and feed forms (pelleted or mash feed) on production performance, egg quality and egg sanitary indices in laying hens. 2. Three hundred and sixty hens (Jinghong No. 1) at 18 weeks of age were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates of 15 hens per replicate according to a 2 × 2 factorial design with two cereal types (maize or wheat) and two feed forms (pelleted or mash feed). 3. Compared with the wheat-based diet, the maize-based diet improved (P < 0.05) average egg weight of laying hens. Yolk colour of hens fed with the maize-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to those fed the wheat-based diet, while Haugh units were lower (P < 0.05) for the maize-based treatment. Egg mass and average daily feed intake of hens fed the pelleted diet were higher (P < 0.05) than of those fed the mash diet. However, the mash diet improved (P < 0.05) yolk colour compared with the pelleted diet. The percentage of dirty eggs for the wheat-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for the maize-based diet. The percentage of dirty eggs was higher (P < 0.05) in birds fed the pelleted diet compared with those fed the mash diet. There were interactions (P < 0.05) between cereal type and feed form, with regard to average egg weight and shell thickness. 4. In conclusion, dietary cereal type affected average egg weight, yolk colour and Haugh units in eggs, while feed form influenced egg mass, average daily feed intake and yolk colour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congregated information on maize and wheat root morphology and their distribution as influenced by tillage and soil physical conditions is meager. Root growth under no-tillage (NT) or conventional tillage (CT) is variable: Under NT, higher bulk density slows root elongation and provides shorter roots but simulate root branching; results may be opposite depending on soil texture. Under CT, soil compaction may have negative effects on root growth, with roots exhibiting plasticity. In humid climates, low soil temperatures can reduce root length density (RLD) and increase the diameter of spring cereals under NT. Tillage intensity induces a different distribution of nutrients, a trend which increases with time resulting in higher RLD in the topmost layer of NT. Compared to maize it is difficult to present an overview of the effect on tillage on the RLD of wheat due to inconclusive results. Adequate placements of banded starter fertilizer will effectively build up an early root system of maize, especially at suboptimal growth temperatures. Many studies reported a higher or similar grain yield of maize or wheat under NT compared to CT in temperate climates. However, the limited information or the conflicting results will promote the topic for inclusion in future breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The requirements of cereal research, as well as grading and evaluation of food products, have encouraged the development of nondestructive, rapid, and accurate analytical techniques to evaluate grain quality and safety. NIR hyperspectral imaging integrates spectroscopy and imaging techniques in one analytical system, allowing direct identification of chemical components and their distribution within the sample. It is a promising technique that may be implemented on-line, enabling the cereal industry to move away from subjective, manual classification and measuring methods. NIR hyperspectral imaging has gained popularity for rapidly acquiring information to enable the quantification, identification or differentiation of a variety of cereal properties. The technique can potentially replace multiple conventional chemical, microbial or physical tests with a single, automated image acquisition. Individual kernels can be analyzed nondestructively, enabling one to follow changes in the same kernel over time (e.g. fungal development). Although NIR hyperspectral imaging has not been extensively implemented in industry, it shows great potential for the development of an evaluation system to assess cereal grains, especially regarding variety discrimination and grading/classification properties. This review outlines the theory and principles of NIR hyperspectral imaging, and focuses specifically on its application in cereal science research and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The objective of this study was to determine the coefficient of pre-caecal digestion of P in maize (3.9 g/kg of total P, 0.83 g/kg of phytate P, 138 FTU [phytase units]/kg) and wheat (3.17 g/kg of total P, 1.94 g/kg of phytate P, 666 FTU/kg) in broilers according to the WPSA protocol. 2. For the diets, monosodium phosphate was used as an additional P supplement. Two sets of diets containing 200, 460 and 740 g/kg of wheat or 200, 500 and 740 g/kg of maize were formulated. A total of 288 21-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to 24 cages (8 birds per cage) and the 6 test diets were assigned to cages. The coefficient of pre-caecal digestion of P was determined by the indicator method and linear regression. 3. In both ingredients, pre-caecal digestible P increased linearly with increasing inclusion levels of maize or wheat (P < 0.05). The coefficients of digestion of pre-caecal P were estimated to be 0.18 for wheat and 0.33 for maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to assess the effect of environmental, management, and stress factors on nitrogen uptake patterns through the crops’ growth cycle and to associate temporal patterns of N uptake with biomass and grain yields. Existing complete experimental data, provided by several institutional databases and through an extensive literature review, were utilized together with crop simulation models (CSMs) to synthesize yield and N uptake profiles of the key staple cereal crops in selected agro-ecologies. Approximately 465 observations were identified for combined maize grain yield and plant N uptake: 156 for rice and 254 for wheat. The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), which comprises CSMs and data that integrate capabilities on soils, daily weather, crops, and management, was used in combination with field information to first validate the CERES-maize, -rice, and -wheat models. The most noteworthy results from synthesis of the data set for the three key cereals were as follows: (a) N uptake continued to increase with time until physiological maturity with adequate N supply; (b) significant effect of soil N status on N uptake kinetics was observed at zero N; (c) N uptake profile was also influenced by the planting date, with the summer planting showing higher uptake than other planting dates; (d) field methods of N application influenced N uptake kinetics: a one-time injected or subsurface-applied urea continued to provide an adequate amount of N throughout the crop growth phase that was comparable or even higher than with broadcasting multiple splits; (e) N uptake was also dependent on crop cultivars, including stages of vegetative and reproductive phases, with shorter vegetative and longer reproductive phases showing continuous N uptake and lesser dependence on N remobilization; and (f) predictions suggested that modest changes in ambient temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations would not significantly alter the N uptake kinetics, with the uptake rate expected to increase under future climate change scenarios. The combined data suggest that no one N uptake kinetic pattern fits all crops under all environments and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Field experiments were conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to check the effect of polymer-coated diammonium phosphate (DAP) on maize–wheat cropping system. Different rates of polymer-coated and uncoated phosphorus (P) were applied first to maize then followed by wheat after harvesting of maize on same field. Results showed that application of 100% of recommended P from polymer-coated DAP increased plant height (10%), chlorophyll content (4%), biological yield (17%), grain yield (36%), agronomic efficiency (43%), and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents of maize produces, while in case of wheat 75% recommended P from polymer-coated DAP increased plant height (6%), chlorophyll content (18%), biological yield (20%), grain yield (14%), agronomic efficiency (72%), and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents of grains and straw as compared with uncoated DAP. So, it can be summarized that polymer-coated DAP can effectively improve growth, yield, and phosphorus-use efficiency of maize and wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and ochra toxin A (OTA) was studied in 65 samples of stored and freshly harvested wheat, barley and maize collected in Tunisia. The mycotoxins were simultaneously extracted and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Determination of AF-producing (sectionFlavi)and OTA-producingAspergillusspecies (sectionsNigriandCircumdati) was conducted in these samples by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that most of maize samples were contaminated with AFs, data after storage showing lower values than those collected at harvest. All contaminated maize samples contained AFG1 and AFG2, among which 27.78% also had AFB1 and AFB2. This AFs pattern was consistent with theA. parasiticustoxin profile.A. flavushowever showed the highest frequency in maize but was also found in barley and wheat where no AFs were detected. In contrast, OTA was neither found in maize nor in barley and only one wheat sample contained OTA.A. nigerwas the only OTA-producing species detected. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains were isolated from organically managed soil and tested for their ability to solubilize rock phosphate (RP), ferric phosphate and aluminium phosphate. These strains were identified asAspergillus tubingensisandAspergillus nigerbased on internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis. A field study was conducted in two different seasons in organically managed soil to test the efficacy of two strains,A. tubingensis(PSF-4) andA. niger(PSF-7) on the yield and soil fertility. RP was amended at the rate of 59 kg P2O5 ha−1to study the effect of RP on soil fertility. The maize was grown in rainy season (July–October 2011) and wheat in winter season (November 2011–April 2012). Plant heights, shoot and root dry biomass and phosphorous (P) uptake in roots, shoots and grains were significantly increased due to inoculation in both crops. The yield of maize and wheat were significantly increased when inoculated along with RP fertilization. Organic carbon, P levels and soil enzyme activities were significantly increased due to inoculation. Results of present study suggested thatA. tubingensisandA. nigerimproved the crop yield and soil fertility of organic farm when inoculated with RP fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophagous mites (Acari) are agricultural pests that cause productivity and economic losses. Mite infestation is stressful for plants, hindering the development and harming photosynthetic structures and storage organs. In order to combat such damage, plants utilize molecular and physiological modifications, as well as the production of mite-inhibitory compounds. In this review, we focus on the main phytophagous mites that infest the most commercially important cereals – rice (Oryza sativaL.), corn (Zea maysL.) and wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) – summarizing the responses of the plants – physiological and molecular alterations – to mite infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delphacodes kuscheli, a phloem sap-sucking planthopper and the main vector of the Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV) of maize in Argentina, was used to analyze phenotypic plasticity in behavior and demographic traits in response to different food quality, without masking the effects of density dependence and within-plant heterogeneity. We evaluated selectivity of nymphs and adults for different sites of wheat plants and, on sites suspected to have different food quality because of the presence/absence of meristems and therefore different nitrogen content, we evaluated pre-imaginal survival, nymphal developmental time, proportion of macropterous morphs, adult longevity and feeding rate.Delphacodes kuschelishowed a positive selection for plant zones suspected to have higher food quality and on them insects developed faster, exhibited higher nymphal survival and adult longevity and produced a lower proportion of macropterous morphs. Also on sites suspected to have lower food quality the number of honeydew droplets excreted per day increased and the mean diameter diminished, suggesting that the planthopper could probe more frequently to compensate for different food quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 2-year field experiment was conducted to assess system productivity, nutrient use efficiency and apparent balances of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in diversified rice-based cropping systems at Gazipur, Bangladesh. Four cropping systems: wheat–fallow–rice, maize–fallow–rice, potato–fallow–rice and mustard–fallow–rice in main plots and four nutrient combinations: NPK, NK, NP and PK in sub-plots were arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Receiving the NPK treatment, all the component crops gave the highest yield, and omission of N from fertilizer package gave the lowest yield. The maize–rice system removed the highest amount of N (217 kg ha−1), P (41 kg ha−1) and K (227 kg ha−1) followed by wheat–rice, potato–rice and the least in mustard–rice system. The wheat–rice and maize–rice system showed negative K balance of –35.5 and –60.4 kg ha−1in NPK treatment, while potato–rice system showed a positive K balance of 31.0 kg ha–1with NPK treatment. The N, P and K uptake and apparent recovery by the test crops may be used for site-specific nutrient management. The K rates for fertilizer recommendation in wheat and maize in Indo-Gangetic plain need to be revised to take account for the negative K balance in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Thailand, boron (B) deficiency in soil is found in the north region where wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), maize (Zea maysL.) and rice (Oryza sativaL.) are promoted cereals. Physiological analysis and genetic variation in B efficiency among plant genotypes have been reported; however, the molecular and genetic mechanisms of low B tolerance remain unclear. In this present study, we investigated the molecular basis of low B tolerance in wheat, maize and rice. Transcript levels ofBOR1-like genes, efflux-type B transporters, were compared between B-efficient and B-inefficient genotypes in different organs using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results revealed that the transcript levels ofBOR1-like genes are differential between two different genotypes. We found the tendency that transcripts ofBOR1-like gene are accumulated to higher levels in B deficiency tolerant cultivar than the sensitive ones in most tested tissues. It is possible that the expression levels ofBOR1-like genes are correlated with the B deficiency tolerance in plants. Moreover,BOR1-like genes can be useful as gene expression biomarkers for crop breeding in wheat, maize and rice by selecting appropriate tissues and growth stages. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Comparative performance of five geographical isolates ofGlomus mosseaescreened from maize fields, soybean fields, vegetable fields, tea orchard, and citrus orchard was assessed in three major field crops (wheat, maize, and soybean) under low-input management in three glass-house pot experiments in a phosphorus (P)–deficient acid Alfisol. These geographical isolates ofGlomus mosseaevaried with respect to vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) spore count and root colonization in these crops with greatest spore count (240 per 250 g soil) and root colonization (28–34%) using previously screened localGlomus mosseaeculture (VAML) of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India, followed in order by VAM isolate from vegetable-based cropping system,Glomus mosseaeisolate from soybean fields, andGlomus mosseaeisolate from tea farm.Glomus mosseaeisolate from vegetable-based cropping system remaining at par with local VAM culture (VAML), resulting in significantly greatest grain productivity in these field crops under low-input management. There was a considerable reduction in soil fertility with respect to NPK status over the control and initial status in pot soils inoculated withGlomus mosseaeisolate from vegetable-based cropping system followed by local VAM strain (VAML), thereby indicating greater nutrient mobilization and productivity as well through this efficientGlomus mosseaestrain in P-deficient acid Alfisol. In addition,Glomus mosseaeisolates from different farming situations resulted in differential productivity and soil fertility under these field crops. Overall,Glomus mosseaeisolate from vegetable-based cropping system proved its superiority in realizing greater productivity and nutrient mobilization compared to localGlomus mosseaeVAM culture under low-input management in P-deficient acid Alfisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article, adsorption experiments of phosphate ions from their aqueous solutions were conducted with the use of five different materials (zeolite, bentonite, goethite, and systems I and II). The adsorption of phosphate ions were examined after mixing 2 g of each of these materials with 10 different phosphate concentrations (1.6, 3.2, 4.8, 6.5, 32.3, 193.5, 322.6, 483.9, 645.2, and 871.0 μmol L−1). The experimental equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin equations. Results indicate the following order to fit the isotherms equations: Freundlich > Temkin > Langmuir. Moreover, the five materials were used as soil amendments to soils that were cultivated with wheat, maize, and cotton. Forty days after germination, the plants were collected, the morphological characteristics were identified, and the available phosphorus in soil and the total phosphorus in plants were determined. Comparing the experimental results, goethite and system I present the best impact in the root length, leaf area index, and dry weight of each plant. The adsorbed amount of phosphorus per g of dry weight of plants increases as follows: bentonite < system I < zeolite < system II < goethite (for wheat), goethite < system II < zeolite < bentonite < system I (for cotton), and system I < system II < bentonite < zeolite < goethite (for maize). Maize can be cultivated to soils contaminated with phosphorus with the simultaneous use of system I or II as soil amendments. Wheat can be used as phytoaccumulator crop for the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automated method involving on-line clean-up and analytical separation in a single run using TurboFlow™ reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer has been developed for the simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol, T2 toxin, HT2 toxin, zearalenone and fumonisins B1 and B2 in maize, wheat and animal feed. Detection was performed in full scan mode at a resolution of R = 100,000 full width at half maximum with high energy collision cell dissociation for the determination of fragment ions with a mass accuracy below 5 ppm. The extract from homogenised samples, after blending with a 0.1% aqueous mixture of 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile (43:57) for 45 min, was injected directly onto the TurboFlow™ (TLX) column for automated on-line clean-up followed by analytical separation and accurate mass detection. The TurboFlow™ column enabled specific binding of target mycotoxins, whereas higher molecular weight compounds, like fats, proteins and other interferences with different chemical properties, were removed to waste. Single laboratory method validation was performed by spiking blank materials with mycotoxin standards. The recovery and repeatability was determined by spiking at three concentration levels (50, 100 and 200% of legislative limits) with six replicates. Average recovery, relative standard deviation and intermediate precision values were 71 to 120%, 1 to 19% and 4 to 19%, respectively. The method accuracy was confirmed with certified reference materials and participation in proficiency testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of three vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) cultures with or without inorganic phosphorus (P) was studied in a maize–wheat–maize crop sequence in a P-deficient acidic Alfisol. Application of these three VAM cultures (Glomus mosseae, developed by CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur; Glomus intraradices, developed by the Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi; and Glomus mosseae, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi) alone or with 25% to 75% of recommended P2O5 dose based on soil-test crop response (STCR) precision model along with 100% of recommended nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) caused significantly greater grain and straw yield, NPK uptake, and soil nutrient buildup over the control and also increased crop yield and NPK uptake consistently and significantly with increases in applied P from 25% to 75% P2O5 dose. Results implied that application of either of the three VAM cultures with 75% P2O5 dose can economize the yield-targeted fertilizer P dose to the extent of about one fourth of the P requirement in maize–wheat–maize crop sequence without impairing yield targets and soil fertility in a P-deficient acidic alfisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Penman–Monteith (PM) equation was introduced as one of the most reliable equations to determine crop ETc, without using crop coefficient or ETo values. In this study, the PM equation was evaluated using lysimeters in a semi-arid region for wheat and maize. Different equations for aerodynamic resistance (r a) and canopy resistance (r c) were tested in the PM equation and they were ranked using statistical analysis. It was shown that the combined method of r a and r c in FAO-56 does not lead to a good prediction of ETc for wheat and maize in comparison with the lysimeter-measured data. The results indicated that a modified equation for r c was the most accurate method for both wheat and maize. Using this equation, the suggested model of FAO-56 and another investigation for r a led to the best results for wheat and maize, respectively. Furthermore, it was shown that the previously modified equation for r c was newly modified as a function of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and the results were as accurate as before. Therefore, an equation as a function of VPD can be used when solar radiation (R n) is not available easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenological development of cereal crops from emergence through flowering to maturity is largely controlled by temperature, but also affected by day length and potential physiological stresses. Responses may vary between species and varieties. Climate change will affect the timing of cereal crop development, but exact changes will also depend on changes in varieties as affected by plant breeding and variety choices. This study aimed to assess changes in timing of major phenological stages of cereal crops in Northern and Central Europe under climate change. Records on dates of sowing, flowering, and maturity of wheat, oats and maize were collected from field experiments conducted during the period 1985–2009. Data for spring wheat and spring oats covered latitudes from 46 to 64°N, winter wheat from 46 to 61°N, and maize from 47 to 58°N. The number of observations (site–year–variety combinations) varied with phenological phase, but exceeded 2190, 227, 2076 and 1506 for winter wheat, spring wheat, spring oats and maize, respectively. The data were used to fit simple crop development models, assuming that the duration of the period until flowering depends on temperature and day length for wheat and oats, and on temperature for maize, and that the duration of the period from flowering to maturity in all species depends on temperature only. Species-specific base temperatures were used. Sowing date of spring cereals was estimated using a threshold temperature for the mean air temperature during 10 days prior to sowing. The mean estimated temperature thresholds for sowing were 6.1, 7.1 and 10.1°C for oats, wheat and maize, respectively. For spring oats and wheat the temperature threshold increased with latitude. The effective temperature sums required for both flowering and maturity increased with increasing mean annual temperature of the location, indicating that varieties are well adapted to given conditions. The responses of wheat and oats were largest for the period from flowering to maturity. Changes in timing of cereal phenology by 2040 were assessed for two climate model projections according to the observed dependencies on temperature and day length. The results showed advancements of sowing date of spring cereals by 1–3 weeks depending on climate model and region within Europe. The changes were largest in Northern Europe. Timing of flowering and maturity were projected to advance by 1–3 weeks. The changes were largest for grain maize and smallest for winter wheat, and they were generally largest in the western and northern part of the domain. There were considerable differences in predicted timing of sowing, flowering and maturity between the two climate model projections applied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In a long-term fertilizer experiment at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, with maize, wheat, and cowpea, various forms of potassium (K) and their contribution toward K uptake were found to be affected by fertilizer use and intensive cropping. The treatments included for the study were a control, 100% nitrogen (N), 100% N–phosphorus (P), 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM at 15 t ha−1 to maize only), and 150% NPK. The concentration of nonexchangeable K was greatest, followed by exchangeable K and water-soluble K. The study revealed no significant change in water-soluble K concentration in surface soil compared to N, NP, and control, indicating existence of an equilibrium between different K forms. Application of 100% NPK significantly increased water-soluble K concentration in surface soil compared to N, NP, and control treatments after maize, wheat, and cowpea. Application of NPK + FYM and 150% NPK resulted in greater quantities of all the K forms as compared to other treatments. Among the three forms, water-soluble K contributed predominantly to K uptake by maize and wheat; however, nonexchangeable K contributed significantly to K uptake by cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Overused soil resources and the build-up of organic residues from industrial processes have resulted in increased risk of environmental contamination. Recycling of organic residues from industry by incorporation into agricultural soil, can provide valuable organic amendment as well as supply nutrients to crops. The effect of applying organic amendments to an agricultural sandy soil on the nitrogen nutrition of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and residual effects on the growth of a following maize crop (Zea mays, L.), were assessed under semi-controlled environmental conditions and were compared to nitrogen mineralization prediction obtained from an aerobic incubation. Six different organic residues (composted municipal solid waste, secondary pulp-mill sludge, hornmeal, poultry manure, the solid phase from pig slurry and composted pig manure) were added to a Cambic arenosol, incubated or used in pot experiments, to evaluate and try to predict the availability to crop plants of nitrogen released from these materials. Poultry manure was the most effective amendment in making nitrogen available and enhancing nitrogen uptake by wheat plants resulting in greater dry matter yield. The dried solid phase from pig slurry and hornmeal were also beneficial to wheat growth. There was a greater recovery of nitrogen (N), from organic materials studied, by a maize crop. Poultry manure was the residue that provided a greater residual effect on N supply to maize. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mulching is highly beneficial for resource conservation under rainfed conditions, but non-availability of organic biomass and easy availability of fertilizers and herbicides has led to a gradual discontinuation of this practice. Various vegetative materials, including some troublesome weedy perennials, are available locally, which can be recycled for enhanced soil moisture and nutrient conservation. A field experiment was conducted at Dehradun, India, from 2001-2004 to study the effect of mulching with kudzu (Peuraria hirsuta), wild sage (Lantana camara), and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) applied at 30 and 60 days of growth of maize (Zea mays), maize harvest, and sowing of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Application of 10 t/ha (fresh biomass) added 1.6-2.3 t dry matter through Peuraria, 2.5-3.2 t through Lantana, and 2.9-3.9 t/ha through Leuceana, which contributed 47.7-60.9 kg N, 58.4-70.9 kg N, and 118.4-148.4 kg N/ha, respectively. All mulching materials were beneficial and improved productivity of maize significantly by 16.6-20.6% over no mulching. Wheat yield also increased because of mulching in previous maize (+11.2%), and the beneficial effect was relatively greater (12.4-25.1%) when mulching was done at maize harvest or wheat sowing. Mulching showed improvement in organic C and total N status, and a decrease in bulk density associated with an increase in infiltration rate across three cropping cycles. Wheat gave three to five times more net profit than maize, and the net benefit-cost ratio of the system was the highest (1.34-1.35) when mulching was done at 60 days of maize growth with Peuraria and Leucaena. It was concluded that mulching with available vegetative materials in standing crop of maize or after harvest was beneficial for improving moisture conservation, productivity, and profitability of a maize-wheat cropping system under Doon valley conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping two species at different growth stages is common in temperate and tropical areas. An apparent recovery of growth is observed in late-maturing species after early-maturing species have been harvested, but the mechanism remained unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the roots of late-maturing species occupy greater below-ground space at later growth stages. The monolith method was employed to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of maize grown alone (no interspecific interactions), maize intercropped with wheat (asymmetric interspecific facilitation before wheat harvesting), and maize intercropped with faba bean (symmetric interspecific facilitation) on August 8, September 2 and September 30, after harvesting of wheat (July 15) or faba bean (August 2). The results show that maize intercropped with wheat occupied more below-ground space at late growth stages than at early growth stages when the two crops grew at the same time, thus supporting our hypothesis. Furthermore, we also found that interspecific interactions during the co-growth stage of the two species led to a longer root life span in both maize intercropped with wheat and faba bean compared to the maize grown alone. The findings may partly explain the recovery of late-maturing species found in intercropping systems between two crop species with different growth stages and the complementary effect on the relationship between plant biodiversity and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Agricultural productivity is increasingly becoming dependent upon soil fertility, which is generally thought to be supplemented through the application of nutrients mainly through inorganic fertilizers. The present study aims to characterize the soil physical environment in relation to long-term application of farmyard manure (FYM) and inorganic fertilizers in a maize-wheat cropping system. The treatments in both the maize and wheat systems included a control (without any fertilizer or FYM), FYM (farmyard manure at 20 t ha-1), N100 (nitrogen at 100 kg ha-1), N100P50 (nitrogen and phosphorus at 100 and 50 kg ha-1), and N100P50K50 (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash at 100, 50, and 50 kg ha-1). The treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design in sandy loam soil. The root mass density in surface layers of both the crops was lower in FYM and higher in inorganic fertilizer plots. The root length density was found to be highest in FYM-treated plots and lowest in control plots. The periodic soil matric suction during wheat following maize remained highest in FYM plots followed by that in N100 plots in all the layers. The soil water storage of wheat at harvest (rice-wheat) was highest (21.1 cm) in control and lowest (17.8 cm) in FYM-treated plots. The soil water status, root growth, and crop performance improved with balanced fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydroponics study was carried out to evaluate the effect of three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) namely, Bacillus mucilaginosus, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Rhizobium spp. on their ability to mobilize potassium from waste mica using maize and wheat as the test crops under a phytotron growth chamber. Results revealed that PGPR significantly improved the assimilation of potassium by both maize and wheat, where waste mica was the sole source of potassium. This was translated into higher biomass accumulation, potassium content and uptake by plants as well as chlorophyll and crude protein content in plant tissue. Among the rhizobacteria, Bacillus mucilaginosus resulted in significantly higher mobilization of potassium than Azotobacter chroococcum and Rhizobium inoculation. Overall, inoculation of maize and wheat plants with these bacteria could be used to mobilize potassium from waste mica, which in turn could be used as a source of potassium for plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the N and P uptake and yield performances of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) upon intercropping with 1- to 2-year-old poplar (Populus × euramericana cl. “74/76”) trees compared to a sole wheat and maize rotation in fertilized and unfertilized subplots. Aboveground biomass, grain yield, yield components, and N and P contents of wheat and maize were measured in each plot, in addition to soil available N and P. No significant differences in biomass, grain yield, and N and P uptake of wheat were found between the intercropping and sole-crop systems within the same fertilization treatment. Maize biomass and grain yield decreased by 37% and 31%, and 28% and 34% for the fertilized and unfertilized treatment at maize maturity in the same order. The N and P contents in maize intercropped with poplar were found to be significantly lower than in the sole-maize. For the fertilized treatment, intercropping with poplar led to significantly lower soil NO3-N and Olsen-P in the 0-20-cm layer during the active wheat growth period and a significant increase in soil NO3-N and Olsen-P during the active maize growth period due to less N and P uptake by maize. The poplar induced a decrease in soil NO3-N and Olsen-P during both wheat and maize season under unfertilized conditions, thereby influencing the yield and nutrient uptake of intercrops. Therefore, enough available nutrients had to be provided for the agroforestry systems, especially during the active growth period of intercrops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook laboratory bioassays to evaluate the insecticidal effect of spinosad dust against two major stored-grain beetle species, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.), in wheat, barley and maize. Spinosad was applied at four dose rates: 20, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm of the formulation, corresponding to 0.025, 0.125, 0.625 and 1.25 ppm of active ingredient, respectively. Adult mortality was measured after 7 and 14 days of exposure in the treated substrate, while progeny production was assessed after the removal of the parental adults. For R. dominica, adult mortality was high and reached 100% at doses ≥0.125 ppm of a.i. after 14 days of exposure. In contrast, mortality of S. oryzae adults was >95% after 14 days of exposure only at 1.25 ppm of a.i. With the same exposure interval, no significant differences were noted in R. dominica mortality levels among the three grains tested, while mortality of S. oryzae was significantly higher on wheat than on barley and maize. More adult progeny were recorded for S. oryzae than for R. dominica. A simple and reliable method using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method (LC/MS) was developed for the precise and selective quantitative determination of spinosyns residues in wheat, barley and maize grains. Spinosad dissipation on different commodities such as maize, barley and wheat differed significantly. Accelerated degradation of spinosad was observed in maize grains 14 days after application; the concentration of spinosad was slightly decreased in barley, but in the case of wheat a negligible degradation of spinosad was observed. These findings suggest that the reduced mortality of S. oryzae in maize is probably due to the high degree of pesticide degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of maize grain, Zea mays L., with aflatoxin, a toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, reduces its value and marketability. Growing hybrids with resistance is generally considered a highly desirable way to reduce A. flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation. Identifying maize germplasm with resistance is critical to the development and production of such hybrids. USDA-ARS scientists at Mississippi State, Mississippi; Tifton, Georgia; and Raleigh, North Carolina; have engaged in a multilocation approach to germplasm screening. A major component of this has been the evaluation of accessions obtained from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project at both Mississippi State and Tifton. Selections from GEM accessions 250_01_XL370A_S11_F2S4_9214_Blk21/00-# and 2250_02_XL370A_S11_F2S4_3363_Blk03/00-# exhibited the highest levels of resistance both as lines per se and in testcrosses. Lines developed at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and North Carolina State University also exhibited reduced levels of aflatoxin contamination. CML348, NC388, NC400, NC408, and NC458 were among those with low levels of aflatoxin contamination. The lines that displayed low levels of contamination should be useful in maize breeding programs for developing parental inbred lines and aflatoxin-resistant maize hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of mycotoxins in 140 maize silages, 120 grass silages and 30 wheat silages produced in the Netherlands between 2002 and 2004 was determined using a liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/MS) multi-method. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was detected above the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 250 μg kg-1 in 72% of maize and 10% of wheat silages. Average DON concentrations were 854 and 621 μg kg-1, respectively, and maximum concentrations 3142 and 1165 μg kg-1, respectively. Zearalenone was detected above the LOQ of 25 μg kg-1 in 49% of maize and 6% of grass silages. Average zearalenone concentrations were 174 and 93 μg kg-1, respectively, and maximum concentrations 943 and 308 μg kg-1, respectively. The incidences and average concentrations of DON and zearalenone in maize silage were highest in 2004. The incidence of other mycotoxins was low: fumonisin B1 and 15-acetyl-DON were detected in 1.4 and 5% of maize silages, respectively, and roquefortin C in 0.8% of grass silages. None of the silages contained aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, T2-toxin, HT2-toxin, sterigmatocystin, diacetoxyscirpenol, fusarenon-X, ergotamine, penicillinic acid, or mycophenolic acid. This study demonstrates that maize silage is an important source of DON and zearalenone in the diet of dairy cattle. Since the carryover of these mycotoxins into milk is negligible, their occurrence in feed is not considered to be of significant concern with respect to the safety of dairy products for consumers. Potential implications for animal health are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-third of all the cultivated land area is used for multiple cropping and half of the total grain yield is produced with multiple cropping in China. There have been numerous studies on nutrient acquisition by crops in legume/non-legume intercropping systems, but few on nutrient uptake in cereal/cereal intercropping. This paper describes a field experiment in which integrated wheat/maize and maize/faba bean systems were compared with sole wheat and sole faba bean cropping to assess the effects of intercropping on nutrient uptake by wheat, maize, and faba bean under various application rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) fertilizers. Results show that both N and P fertilizers and intercropping enhanced N uptake by wheat, while only P fertilizer and intercropping increased P acquisition by wheat. The advantage of N uptake by border rows of wheat intercropped with maize declined with increasing N fertilizer application rate, but that of P acquisition was not affected by P fertilizer. The amounts of both N and P taken up by maize intercropped with faba bean were much higher than those by maize intercropped with wheat throughout the period of intercropping. Both fertilization and intercropping did not influence the N and P uptake by faba bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degrading enzymes as feed additives has consolidated around their application to barley- and wheat-based diets for broiler chicks. Only with this application has a good understanding of their mode of action been developed and reasons for their effectiveness established. Most of the effect of NSP degrading enzymes can be ascribed to reversing the increase in digesta viscosity caused by polysaccharides leached from grain cell walls. Because digesta viscosity is greatest in the youngest birds and decreases with age, the value of supplementary enzymes for older birds is limited to secondary and less well defined effects. These include the release of nutrients otherwise entrapped in the cellular matrix of the feed. Maize alone amongst the commonly used cereals does not appear to release soluble NSPs in amounts sufficient to produce a detectable depression in performance. However, maize is not a homogeneous commodity and for some samples this may not be the case. Use of NSP degrading enzymes with legume seeds can improve nitrogen retention but effects are generally small. The structures of the soyabean NSPs, particularly the pectic polysaccharides, appear unique and existing commercial formulations are not recognised to contain enzymes capable of their degradation. With the present knowledge of soyabean polysaccharide structure, more informed formulation of enzyme products for use with soyabean should enable better responses to be achieved. When coupled with the lesser response from maize, this could allow the effective use of enzyme additives with maize-soyabean diets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]