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This field experiment aimed to study the positive effect of some herbicides (Atlantis, Tonic + 2.4 D, Granstar + Tonic, and control, on weed plants to improve the growth and yield of three wheat varieties (Hasad, Wafia, and Rezan) under the rain-fed condition of both locations. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, arranged according to a split plot with three replicates. At the Grdjan location, herbicide treatment caused a significant reduction in the number of weeds at sampling (100 DAS) compared with the control treatment by 87.98%. While, at the Qaladze location, the reduction values in the number of weeds by herbicides at sampling (120 DAS) was 60.77%. At the Grdjan location, herbicide treatment significantly decreased flag leaf area as compared with the control treatment. However, at the Qaladze location herbicides significantly increased, plant height and a number of grains spike-1, whereas significantly reduced the flag leaf area biological yield and wheat grain yield, compared with the control treatment. At the Grdjan and Qaladze locations, the Rezan variety surpassed the Hasad and Wafia varieties in plant height, spike length, number of grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight, wheat grain yield and biological yield. The interaction among Granstar + Tonic application with the Rezan variety increased plant height and wheat grain yield at the Qaladze location. The interaction among Tonic + 2.4 D treatment with Rezan increased the number of grains spike-1 1000-grain weight and harvest index.

Garlic cultivation holds significant importance in Brazil. However, research on garlic crops is currently limited and outdated, highlighting the necessity for new studies, particularly focused on enhancing weed management and optimizing the use of agricultural inputs. This study aimed to assess the extent of yield losses attributed to weed interference and the specific periods during which weed interference impacts garlic crop yields in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The experiments were conducted in Curitibanos, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, during 2019 and 2020, using the garlic cultivars Chonan and Ito, respectively. A randomized block experimental design was employed, consisting of 16 treatment groups with four replications. The design incorporated a 2×8 factorial arrangement, involving two weed management strategies (coexistence and control) and eight crop-weed coexistence periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 130 days after crop emergence – DAE). The study evaluated the weed community and recorded data on the number of bulbs, bulb diameter, as well as total and commercial bulb yields of garlic crops. The results indicated average losses of 24.3% in total bulb yield and 28.9% in commercial bulb yield. Critical periods for effective weed control were identified as 6 to 126 DAE in 2019, 5 to 126 DAE in 2020 for total yield, 3 to 126 DAE in 2019, and 5 to 126 DAE in 2020 for commercial bulb yield. Consequently, it is imperative to maintain garlic crops weed-free throughout most of their growth cycle.

A field experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University farm, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, during the Boro season, 2017 with six different K fertilizer rates: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg ha-1 to determine the optimum rate of potassium (K) fertilization for the improved yield of a specific rice variety in the irrigated ecosystem under floodplain area. Compared with no K fertilizer, adding K increased the rice grain and straw yields significantly, with all other yield contributing components, except 1000-grain weight. The highest yield of grain (7.07 ton ha-1) and straw (8.48 ton ha-1) were recorded in recommended fertilizer dose (RFD) of NPS + 50kg K treatment, which were statistically identical with RFD of NPS + 40 kg K. Rice grain and straw yields due to the different treatments increased by 18.65% to 53.74% and 18.67% to 53.78%, respectively over control. K content and uptake through grain and straw were significantly influenced by applying different levels of K. These results specified that the use of 40 kg K ha-1 had better performance on the grain and straw yields. Therefore, we conclude that the application of 40 kg K ha-1 along with the RFD of NPS for BRRI dhan29 cultivation is the best option for higher yield in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain soil.

Sunflower is sensitive to boron (B) and zinc (Zn) deficiency when grown on deficient soil, A field experiment was conducted to determine the main and interactive effects of soil applied Zn and B on total production of sunflower at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBI) with factorial arrangement using three replications with net plot size of 6 m x 4.5 m. The soil application of variable levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) and B (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha-1) in the form of zinc sulphate and boric acid, respectively were applied at time of sowing. All other agronomic and plant protection practices were kept uniform. The data regarding growth, yield and quality parameters were noted by using standard procedures. Results showed that Zn @ 20 kg ha-1 and B @ 3 kg ha-1 significantly increased the number of plants per plot at harvest, stem diameter, head diameter, number of achenes per head, 1000-achene weight, biological yield and days to maturity, achene yield kg per, harvest index, leaf concentrations or Zn at heading stage, leaf concentrations of B at heading stage (ppm), achene oil content (%), achene protein contents as compared to control. This study concluded that higher growth and yield of sunflower can be achieved by application of Zn at 20 kg ha-1 and B at 3 kg ha-1 under Faisalabad conditions.

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli) is one of the most common diseases in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) crop, and the most viable alternative for its control is the use of resistant cultivars. However, the number of “carioca” cultivars, the most important commercial group in Brazil, which has a good level of resistance to this disease, is still low. To obtain populations with a higher degree of resistance, seven parents with different levels of resistance to Fusarium and which produce carioca grains were crossed in a complete diallel design. The 21 segregating populations obtained were evaluated in the years/generations 2012/F3, 2013/F4, and 2014/F5 in experiments in Santo Antônio de Goiás, GO, in the winter crop season (sowing in May), together with the check cultivars BRS Notável (resistant) and BRS Cometa (susceptible) in an area naturally infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli, under a center pivot irrigation system. Reaction to Fusarium wilt, yield, and 100-seed weight were evaluated. Additive and non-additive effects contributed to control of reaction to Fusarium wilt, yield, and 100-seed weight. The statistically negative general combining ability ( ) estimates for BRS Notável (-0.51), CNFC 15872 (-0.20), IPR Juriti (-0.18), and BRSMG Talismã (-0.13) indicate that these parents are recommended for obtaining populations more resistant to Fusarium wilt. Among them, cultivar BRS Notável also showed a statistically positive estimate for grain yield (87.90). Among the parents recommended for resistance to Fusarium wilt, cultivars IPR Juriti (0.99) and BRS Notável (0.23) are those that most contributed to obtaining populations with larger-sized beans. Cultivar BRS Notável is the most promising parent for participation in new crossing blocks, showing non-zero estimates for all traits, favoring an increase in resistance to Fusarium wilt, yield, and 100-seed weight. Populations BRS Notável / CNFC 15872, BRS Ametista / BRS Notável, BRS Notável / BRSMG Talismã, and BRS Ametista / BRSMG Talismã showed good mean values for reaction to Fusarium wilt, yield, and 100-seed weight and at least one parent with a good general combining ability estimate for resistance to Fusarium wilt. These four populations are promising for obtaining lines with superior performance for resistance to Fusarium wilt, yield, and larger-sized grains.

Soybean is one of the most important leguminous crops due to its high oil and protein content with a significant role in nutrition. Micronutrients for soybean growth and development are very important and foliar fertilization is used to overcome environmental stress and help soybean plants to fill their nutritive needs. The research was carried out in 2020 by the Soybean Breeding Laboratory from the Agricultural Research and Development Station in Turda, Romania. Foliar fertilization had both positive and negative effects for 1000-grain weight and yield however, quality traits do not seem to be influenced by applying supplement of microelements during the vegetation period. The research suggests that genotype is the determining factor in the efficiency of foliar fertilization. In this sense, the present experiment will continue to bring answers regarding the effects of foliar fertilizers on some soybean genotypes.

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is an important nutrient for obtaining high yields and has been the one that most often limits production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of onion cultivars as a function of phosphate fertilization. The experiments were installed at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, Mossoró-RN, Brazil, from July to October 2016 and from June to October 2017. The design used was randomized blocks, in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the combination of two onion cultivars (IPA11 and Rio das Antas) and six P doses (0, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 kg ha-1 P2O5). The economical doses of P, associated with the maximum marketable yields of onion were estimated at 212.45 and 207.65 kg ha-1 of P2O5, respectively for the cultivars IPA 11 and Rio das Antas. In general, the cultivar Rio das Antas was more productive than IPA 11, in the two growing periods.

This research is related to the performance evaluation of twelve Coffea arabica cultivars in Vale do Ribeira Paulista, in order to generate consistent information for the technical recommendation for cultivation in the region. The experiment was set in February 2018, at the Experimental Campus of the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” - UNESP in Registro, SP, Brazil, in a spacing of 3.00x0.60 m, in a randomized block design with three replications. The following parameters were evaluated: stem diameter, number of plagiotropic branches, plant height, number of internodes of plagiotropic branches, length of the first plagiotropic branch, incidence of brown spots and phoma leaf spot, infestation by leaf miner and yield. The results showed a good adaptation of all cultivars to growing conditions in Vale do Ribeira Paulista, with higher and faster vegetative development of large coffee cultivars. The productive potential of cultivars in the first harvest was similar to the performance of the same cultivars in traditional growing regions, with emphasis on ‘Arara’ and ‘Catucaí Amarelo 24/137’, with about 55 bags ha-1 of processed coffee. There was no incidence of rust disease in the experimental evaluation period, unlike other biotic agents such as leaf miner, phoma-spot and brown eye spot.

Soybean is currently one of the most important agricultural crops being used in human and animal nutrition, as a raw material for industry but also has agro-phyto-technical importance because it contributes to the raising of soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen by symbiosis between soybeans and Rhizobium japonicum bacteria, which forms root-nodules. To achieve the aims, a poly-factorial experience has been placed during the period 2015-2017 at ARDS Turda, with the factors: Factor A - the tillage system (a1 the classical tillage system by plowing with the return of the furrow and a2 the minimum tillage system, chisel variant; factor B- the fertilization (b1-N20P20K0 100 kg/ha, applied simultaneously with sowing, b2-N20P20K0 100 kg/ha, applied simultaneously with the sowing + N20P20K0 100 kg/ha, applied in the 4-6 leaves phenophase, b3-N20P20K0 100 kg/ha applied simultaneously with sowing + N30 100 kg/ha, applied in the 4-6 leaves phenophase and b4-N20P20K0 100 kg/ha applied simultaneously with sowing + N20 100 kg/ha, applied in the 4-6 leaves phenophase, factor C-climatic conditions in the experimental years (c1-2015; c2-2016; c3-2017). The soybean variety studied was Malina TD. Following the application of the minimum tillage system, the yield decreases with a significant difference of 86 kg/ha compared to the conventional tillage system. A very significant influence in the yield of superior quantitative yields is fertilization, in the three variants where the supplementary fertilization was applied, there were obtained very significant yield increases of over 199 kg/ha compared to the control variant which produced a yield of 2373 kg/ha.

The influence of cutting roots on the growth and fruiting of ‘top group’ plum cultivars (‘Topfirst’, ‘Topfive’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Tophit’ and ‘Topend Plus’), under the pedoclimatic conditions of Sînmihaiu Almasului, in the centre of Transylvania, Romania, in 2017-2018, was studied. The trees were grafted on Saint Julien rootstock, trained as Zahn Spindel and the orchard had a density of 1000 trees/ha. Roots were cut twice, at 40 cm distance from the trunk, in an angle of 45° and 30 cm depth, as followed: first time in the autumn during the fall of leaves, on one side of the row and the second time in spring, at blooming time, on the other side of the row. The measurements were done each year after the leaves have been fallen. There were made observations on some growth parameters (length of shoots, height of trees, trunk sectional area, the fruits and vegetative branches ratio) and fructification (average yield for 2017-2018 period, and was determined the productivity index). The treatments influenced the shoot growth, height of the trees, cumulative yield, trunk cross sectional area, the ratio of the yield to a trunk sectional area, with differences statistically assured. Root pruning reduced the average length of shoots. The longest shoots, in mean values, gave the unpruned root variant (131.0 cm). Root pruning decreased the average length of annual growth (51.1 cm). The biggest average trunk cross sectional area with the unpruned root system was obtained (58.7 cm2). Also root pruning influenced the height of the trees. The best cumulative yield was obtained in the variant of root pruning system (28.75 t/ha) followed by the unpruned root system (25.87 t/ha). Finally, root pruning increased productivity. The biggest value was registered in ‘Tophit’ in the root pruned variant (0.73 kg/cm2). The lowest value of productivity index was obtained in the unpruned system.

The introduction of new avocado cultivars into producing countries of the Southern Hemisphere may extend the offer period of fresh fruit for export. The ‘Gem’ (‘3-29-5’) avocado is known for extending the marketing period of ‘Hass’-like avocados. This study aimed to evaluate the horticultural performance of ‘Gem’ avocado trees between the 4th and 6th years after planting (2016-2018), in a commercial orchard in the Central-Western region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. ‘Gem’ avocado trees grafted onto seedling rootstocks were evaluated regarding tree size, shoot growth, flowering, and fruit yield, quality and maturation. In the evaluated biennium, the trees showed a strong upright growth habit and compact tree size. Flowering occurred mainly in indeterminate inflorescences. Fruit yield varied between 106.89 to 116.89 kg tree-1, and 75-91% of the fruit classified within size counts 12 (306 to 365 g/fruit) to 18 (211 to 235 g/fruit), and reached physiological maturity in late June, but could be picked until October, i.e, four to eight months later than ‘Hass’. ‘Gem’ is a new alternative for extending fruit offer of late-maturity avocado cultivars and allowing higher profit to the farmers.

The Transylvanian Plain has a particular aspect, as the hilly areas are predominant and here the soil erosion phenomena through levigation are frequently encountered. The effect of water availability on yields has been thoroughly researched, being one of the main limitative factors of the winter wheat yields. Starting from these considerations, during the agricultural years 2012-2018, a bi-factorial yield test was performed at Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Turda, for a period of seven years. The study explored the influence of the water status under the influence of two tillage systems and the climatic conditions specific for this area on winter wheat yields. In the field conditions of Turda during experimental interval, the soil tillage system had a rather small impact on the winter wheat yields. In the conventional system (CS) a reserve of accessible water is preserved better during the spring period, this being attributed to a better infiltration into the soil of winter precipitation (snow). In the conservative system (NT), the observed trend suggests that restoration of the ground water reserve is more difficult than in the CS but the loss of water in the CS is just as fast.

Some plants do not demand a lot of chilling hours, but methods to overcome dormancy promote more vigorous and productive plant. This study aimed to assess hydrogen cyanamide and nitrogen fertilizer with different concentration to growth and production in ‘Roxo de Valinhos’ fig tree. Two crop cycles (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) was performed in São Manuel city, São Paulo State, Brazil. Phenological and productive data was evaluated in a 2 x 5 factorial (Product x Concentration), organized in randomized complete block design, with three trees by plot. The factor products had as level hydrogen cyanamide and nitrogen fertilizer and the factor concentrations was constituted by 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%. Furthermore, the following data was evaluated: number of days for budbreak, number of buds per plant, harvest period, branch length and diameter, leaf number, leaf area, number of fruits per plant, fruit mass, production and yield. Results indicated that both products anticipated the sprouting and promoted a higher number of buds overcome the dormancy. Plant production was higher in both cycles when the products were used (2.1 and 2.7, respectively). At last, hydrogen cyanamide showed better outcomes due to the higher number of fruits and production.

Figs consumption date back to the beginnings of civilization. Currently, consumers have become more demanding about quality of fruits, and figs are then highly indicated, since it is rich in nutrients, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. Although there is only one commercial fig cultivar that is commonly grown in Brazil, different cultivars should be considered for the diversification of fig production with regards to their yield and fruit quality. This research aimed at evaluating growth, yield, physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of figs grown in Brazil. Then, four cultivars (Roxo de Valinhos, White Genova, PI-189 and Troyano) were studied to determine canopy volume, productive efficiency, soluble solids - SS, pH, titratable acidity - TA, SS/TA ratio, sugars, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, pigments and antioxidant activity. The cv. White Genova presented the highest canopy volume, while ‘Roxo de Valinhos’, ‘PI-189’ and ‘Troyano’ performed the greatest productive efficiency. The cvs. Roxo de Valinhos, White Genova and Troyano produced fruits with higher content of SS, reducing sugars and SS/TA ratio, while the fruits of ‘PI-189’ and ‘Roxo de Valinhos’ contained the highest levels of antioxidant activity. PCA enabled to differentiate the studied cultivars, which evidenced that PI-189 was the most different of all.

The paper presents the results of research conducted during 2018-2019, regarding the root nodules formation at soybean, by applying different tillage systems, under the conditions of the Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda situated in the Transylvanian Plain.The development of root nodules in soybean differs from one variety to another, the highest value of 103 nodules/plant is recorded in the Onix variety and lower in the Cristina and Felix variety with 66 and 69 nodules respectively. Also at the weight of the nodules/plant it seems to maintain the same trend, the Onix variety (0.86 g) being superior to the other two varieties (Felix 0.83 g, Cristina 0.80 g). The highest soybean average yield was registered at the Cristina variety cultivated in the minimum tillage-chisel (2548 kg/ha) and the lowest yield at the Felix variety in the no tillage (1592 kg/ha).

The increasing demand of Cassava for our dietary needs and shortage experienced going by the burgeoning global population is a cause for concern that require urgent attention. The study therefore considered the effect of some selected soil properties, nutrients, moisture content, yield and consumptive water use (CWU) on two selected Cassava varieties TMS 0581 and TME 419 respectively. The design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) of four treatments and three replicates. Treatment A had fertigation, B used poultry manure, C employed NPK, 15-15-15 while D with no treatment was used as control. Soil properties such as Bulk Density (BD), Particle Density (PD), soil classification and nutrients such as Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Organic Matter (OM), Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) and others were determined using standard procedures. Penman-Monteith (PM) model was used in estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETr) while its product with crop coefficient (Kc) produced crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Moisture content was measured at depths 10, 20 and 30 cm respectively while water use efficiency (WUE), irrigation water applied and tuber yield were also determined. The findings of this study showed that all the soil properties were within permissible levels to encourage optimum agronomic development of Cassava plant and the class was entirely a loamy soil which permits well-developed roottuber configuration. Tuber yields varied from 21.96 Kg to 25.13 Kg for TMS 0581 variety while TME 419 had 17.04 Kg to 31.63 Kg in all the treatments. Deficiencies were observed in some of the nutrients which were replenished with the introduction of the fertilizers among the plots. Moisture content at 30 cm depth is suggestive of adequate water availability sufficient enough to encourage proper tuber development for optimum yield while fertigation technique was adjudged the best as it improved Cassava Tuberization and WUE in all the treatments considered.

The aim of the study was to establish a DNA isolation protocol Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez., able to obtain samples of high yield and quality for use in genomic analysis. A commercial kit and four classical methods of DNA extraction were tested, including three cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-based and one sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-based methods. Three drying methods for leaves samples were also evaluated including drying at room temperature (RT), in an oven at 40ºC (S40), and in a microwave oven (FMO). The DNA solutions obtained from different types of leaves samples using the five protocols were assessed in terms of cost, execution time, and quality and yield of extracted DNA. The commercial kit did not extract DNA with sufficient quantity or quality for successful PCR reactions. Among the classic methods, only the protocols of Dellaporta and of Khanuja yielded DNA extractions for all three types of foliar samples that resulted in successful PCR reactions and subsequent enzyme restriction assays. Based on the evaluated variables, the most appropriate DNA extraction method for Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez. was that of Dellaporta, regardless of the method used to dry the samples. The selected method has a relatively low cost and total execution time. Moreover, the quality and quantity of DNA extracted using this method was sufficient for DNA sequence amplification using PCR reactions and to get restriction fragments.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the productive and vegetative performance of the Maciel and Chimarrita peach tree cultivars grafted on six rootstocks, in a replanting area. The experiment was carried out in an area that had been previously cultivated with peach trees for more than 15 years in the municipality of Eldorado do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Maciel and Chimarrita peach tree cultivars were grafted on 'Aldrighi', 'Capdeboscq', 'Okinawa', 'Flordaguard', 'Nemaguard', and 'Umezeiro'. The 'Umezeiro' rootstock caused high plant mortality in both scions, as well as low productivity and higher alternate bearing; it also affected the qualitative and ripening attributes of the fruits of 'Chimarrita'. The 'Aldrighi', 'Capdeboscq', 'Okinawa', 'Flordaguard', and 'Nemaguard' rootstocks induced a similar yield in both scions. The trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) did not differ between rootstocks in 'Maciel', but in 'Chimarrita', TCSA was higher on 'Flordaguard' than on 'Umezeiro' in some seasons. Regarding the average of rootstocks, 'Maciel' showed higher TCSA, pruning mass, and average yield than 'Chimarrita', as well as changes in qualitative and ripening attributes. The Maciel cultivar shows the best productive performance in replanting areas, and the 'Capdeboscq' and 'Aldrighi' rootstocks induce satisfactory agronomic performance.

This experiment was conducted in 2005-2006 at Safiabad Agricultural Research Center to assess the effects of sowing date on the yield of canola genotypes. The design was a split plot in a completely randomized block with 3 replications. Main plots consisted of 3 levels of sowing date (November 1st , November 16th and December 1st) and subplots included 7 canola cultivars (Hyola60, Hyola308, Hyola330, Hyola401, Hyola420, RGS003 and Option500). Grain yield was decreased by 5.72% and 21.27% in the second and third sowing dates compared with the first one, respectively. The results of interaction between sowing date and cultivars showed that the highest grain yield (5055.09 Kg/ha) at the first sowing date (Nov 1st) belonged to Hyola420 cultivar and the lowest grain yield (2360.68 Kg/ha) at the third sowing date (Dec 1st) to the Option500 cultivar. The number of pods per plant was decreased by 20.61% and 36.02% in the second and the third sowing dates compared with the first one, respectively. The highest (28.93) number of grains per pod belonged to Hyola401 cultivar sown on December 1st and the lowest (15.69) ) number of grains per pod belonged to Hyola60 cultivar sown on December 1st. Considering the results of the experiment, the sowing date of Nov 1st for Hyola420 cultivar, and Nov 1st and Nov 16th for other cultivars could be appropriate.

This research had the objective of determining the parameters o f growth, development and yield of five banana hybrid cultivars under dryland conditions. The research was done at the Agroindustrial Farm Marta Abreu in Cienfuegos on a carbonated Brown soil. The field experiment was run in a randomized block design with four replications, and two factors: five banana cultivars (‘FHIA-18’, ‘FHIA 02’, ‘FHIA-01’, ‘SH-3436 L-9’ and ‘FHIA 23’) and at two moments (mother plants and first offspring). The plots had an area of 56 m2 with 16 plants each. Eight Plants from each clone were evaluated for a total of 32 plants. The soil characteristics and the climatic conditions in the local area were studied. Growth and development parameters of mother plant and first offspring were measured and the time of occurrence of each phonological phase, and the photosynthetic potential in mother plant and in first offspring were determined. In the cultivars ‘SH 3436 L9’ and ‘F HIA-23’, the pseudostem height and perimeter were larger, there were more number of hands and fingers, the weight of the clusters was higher and the vegetative and reproductive phases were longer. The highest values of foliar area and foliar area index were observed in the cultivars ‘FHIA-18’ and ‘FHIA-01’. At the same time, these cultivars had the highest number of functional leaf at flowering.

The use of plant growth hormones and beneficial microorganisms, could reduce the drought damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the treatment with salicylic acid and inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi at different levels of irrigation on flax growth. A factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications was performed in growth chamber of college of agriculture, Isfahan university of technology and in the years 2010-2011. Treatments were irrigation regimes at 3 levels (100%, 70% and 40% field capacity), mycorrhizae at 3 levels (non-inoculated and inoculated with two species Glomus mosseae and G. intraradices) and salicylic acid in 2 levels (seeds treated with 250 μM concentration of salicylic acid for 8 hours and non-treated seeds). The level of 40% field capacity irrigation reduced the leaf number, root length, root dry weight, height, stem and leaf and total plant dry weight, number and weight of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield and increased vesicle diameter and percent colonization. Both mycorrhizal species in the three levels of irrigation increased the drought tolerance of the flax but in G. mosseae was more effective. Salicylic acid decreased some of the investigated traits. Inoculation with mycorrhiza and treatment with salicylic acid reduced the investigated characteristics than the inoculation with mycorrhiza and non-application of salicylic acid. 100% field capacity and G. mosseae species were the best irrigation level and mycorrhizal fungi respectively. Therefore it is suggest that application of mycorrhizal fungi especially G. mosseae species increase in the cultivation of flax plants without treatment with salicylic acid, especially in drought conditions because in addition to increased yield, water consumption is also lower and it makes the plant more tolerant to stress conditions such as drought.

In order to investigate the effect of source and rate of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and quality of sweet corn, a field study was conducted in 2011 cropping season in Agriculture Experiment Station of College of Agriculture, University of Guilan. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Treatment consisted of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg N ha-1) and integrated N of chemical and biological (23 kg N ha-1 + 1 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost, 46 kg N ha-1 + 2 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost, and 69 kg N ha-1 +3 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost) and organic sources (2, 4 and 6 ton ha-1). Effect of source and rate of nitrogen fertilizer on fresh ear yield, grain yield canned, grain protein amount and dry matter digestibility percent had significant. With increscent nitrogen at treatments nitrogen fertilizer, organic ant integrated farming yield fresh ear, grain yield, grain protein amount and dry matter digestibility percent increased. Maximum yield fresh ear was obtained with 69 kg N ha-1 + 3 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost with an average 14595.9 kg ha-1. Maximum forage yield and dry forage yield obtained with an average 18619.5 and 3593 kg ha-1 at treatment with 69 kg N ha-1 + 3 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost. Results of this research showed that the best grain yield and quality, and forage yield and quality of sweet corn were obtained in integrated farming and organic methods in Rasht region conditions and same climatology conditions.

This experiment was conducted in the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan in 2010 as an RCBD based split plot experiment with three replications. In this experiment five different amounts of soil moisture (Irrigation after depletion of 45, 55, 65, 75 and 85% of field capacity moisture) and two soybean cultivars (Gorgan-3 and Williams) was considered as main and sub plots, respectively. Results of ANOVA showed that moisture regime by cultivar interaction had significant effect on seed yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed oil percent. Mean comparisons revealed that increasing soil water depletion resulted to decrease in seed yield, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod. Also, it resulted to decrease in grain yield of both cultivars, which was approximately 63% for Gorgan 3 and 2% for Williams. However, maximum (1667kg/ha) and Minimum (384kg/ha) seed yield were recorded for Gorgan 3 and Williams in 45% and 65% soil moisture regimes, respectively. The highest seed oil percentage was recorded for cultivar Williams which grown in 75% soil moisture while the lowest was for Gorgan 3 which grown in 55 % soil moisture regime. Seed protein also was affected by soil moisture regime, significantly with the highest (22.49%) and lowest (22.04%) in 55 and 85% soil moisture regimes, respectively. In this experiment Williams had low sensitivity index and high tolerance index while Gorgan 3 had high geometric mean productivity and mean productivity. Overall, Gorgan 3 had the highest seed yield in all soil moisture regimes. Its yield reduction percent was greater in drought stress prone treatments, in comparison with cultivar Williams which shows greater seed yield stability of the indeterminate Williams cultivar.

In order to study the effect of sowing date on grain yield and grain-filling duration of triticale cultivars, an experiment was conducted based on strip-plot experiment with four replicates at Ramin Agricultural Research and Educational Center (RAREC) during 2009-10. The sowing date treatments were November, 10th (Aban, 20th) and December, 4th (Azar, 14th) and the cultivars include: ET.79-3،ET.79-4،ET.79-17،ET.82-8،ET.82-15،ET.82-1،ET.83-20،ET.84-5،ET.84-8،ET.84-15،ET.85-7، ET.85-9, and Govanilo -91. Results showed that the sowing date had significant effect on the duration from planting to tillering, the duration from planting to spiking, and the amount of chlorophyll. There were significant differences between the cultivars for plant height, spike height, the duration from planting to spiking, and the amount of chlorophyll. The first sowing date with 34.13-day duration of grain-filling had lower filling rate in comparison to the second sowing date. In the second planting date, due to more heat, the during of grain-filling period was reduced to 25.5 days. Nevertheless, as a result of the proper temperature at the region, grain-filling rate increased to 1.51 mg/day. Therefore, in order to increase the grain-yield and 1000 –seed-weight, one possible way is to use the cultivars which, along with the heat-stress tolerance, are capable of increasing the duration of grain-filling through increasing their photosynthesis. As a result, ET.79-3, ET.82-16, and Javanilo-92 cultivars in late-sowing time (Dec, 4th) and ET.84-5 and ET.79-17 in early-sowing (Nov, 10th) showed to have maximum grain yield.

In order to evaluate effects of iron, zinc and manganese, and the methods of applying them on yield and yield components of sweet corn, an experiment was performed as factorial based on randomized complete block design with four replications at the Research Farm of Urmia University, during 2009-2010. Experimental factors were micronutrient fertilizers with four levels (control, iron, zinc and manganese) and micronutrient applying method with two levels (foliar and soil application). Results indicated that Interaction between experimental factors on plant height, ear diameter, grain size, 1000-grain weight, biological yield and protein percentage was significant. In most of these traits foliar application of Fe and Zn showed better results than foliar application of Mn. Also, by influenced of micronutrients applying method, foliar application was caused 13.25%, 5.38% and 24.84% increasing in numbers of grain per ear, grain yield and soluble sugar percentage. In additional soluble sugar percentage was influenced significantly by application of micronutrient elements. Based on the results, foliar application of micronutrient elements showed better results than soil application of them.

In order to evaluate morpho-physiological responses of hybrid corn KSC750 to water stress at various stages of growth, a field experiment was conducted at the Pasargad region (northwest Fars) in 2010. The experiment carried out as a randomized complete block design, with 3 replications. In this study, corn growth period was divided into three phases: the establishment of plant to tasseling (phase I), tasseling to dough development (phase II) and dough development to ripening (phase III). Treatments were consisted of control, irrigation cut off after dough development, water stress of 75 percent of FC during vegetative phase and after dough development, water stress of 75 percent of FC during whole growth phase, water stress of 50 percent of FC during vegetative stage and after dough development and water stress of 50 percent of FC during whole growth phase. Results showed that mild drought stress (75% FC) at vegetative phase was not significantly effected growth and yield of corn. However, application of drought stress during the whole growth period significantly reduced morphological parameters as well as yield and yield components. Based on these results, flowering and grain filling stages were identified as more sensitive stages to drought stress in corn. Moreover, irrigation cut off after dough development terminated to a satisfactory yield. The results indicated that, overall, under Pasargad region and similar agro climatic conditions, it would be possible to save water to 75 percentage of corn water requirement through application of deficit irrigation after dough development stage.

Crop yield prediction has an important role in agricultural policies such as specification of the crop price. Crop yield prediction researches have been based on regression analysis. In this research canola yield was predicted using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) using 11 crop year climate data (1998-2009) in Gonbad-e-Kavoos region of Golestan province. ANN inputs were mean weekly rainfall, mean weekly temperature, mean weekly relative humidity and mean weekly sun shine hours and ANN output was canola yield (kg/ha). Multi-Layer Perceptron networks (MLP) with Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation learning algorithm was used for crop yield prediction and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and square of the Correlation Coefficient (R2) criterions were used to evaluate the performance of the ANN. The obtained results show that the 13-20-1 network has the lowest RMSE equal to 101.235 and maximum value of R2 equal to 0.997 and is suitable for predicting canola yield with climate factors.

In order to investigate effect of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and quality of three forage sorghum cultivars under Guilan climatological conditions a field study was conducted in 2010 cropping season at Rasht. A randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement with three replications was used. Treatment consisted of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1 from urea source) along with three sorghum cultivars (Pagha, Esphidfid, KSF2). Plant characteristics measured were forage yield of dry and forage yield, Stem dry weight, leaf dry weight, Plant height, stem diameter, Crude protein, Dry matter digestibility, Total ash and Acid detergent fiber were calculated. The result showed that nitrogen fertilizer had significant effects on forage yield and quality traits also cultivars had significant effects on forage yield, protein percentage, total dry matter, and Acid detergent fiber (ADF). Maximum forage yield (dry and fresh weight) in sorghum was obtained with 150 kg N ha-1 and KSF2 cultivar. Based on the results obtained from this study in order to increasing forage yield, dry matter percentage and minimum ADF was obtained in KSF2 cultivar should be applied with 100 kg N ha-1 in condition Rasht reign and If our objective is forage quality, was suggested Pagha cultivar with 150 kg N ha-1 in Rasht reign conditions.

In order to investigate the effects of rates and nitrogen fertilizer application timing on yield and some growth physiological indices of corn ( Zea mays L.), an experiment was conducted as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research Farm of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili during 2009 cropping season. Nitrogen fertilizer levels were arranged in main plot with four levels including: 0, 75, 150 and 225 Kg N.ha-1 and nitrogen application timing in sub plots by three levels including : (1/3 in planting + 1/3 in 8-10 leaf stages + 1/3 in tasseling initation), (½ planting + ½ in tasseling initiation) and (½ in planting+¼ in 8-10 leaf stages + ¼ in tasseling initation). Investigation of dry matter accumulation indicated that in all of treatment combinations, it increased slowly until 300-400 growth degree days after sowing and then increased rapidly till 850-900 growth degree days. From 900 growth degree days till harvest time, it decreased due to increasing aging of leaves and decreasing of leaf area index. Maximum of dry matter accumulation was observed in the plotes which 225 Kg N.ha-1 was applied as 1/3 in planting + 1/3 in 8-10 leaf stages + 1/3 in tasseling initation. Similar results were obtained in crop growth rate and relative crop growth. With increasing rates of nitrogen fertilizer application, leaf area index was significantly increased. The highest leaf area index was belonged to 225 Kg N.ha-1 when was applied as 1/3 in planting + 1/3 in 8-10 leaf stages + 1/3 in tasseling initation with 850-900 growth degree days, while the least value of it was obtained in application of 75 Kg N.ha-1 as ½ planting + ½ in tasseling initiation. Grain yield and yield components were significantly affected by rate, nitrogen application timing and interaction of rates × nitrogen application timing. The highest grain yield (7928.6 Kg.ha-1) resulted from treatment combination of 225 Kg N.ha-1 as 1/3 in planting + 1/3 in 8-10 leaf stages + 1/3 in tasseling initation. Thus, it could be suggested that in order to increasing the grain yield and the other growth indices such as dry matter accumulation and crop growth rate should be applied 225 Kg N.ha-1 as 1/3 in planting + 1/3 in 8-10 leaf stages + 1/3 in tasseling initation in Ardabil climaste conditions.

In order to investigate the effects of sowing date on yield and some agronomic traits of six forage maize hybrids, two experiments were conducted in 2009 in two locations including Rasht and Fuman. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with factorial arrangement and three replications. Treatments consisted of three levels of sowing date (31 May, 13 and 26 June) and six maize hybrids of early maturing (SC301 and DC370), medium maturing (SC400 and SC647) and late maturing (SC700 and SC704). The measured plant characteristics were fresh and dry forage yield, leaf dry weight, ratio of leaf dry weight to plant dry weight, ratio of stem dry weight to plant dry weight, ear dry weight, ratio of ear dry weight to plant dry weight and leaf to stem ratio. Results showed that forage yields for different planting dates were significantly different at the two locations. The 13 June planting date in Fuman region and 26 June in Rasht region were better than other dates. Maximum dry forage yields for two locations of Fuman and Rasht in SC700 were 18862 and 23565 kg/ha dry weight (fresh weight of 90199 and 82642 kg/ha, respectively). The results of this experiment indicated that if SC700 hybrid is sowed at optimum date, it will produce more dry weight than other hybrids.

The objective of this study was to determine the stability of commercial and experimental maize hybrids in the Central Ecuadorian Coastal Region. During a period from december 2010 to april 2011 uniform trials of yield in four locations with contrasting environments were evaluated. The genetic material was constituted by five experimental hybrids and three commercial. The experimental design used was completely randomized blocks design with four replications; the experimental plots were two rows with a length of 5.0 m separated to 0.90 meters. The combined analysis of variance proposed by Eberhart and Russel was statistical significance as well as for genotype and for interaction. The average yield showed that between experimental hybrids two, (SM45 x SSD08)SV39 and (SM45 x SV15)SV39, were highlighted with averages higher than 7.0 t ha-1 whilst AG-003 was the highlighted commercial hybrid with a yield of 7.48 t ha-1. The best yields and environmental indexes were registered in the locations of Quevedo and Vinces, the lowest environmental indexes were for Balzar and Ventanas. In relation to the tendency of response of the outstanding genotypes in the four evaluation environments, it was particularly observed that genotypes are desirable by virtue of the outstanding results in both favorable and unfavorable environments.

To investigate the effect of ethephon on control of male flowers in melon, a split plot experiment, with randomized complete blocks design and three replications, was conducted in Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Varamin, Iran, during 2005-2006. The main factor included three levels of plant growth stage (3-leaf, 6-leaf and early reproductive stage) and sub-plots included four ethephon levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/L). The appearance time of female flowers, number of male and female flowers (7 and 14 days after application of ethephon), total yield and female/male flowers ratio were evaluated. Results showed that plant response to increasing concentration of ethephon depends on plant growth stage. By using the ethephon concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 mg/L, the emergence of female flowers was delayed 6, 13 and 15 days, respectively, in comparison to control. The highest yield (26430 kg/ha) was obtained with spraying of 200 mg/L ethephon in trifoliate plants. In this case, the ratio of female to male flowers was highest (81.5%). A high dose of ethephon (over 200 mg/L) was associated with reduced yield and ratio of female to male flowers, at all stages of plant growth, especially in reproductive growth stage. The results this research showed that the beneficial effects of ethephon application is possible only if the right time is chosen with respect to plant growth.

The versatility of intercropping grain crops and leguminous species can benefit the different characteristicsof the farmers. However, the choice of the appropriate species and planting season, is important to reduce competitionbetween species. Thus, in order to increase the production of straw for no-tillage system without interference in cornyields, a randomized block design experiment was proposed, with four replications and 11 treatments composed bysingle crops of maize (Zea mays L.), Crotalaria juncea L. e C. spectabilis Roth, and,sowing dates of corn and crotalariasimultaneously, and in the stages V4, V7 and R4. The results indicated that the intercropping with C. juncea inter-rowsaffected maize productivity; C. juncea single crop produced 8.05 t ha-1 more dry matter compared to C. spectabilis; theuse of C. spectabilis inter-rows in simultaneous planting with corn as well as V4 and V7 stage of maize increased thetotal dry matter production and did not interfere with the harvesting and productivity of maize.

Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron: clasificar genotipos de frijol negro por su tolerancia a sequía e identificar los de mayor eficiencia en el rendimiento en condiciones de riego y sequía. Para ello, en invierno-primavera 2008 se condujeron dos experimentos en Medellín de Bravo, Veracruz; uno con riego todo el ciclo y el otro sin riego, a partir del inicio de floración. Se evaluaron nueve líneas, seis variedades y Criollo Arbolito (testigo local) en diseño bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones. Se cuantificó días a madurez fisiológica, producción de materia seca sin grano, vainas por planta, peso de 100 semillas y rendimiento de grano. Se hicieron análisis de varianza por condición de humedad y uno combinado. Como estimadores de eficiencia se utilizaron el índice de susceptibilidad a sequía (ISS) y el índice de eficiencia relativa del rendimiento (IER). Con riego, Negro INIFAP, 82L-17-80, Negro Tacaná y Negro Veracruz, fueron los genotipos más productivos con más de 1,0 t ha-1. Con sequía sobresalieron los dos últimos genotipos, más la línea DOR 448, con rendimientos superiores a 400 kg ha-1. El rendimiento bajo sequía en promedio representó el 37,7% con respecto al de riego. Con ISS de 0,71, 0,85 y 0,87, las líneas DOR-448, NGO 17-99 e Icta Ju-97-1, respectivamente, fueron clasificadas como resistentes a sequía. Las variedades Negro Tacaná y Negro Veracruz con valores de IER de 1,67 y 1,47, mostraron la mayor eficiencia en el rendimiento en ambas condiciones de humedad.

Bu çal ışma, mercimekte baz ı özellikler aras ı iliş kileri ve bu özelliklerin birim alan tane verimine do ğ rudan ve dolayl ı etkilerini belirlemek amac ı yla yap ı lm ışt ı r. Deneme, 1991, 1992 ve 1993 Yı lları nda Yüzüncü Yı l Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi deneme alan ı nda yürütülmü ştür. Denemede, Kış l ı k Kı rm ı z ı -51 Yerli k ı rm ı z ı , Fı rat-87, Malazgirt-89, Sultan-1, Erzurum-89, Flip 86-19 C ve yerel Alaköy mercimek çeşitleri kullan ı lm ışt ı r. Incelenen özellikler aras ı ndaki iliş kilerde, dekara tane verimi ile bitkide tane verimi r=0.478*" , bitkide bakla say ı s ı r=0.503** ve bitkide tane say ı s ı r=0.450** aras ı nda olumlu ve %1 düzeyinde önemli; Ayr ı ca bitki ba şı na tane verimi ile bitki boyu r=0.410** , bitkide anadal r=0.340** , yanda! r=0.221* , bin tane a ğı rl ığı r=0.305** , bitkide tane say ı s ı r=0.758*" ve bitkide bakla say ı s ı r=0.691** aras ı nda da olumlu ve %1 düzeyinde önemli ili şkiler belirlenmi ştir. Yap ı lan path analizi sonunda; mercimekte dekara tane verimi yönünden bitkide anadal say ı s ı , bitki ba şı na tane verimi ve bitkide bakla say ı s ı n ı n önemli özellikler oldu ğ u belirlenmi ştir. Bitki boyu ve bitkide yanda' say ı s ı n ı n birin ı alan tane verimine doğ rudan etkileri ise olumsuz yönde ve önemli olmu ştur.

Bu araştı rma; Nohutta baz ı özelliklerin birbirleri ile olan ili şkileri ve ayn ı özelliklerin path analizi ile birim alan tane verimi üzerine do ğ rudan ve dolayl ı etkilerinin belirlenmesi amac ı yla yap ı lm ıştı r. Deneme, 1990-1991 Yı lları nda Yüzüncü Yı l Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Deneme Alan ı nda yürütülmü ştür. Denemede, ILC- 195, ILC- 3279, Güney Sar ı s ı - 482 nohut çeşitleriyle ICARDA kökenli sekiz nohut hatt ı kullan ı lm ıştı r. Incelenen özellikler aras ı ndaki ilişkilerde, dekara tane verimi ile biyolojik verim r=0.548** , bitkide tane verimi r=0.548** ve bitkide bakla say ı s ı r=0.830** aras ı nda olumlu ve istatistiki olarak %1 seviyesinde önemli; bin tane ağı rlığı aras ı nda ise olumsuz yönde ve istatistiki olarak %1 düzeyinde önemli r= -0.691*" bir il şiki bulunmuştur. Yap ı lan path analizinde ba ğı ml ı değişken olarak ele al ı nan dekara tane verimine olumlu yönde en yüksek doğrudan etkiye sahip özellik bitkide bakla say ı s ı olmuş 0.3468 ve bunu hasat indeksi 0.2421 izlemi ştir. Olumsuz yönde doğ rudan etkiye sahip özellik ise bitkide yan dal say ı s ı olmuş -0.1550 ve bunu bitkide tane verimi -0.1061 izlemiştir.