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Introduction: Cover crop services depend on biomass production and species composition of the cover crop stand. In this study, we investigated the interactions in shoot biomass of dual cover crop mixtures and their competitiveness to suppress weeds before winter under different growing conditions. Methods: A field experiment was performed on sandy loam soil in Triesdorf, Germany, for two consecutive years. The cover crop species white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia J.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisumsativum L.), and field bean (Vicia faba L.) were grown in pure stands or dual mixtures. Cover crops were sown in August, and shoot biomass was harvested at the end of the vegetation period. Cover crop shoot biomass was dried, and the share of each species and the sown test weed (Brassica napus L.) were determined. Results: The share of shoot biomass of a cover crop species in dual-species mixtures was closely related to its shoot biomass in its pure stand. In both years, mustard and phacelia showed similar interactions in shoot biomass production when growing with a second species. Regarding competitiveness against weeds, cruciferous species outperformed other cover crop species and could suppress weeds even if they were mixed with a less competitive partner. Weed suppression of mixtures with phacelia depended on the second component in the mixture and was more effective in a dry season. Legume species, especially Egyptian clover and common vetch could not suppress weeds in a pure stand. Discussion: Our results show that species with high weed suppression potential as single stands retain this ability in dual cover crop mixtures, regardless of the suppression potential of the second species that completes the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionCover crop services depend on biomass production and species composition of the cover crop stand. In this study, we investigated the interactions in shoot biomass of dual cover crop mixtures and their competitiveness to suppress weeds before winter under different growing conditions.MethodsA field experiment was performed on sandy loam soil in Triesdorf, Germany, for two consecutive years. The cover crop species white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia J.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), and field bean (Vicia faba L.) were grown in pure stands or dual mixtures. Cover crops were sown in August, and shoot biomass was harvested at the end of the vegetation period. Cover crop shoot biomass was dried, and the share of each species and the sown test weed (Brassica napus L.) were determined.ResultsThe share of shoot biomass of a cover crop species in dual-species mixtures was closely related to its shoot biomass in its pure stand. In both years, mustard and phacelia showed similar interactions in shoot biomass production when growing with a second species. Regarding competitiveness against weeds, cruciferous species outperformed other cover crop species and could suppress weeds even if they were mixed with a less competitive partner. Weed suppression of mixtures with phacelia depended on the second component in the mixture and was more effective in a dry season. Legume species, especially Egyptian clover and common vetch could not suppress weeds in a pure stand.DiscussionOur results show that species with high weed suppression potential as single stands retain this ability in dual cover crop mixtures, regardless of the suppression potential of the second species that completes the mixture.

Currently, the most important task of stubble catch crops, as an element of sustainable agriculture, is to provide the soil with organic matter. The basic problem in the implementation of this task is the shortage of precipitation during the sowing period, which, combined with high temperatures in Europe in August, results in the loss of soil water and, consequently, weakening of germination and delay in plant emergence. The development of agrotechnics to increase the reliability of germination of seeds of plants grown as a catch crops is very important for the use of this valuable source of organic matter in regions with low and irregular rainfall, especially in the case of light soils with low water retention capacity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response to furrow sowing of plants from various botanical groups grown as a stubble catch crop. Field studies were carried out on lessive soil in 2013–2015 at the Research Station in Mochełek near Bydgoszcz. The subject of the research was the sowing method (factor I): furrow sowing versus traditional (row) sowing. Sowing methods were tested for four crops (factor II): white mustard, tansy phacelia, common buckwheat, and common vetch. Certain plants reacted differently to the use of furrow sowing, and this reaction was different in various years of the study. In years with average soil moisture during the sowing period, furrow sowing made it possible to increase the yield of green mass and post-harvest residues of catch crop. In a year with very low soil moisture in this period, the desired effect of this method was not obtained. Furrow sowing allows seeds to be placed in a deeper, more moist soil layer, which can contribute to the acceleration of plant emergence. However, it requires refinement in terms of the precision of covering the sown seeds with soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops have been shown to be important integrated weed management tools. In addition to directly competing with weeds, cover crops can provide weed suppressive effects following incorporation through release of allelopathic compounds and/or changes to nutrient availability. Incorporation of a cover crop mixture may provide a synergistic or antagonistic effect on weed suppression by further altering nutrient dynamics. To investigate this phenomenon, we evaluated the suppressive effects following incorporation of annual ryegrass, buckwheat, brown mustard, and phacelia sown with and without field pea on germination and growth of several pernicious weed species. Further, we used the additive partitioning model to determine if pea synergistically improved biomass production and weed suppression of cover crops. Our results demonstrate that following incorporation, cover crop residues suppress weed germination and weed biomass production. According to the additive partitioning model, the addition of pea had an antagonistic effect on buckwheat and brown mustard biomass production and decreased buckwheat weed suppression by 8%. In contrast, the addition of field pea greatly enhanced biomass production of phacelia at a reduced seeding rate suggesting a positive biodiversity effect. Limited evidence was found for changes to nutrient availability following cover crop incorporation, however, a dose‐dependent effect of cover crop residue on weed suppression suggests allelopathy and/or nutrient availability may have a role on weed seed germination success. Together, our results support the use of incorporated cover crop residues as an integrated weed management tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. is a species native to North America and the Andean Mountains in South America. The climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova are favorable for the growth and development of this species, where it is known as a valuable honey, ornamental and forage species. It is an herbaceous annual, which ends the growing season by producing seeds. The germination capacity of seeds is 77.5±6.18% and the germination energy is 1-3 days. The weight of 1000 seeds is 1.96±0.03 g. The researched species is of interest to beekeepers, being a source of food for honey producing and pollinating insects, available for about 55 days, ensuring high productivity of honey, with long growing season. Insects visit the plants the most frequently between 11:30 and 12:30, since at this time nectar is abundantly produced. It provides food for a wide range of honeybees and pollinators. The entomological monitoring carried out at the "Alexandru Ciubotaru" National Botanical Garden (Institute) revealed the presence of 27 species of insects present on the organs of P. tanacetifolia plants, representing 6 orders, 20 families and 24 genera, insects with a diverse trophic spectrum. According to diversity and frequency, species of the genus Apis and Bombus, the main honey-making and pollinating insects, were more abundantly present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments with lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) were carried out in the period 2017–2021, during which the effect of sowing date on the stand development was assessed (height, coverage, accomplishment of individual growth stages, and weed infestation). It was demonstrated that the sowing date affects the stand growth and development. In earlier sowing dates, plants developed slower than in later sowing dates but reached a greater average height (926 mm). The lowest height (802 mm) was exhibited by plants from May (sowing 3). The third sowing date also showed the worst stand canopy closure and at BBCH 31, the stand canopy closure in Sowing 1, 2, and 3 was 82.3%, 77.8%, and 67%, respectively. The third sowing date was also the highest weed infestation. The effect of sowing date on yield and yield parameters was also monitored (weight of a thousand of grains and germinative capacity). Based on the measured data, it can be concluded that the influence on the weight of thousands of grains was minimal and in germinative capacity. Significant differences were recorded only in first year in which the germinative capacity of plants from the later sowing dates was reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of biological diversity is one of the greatest challenges that our civilization must face nowadays. Reaction to the diminishing biodiversity of agricultural landscapes is various measures promoting free-living organisms. The study deals with the vegetation composition and structure of agro-environmental-climatic measures applied on arable land in operating conditions (intensively farmed regions of the Czech Republic). Additional study focus was applied to a popular measure of the feeding bio-belts. Bio-belts are not only hiding places for free-living animals but can provide them a rich food offer in the period from the harvest of main crops until winter. Thanks to the bio-belts, the landscape gains in biodiversity, and sloping sites can be protected from soil erosion. The vegetation of land parts used as bio-belts was assessed using phytocoenological relevés. Dominant plant species sown in the bio-belts were Avena sativa, Panicum miliaceum, Brassica oleracea var. acephala, Fagopyrum esculentum, Phacelia tanacetifolia, and Pisum arvense. Apart from the sown plants, there were also weeds occurring in the bio-belts, of which the most abundant were Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Setaria verticillata, Cirsium arvense, Equisetum arvense, etc. Risks connected with the realization of feeding bio-belts in respect of weeds occurring on arable land are negligible. Weeds from bio-belts have only a limited potential to spread to adjacent arable land. A potential spreading of weeds from the bio-belts to adjacent arable land was not demonstrated. On the contrary, thanks to its composition, the vegetation of bio-belts has the potential to extend the food offer for animals. Thus, bio-belts are useful for supporting biodiversity in regions intensively used for agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the conditions of the right bank of Saratov Oblast, the crop response to the preparation with a high humic acid content, applied in a four-field crop rotation, was studied. The objects of the study were fodder crops of stationary grain-fallow-tilled crop rotation – grain sorghum, Sudan grass, phacelia, Japanese millet. Humic fertilizers had a positive effect on plant growth processes, thereby contributing to the formation of green mass. For the "ripe plant height" parameter, the maximum excess of indicators was noted in Sudan grass, compared to the control option. Concerning the parameter "inflorescence length", in the options treated with Zdoroviy Urozhay, the excess was 20.7% in grain sorghum and 24.7% in Japanese millet. The application of Reasil Forte Carb-N-Humic had a positive effect on the inflorescence length parameter of Japanese millet and grain sorghum, increasing it by 12.0 and 14.9 %, respectively. When using Reasil Forte Carb-N-Humic, the increase in crop biomass was 4.4-9.4%, compared to the control. The application of Zdoroviy Urozhay proved to be much more effective. When using it, biomass yield increased by 7.6-13.8 %. Foliar dressing with Zdoroviy Urozhay had a significant impact on grain yields in all options of the experiment. The increase was 12.5-39.3 %. When using Reasil Forte Carb-N-Humic, the increase was 6.7-11.8 %. In the experiments, the maximum effect was obtained when applying the fertilizer Zdoroviy Urozhay, compared to Reasil Forte Carb-N-Humic. Japanese millet and Sudan grass were the most responsive to foliar dressing. The results of the studies confirm the effectiveness of humic fertilizers in the form of foliar dressing treatments in the cultivation of forage crops.

Plants are a key link in the trophic chain and therefore may determine the global circulation of pollutants, including heavy metals (HMs). In the context of sustaining soil functions associated with food safety, the bioavailability of HMs should be reduced to a minimum needed for adequate plant nutrition. The objective of the study was to analyse the bioavailability of zinc, lead and cadmium in phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) under conditions of varied soil pH and doses of brown coal-based organo-mineral amendment so-called the Rekulter. The experiment was carried out on Haplic Luvisols in field stone pots that sank into the ground, with the following HM content (in mg kg−1 of soil): 90.0 (Zn), 60.4 (Pb) and 0.80 (Cd). The Rekulter was applied to the soil in the amounts of 180, 360 and 720 g per pot. The bio-accumulation index (BI) was calculated as a ratio of a HM content in a plant to its total content in a soil sample, and it was used to evaluate bioavailability. The application of the Rekulter reduced the bioavailability of the studied heavy metals: the lowest BI values were found in the case of Pb. The uptake of HMs by phacelia was the smallest for the highest applied Rekulter dose at a soil pH of approximately 6.0. The bioavailability of Zn, Pb and Cd was influenced by soil pH and organic matter content, reducing their mobility and possible environmental risks. The Rekulter reduced HM bioavailability: the lowest bio-accumulation index (BI) values were found in the case of Pb. The application of the Rekulter into soil improved the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, including the reduction of contaminant bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a view of the predicted drought that has appeared in recent years and water shortage in the growing season, which is getting worse every year, the problem of water retention in the soil and increasing its humidity becomes of exceptional importance. The field experiment was carried out in 2009–2012 on grey brown podzolic soil developed from loess formations covering the cretaceous marls with a granulometric composition corresponding to medium dusty loam. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of various species of cover crops and the method and date of mixing their biomass with the soil on the soil moisture in ploughless carrot cultivation. The experimental design included seven cover crop species (spring rye, common oat, common vetch, white mustard, lacy phacelia, buckwheat, fodder sunflower) and six kinds of soil tillage. The effect of cover crops and tillage on soil moisture was modified by the course of the weather and varied depending on the year of research, sampling date and soil layer. In spring, the highest layer of soil (0–20 cm) not cultivated before winter (NTz) accumulated the most water, and the least after pre-winter ploughing (Oz). In the 0–40 cm layer, the lowest humidity was in the soil ploughed before winter (Oz), and the highest after no-till (NTz) and after subsoiling before winter (GLz). The ridge cultivation performed in the spring caused the soil to dry out. In the remaining variants of no-ploughing tillage, soil moisture in the 0–40 cm layer was similar to that of conventional cultivation. Cover crops exerted a significant influence on the soil moisture in carrot cultivation at all test dates, increasing its moisture content compared to cultivation without cover crops. The rye cover crop had particularly favourable effect on the soil moisture.

In a view of the predicted drought that has appeared in recent years and water shortage in the growing season, which is getting worse every year, the problem of water retention in the soil and increasing its humidity becomes of exceptional importance. The field experiment was carried out in 2009-2012 on grey brown podzolic soil developed from loess formations covering the cretaceous marls with a granulometric composition corresponding to medium dusty loam. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of various species of cover crops and the method and date of mixing their biomass with the soil on the soil moisture in ploughless carrot cultivation. The experimental design included seven cover crop species (spring rye, common oat, common vetch, white mustard, lacy phacelia, buckwheat, fodder sunflower) and six kinds of soil tillage. The effect of cover crops and tillage on soil moisture was modified by the course of the weather and varied depending on the year of research, sampling date and soil layer. In spring, the highest layer of soil (0-20 cm) not cultivated before winter (NTz) accumulated the most water, and the least after pre-winter ploughing (Oz). In the 0-40 cm layer, the lowest humidity was in the soil ploughed before winter (Oz), and the highest after no-till (NTz) and after subsoiling before winter (GLz). The ridge cultivation performed in the spring caused the soil to dry out. In the remaining variants of no-ploughing tillage, soil moisture in the 0-40 cm layer was similar to that of conventional cultivation. Cover crops exerted a significant influence on the soil moisture in carrot cultivation at all test dates, increasing its moisture content compared to cultivation without cover crops. The rye cover crop had particularly favourable effect on the soil moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments with lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) were carried out in the period 2017–2021, during which the effect of sowing date on the stand development was assessed (height, coverage, accomplishment of individual growth stages, and weed infestation). It was demonstrated that the sowing date affects the stand growth and development. In earlier sowing dates, plants developed slower than in later sowing dates but reached a greater average height (926 mm). The lowest height (802 mm) was exhibited by plants from May (sowing 3). The third sowing date also showed the worst stand canopy closure and at BBCH 31, the stand canopy closure in Sowing 1, 2, and 3 was 82.3%, 77.8%, and 67%, respectively. The third sowing date was also the highest weed infestation. The effect of sowing date on yield and yield parameters was also monitored (weight of a thousand of grains and germinative capacity). Based on the measured data, it can be concluded that the influence on the weight of thousands of grains was minimal and in germinative capacity. Significant differences were recorded only in first year in which the germinative capacity of plants from the later sowing dates was reduced.

Occurrences of Phacelia dubia in the Piedmont of South Carolina have been taxonomically enigmatic. Prior work had shown that there was partial reproductive isolation when plants from South Carolina were hybridized with any of the other varieties but evidence of morphological differentiation was lacking. In this study, a new morphological analysis showed South Carolina plants differed significantly in corolla lobe size, sepal size, and leaf dissection in comparisons with neighboring varieties, P. dubia var. dubia and P. dubia var. georgiana. A preponderance of evidence showing differentiation from all other varieties supports recognition of a new variety, P. dubia var. rionensis. Field work and an updated analysis of herbarium records showed the new variety is found in nine contiguous counties in the central and northern Piedmont of South Carolina and two counties in the inner Coastal Plain. We posit a hypothesized biogeographic pathway based on migration of a P. dubia ancestor from the Great Plains or Mexico to the Nashville Basin cedar glades, then to South Carolina piedmont granite outcrops, followed by a migration south to Georgia and Alabama piedmont granite outcrops and a separate migration north to rocky woodlands in North Carolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the preparation of the treatment of the genus Phacelia for the Flora Argentina project, several names were found in need of typification. In this context lectotypes are designated for 17 names: Aldea pinnata, Eutoca frigida, E. litoralis, E. lomarifolia, E. pinnatifida, E. pusilla, Hydrophyllum magellanicum, Phacelia boliviana, P. foliosa, P. magellanica fo. amoena, P. magellanica fo. plantaginea, P. nana, P. pinnatifida var. elatior, P. pinnatifida, P. sanzinii, P. sinuata and P. viscosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Fruit type and morphology are tightly connected with angiosperm diversification. In Boraginales, the first‐branching families, including Hydrophyllaceae, have one‐ to many‐seeded capsules, whereas most of the remaining families have four‐seeded indehiscent fruits. This fact argues for many‐seeded capsules as the ancestral condition. However, little is known about the evolution of fruit dehiscence and seed number. The present study investigated the gynoecium and fruit development and morphology and the evolution of seed‐numbers in Hydrophyllaceae. Methods: Gynoecium and fruit development and morphology were studied using scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray microcomputed tomography. Ancestral character state reconstruction of seed number was performed using a broadly sampled phylogeny of Boraginales (ndhF and ITS) with an emphasis on Hydrophyllaceae. Results: Our ontogenetic studies not only demonstrate parallel developmental trajectories across Hydrophyllaceae, but also a striking diversity regarding the internal organization of the gynoecium. Ovule number appears to determine ovary structure. Many‐seeded capsules are retrieved as the ancestral state of Hydrophyllaceae. At least seven transitions to fruits with (one to) four seeds and four reversals (i.e., from four‐ to many‐seeded fruits) were reconstructed in Hydrophyllaceae. Conclusions: Several shifts in seed number from "many" to "four" and back to "many" have taken place in capsular‐fruited Hydrophyllaceae, a strikingly high number considering that seed number is virtually conserved across the rest of the order. The groups with a conserved seed number of four are characterized by indehiscent schizocarps or drupes and by seeds that are integrated into mericarps. This functional integration probably acts as an evolutionary constraint to shifts in seed number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental design included seven cover crop species and six kinds of soil tillage in the field cultivation of carrot. The use of cover crops had a positive impact on the yield of marketable roots of carrot in comparison with the cultivation without the cover crops. A significant increase of marketable yield was noted after phacelia, buckwheat, mustard and sunflower. The flat ploughless tillage significantly reduced the marketable yield of roots in comparison with traditional ploughing. The largest marketable yield of roots was obtained from cultivation on ridges after mixing the biomass of buckwheat or phacelia or mustard with the soil, and the smallest, after reduced spring tillage using aggregate without cover crops. The largest marketable yield in flat ploughless tillage was obtained when using grubber before winter, and the biomass of phacelia was mixed with soil. Growing carrot on the ridges had a positive influence on increasing the share of the marketable yield of roots in comparison with other variants of cultivation including the conventional tillage. The all cover crops with the exception of spring vetch significantly increased the share of marketable roots in the yield compared with cultivation without cover crops. The largest percentage of the marketable yield was noted after use of phacelia.

The article contains the results of the study of the environmental and biological features of Ph. tanacetifolia in four natural and territorial complexes of the Belgorod region. In all natural-territorial complexes Ph. tanacetifolia accompanied by dominant species such as: M. albus Medik., Ch. album L., E. canadensis L., E. repens (L.) Nevski, S. pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult., C. xanthiifolia (Nutt.) Fresen., L.amplexicaule L., M.lupulina L. The broad amplitude of variation is established by such morpho-biological indices of wild-growing individuals Ph. tanacetifolia as plant height (Cv = 34.8- 46.7%), bush diameter (Cv = 43.2-54.5%), scape diameter (Cv = 67.1-78.4%), inflorescence length (Cv = 46.7-55.2%); 1000 seed's weight (Cv = 25.4-37.4%); number of curls per plant (Cv = 49.2- 63.5%); number of flowers in the curl (Cv = 33.4-42.7%); number of seeds in the inflorescence (Cv = 25.4-28.6%); seed productivity (Cv = 30.6-34.8%). The allocated wild-growing forms of a phacelia are included in collection nursery of a botanical garden of NRU «BelSU». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 3 different row spacing (20 cm, 40 cm and 60 cm) and 3 seed quantities (1, 1.5 and 2 kg/da) on yield and some characteristics of phacelia for 2 years in the field of Gumushane University Gumushane Vocational School of Higher Education. The research was carried out in 3 replications according to the exact blocks trial pattern of chance during the season of breeding between 2014 and 2015. According to the results, row spacing plant height, number of flowers in the coal, green and dry grass yield, etc. B has a significant effect on traits. The highest values were obtained from plants planted in the range of 40 cm. These results show that it is appropriate to plant phacelia with a range of 40 cm and to use 1.5 kg/seed for grass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study was to determine bee pollen's minerals composition and evaluate the effect of the botanical and geographical origin. The results showed that the predominant elements were K, P and Ca, comprising 42.5%, 31.2% and 15.7%, respectively, of the total mineral content. The analysis of 30 monofloral pollen species showed the effect of botanical origin, recording a large range among the species with the most characteristic being P (1362–9210 mg/kg), K (2684–11604 mg/kg) and Ca (446–4464 mg/kg). Their highest concentrations were found in Phacelia tanacetifolia, Erica manipuliflora and Actinidia chinensis, respectively. Furthermore, to determine the effect of geographical origin (soil, climate), monofloral pollen samples of Sinapis arvensis and Cistus creticus collected from different regions were analysed. The highest ranges were observed in composition of S. arvensis and C. creticus pollen in K and Ca. The findings of this study prove that bee pollen is a notable source of minerals, facilitating the trade of the product promoting it as a beneficial natural food supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We studied the effects of Phacelia tanacetifolia, increasingly used as a cover-crop species in arable agricultural systems, upon soil structural properties in the context of two contrasting soil textures. We hypothesised there would be differential effects of the plants upon soil structure contingent on the texture. Methods: A sandy-loam and a clay soil were destructured by passing through 2 mm sieves, and planted with Phacelia in a replicated pot experiment, with associated unplanted controls. X-ray Computed Tomography was used to visualise and quantify the soil pore networks in 3D. Results: For the sandy-loam soil, there was no impact of plants upon aggregate size distribution porosity, pore connectivity, and pore surface density decreased in the presence of plants, whereas for the clay, there was a significant increase of aggregates <1000 μm, the porosity was constant, the pore-connectivity decreased, and surface density increased in the presence of plants. Conclusions: Plants can impact the structural genesis of soil depending on its inherent textural characteristics, leading to a differential development of pore architecture in different contexts. These results have implications both from an ecological perspective and in terms of the prescription of plants to remediate or condition soil structure in managed systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to determine the effects of five different nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1) and four different cutting times (before flowering, 50% flowering, full flowering and seed filling stages) on yield and quality components of phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham) under Isparta conditions in the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The experiment was established in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. Hay yield, crude protein (CP) ratio, CP yield, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratios, total digestible nutrient (TDN), dry matter intake (DMI), digestible dry matter (DDM) and relative feed value (RFV) were investigated in this research. Nitrogen rates and harvesting stages significantly affected most of the quality components determined in phacelia. Nitrogen applications increased hay yield, CP ratio, CP yield, DDM, DMI, TDN and RFV, while it decreased ADF and NDF ratios. Harvesting at the late stages caused a reduction in forage quality. Crude protein, TDN, RFV, DMI, DDM contents decreased with advancing stages, while hay yield, CP yield, ADF and NDF contents increased. It is possible to obtain high forage yield and good quality with 120 kg ha-1 nitrogen application in similar ecologies and Isparta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental design included seven cover crop species and six kinds of soil tillage in the field cultivation of carrot. The use of cover crops had a positive impact on the yield of marketable roots of carrot in comparison with the cultivation without the cover crops. A significant increase of marketable yield was noted after phacelia, buckwheat, mustard and sunflower. The flat ploughless tillage significantly reduced the marketable yield of roots in comparison with traditional ploughing. The largest marketable yield of roots was obtained from cultivation on ridges after mixing the biomass of buckwheat or phacelia or mustard with the soil, and the smallest, after reduced spring tillage using aggregate without cover crops. The largest marketable yield in flat ploughless tillage was obtained when using grubber before winter, and the biomass of phacelia was mixed with soil. Growing carrot on the ridges had a positive influence on increasing the share of the marketable yield of roots in comparison with other variants of cultivation including the conventional tillage. The all cover crops with the exception of spring vetch significantly increased the share of marketable roots in the yield compared with cultivation without cover crops. The largest percentage of the marketable yield was noted after use of phacelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Annual cover crops can provide high floral density and attract diverse bees. • Bee visits increased with floral density; buckwheat provided the most flowers. • Generalist social bees including managed honey bees most attracted to phacelia. • Solitary wild bees including rarer species most attracted to sunflowers. • Trade-offs exist between attracting managed or common bees vs. wild or rare bees. Abstract Agricultural intensification and landscape simplification have reduced flowering plant abundance and diversity worldwide, with subsequent negative effects on pollinators. To mitigate these effects, research and conservation have focused on incorporating flowering plants into agricultural landscapes through on-farm natural areas or flowering crops. However, while cover crops provide numerous agroecosystem services, they have received little attention for their role in providing floral resources for pollinators. In this study, we examined the value of cover crops for providing supplemental summer floral resources for both managed and wild bees in the Northern Great Plains of the United States, where a large proportion of honey bee colonies spend the summer. Specifically, using an experimental randomized plot design, we compared floral resources and bee visitation rates across 1, 2, 3, and 6-species cover crop mixes as well a 6-species annual native wildflower mix. We found that cover crop treatments including buckwheat provided the highest summer-long floral cover, higher than the annual native wildflower mix in which only two of six species bloomed, and that total bee visitation rates increased with higher floral cover. However, different bees were attracted to different treatments; honey bees and bumble bees were most attracted to mixes containing phacelia, while large-bodied solitary bees were more attracted to mixes including cultivated sunflower and to the wildflower mix, illustrating that the optimal plantings for attracting social or managed bees may differ from those attracting solitary wild bees. Additionally, while similar numbers of bee species visited the three main plants in our treatments (buckwheat, phacelia, and cultivated sunflower) more rare species visited cultivated sunflower while more common bees visited buckwheat and phacelia. Our results highlight the value of annual cover crops for providing pollinator resources in agricultural landscapes, particularly on rotated land where perennial flower plantings are less feasible, but illustrate trade-offs between attracting a large number of common generalist or managed bees versus attracting fewer individuals but species of potential conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant material is a rich source of valuable compounds such as flavanones. Their different forms influence bioavailability and biological activity, causing problems with the selection of plant material for specific purposes. The purpose of this research was to determine selected flavanone (eriodictyol, naringenin, liquiritigenin, and hesperetin) enantiomer contents in free form and bonded to glycosides by an RP‐UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method. Different parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) of goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.), lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), and phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) were used. The highest content of eriodictyol was found in goldenrod flowers (13.1 μg/g), where it occurred mainly as the (S)‐enantiomer, and the greatest proportion of the total amount was bonded to glycosides. The richest source of naringenin was found to be lucerne leaves (4.7 μg/g), where it was mainly bonded to glycosides and with the (S)‐enantiomer as the dominant form. Liquiritigenin was determined only in lucerne, where the flowers contained the highest amount (1.2 μg/g), with the (R)‐enantiomer as dominant aglycone form and the (S)‐enantiomer as the dominant glycosylated form. The highest hesperetin content was determined in phacelia leaves (0.38 μg/g), where it was present in the form of a glycoside and only as the (S)‐enantiomer. A comparison of the different analyte forms occurring in different plant parts was performed for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-field and field experiments with commercially used bumblebees (e.g. Bombus terrestris) gain more and more importance for both ecological studies and trials on potential side effects of plant protection products. However, standardized, replicable experimental methods are lacking so far and need further development. For example, initial strength of bumblebee colonies may vary across experiments but may be a key factor in successful colony development under field conditions. Trial duration and termination may impact results on total reproductive output (e.g. number of newly produced queens). In this study commercially reared bumblebee colonies of different initial strengths (number of worker bees) were placed along the field margin of each of six field sites. Each site was nested within one of two seasons and planted with one of two arable crops (Brassica napus and Phacelia tanacetifolia). Each colony was spaced approx. 50 m apart from the next colony, and its development was monitored once a week. While the development of half of the colonies was terminated at the first sighting of newly emerging queens within the nesting area, the other half of the colonies was left to develop further until the end of their natural colony cycle. Newly emerging queens were kept within the colonies using queen excluders. Colonies of different initial strengths showed very similar developmental patterns with medium and large colonies peaking slightly earlier than small colonies. Results may help to develop optimal parameters for standardized field tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the proposed test design of the ICPPR non-Apis working group, a semi-field (tunnel) study was conducted with the solitary bee Osmia bicornis (L., 1758) in flowering Phacelia using tunnels. Untreated crop was used as a control, and the insect growth regulator fenoxycarb as a test item which is intended to be used as reference item for this study type. To improve the design and to enhance the informative value of such studies our method deviated in three points: placing the cocoons in the tubes of the nesting units, performing additional brood assessments in two to three day intervals and increasing the application rate of the test item. Overall the results indicated that the proposed test design is suitable to perform studies on O. bicornis in Phacelia under semi-field conditions.Data on the reproduction performance, brood termination and hatching rate of the progenies show low variability between the replicates in both treatment groups. No impact on the flight activity, mortality, reproduction performance and hatching success of the progenies was observed, but an increased brood termination rate of larvae produced within the first days after application was recorded; in particular, placing the cocoons in the tubes lead to higher proportions of nesting established females. Moreover, due to the assessment of the cell production in 2 to 3 day intervals, it is possible to analyse time dependent effects on the reproductive performance, brood termination and hatching rate which can be expected by the decreasing exposure in the course of the study. And finally, it is shown that fenoxycarb is not a suitable reference item for such studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes of pH value followed by various agricultural practices are crucial for biotic components of soil, along with other environmental factors, like temperature and moisture content. In this paper, the earthworms population in triticale continuous cultivation was monitored. Their presence associated with various agrotechnical methods (e.g., stubble crops maintained as mulch, mineral fertilization without pesticides) were assessed twice by the handsorting method, and their presence during the triticale vegetation season (occurrence of coprolites) were monitored too. The aim of the study was to analyse the distribution of earthworm populations in cereal continuous cultivation fields, and whether they prefer any of the stubble crop species (Sinapis alba L., Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth., Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.), which were sown after triticale harvest. The results reveal the most abundant earthworms occurence in the F. esculentum objects (43.1% of all sampled earthworms, which consists of 42% and 47.2% of all sampled matured and juveniles individuals, respectively), and species homogeneity (dominate Octolasion cyaneum Savigny, 1826). The changes of pH varied through the triticale vegetation season, but didn’t exhibit severe variation between sampling sites. Using earthworm services in cropping systems after having enticed them to the field through stubble crop has the potential to boost agricultural sustainability. Their ecological preferences, along with their trophic behaviour, have already been put in place to complete a case study of the autecology of the O. cyaneum Savigny 1826 species.

Abstract Three cyclitols ( allo -inositol, scyllo -inositol and myo-inositol) and seven sugars (xylose, d -mannose, d -glucose, sucrose, D-(+)-turanose, D-(+)-melezitose monohydrate and D-(+)-raffinose pentahydrate) were determined in different morphological parts of lacy phacelia by high performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) method in 30 min. The applied analytical method is rapid, simple, sensitive, low cost, reliable and suitable for profiling of major sugars and cyclitols in Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. (lacy phacelia) parts. Pressurized liquid extraction and solid phase extraction were used as extraction and purification methods. The obtained results showed significant differences in the quantities and distribution of cyclitols and sugars found in the investigated morphological parts. The quantities of the identified cyclitols in lacy phacelia ranged between 1.07 and 4.68 mg/g of dried plant, while for sugars in the range of 1.07–25.3 mg/g. However, flowers were richer in cyclitols and sugars compared to the seeds. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Lacy phacelia an important source of cyclitols & sugars. • Extraction, important step for an efficient & economically convenient achievement. • SPE a valuable technique for purification & pre-concentration of cyclitols & sugars. • HPLC-ELSD as a rapid & sensitive technique for cyclitols & sugars quantification. • The flowers, richest in sugars & cyclitols compared to other investigated parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacy phacelia ( Phacelia tanacetifolia Borkh.) honey composition was screened by UHPLC-DAD-QqTOF-MS. The targeted analysis revealed 6 major nitrogen compounds including aromatic amino acids (tyrosine, phenylalanine), purine derivatives (adenine, xanthine), nucleoside (uridine) and rare non-cyanogenic cyanoglucoside, (−)-5- epi -lithospermoside ((2 Z )-2-[(4 R ,5 R ,6 S )-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(β- d -glucopyranosyl)oxycyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene]acetonitrile). Their identity was confirmed by different analytical tools: HRMS, co-chromatography with standard compound or comprehensive NMR experiments. All the compounds, except amino acids, were reported and determined in honey for the first time. The amount of the compounds was quantified in 16 unifloral phacelia samples: adenine (18.45 ± 4.63 mg/kg), xanthine (10.53 ± 2.98 mg/kg), uridine (42.84 ± 9.26 mg/kg), tyrosine (14.66 ± 10.22 mg/kg), (−)-5- epi -lithospermoside (70.61 ± 31.37 mg/kg) and phenylalanine (20.41 ± 11.99 mg/kg). The (−)-5- epi -lithospermoside content is significantly correlated with P. tanacetifolia pollen percentage (R 2  = 0.5612, p < 0.001) and it is proposed as a potential marker of botanical origin for phacelia honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Julius-Kühn-Archiv is the property of Julius Kuehn Institut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was conducted in order to determine the flowering phenology on different sowing dates in a mild climate. The experiment was conducted in the autumn and spring vegetation periods of 2013 and 2014 in a randomized block experimental design with three replications. Flowering started on 08.04.2013-02.04.2014 and ended on 22.05.2013-26.05.2014 in the autumn sowing period. In the spring sowing period, the first flowering dates were 08.05.2013-18.05.2014, and it lasted until 31.07.2013-25.07.2014. According to the two years-results, it was determined that the average flowering period was 41.9 days. Throughout the five weeks-observation period, the peak flower density and bee density per square meter were observed in the third week, respectively, with 943.4 pcs/m2 and 72.06 pcs/m2. Reports of investigated traits, which obtained a value decrease with retarded sowing dates, stated that the flowering period was prolonged when phacelia should be sown in certain intervals between September-November and between the beginning of March and beginning of April for beekeeping, which is intensive in this region. It was concluded that phacelia may provide significant contributions on needs of nectar and pollen in the dearth period when the flowering period lasted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Bumble bees ( Bombus spp.) are declining across many regions in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to a need for management actions that will protect and enhance their habitats. In the Sierra Nevada of California, USA, montane chaparral is prevalent across the landscape, particularly after forest fires, and may provide important floral resources for pollinators. However post-fire montane chaparral is often targeted for removal during reforestation efforts, to reduce competition with young trees. In 2015 and 2016, we conducted non-lethal bumble bee surveys within 2 areas in the Sierra Nevada that burned in forest fires in 2004. Our goals were to describe bumble bee abundance and species richness in a post-fire landscape, to compare results from chaparral-dominated upland vegetation with results from interspersed patches of riparian vegetation, and to identify characteristics of individual chaparral stands that might make some stands more valuable to bumble bees than others. We captured 2,494 bumble bees of 12 species, and used Bayesian hierarchical modeling to determine that bumble bee abundance was substantially greater in riparian plots (modeled capture rate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed to characterize genetic diversity and structuring in the genus Phacelia (Hydrophyllaceae) and to further conservation efforts for P. formosula. Methods and Results: Fifteen novel microsatellite primers were developed for P. formosula. These were characterized for genetic variation in three separate P. formosula populations. Two to nine alleles were found per locus. Overall observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.800 and 0.000 to 0.840, respectively. Additionally, these loci were successfully amplified and showed polymorphism in P. gina-glenneae and a potential new Phacelia species. Conclusions: These microsatellite markers will be useful in assessing genetic diversity, structuring, and gene flow within and among populations of the rare P. formosula, in addition to related Phacelia species. These markers will provide important genetic data needed for appropriate conservation and management of these rare plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of foraging bouts of Episyrphus balteatus (DeGeer) females were observed and recorded throughout the day in phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham) patches. The dominant transitions of interplant movement, approaching and probing bouts were statistically more frequent in the morning than in the afternoon. In the morning, interplant movement of foragers was significantly longer and they were moving at higher places of phacelia patches. They approached and probed flowers considerably longer in morning compared to afternoon. A significant positive relationship between the number of open flowers in a patch and the patch residence time was observed in the morning. The proportion of females having swollen abdomen filled with phacelia pollen (68.2%) in the afternoon was significantly higher than that (31.82%) in the morning. In our study, E. balteatus females spent more time foraging in phacelia patches in morning compared to afternoon. Based on the results and by considering the dual resources requirements of a female hoverfly (flower foraging and searching for aphids to lay eggs), we will discuss the effective diurnal foraging of E. balteatus females in phacelia patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, a primary insect pest of onions, Allium cepa L., worldwide, reduces yield and transmits a devastating Tospovirus, Iris yellow spot virus. Costly and frequent insecticide application and increased resistance of onion thrips to insecticide prompted interest in alternative pest management options. Three trap crops, lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.), buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.), and carrot ( Daucus carota L.) planted in commercial onion fields during two growing seasons were evaluated for attractiveness to onion thrips. Abundance of thrips adults, larvae, and eggs were monitored on trap crops and onion plants, and dispersing adults were counted on aerial traps 0, 0.8, 6.4, and 12.8 m from trap crop rows. All trap crops when flowering or with lush vegetation supported all life stages of onion thrips during at least 1 of 2 years; trends in preference by onion thrips varied. Incidence of Iris yellow spot virus was low ranging from 6.6 to 8.2% in year 2; however, in late September of the second year, incidence was greater near trap crops than at farther distances, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Trap crops were attractive to onion thrips adults in June and July which suggests promise for decreasing numbers of thrips on onion during critical periods of bulb sizing and spread of Iris yellow spot virus; however, the short distance of influence suggested need for larger plot sizes or better sampling methods. Potential for planting trap crops along field edges to attract migrating adult thrips early in the season is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nitrogen (N) dynamics can be modified by cover crops in rotations with cereals. Although, roots are a major source of N, little is known about the dynamics of root decomposition of cash and cover crops. The objective of this study was to assess the effects that cover crop species have on i) the decomposition of spring wheat roots during the growth of cover crops, and ii) the decomposition of cover crop roots during the growing season of spring wheat. The experiment aimed also at comparing three non-winter hardy cover crops of varying shoot C/N ratios under low and high N input levels of 6 and 12 g N m −2 y −1 , respectively. The experiment included spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) as the main crop and non-winter hardy cover crops (yellow mustard ( Sinapis alba L.), phacelia ( Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth), and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) as well as bare soil fallow treatment. Minirhizotrons were used to non-destructively assess the spatial and temporal patterns of root growth and decomposition from 0.10 to 1.00 m. Simultaneously, we grew all crops in soil columns to measure destructively C and N content in the roots. We concluded that wheat root decomposition was not affected by cover crop species. In contrast, during the growing season of wheat root decomposition of yellow mustard was on average twice as high for phacelia and sunflower as a consequence of a higher production of roots with a significantly higher C/N ratio compared to the other cover crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three taxa are recognized at the rank of species based on molecular phylogenetic studies in Phacelia sect. Glandulosae (Hydrophyllaceae, Boraginales). Results of those studies did not support a monophyletic Phacelia crenulata Torr. ex S. Watson, because 3 varieties of that species were supported as distinct lineages based on molecular (nuclear and chloroplast) and morphological characters. Typification and status is clarified for P. corrugata A. Nelson and P. orbicularis Rydb. A new nomenclatural combination for P. crenulata var. angustifolia N.D. Atwood is established to elevate that variety to species rank, as Phacelia angustifolia (N.D. Atwood) Walden, comb. et stat. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2018 in the experimental field of the Institute of Plant Genetic Resources - Sadovo was carried out an experience with Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth (honey plant). There was studied the effectiveness against annual and perennial grass and broad-leaved weeds of three herbicides. The study was conducted on an experimental area of 5 m2 in two repetitions; the total area was 10 m2. The result of the experiment showed that only the herbicide Sertaki CS, a capsule suspension formulation containing 360g/l Clomazone had no negative effect of the growth and on seed yield of the Phacelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]