Search

Occurrence of frequent dryspell is affecting agriculture; productivity in the semi-arid areas of West Africa such as northern Ghana. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of dryspells on rainfed maize (early and late maturing), millet, and sorghum yields in a savanna agro-ecosystem in northern Ghana, and suggest management options for reducing their impacts. Long-term dryspell analyses were carried out using INSTAT + v3.37 on climatic data collected over a 30- to 50-year period. The probabilities of dryspells exceeding 7, 10, 14 and 21 days were calculated for crop types during different physiological growth stages and growing seasons of varying lengths. CROPWAT 8.0 was used to determine effective rainfall, crop water requirement, crop water deficit, and changes in yield. The results showed that 80% of the rains begin between the second week of May and the third week of June in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The result also revealed that more dryspells occurred after the initial growth stage of crops. During mid and late stages of crop growth there was a 50% probability of dryspells greater than seven days for early maturing maize and millet and of > 70% for sorghum. Late maturing maize experienced higher crop water deficit than early maturing maize. The result also showed that significant yield reduction (36% reduction in late maturing maize at both Navrongo and Zuarungu) occurs if planting is done before May 21. Similarly, 25 and 23% yield losses, were observed in sorghum at Navrongo and Zuarungu, respectively. We therefore recommend (i) early maturing crop varieties, (ii) adjusting sowing dates based on seasonal climate information, and (iii) improving water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to maximize yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson) by optimizing sowing dates and nutrient management, a field experiment was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur, India during 3 consecutive rabi seasons (2012–13 to 2014–15). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications. The two main plot treatments comprised date of sowing (D1: IV week of October; D2: II week of November) and four sub-plot treatments comprised nutrient applications (T1: RD-N40P60K40; T2: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250; T3: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn and T4: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn + Fe). Result showed that the seed germination, seedling growth and seedling vigor index were better in D1 sowing over D2 sowing under control as well treated conditions. Chlorophyll content increased with the application of sulfur, zinc and iron during both the sowings, with greater magnitude in D2 sowing. Seed yield and its contributing factors viz. days to flowering, plant height, shoot length, leaf area; primary branches per plant, number and length of siliqua were significantly and variably affected by different nutrient combinations. Application of T3 significantly enhanced the seed and biological yield (23.13 and 74.03 q ha−1) (16.35% and 20.63%) over T1, respectively, and T3 was statistically at par with T4. T3 also provided the highest benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (2.14) and net returns (₹ 38168 ha−1). Thus, sowing of Indian mustard in the month of October and application of RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn (T3) is recommended to maximize its seed yield along with higher B:C ratio and returns under semi-arid conditions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the optimal sowing date, planting density and fertilizer dosage of Shishan rapeseed, to realize the combination of good breeding and high yield cultivation techniques in the suitable area of Yuxi City. Using three-factor and three-level orthogonal test, we researched the optimal sowing date, planting density and fertilizer dosage of Shishan rapeseed in Yuxi City, as well as the effects of shoot, seed yield and economic benefit. The effects of three factors on shoot yield from big to small were in the order of sowing date, planting density,urea dosage;the effects of three factors on seed yield from big to small were in the order of planting density,sowing date,urea dosage, the shoot and seed yield difference of each treatment reached a significant level, sowing date had significant effects on the first picking time, harvesting days, times and growth period of Shishan rapeseed. Planting density was negatively correlated with shoot thickness, fresh weight per shoot, pod number and pods per plant. However, the effect of urea dosage amount on growth period and agronomic traits was not obvious. The optimal combination of cultivation factors for Shishan rapeseed were September 30 for planting date, 60 000 plants/ hm² for density, 375 kg/hm² for urea at seedling stage, the yield of fresh shoot could reach 31 183. 8 kg/hm², seed yield could reach 1 888. 75 kg/hm², the net income was 165 200 yuan/hm², output-input ratio was 3. 55, and the economic benefits were relatively high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The effects of quinoa sowing date and density on soil nutrients, enzyme activities and microbial community structure were analyzed, and the optimal sowing date and sowing density of quinoa in Gannan area were determined, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and scientific reference for the adjustment of quinoa cultivation system and the promotion of quinoa industry. [Method] Using quinoa variety 'Longquinoa No. 5' as the material, a two-factor random block design was adopted, and two factors were set, including early sowing (sowing on May 15, E) and late sowing (sowing on June 24, L), and low density (1.2X104 plants/hm², D1), medium density (1.6X104 plants/hm², D2) and high density (2.0X104 plants/hm², D3), a total of 6 treatments, namely early sowing low density (ED1), early sowing medium density (ED2), early sowing high density (ED3), late sowing low density (LD1), late sowing medium density (LD2) and late sowing low density (LD3), the yield and its constituent factors of different treatments of quinoa were analyzed, and the rhizosphere soil pH of different treatments was determined. Nutrient content and soil enzyme activity, Illumina-HiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the composition and diversity of bacterial community in rhizosphere soil of quinoa under different treatments, and finally the correlation between soil pH and nutrient content, relative abundance of bacterial community and enzyme activity was analyzed. [Result] Sowing date and density had significant effects on quinoa yield and its constituent factors. There was no significant difference in main panicle length among the treatments. Among the six treatments, the effective branch number and 1 000-grain weight of quinoa in LD1 treatment were the highest, and the total yield of ED2 and ED3 treatments was higher. Sowing date and density had no significant effect on soil pH in the rhizosphere of quinoa, but had a significant effect on soil nutrient content and enzyme activity. At the same density, the contents of total phosphorus, total potassium, total nitrogen and organic matter in the rhizosphere soil of late sowing quinoa were generally higher than those in the early sowing treatment, both at the branching stage and at the grain-filling stage. At the same density, the activities of catalase, sucrase and urease in the rhizosphere soil of late sowing quinoa at the branching stage were generally higher than those in the early sowing treatment, while the alkaline phosphatase in the early sowing treatment was lower than that in the late sowing treatment, and the catalase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the rhizosphere soil of late sowing quinoa at the grain filling stage were generally lower than those in the early sowing treatment, and the sucrase activities in the late sowing treatment were higher than those in the early sowing treatment. Sowing date and density had significant effects on the bacterial community structure of quinoa rhizosphere soil.In the branching stage, the average Shannon index and Simpson index of ED2 treatment were the highest, and the Chao1 index of LD2 treatment was the highest, and the coverage index of ED3 treatment was the highest. The results of correlation analysis showed that soil nutrient content and enzyme activity were significantly correlated with soil bacterial community structure, among which soil urease activity was significantly positively correlated with available phosphorus content, catalase activity was significantly positively correlated with available potassium content, soil sucrase was significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen content, catalase activity was significantly positively correlated with actinomycetes, urease activity was significantly positively correlated with Proteobacteria, and sucrase activity was significantly positively correlated with Blastomonas. [Conclusion] In the high-altitude cold areas of Gansu Province, the sowing date and density had significant effects on the yield of quinoa, its rhizosphere soil nutrient content, enzyme activity and bacterial community, and the sowing time of quinoa in this area was mid-May and the sowing density was (1.6-2.0)X104 plants/hm². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To provide theoretical and practical guidance for high yield and lodging resistance of maize cultivation in Sichuan and promote the development of mechanical grain harvesting technology of maize, this study investigated the effects of different sowing dates and densities on stalk characteristics and lodging resistant mechanical properties. [Method] The maize cultivar 'Zhongyu 3' was selected for field experiments including six sowing dates (March 27th, April 6th, April 16th, April 26th, May 6th and May 16th) and two planting densities (6.75 and 8.25X104 plants/hm²). All samples were collected 10 days after physiological maturity of maize to measure stalk lodging rates (root lodging rate and stalk breaking rate), yield, plant agronomic traits (plant height, ear height and coefficient of ear height), basal stem morphology (internode length, internode diameter and internode length-to-diameter ratio (L/D)), quality traits (internode dry weight (DW), dry weight per unit length (DWUL), dry weight per unit volume (DWUV) and stem moisture content (MC)) and mechanical strength indexes including crushing strength (CS), rind penetration strength (RPS) and bending strength (BS) of the third stem internode. [Result] Maize lodging resistance was significantly affected by sowing date and planting density. With the delay of sowing date, stalk lodging rate, root lodging rate and stalk breaking rate decreased first and then increased, while maize yield decreased gradually. The plant height, ear height, the third internode length and ratio of length-to-diameter increased significantly, while DW, DWUL and DWUV of the third internode increased after initial decreases.On the contrary, the third internode MC and mechanical strength indexes increased first and then decreased significantly. When the sowing date was delayed from April 26th to May 6th, internode morphology, quality traits, mechanical strength and stalk lodging rate reached the maximum or minimum, respectively. Increasing density further promoted the increasing or decreasing effects, which led to significant increases of stalk lodging rate.Correlation analysis showed that stalk lodging rates at different sowing dates were significantly affected by rainfall and wind after physiological maturity, and it was significantly correlated with L/D, DW, DWUL and RPS, CS and BS of the third internode. The change in stalk mechanical strength was the main reason of lodging rate variations, and the changes in DWUL and L/D were the main factors affecting mechanical properties of lodging resistance. [Conclusion] Optimizing planting density and sowing date could achieve high population yield and lodging resistance. It was suggested to sow spring maize in mid-to-late April and summer maize in early May with planting density of 6.75X104 plants/hm² for coordinated high yield and lodging resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming delays the harvest of kharif crops, which delay the subsequent sowing of Indian mustard, especially in northwestern India and also causes dry winters that exacerbate challenges for the timely sowing of rabi-crops. To check this, a field experiment was conducted during the Rabi-seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to assess the influence of sowing dates, irrigation, and fertilizer levels under late-sown conditions. A split-plot design was used with two sowing dates, two irrigation levels and four fertilizer levels (87.5%, 100%, 112.5% and 125% RDF; Recommended-fertilizers-dose). Crop sown in the 4th week of November significantly reduced seed (46.79 and 38.77%) and stover yield (43.72 and 41.62%) as compared to the 2nd week of November sowing during 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively. Uptake of NPK by seed and stover was higher with the 2nd week of November sowing. The 2nd week of November sowing resulted in significant increase in water productivity by 63.72% and Benefit cost ratio (B:C) by 75.45% over the 4th week of November sowing. Irrigation at flowering stage increased the seed yield, water productivity and B:C by 11.94%, 1.72% and 9.17%, respectively, as compared to No post-sown irrigation. The biological yield of the Indian mustard increased with every increase in fertilizer doses but the response was significant up to 112.5% RDF (90 kg N, 33.75 kg P2O5 and 22.5 kg K2O ha−1). Application of 112.5% RDF increased the seed, stover yield, water productivity and B:C by 16.17%, 9.29%, 15.66% and 11.27%, respectively, over 87.5% RDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sowing date of maize significantly impacts its main yield elements. The experiment, conducted at the Research and Development Station for Cattle Breeding (R.D.S.C.B.) Târgu Mureș, Sângeorgiu de Mureș, România, from 2018 to 2021, involved nine maize hybrids from different maturity groups, sown on three dates: early sowing (ES) at 6 °C soil temperature, optimal sowing (OS) at 10 °C soil temperature, and late sowing (LS) two weeks after the optimal date. The experiment was placed in a poly-factorial experience of type: A × B × C × C − R: 3 × 9 × 4 − 3, organized according to the subdivided plots method. The study examined the influence of sowing date on grain yield (GY), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), test weight (TW), percentage of grains per cob (% G/C), and grain humidity at harvest (GHH). The results indicated that yield was not negatively impacted by early or late sowing compared to the optimal date, with differences of 52 kg ha−1 between ES and OS, 147 kg ha−1 between ES and LS, and 95 kg ha−1 between OS and LS. ES increased TW (723.4 kg hl−1) and % G/C (86.7%), but reduced GY (13,377 kg ha−1), TKW (335.3 g), and GHH (19.5%). Conversely, LS positively influenced GY (13,524 kg ha−1), TKW (356.7 g), and GHH (23.9%), but negatively affected TW (692.8 kg hl−1) and % G/C (84.9%). Yield data obtained by P9900 and Kapitolis hybrids suggest that they are suitable for early sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from Yushu Agricultural Meteorological Station of Jilin from 2018 to 2023, the impact of different sowing dates of corn is investigated focusing on its growth and yield composition as well as grain quality under global warming. It is also debated whether adjusting the sowing date of corn could be a measure for agriculture to adapt to climate change. Results show that the utilization efficiency of accumulated temperature during the growing season of corn varies with different sowing dates. The accumulated temperature is the highest in the first sowing date and lowest in the fourth sowing date, with an average decrease of 8.3% compared to the first sowing date. Different sowing dates of corn have an impact on the growing period. The duration of the first sowing date for corn is extended by an average of 7.5 days compared to the normal sowing date, while durations of the third and fourth sowing dates are shortened by 5.7 days and 13.8 days, respectively. Different sowing dates have an impact on the yield structure of corn. In the first sowing date, there is an increase in the weight of 100 grains of corn in 2 years during 6 years, while a decrease by 4.8% and 8.7% in the third and fourth sowing dates compared to the normal sowing date. The average number of grains per plant in the first sowing date increases by 0.2%, while decreases by 6.0% and 9.3% in the third and fourth sowing date. Overall, delaying the corn sowing date by 10 days and 20 days results in an average yield reduction of 10.9% and 17.1%. Sowing corn 10 days earlier could increase the yield in some years. The change in sowing dates has little effect on the quality of grains. Therefore, an early corn sowing date can be utilized as a strategy to adapt to climate change in certain regions of Northeast China.

Abstract Sowing date and soil fertility are very important factors in the overwintering and production performance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), yet there’s a knowledge gap in knowledge on how late-seeded alfalfa responds to phosphorus (P) fertilization. A field study was conducted in Inner Mongolia from 2020 to 2022 using a split-plot design. The main plots consisted of five sowing dates (31 July, 8, 16, and 24 August, and 1 September), while the subplots involved five P application rates (0, 40, 70, 100, and 130 kg P2O5 ha−1). Throughout the growing seasons, the overwintering rate, root traits, forage yield, and yield components were measured. The results revealed a consistent decrease in overwintering ability and productivity with the delayed sowing. This reduction in overwintering rate was mainly due to diminished root traits, while the decrease in forage yield was largely associated with a reduction in plants per square meter. However, P fertilizer application to late-seeded alfalfa demonstrated potential in enhancing the diameter of both the crown and taproot, thus strengthening the root system and improving the overwintering rate, the rate of increase ranges from 11.6 to 49%. This adjustment could also improve the shoots per square meter and mass per shoot, increasing by 9.4–31.3% and 15.0–27.1% respectively in 2 years, which can offset the decline in forage yield caused by late sowing and might even increase the forage yield. Regression and path analysis indicated that alfalfa forage yield is primarily affected by mass per shoot rather than shoots per square meter. This study recommended that the sowing of alfalfa in similar regions of Inner Mongolia should not be later than mid-August. Moreover, applying P fertilizer (P2O5) at 70.6–85.9 kg ha−1 can enhance the forage yield and persistence of late-seeded alfalfa. Therefore, appropriate late sowing combined with the application of P fertilizer can be used as an efficient cultivation strategy for alfalfa cultivation after a short-season crop harvest in arid and cold regions.

Abstract Background The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is a key factor in yield maximization. Sesame (Sesamum indicum), an indeterminate short-day oilseed crop, is rapidly being introduced into new cultivation areas. Thus, decoding its flowering mechanism is necessary to facilitate adaptation to environmental conditions. In the current study, we uncover the effect of day-length on flowering and yield components using F $$_2$$ 2 populations segregating for previously identified quantitative trait loci (Si_DTF QTL) confirming these traits. Results Generally, day-length affected all phenotypic traits, with short-day preceding days to flowering and reducing yield components. Interestingly, the average days to flowering required for yield maximization was 50 to 55 days, regardless of day-length. In addition, we found that Si_DTF QTL is more associated with seed-yield and yield components than with days to flowering. A bulk-segregation analysis was applied to identify additional QTL differing in allele frequencies between early and late flowering under both day-length conditions. Candidate genes mining within the identified major QTL intervals revealed two flowering-related genes with different expression levels between the parental lines, indicating their contribution to sesame flowering regulation. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the essential role of flowering date on yield components and will serve as a basis for future sesame breeding.

This present scientific research was conducted in the Qlyasan, which is located in the governorate of Sulaimani in the northeast of Iraq.The experimentation was conducted over two distinct growing seasons.; Winter of 2022-2023 and Spring of 2023, this study aimed to assess the outcome of planting dates on growth, yield, and oil content of different varieties of safflower. The experimental setup followed a (CRBD) design, with three replicates employed during the winter season, for robustness and reliability. the sowing dates were (December 1st, December 15th, and December 31st). while in the spring season, three sowing dates (April 1st, April 15th, and May 1st). Three varieties namely (Gilla, Iden, and Al-Shamia) were planted. The characteristics studied in this research included the height of the plants, No.of primary branches/plant, No.of heads /plant, No.of seeds/head, 1000-seed weight, seed yield (kg ha-1), and content of oil (%). The results indicated that variation in sowing dates had a significant impact on all traits of safflower varieties. The highest seed yield was observed from (December 1st and April 1st) sowing dates (1831.77,1562.22 kg ha-1) during seasons individually, and the lowest seed yield was recorded for the latest sowing dates (December 31st and May 1st). The highest oil content was reached (30.15 and 27.18%) obtained by sowing on December 31st, and April 1st respectively. The Gilla variety surpassed and outperformed in seed yield (2610.50 and 2302.33 kg ha-1) in both seasons respectively, and the AL-Shamia variety produced the highest oil percentage in both seasons at (30.15,23.39%).

This study was conducted at the research station of the College of Agriculture - University of Anbar during the season 2022 to investigate the effect of melatonin and seeding date on the gene expression of flowering gene in soybean (GmTF2a) and some characteristics of soybean pods and seeds. Environmental differences appear from year to year due to global warming which makes studying seeding dates important, as well as using growth regulators that help adapt to surrounding conditions. Five seeding dates were applied starting from 10th April with an interval of 15 days in between and four concentrations of melatonin 0, 100, 200, 300 µM applied at the V3 growth stage (three fully developed trifoliate leaf nodes) of soybean. Flowering gene expression differed as seeding dates and melatonin treatment differed. Early seeding dates and high levels of melatonin showed an increased gene expression of GmTF2a, which reached 6.96 folds for plants sown 10th of May, while it went down to 1.53 folds for those sown very late on 9th Jun. Melatonin concentration of 300 µM was superior by showing 14.42 folds of gene expression compared to control (0 µM) which showed 5.17 folds only. Plants sown on Jun 9th reached 50% flowering earlier (62 days) while 10th April gave plants flowered 86 days after seeding. On the other hand, melatonin application reduced days required to reach 50% flowering. The date May 10th was superior giving 161.05 pods per plant, 4.50 cm pod length, 2.65 seeds per pod, 395.7 seeds per plant, and 6.8% wrinkled seeds. While the date May 25th excelled in weight of one seed which reached 0.133 mg. On the other hand, the date 10th April gave the lowest averages for the mentioned traits. Melatonin treatment of 300 µM was superior in all studied traits by giving 161.05 pod plant-1, 4.58 cm pod length, 2.87 seeds per pod, 0.131 mg weight of one seed, 398.5 seeds per plant, and 6.8% wrinkled seeds. Treatment of 0 µM gave the lowest averages of all traits and the highest wrinkled seeds percentage 11.84%.

Sowing date and soil fertility are very important factors in the overwintering and production performance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), yet there's a knowledge gap in knowledge on how late-seeded alfalfa responds to phosphorus (P) fertilization. A field study was conducted in Inner Mongolia from 2020 to 2022 using a split-plot design. The main plots consisted of five sowing dates (31 July, 8, 16, and 24 August, and 1 September), while the subplots involved five P application rates (0, 40, 70, 100, and 130 kg P2O5 ha−1). Throughout the growing seasons, the overwintering rate, root traits, forage yield, and yield components were measured. The results revealed a consistent decrease in overwintering ability and productivity with the delayed sowing. This reduction in overwintering rate was mainly due to diminished root traits, while the decrease in forage yield was largely associated with a reduction in plants per square meter. However, P fertilizer application to late-seeded alfalfa demonstrated potential in enhancing the diameter of both the crown and taproot, thus strengthening the root system and improving the overwintering rate, the rate of increase ranges from 11.6 to 49%. This adjustment could also improve the shoots per square meter and mass per shoot, increasing by 9.4–31.3% and 15.0–27.1% respectively in 2 years, which can offset the decline in forage yield caused by late sowing and might even increase the forage yield. Regression and path analysis indicated that alfalfa forage yield is primarily affected by mass per shoot rather than shoots per square meter. This study recommended that the sowing of alfalfa in similar regions of Inner Mongolia should not be later than mid-August. Moreover, applying P fertilizer (P2O5) at 70.6–85.9 kg ha−1 can enhance the forage yield and persistence of late-seeded alfalfa. Therefore, appropriate late sowing combined with the application of P fertilizer can be used as an efficient cultivation strategy for alfalfa cultivation after a short-season crop harvest in arid and cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agronomica Sinica is the property of Crop Science Society of China 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.)

Background: The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is a key factor in yield maximization. Sesame (Sesamum indicum), an indeterminate short-day oilseed crop, is rapidly being introduced into new cultivation areas. Thus, decoding its flowering mechanism is necessary to facilitate adaptation to environmental conditions. In the current study, we uncover the effect of day-length on flowering and yield components using F 2 populations segregating for previously identified quantitative trait loci (Si_DTF QTL) confirming these traits. Results: Generally, day-length affected all phenotypic traits, with short-day preceding days to flowering and reducing yield components. Interestingly, the average days to flowering required for yield maximization was 50 to 55 days, regardless of day-length. In addition, we found that Si_DTF QTL is more associated with seed-yield and yield components than with days to flowering. A bulk-segregation analysis was applied to identify additional QTL differing in allele frequencies between early and late flowering under both day-length conditions. Candidate genes mining within the identified major QTL intervals revealed two flowering-related genes with different expression levels between the parental lines, indicating their contribution to sesame flowering regulation. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the essential role of flowering date on yield components and will serve as a basis for future sesame breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yield and its components are greatly affected by climate change. Adjusting the sowing date is an effective way to alleviate adverse effects and adapt to climate change. Aiming to determine the optimal sowing date of summer maize and clarify the contribution of climatic variables to grain yield and its components, a consecutive 4-year field experiment was conducted from 2016 to 2019 with four sowing dates at 10-day intervals from 5 June to 5 July. Analysis of historical meteorological data showed that more solar radiation (SR) was distributed from early June to mid-August, and the maximum temperature (Tmax) > 32°C appeared from early July to late August, which advanced and lasted longer in 1991–2020 relative to 1981–1990. Additionally, the precipitation was mainly distributed from early June to late July. The climate change in the growing season of summer maize resulted in optimal sowing dates ranging from 5 June to 15 June, with higher yields and yield stability, mainly because of the higher kernel number per ear and 1,000-grain weight. The average contribution of kernel number per ear to grain yield was 58.7%, higher than that of 1,000-grain weight (41.3%). Variance partitioning analysis showed that SR in 15 days pre-silking to 15 days post-silking (SS) and silking to harvest (SH) stages significantly contributed to grain yield by 63.1% and 86.4%. The extreme growing degree days (EDD) > 32°C, SR, precipitation, and diurnal temperature range (DTR) contributed 20.6%, 22.9%, 14.5%, and 42.0% to kernel number per ear in the SS stage, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that the early sowing dates could gain high yield and yield stability due to the higher SR in the growing season. Meanwhile, due to the decreasing trend in SR and increasing Tmax trend in this region, in the future, new maize varieties with high-temperature resistance, high light efficiency, shade tolerance, and medium-season traits need to be bred to adapt to climate change and increased grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avances is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica 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.)

The article presents a study which investigated the effect of different sowing dates on yield of mungbean varieties by conducting field experiments at Research farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CSHAU) Regional Research Station in Rohtak, India. Topics include significant effect of date of sowing on occurrence of various phenophases of mungbean varieties and interaction of date of sowing and varieties on seed yield.

Sowing date and time are important agronomic practices determining the growth and yield of any crop. To improve the growth and yield of bush beans through the proper date of sowing, a field experiment was conducted from March 2022 to July 2022 at the Vegetable Seed Production Centre, Chapa, Musikot-04, West Rukum. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with the 5 different sowing dates, viz., (17th February), (4th March), (19th March), (4th April), and (19th April), and replicated four times. The observations on parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of pods per plant, pod length, pod diameter, number of seeds per pod, and yield were recorded. The results obtained were in favor of the planting made on March 4, which was significantly different from the plant sown on February 17, March 19, March 3, and April 18. The result shows that the best sowing date for bush beans was found in the first week of March. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean is the crop of the future, especially for countries with a high demand for food and feed protein. Therefore, soybean cultivation is moving north to countries at higher latitudes, where temperatures, photoperiodism, and rainfall distribution are not always able to meet soybean requirements. The aim of this study was to evaluate three sowing dates as a factor influencing soybean cultivars yield and seed chemical composition in agroclimatic conditions of south-western Poland. In the years 2016–2019, a field experiment was conducted in Lower Silesia region, near Wroclaw, with three sowing dates: early (mid-April), 10-day delayed (at the turn of April and May), and 20-day delayed (first half of May), and two soybean cultivars: Merlin and Lissabon. In this location, soybean sowing is recommended in mid-April, possibly at the turn of April and May. The cultivars tested differed in yield and yield component values in the years of research, but generally, the Lissabon was better suited to local conditions. Results were discussed with findings of other domestic research, to investigate the problem of the soybean sowing date in Poland. The recommended sowing date for soybean was found to vary from region to region. These differences are due to the length of the growing season in each location and the varied adaptation of cultivars to the local climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed the effect of nitrogen (N) management and different sowing parameters of winter wheat on the flour quality, rheological properties of flour, and bread quality. Flour was obtained from winter wheat grain produced during a field experiment conducted in 2018–2021. The experiment involved three factors: (i) the sowing date (early (3–6 September), delayed by 14 days, and delayed by 28 days), (ii) sowing density (200, 300, and 400 live grains m−2), and (iii) split application of N fertilizer in spring (40 + 100, 70 + 70, and 100 + 40 kg ha−1 in the full tillering stage and the first node stage, respectively). A 28-day delay in sowing increased the total protein content of the flour, water absorption capacity of the flour, dough development time and stability, and degree of softening. When sowing was delayed by 14 or 28 days, the crumb density decreased without affecting the loaf volume. A sowing density of 400 grains m−2 had a positive impact on the flour color, dough stability, and loaf volume. The flour color and dough stability were enhanced when N was applied at 100 + 40 kg ha−1, respectively. In turn, the total protein content of flour peaked when it was applied at 40 + 100 kg N ha−1. The quality of flour improved when winter wheat was sown at a density of 400 live grains m−2 with a delay of 14 or 28 days and supplied with 100 kg N ha−1 in the full tillering stage and 40 kg N ha−1 in the first node stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clarify the influence of key cultivation measures on rapeseed oil quality, a single factor field experiments of sowing date, planting density, and nitrogen rate were carried out in Wuhan and Lanzhou with "Xiangzayou 518 (XZY518)" and "Dadi 199 (DD199)" as the experimental materials. The rapeseed was harvested at maturity stage, followed by cold pressing and oil content, oil extraction efficiency, color of rapeseed oil, peroxide value, total polar phenols, and phytosterol content were assessed, and rapeseed oil quality was evaluated comprehensively under each treatment. The results showed that sowing date, density, and nitrogen rate all significantly affected the key quality indexes of rapeseed oil, and the pattern of change of each index was not the same between the two varieties from two sites. Two varieties from two sites had higher oleic acid content in rapeseed oil under early sowing conditions, and as the sowing date was delayed, rapeseed oil color deepened, chlorophyll content increased, and the comprehensive quality decreased. The XZY518 from two sites at D2 density (4.5x105 hm-2) had a lower acid value, higher total polar phenol, total phytosterol, and total tocopherol contents, and better comprehensive quality. The DD 199 from two sites with increasing density, the chlorophyll content of rapeseed oil increased, the color deepened, the linoleic acid content decreased, and the comprehensive quality also decreased. Two varieties from two sites had higher oil content and oil extraction efficiency under low nitrogen (120 kg hm-2). With the increase of nitrogen rate, rapeseed oil color deepened, comprehensive quality declined. Principal component analysis showed that the effect of sowing date on the comprehensive quality of rapeseed oil was greater than that of planting density and nitrogen rate treatments, and that acid value, chlorophyll, total polar phenols, antioxidant power and total phytosterols were key quality indicators affecting rapeseed oils. Correlation analysis showed that seed oil content was significantly positively correlated with oil extraction efficiency, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and rapeseed oil color were all significantly positively correlated, and total polar phenols were significantly positively correlated with antioxidant power. In summary, early sowing at an appropriate date, reducing nitrogen fertilizer rate, and lowering planting density in production can improve the quality of pressed rapeseed oil. The findings of this study offer technical assistance to produce high-quality rapeseed oil raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is being sown in Iran from April to July. To investigate the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and Bacillus velezensis bacteria on pinto bean yield and yield component, an experiment was conducted as a split-split plots experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replicates in the research farm of the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran in 2021 on separate planting dates (mid May and late June). The treatments included two irrigation levels (irrigation 70% and 100% of the plant's water requirement) as the main plot, foliar spraying (ASA hormone at 0.5 mM level and control) as a secondary plot and inoculation with Bacillus velezensis bacteria and no inoculation as a secondary subplot. Results of the analysis of variance showed that the interactions of sowing date, irrigation, foliar spraying, and inoculation with bacteria on the traits measured in pinto beans was significant. The maximum plant height (154 cm), number of sub-branches (7), leaf area index (7.3), seed yield (3045 kg/ha), and harvest index (43%), 100 seed weight (37 g), pod number (24) were obtained in mid-May planting date, along with salicylic acid foliar spraying and bacterial inoculation without water stress. The highest biological yield (7997 kg/ha) was obtained under water deficit stress (70% of plant water requirement) and foliar spraying with ASA hormone and inoculation with bacteria, in late June sowing date. Overall, hormone spraying and inoculation with bacteria improved the yield characteristics of pinto bean under drought-stress conditions in both sowing dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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 Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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 Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Evaluating the adaptability and yield stability of wheat varieties across different sowing dates is crucial for the success of breeding programs. In this study, we used Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions (AMMI) and Genotype × Genotype–Environment (GGE) biplot analyses to evaluate the performance of 13 wheat varieties across eight sowing dates. The main objective was to compare varieties and sowing dates to identify the most stable varieties for cultivation. Both AMMI and GGE biplot analyses showed significant effects of genotype, environment and genotype-environment (GE) interaction on grain yield. The interaction patterns identified by AMMI and GGE-biplots categorized Mihan, Oroom and Pishgam as the most stable, high yielding and early maturing wheat varieties. Furthermore, while the GGE biplot method proved to be more efficient than the AMMI model for stability analysis, our results indicate considerable overlap between the results of these two approaches. These results provide a valuable basis for optimizing genetic improvement strategies in wheat breeding programs.

Adapting a crop to a cultivation environment is one of its most essential properties, characterizing its suitability to the climatic zone and its ability to respond to new elements of agrotechnology. Two field experiments were carried out in 2021 and 2022 in two different climatic zones (dry steppe and steppe) of Kazakhstan to study the adaptive traits of the spring wheat variety ‘Shortandinskaya 2012’ based on the different management practices. Each experiment included 18 treatments (three sowing dates, three seeding rates, and two fertilizer application levels). In the dry steppe zone, the variety showed adaptive properties by increasing yields up to 332–397 kg/ha or 17–21% compared to the average of 1913 kg/ha in the fertilized treatments with sowing on May 15 and May 20 dates. The seeding rate effect was insignificant. The leading components in yield formation were productive tillering, thousand kernel weight, and grain weight. A very high correlation existed between yield and grain weight per ear (r = 0.86–0.93). In the steppe zone, yield improvements of up to 539–716 kg/ha or 16–21% compared to an average for all treatments of 3391 kg/ha were observed for the fertilized treatments with sowing on May 20 and May 25 dates, and with higher seeding rates at 350 or 400 seeds/m2. With the predominance of the development of the thousand kernel weight, its correlation with yield was between 0.91 and 0.99. The yield was also highly correlated with grain weight per ear (r = 0.83–0.94) and productive tillering per plant (r = 0.86–0.97). The results indicate that implementing the adaptation methods, such as adjusting the sowing date, seeding rate, and fertilization, significantly enhanced the expression of the genetic potential in the soft wheat variety ‘Shortandinskaya 2012’ across two distinct agroclimatic zones.

Energy efficiency analysis provides a deeper understanding of non-renewable energy dependent cropping systems. In this study, we examined the crop yield and energy efficiency of facultative rainfed wheat (WW – winter wheat, WS – spring wheat) and mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1) in two growing seasons 2019/20 and 2020/21 in Central Europe. WW out performed WS significantly overall (2019/20: +30.3 to +47.9 %; 2020/21: +18.9 to +37.3 %) in terms of energy efficiency indicators. The impact of N fertilization on energy efficiency was minimal, largely due to one dose application of mineral N fertilizer. The highest estimated net-energy output (NEO) was observed at 160.2 kg N ha−1, which may not sustainable for this pedo-climatic region due to potential N emissions risks. Zero N fertilization showed best performance in terms of energy use efficiency (EUE), energy intensity (EI), and energy productivity (EP). The ERG z-score, which combines NEO and EUE into a single bi-dimensional indicator, indicated an optimal N fertilization level of 72.0 kg N ha−1.

There have been presented the study results on determining the quality of grain of wintering peas varieties ‘Fokus’ and ‘Zimus’ depending on agricultural methods. The purpose of the current study was to determine protein percentage and yield of basic nutrients in grain of wintering peas, depending on sowing dates and rates. The current study was carried out at the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” in 2019–2021. The soil of the experimental plot was represented by ordinary carbonate heavy loamy chernozem. The forecrop was winter wheat. Weather conditions during the years of study were characterized by increased air temperatures in autumn and the return of cold weather in spring, which led to significant damage and thinning of crops. The amount of productive precipitation during the period of grain filling had a positive effect on productivity formation. There has been found that the greatest collection of basic nutrients was obtained in the second ten days of October with a sowing rate of 1.2 and 1.4 million pcs/ha for the varieties ‘Fokus’ and ‘Zimus’, respectively. For the variety ‘Fokus’, the highest crude protein percentage was 25.42 %, with 2.58 t/ha of feed units, 0.557 t/ha of crude protein, 25.31 GJ/ha of metabolic energy, with 189 g of a supply of a feed unit with digestible protein. For the variety ‘Zimus’, the highest crude protein percentage was 25.46 %, with 2.57 t/ha of feed units, 0.555 t/ha of crude protein, 24.62 GJ/ha of metabolic energy, with 190 g of a supply of a feed unit with digestible protein. The studied varieties according to digestible protein percentage were at the level of 205–219 g per a kg of grain.

Introduction Agriculture is a cornerstone of many developing economies, providing food, income, and employment for millions of people. It is also projected to play a vital role in feeding a global population of 9.1 billion people by 2050. However, there are growing concerns about the environmental impact of agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Iran. Managing water and fertilizer usage in agriculture is crucial to ensuring food security and sustainability. However, conducting field experiments to assess the interaction of all factors involved is expensive and time-consuming. This research focuses on optimizing maize production in Kerman province, a region where maize is a major crop. The research is motivated by the need to improve resource management in Iran, where water and fertilizer resources are limited. The APSIM model is used to determine the best management scenario for maize production in Kerman province. APSIM is a crop growth simulation model that can be used to predict the impact of different management practices on crop yield, water use efficiency, and nutrient use efficiency. The use of APSIM in this research provides a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to conducting extensive field experiments. The results of this research will contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices in Kerman province and similar regions. These regions are characterized by resource constraints, such as limited water and fertilizer availability. The research aimed to simulate the effect of management parameters (planting date and irrigation) on Crop yield and subsequently achieve the optimal management scenario.Materials and MethodsThe APSIM model was used for simulation in three regions of Bardsir (temperate to cold climate), Jiroft (hot and humid climate), and Orzuye (hot and dry climate). The model requires four series of data: climate, soil, management, and crop data. The required climate data (from 1998 to 2018) including daily maximum and minimum temperatures, length of sunny hours, and daily precipitation were collected and prepared from the synoptic weather stations of the three mentioned regions.The management data set for each of the study regions was prepared in the form of questionnaires and field research from experts of the Agricultural Jihad Organization, the Agricultural Research Center Organization, and prominent farmers in those regions. The crop data includes the plant genetic coefficients of the maize single cross hybrid 704, which were obtained from the calibration of the APSIM model. To optimize planting date and irrigation management in the studied areas, different planting and irrigation date treatments were investigated. In this research, planting date treatments included the conventional planting date of the region, 20 days before the conventional planting date (as early planting date), and 20 days after the conventional planting date (as late planting date). Irrigation treatments included the usual number of irrigations in the region (13 irrigations), less irrigation (11 irrigations), and more irrigation (15 irrigations).Results and DiscussionOur results showed that the model successfully simulated maize phenology, especially maturity date, with high accuracy for all fertilizer amounts tested. The model performance in predicting biomass under different nitrogen treatments was also satisfactory, with a minimal difference between observed data and model results. The nRMSE of grain yield in the calibration stage was 11.2% and in the validation stage was 9%. The nRMSE for calibration of the biological yield of SC 704 was 14.8% and for validation was 13.9%. Also, the model was able to simulate phenology with very high accuracy (especially the days to maturity). Overall, the nRMSE of days to flowering was less than 10% and for the days to maturity was less than 5%. Late planting dates consistently showed better performance across regions and irrigation treatments, resulting in significantly increased grain yield compared to conventional and early planting dates. The highest seed yield was obtained with 15 times of irrigation, among the various irrigation treatments. Late planting combined with 15 times of irrigation yielded the best results in Kerman province, particularly in Bardsir, with a yield of 9300 kg ha-1. Optimal moisture and air conditions, along with the cultivation of a late-maturing variety, contributed to the higher seed yield. These findings are consistent with previous research that has confirmed the positive impact of late planting and extended ripening periods on maize yield.ConclusionOur results showed that the model simulates the growth and yield of single cross 704 corn in Kerman province well, even after 20 days of late planting. Long-term simulation experiments showed that maize grain yield varied depending on the region, with the highest yield in Bardsir (8317 kg ha-1) and the lowest yield in Jiroft (4735 kg ha-1). The optimum maize grain yield (8872.8 kg ha-1) was obtained by the interaction effect of late planting date and 15 times of irrigation.

Groundwater irrigation (GWI) decreases soil temperature and increases crop growth duration and water consumption. Optimizing sowing dates offers a cost-effective solution to mitigate these effects. This study evaluated five sowing date treatments for spring maize: GWI on April 20 (GW420), April 25 (GW425), April 30 (GW430), May 5 (GW505), and May 10 (GW510), with surface water irrigation (SWI) on April 20 (SW420) as the control. The evaluated parameters included soil temperature at 5 cm depth (T5), soil-temperature-calculated growing degree days (GDDs), actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc-act), leaf area index (LAI), grain filling, grain yield, and crop water productivity (WPc). GW420 decreased daily maximum T5 by 1.8°C (P

This study aimed to examine the effect of different sowing dates (5 March and 26 March) in early spring and plant densities (40, 60, 80, 100 seeds/m²) on plant growth and development under rainfed conditions in semiarid areas over six harvest times on pea. The research was carried out during March-June 2022 in the Dicle University, Faculty of Agriculture, in Diyarbakır, Turkey. Plants were harvested after emergences in every 10 days, and plant height, number of nodes, leaves, stipules and leaflets per plant and leaf area were measured. Absolute growth rate (agr), leaf area ratio (lar), leaf area index (lai), leaf area duration (lad), specific leaf weight (slw), specific leaf area (sla) values were calculated. Maximum absolute growth rate (AGR) was in 100 seeds per m² and in 55 DAE for the first sowing time and in 40 seeds per m² and in 35 DAE for the second sowing time. Maximum leaf area index (LAI) was in 100 seeds per m² and in 55 DAE for the first sowing time and in 100 seeds per m² and in 35 DAE for the second sowing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Concerted efforts by scientists and researchers are still being made to ensure the medicinal plants will be available on a continuing basis as a result of their medicinal, pharmaceutical, food, and other uses and to meet the increasing demands for them globally. Satureja montana is one of the multi-use medicinal plants that was introduced to Egypt to study the effect of planting dates, nitrogen, phosphorus, and fertilizers, and their interaction on the production of fresh herb and essential oil. Planting in the autumn gave the highest fresh herb, with 55 kg of nitrogen/ha and 37 kg of phosphorus/ha fertilization. For the highest essential oil production, spring planting with 55 kg of nitrogen/ha and 74 kg of phosphorus/ha was used. Much of the knowledge on its use as raw material in traditional medicine has been reported. Also, this study's emphasis has been put on essential oil composition. This study highlights that the cultivated species belongs to S. montana L., a carvacrol chemotype. There is antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities shown by S. montana essential oil. Due to the limited information recorded about the influence of different agronomic factors on the plant, there needs to be agronomic studies conducted on S. montana, and a selection of the best ones in order to maximize its production. The rising demand for safe plant compounds and herbal products that contribute positively to human health is in line with current market trends. Plants belonging to the Satureja genus, particularly the aromatic medicinal S. montana L. from the Lamiaceae family, are well suited to these trends as they serve as pharmaceutical raw materials. This research aimed to assess the influence of sowing date and fertilization doses, as well as their interaction, on the fresh weight, essential oil content, and composition of S. montana. Experimental cultivation involved varying nitrogen and phosphorus levels. The second cut had the highest fresh weight and oil production compared to the first cut. The highest total plant biomass was achieved with autumn sowing and fertilization at 55 kg N/ha and 37 kg P/ha, whereas Spring sowing exhibited higher essential oil production, with the maximum oil % with 74 kg P/ha and oil yield after applying 55 kg N/ha and 74 kg P/ha. The GC-MS analysis revealed that carvacrol was the predominant compound, with it being recommended to grow S. montana in Spring at doses of 55 kg N/ha and 74 kg P/ha for the superior oil yield. Additionally, S. montana essential oil demonstrated notable biological and antimicrobial activity, positioning it as a potential alternative to chemical food preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of instrumental methods of analysis in the assessment of indices that record changes in symmetry in the structure of grains to evaluate the quality of durum and soft wheat grain is currently considered a search tool that will allow us to obtain previously unavailable data by finding correlations associated with differences in the shape and ratio of starch granules in conditionally symmetrical and asymmetrical wheat fruits (kernels) formed in different field conditions and with different genotypes. Indicators that had previously shown their effectiveness were used to analyze the obviously complex unique material obtained as a result of growing under critically unique sowing conditions in 2022, which affected the stability of grain development and filling. For the evaluation, a typical agronomic comparative experiment was chosen, which was used to evaluate the soil tillage practices (fallow, non-moldboard loosening, and plowing) and sowing dates (early and after excessive rainfalls), which made it possible to analyze a wider range of factors influencing the studied indices. The soil tillage methods were found to affect the uniformity of kernel fullness and their symmetry, and the sowing dates did not lead to significant differences. This study presents detailed changes in the shape of the middle cut of a wheat kernel, associated with assessing the efficiency of kernel filling and the symmetrical distribution of storage substances under the influence of external and internal physical factors that affect the formation of the wheat kernel. The data obtained may be of interest to breeders and developers of predictive phenotyping programs for cereal grain and seeds of other crops, as well as plant physiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic consumption and environmental impacts due to potassium (K) inputs in agriculture are gaining increasing attention. It is urgent to improve K use efficiency (KUE) for agricultural development. Delayed sowing has been shown to maintain grain yield in winter wheat. Still, there needs to be more information regarding the effect of sowing date on crop K status evaluated by the K nutrition index (KNI), KUE, K uptake efficiency (UPE), K utilization efficiency (UTE), and grain K concentration (GKC). Here, we assessed Shannong23 and Tainong18 winter wheat cultivars with three sowing date treatments composed of 26 September (early sowing), 8 October (normal sowing), and 22 October (late sowing) in the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 growing seasons. The influences of sowing date on the KNI, tillering, grain yield formation, KUE, UPE, UTE, K transport, and GKC were examined. Our study indicated that late sowing in winter wheat was an almost optimal K nutritional situation, whereas early and normal sowing were under situations of excess K. As sowing was delayed, aboveground K uptake (AGK), UPE, and spike number per unit area decreased; UTE and grain number per spike increased; and grain yield and KUE were unchanged. A positive correlation between KNI and UPE and spike number per unit area and a negative correlation between KNI and UTE and grain number per spike were found, whereas no significant correlation between KNI and KUE was observed. Late sowing promoted K transport from pre-anthesis accumulation in vegetative organs to grain, resulting in a higher GKC, which could lead to high grain quality and K recovery. Therefore, late sowing winter wheat can use K more efficiently and increase GKC, implying that delayed sowing can reduce K input, favoring sustainable agriculture development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences 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 Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department 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.)

To improve rapeseed yield, Brassica napus hybrid cultivar Huayouza 9 was selected as material, and was planted in pots and fields. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of wood vinegar application on seedling growth and seed yield under different foliar spraying times, different application intervals and different growth periods under 3 sowing dates. Results of pot experiments showed that total dry weight of rapeseed was significantly increased by 29.63%-74.07% when wood vinegar was sprayed for 2 to 4 times continuously and at intervals. At the same time, continuous and interval spraying of wood vinegar for 4 times could significantly increase leaf area by 81.58%-85.65%. Results of field experiments showed that the final seed yield treated by spraying once, twice and three times at seedling stage, bud bolting stage and flowering stage respectively increased by 3.30%, 9.52% and 11.38%, and protein content decreased by 2.62%, 4.02% and 4.68%, respectively. Compared with control, field yields of 3 different sowing dates sprayed with wood vinegar were increased by 20.13%, 23.25%, 13.97%, and the number of effective pods per plant increased by 47.29%, 61.87%, 72.90%, respectively. Comprehensive analysis showed that the promotion effect was better when wood vinegar was sprayed 2 to 4 times during growth period, with an interval of more than 5 days each time. Under different sowing dates, the effect of wood vinegar on rapeseed growth and yield was more significant in the suitable sowing date (on Oct. 9th). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Considering that the compost of sugarcane residues softens the soil texture and the use of plant growth stimulating bacteria increases the plant's tolerance against abiotic stress, including heat stress. To assess the combined effect of nitrogen fertilizer with sugarcane residue and growth-promoting bacteria on the qualitative traits and yield of wheat grain under terminal heat stress conditions, an experiment was carried out as split-split plots in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in the cropping season of 2021-2022 at the research farm of Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Methods: The experimental factors included three sowing dates: 22 November, 11 December, and 31 December in the main plots; six combination of nitrogen with compost including control, 100% nitrogen, 75% nitrogen+ 25% compost, 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost, 25% nitrogen+ 75% compost, and 100% compost in sub-plots, as well as two levels of application and without application of bacteria in the sub sub-plots. Results: Mean comparisons showed that the combined use of 50% nitrogen + 50% compost with bacterial application increased the characteristics of grain filling duration and grain filling rate, grain protein percentage, and wet gluten. Also, the highest seed yield (5864 kg/ha) was obtained on the first planting date and combined consumption of 50% nitrogen + 50% compost and the lowest amount (1115 kg/ha) was obtained on the third planting date and the control treatment. Conclusion: In general, the combined use of nitrogen fertilizer and compost with growth-promoting bacteria could reduce the negative effect of terminal heat stress on the measured plant traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to examine the influence of the sowing date, sowing density, and split spring application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on plant density, tillering, yield components, and grain yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in northeastern Poland between 2018 and 2021. The experiment had a split-plot design with three sowing dates (early (3–6 September), delayed by 14 days, and delayed by 28 days), three sowing densities (200, 300, and 400 live grains m−2), and three split spring N rates (40 + 100, 70 + 70, and 100 + 40 kg ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 22–25 and 30–31, respectively). The number of spikes m−2 increased by 11% on average when winter wheat was sown with a delay of 14 days (17–20 September) and 28 days (1–4 October). The number of spikes m−2 was highest when winter wheat was sown at 300 and 400 live grains m−2. The application of 100 + 40 kg N ha−1 (BBCH 22–25 and 30–31, respectively) increased the number of spikes m−2. An increase in sowing density from 200 to 300 to 400 live grains m−2 decreased the number of grains spike−1 by 5% and 7%, respectively. Thousand grain weight (TGW) increased by 1% and 2% when sowing was delayed by 14 (17–20 September) and 28 days (1–4 October), respectively. In northeastern Poland, grain yields peaked when winter wheat was sown between 17 September and 4 October (10.52–10.58 Mg ha−1). In late-sown winter wheat, grain yields increased due to a higher number of spikes m−2 and higher grain weight. The highest sowing density (400 live grains m−2) induced a greater increase in grain yields than the lowest sowing density (200 live grains m−2) (10.25 vs.10.02 Mg ha−1). In winter wheat sown at a density of 400 live grains m−2, the increase in grain yields resulted in a higher number of spikes m−2. Grain yields peaked in response to 100 kg N ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 22–25 and 40 kg N ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 30–31 (this split N rate increased the number of spikes m−2). In turn, the highest straw yield (6.23 Mg ha−1) was obtained when the second split of N fertilizer was applied in BBCH stages 30–31 (40 + 100 kg N ha−1). Straw yields decreased significantly (by 6%) when winter wheat was sown late (early October). Delayed sowing (mid-September and early October) increased the harvest index (HI) of winter wheat by 5–7%. Split spring N application influenced grain and straw yields, but it had no effect on the HI of winter wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the effects of three sowing dates on the growth and yield of maize. The trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Dschang in Bansoa (Penka-Michel) over two growth cycles: 2020 and 2021. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design. Treatments, replicated three times, included a control (T) and three levels of fertilizer input: mineral fertilizer (E), organic fertilizer (F), and organo-mineral fertilizer (EF). The maize variety used was the Acid Tolerable Population (ATP). Sowing occurred sequentially on March 30, April 10, and April 20. Daily rainfall data were collected using a graduated cylinder rain gauge. Observations focused on growth and yield parameters at different sowing dates. The results obtained indicate that maize responded significantly to different sowing dates (p second date > third date. The highest yield was achieved with the EF treatment during the first period (6985 kg/ha), compared to the control during the third period (2009 kg/ha). Within each period, the yield results followed the order: EF > E > F > T. Organic fertilizers alone also produced favorable results compared to the control. Given the current climatic conditions and the results obtained, maize sowing conducted in the first sowing period (March 30) with organo-mineral fertilizer would likely result in optimal grain yield.

Climate adaptation offers promising approaches to cope with the detrimental impacts of climate change on rainfed agriculture, intending to mitigate yield losses and safeguard food security worldwide. This is especially critical in the semi-arid tropics, characterized by highly variable and often intensified rainfall regimes. The current study explored the potential contribution of climate adaptation measures, specifically sowing windows and supplemental irrigation (SI), to offset the impacts of rainfall variability on rainfed crop yield in the Thondamuthur block, India. Under the proposed adaptation measures, this study analyzed the relationship between historical rainfall variability (1951–2019) and rice, maize, and sorghum yield anomalies. A seamlessly integrated framework was developed to link rainfall variability analysis with yield response simulations using the AquaCrop model. Rainfall classification analysis indicated an increase in rainfall availability during the Kharif season and a decrease during the Rabi season in Period III compared with the baseline. The late-sown Kharif and early-sown Rabi crops demonstrated effective climate adaptation, with the 27th and 38th SMWs identified as optimal climate-adapted sowing weeks, respectively. Significant decreases of 10% and 12% in SI requirements were observed in early-sown Rabi maize and sorghum, respectively. The results showed that substituting Rabi rice and maize with Rabi sorghum led to reductions of 90% and 75% in seasonal SI requirements, respectively. The early-sown Rabi rice and maize contributed to 88% and 12% relative yield increases, respectively, compared with the normal-sown. This study highlights the effectiveness of climate adaptation measures in enabling farmers to withstand climate-induced anomalies.

Black cumin has been used in many countries for the treatment of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and for thousands of years as a spice, flavoring in products such as bread, and as a food preservative in pickles. Too much delay in the sowing of black cumin has a negative effect on plant growth. In order to determine the most suitable sowing dates for different black cumin genotypes, an experiment was conducted in the open-field conditions of the Eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye at Çukurova University, for two years, in 2020 and 2021, in three different sowing dates (October 15th, November 01st, and November 15th) with three different black cumin genotypes (Çameli cultivar (G1), Adana population (G2) and Iraq population (G3)). The findings of this research demonstrated significant differences in the agronomic characteristics and overall quality of black cumin. The main components were p-cymene (51.45%-66.33%), trans-4-Methoxythujane (8.40%-11.90%), thymoquinone (0.11%-19.26%), γ-Terpinene (1.28%-9.09%), and limonene (2.93%-4.50%). The main fatty acids were determined as linoleic acid (53.97%-57.56%), oleic acid (20.98-26.40), and palmitic acid (13.73%-15.02%). Consequently, the low number of flowers and the high temperatures observed in May, along with the early spring frosts, negatively affected the fertilization of the flowers. The seed yield was adversely affected because some of the seeds could not mature.

IntroductionGlobal warming directly affects agricultural production and food security (Ainsworth & Ort, 2010). Temperature controls the rate of plant metabolic processes that ultimately affect biomass production and grain yield (Hay & Walker, 1981). Although farmers are not able to control the climatic conditions, management and changes in factors such as irrigation, soil, crop varieties, activities, and technologies used in the cultivation of crops can reduce the harmful effects of climate change (Moradi et al., 2014). One of the reliable approaches to studying the effects of climate change on agricultural production is using crop growth models. The present study was conducted to simulate the effects of climate change on phonological stages and yield of maize and to investigate the possibility of mitigating the negative effects of climate change on maize by changing the sowing date and selecting suitable cultivars as management strategies for adaptation to climate change in Kermanshah region.Materials and Methods The study was conducted in Kermanshah region conditions. The evaluated traits included days from the sowing date to anthesis, days from the sowing date to physiological maturity, total dry weight, and grain yield. In general, the results of the evaluations showed that the CERES-Maize model can accurately predict the growth and yield of maize cultivars (SC704, Simon, BC678) in different soil moisture conditions. After ensuring acceptable agreement between simulated values with observed values, the evaluated model was used to study the effects of climate change on maize production in the near future (2021-2050) and the far future (2051-2080) climate change according to RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios and comparing them with baseline conditions (1981–2010). The average of 17 general circulation models was used to simulate meteorological parameters under climate change conditions. The common sowing date for maize in the Kermanshah region is May 5. In this study sowing dates of May 5 and April 26 as early sowing dates, April 15 as the common sowing dates, and May 25 and June 4 as the late sowing dates, and maize cultivars SC704, BC678, and Simon were considered as adaptation strategies to climate change.Results and DiscussionThe results of simulation showed that regardless of cultivar and sowing date, traits of days from sowing date to anthesis, days from sowing date to physiological maturity, total dry weight and grain yield in the near future climate change in the scenario RCP4.5 varied as -2, -1.5, 2.7, and 3.3% and in the RCP8.5 scenario varied as, -2.9, -2.8, -0.66, and -3.6% compared to baseline conditions, respectively. These values for the RCP4.5 scenario in the far future climate change condition were -5.2, -5.4, -7.1, and -16.2 and for the RCP8.5 scenario were -8.8, -9.8, -23.1, and -45.83%, respectively. In both near and far future climate changes and under both scenarios, by sowing the studied cultivars at late dates (May 15 and May 25) compared to the early dates (April 15 and April 25) and common date (May 5), the length of the developmental period was shorter but other traits such as total dry weight and grain yield were higher. Among the studied cultivars, in both future climate changes and scenarios, the Simon cultivar had the highest grain yield. The highest duration of developmental stages and total dry weight belonged to SC704.ConclusionIn general, if any of the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios occur in the near and far future climate change periods, the sowing of the Simon cultivar should be in late dates on May 25 and will have the highest grain yield. Therefore, it can suggest as a suitable strategy to reduce the negative effects of climate change on maize production in the Kermanshah region.

A double-cropping system is widely adopted in southern Korea, in which the sowing date of the second crop (soybean) can be delayed depending on the growth period of the first crop and weather conditions. Soybean yields may be reduced because of the shorter vegetative growth period and earlier flowering. This study examined soybean growth and yield responses as plant populations at a late planting date. A field experiment was conducted in the upland field at the Department of Southern Area Crop Science in Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do, for two years (2022–2023) using four cultivars (Seonyu 2, Jungmo 3015, Seonpung, and Jangpung). A split-plot block design was used with three replications. The main plots had four sowing dates at 10-day intervals from 25 June to 25 July. The date of maturity was recorded, and the yield components and yield were examined after harvesting. The optimum planting population for maximizing the soybean yield with late planting was compared with the standard population result. To maintain pre- and post-crop yields and cultivate stable production, the sowing date limit for early maturing soybeans was July 15 and that for mid-maturing soybeans was July 5. The results highlight the potential to produce an economic soybean production level.