Search

Declining natural pollinator populations are a potential threat to global food supplies. Mass flowering summer annual oilseeds can provide much needed crop diversity and floral resources to support pollinator communities.We evaluated how managing planting date affects floral phenology, floral accumulation (flower coverage time × flower area), pollinator visitation, pollinator diversity and yield of nine oilseed crops.Borage (Borago officinalis L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst), cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × Cuphea lanceolata W. T. Aiton), echium (Echium plantagineum L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), spring camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), spring canola (Brassica napus L.) and sunflower [Helianthus annuus L.] were grown in Morris, Minnesota during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Each crop was planted on a "standard" planting date of mid‐May and additional planting dates of early May, early June and early July.Shifting planting dates affected flowering phenology, floral accumulation, pollinator visitation and crop yield. Later planting dates led to later onset of flowering for all crops and affected total floral accumulation for crambe, cuphea and echium. Pollinator visitations changed with planting date and were generally greater with the later planting dates. At least two of the four planting dates supported high yield for each crop.The ability to maintain high crop yield across a window of planting dates affords growers management options for their fields and can be used to design complementary resource pairing and improve pollinator health through crop diversification and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study aims to evaluate the impact of climatological factors on rice yield and methane emissions in Southern Shaanxi’s rice cultivation areas, with the goal of informing effective Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) strategies. Methods: A three-year longitudinal analysis (2017-2019) was conducted, examining the correlation between rice productivity and weather conditions within the agricultural ecosystem. Data on rice yields and methane emissions were collected and analyzed to determine patterns and trends. Results: Significant correlations were identified between rice yield and weather conditions, with favorable weather for rice growth correlating with higher methane emissions. Methane emissions were particularly high during the vegetative and reproductive stages of rice growth, peaking 60 to 90 days after transplanting. Average emissions for this period were 245.2±80.1 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2017, 274.2±93.9 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2018, and 339.6±50.3 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2019. Total cumulative methane emissions over the entire rice cultivation period were 635.0±177.2 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2017, 661.2±239.2 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2018, and 679.4±205.4 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2019, with no statistically significant interannual differences. Discussion: The findings highlight the need to balance the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for climate change mitigation with the enhancement of rice yield within CSA practices. The organic link between rice productivity and methane emissions under varying weather conditions suggests that an integrated approach to CSA is essential, considering climate adaptability, productivity, and greenhouse gas reduction. The study’s results contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of local agricultural ecosystems and provide a basis for developing management techniques for CSA. Conclusion: An integrated approach to CSA that takes into account the interplay between rice yield, methane emissions, and climatological factors is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural practices in Southern Shaanxi. The study’s insights can guide the development of strategies that enhance both rice productivity and environmental sustainability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionDocumenting the production process in agriculture includes gathering all the information and activities that show the production process of a product from the stage of seed bed preparation to harvesting. In this view, the farm is considered as a production unit, and all processes from the time of preparation of this production unit for cultivation until the product leaves the farm after harvesting are included in the scope of documentation. Considering that the management of the production process in agricultural systems has a significant effect on the quantity of yield, production efficiency, the efficiency of input consumption and finally the environmental effects of production, monitoring and improving the processes leading to the production of agricultural products in order to reduce the challenges associated with agricultural management in Agricultural systems are inevitable. From a scientific point of view, it is possible to improve such management processes by using various techniques, among which continuous improvement and re-engineering of processes are among the most important ones. Golestan province is considered one of the most important areas for the production of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the country due to the climate and soil conditions, therefore, without a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural operations, it is difficult to take steps to meet the needs of farmers and eliminate production obstacles. In this study, it is tried that all the researchers and farmers become familiar with the production process of faba bean in Golestan province in an integrated and documented manner and this research is a basis for effective planning to meet the needs of farmers, reduce the consumption of inputs and reduce the environmental effects by changing the method it will be farm management. Materials and MethodsThis research was carried out in two crop years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 in Golestan province and in Gorgan, Aliabad Katul and Aqqola cities. To document the production and analyze the performance gap, 445 farms that had sufficient diversity in different aspects, including farm management, were selected, and all information related to the farm and production management was collected using questionnaires, observations and measurements. In each region, every year, different fields were examined in terms of agricultural management factors, and observations related to the field, planting, planting and harvesting were recorded. In order to analyze the data, absolute and cumulative frequency distribution was used. In these investigations, the scope of changes and the method of performing each management operation performed in the bean farms and also the proportion of farmers who used different methods of each of these management operations were determined. Results and Discussion The results showed that soybeans are cultivated more than other crops (41%) before faba bean. Faba bean is planted in these areas between 14 October and 25 November. In these areas, 97% of farmers use reversible plows (one to two times) to prepare the bean planting bed. The amount of seed used is in the range of 60 to 100 kg.ha-1, and in 56% of the fields it is planted with a linear machine, in 43% with a row machine, and in 2% by hand spraying and then mixing the seeds with the soil using a disc. According to the distribution of rainfall in the region, 92% of faba bean cultivation is carried out under rainfed condition. Farmers use 0 to 115 kg.ha-1 of pure nitrogen fertilizers, 0 to 96 kg ha-1 of pure phosphorus and 0 to 72 kg.ha-1 of pure potassium fertilizers to meet their fertilizer needs. Investigations showed that pesticides were used in 338 out of 445 farms, herbicides were used in 356 farms, and fungicides were used in 293 farms, and the number of times pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides were used varied between 1 and 3 times. Faba bean is harvested in these areas from late April to early June, depending on weather conditions, planting date and variety. The yield of faba bean varied from 780 to 4187 kg.ha-1. ConclusionsThe results of this research can clarify the details of the faba bean production process for students and researchers to carry out future projects and also provide information on the common consumption of inputs to those interested and be useful in the implementation of growth and yield simulation plans under common conditions by means of average crop plants.

White Guinea yam is a tuber crop characterized by a long growth period over the entire rainy season, which is affected by changes in rainfall patterns owing to climate change. In this study, we investigated the effects of shifting the planting date of yam seed tubers on shoot growth and tuber development, which could be a plausible measure for adapting to changes in rainfall patterns. Our results revealed that tuber enlargement in plants with different planting dates started depending on the days after planting rather than the day of the year. This indicates that day length had little effect on tuberization. The final tuber yield was rarely affected by low rainfall during the early growth stage, whereas severe yield reduction occurred when the rainfall stopped during the tuberization period. We conclude that shifting the planting date backward to adjust for delayed rainy seasons increases the risk of severe yield reduction.

Producing leek seeds without replanting one-year-old plants is cheaper and more practical, but can be risky in climates with cold winters. This research aimed to assess whether accelerating the planting of seedlings and using Fulvohumin fertilizer, containing, among others, humic acids can make such production less risky. Three dates were used for planting leek seedlings: April 10, April 25, and May 10. Fulvohumin was used presowing, foliarly, and both. Both factors significantly improved seed production. The best results were obtained at the earliest planting date, as the plants were strong and best prepared for the generative phase and the frost period. Fulvohumin significantly improved growth and development parameters, mainly when used before sowing and as foliar application. In the best combination, with two applications of fertilizers, the seed yield increased by 39%, compared to the control (without Fulvohumin fertilization), and the seed yield of plants planted on April 10 was 17% higher compared to plants planted on April 25 (considered as standard) and 39% higher than those planted on May 10. Seed yield varied in the three subsequent years of the study, but each year, the planting date and Fulvohumin had a similar effect on seed yield.

Utilizing the potential of crops to suppress weeds is an important strategy for sustainable management. Feathertop Rhodes grass (FTR) (Chloris virgata Sw.) is a problematic warm-season weed in Australia that has recently expanded into colder seasons. This study investigated the growth and seed production of FTR at two planting times (May and July) and three wheat planting densities (0, 82, and 164 plants m−2) using a neighborhood design over two years. In both years, the plant height, tiller production, and panicle production of FTR were lower in the presence of wheat compared to when wheat was absent. Surrounding FTR with wheat delayed its pinnacle emergence, varying from 1 to 6 days in the first year and 4 to 21 days in the second year, depending on the planting date and wheat density. During both years and planting times, wheat's presence caused approximately a 99% decrease in the dry matter and seed production of FTR compared to wheat's absence. Additionally, the wheat height, an important competitive factor, was higher at both densities in the May planting compared to the July planting. The emergence, establishment, and continuous production of FTR seeds throughout the year indicate that inadequate management could result in the further spread of this weed. Our findings suggest that adjusting the date and density of wheat planting could be a viable strategy for sustainably managing this weed during colder seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Soybeans (Glycine max) are a preferred source of plant‐based proteins and oil in various applications in foods and feeds. When soybean is converted to soybean meal (SBM), the quality is determined by the protein content and its digestibility. Protein digestibility is reduced by anti‐nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors (TI) and processing. The abundant genetic variations in soybean germplasm affect the quantitative trait of protein content. This study analysed the effect of location and planting dates on genetically identical soybeans grown in North Carolina (NC) and then compared the nutritional traits to similar commonly grown soybean varieties in other locations in the USA. The soybeans were analysed using NIRS and wet chemistry. It was found that soybean protein content ranged from 38.14% to 44.92% among the different varieties grown in three different locations in NC. Similarly, TI levels ranged between 28.22 and 33.11 mg g−1 among these varieties. The same varieties, when planted as either a full season or double crop, had different TI levels and were also impacted by planting location. However, there were no significant differences in the TI levels between the varieties and planting seasons. Furthermore, no significant difference in protein content among the varieties within the planting dates was found. Compared to soybeans grown in other parts of the USA, the average crude protein (CP) content was similar to those grown in Arkansas and Minnesota. The TI levels were significantly higher than those grown in Ohio, similar to that of Arkansas, and significantly lower than that of Minnesota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate production estimates, months before the harvest, are crucial for all parts of the food supply chain, from farmers to governments. While methods have been developed to use satellite data to monitor crop development and production, they typically rely on official crop statistics or ground-based data, limiting their application to the regions where they were calibrated. To address this issue, a new method called VeRsatile Crop Yield Estimator (VeRCYe) has been developed to estimate wheat yield at the pixel and field levels using satellite data and process-based crop models. The method uses the Leaf Area Index (LAI) as the linking variable between remotely sensed data and APSIM crop model simulations. In this process, the sowing dates of each field were detected (RMSE = 2.6 days) using PlanetScope imagery, with PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 data fused into a daily 3 m LAI dataset, enabling VeRCYe to overcome the traditional trade-off between satellite data that has either high temporal or high spatial resolution. The method was evaluated using 27 wheat fields across the Australian wheatbelt, covering a wide range of pedo-climatic conditions and farm management practices across three growing seasons. VeRCYe accurately estimated field-scale yield (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 757 kg/ha) and produced 3 m pixel size yield maps (R2 = 0.32, RMSE = 1213 kg/ha). The method can potentially forecast the final yield (R2 = 0.78–0.88) about 2 months before the harvest. Finally, the harvest dates of each field were detected from space (RMSE = 2.7 days), indicating when and where the estimated yield would be available to be traded in the market. VeRCYe can estimate yield without ground calibration, be applied to other crop types, and used with any remotely sensed LAI information. This model provides insights into yield variability from pixel to regional scales, enriching our understanding of agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses challenges to maize production and productivity in eastern Ethiopia. Impact assessment using climate predictions is the prime step to design adaptation strategies. Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES)-Maize model in DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) was calibrated using GenCalc software. The model was used to simulate change in maize yield in the baseline (1988–2017) and future climate periods (2030s and 2050s) under (Representative Concentration Pathways) RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios using 17 CMIP5 (Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase Five) GCMs (Global Circulation Models). During calibration and evaluation of the model excellent agreement of measured and simulated anthesis, and days to physiological maturity for all the cultivars with normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) of less than 10% and R2 value of 0.99 was obtained. The seasonal leaf area index (LAI) and top weight progressions were also predicted well by the model with d-index of 0.96 and 0.99, respectively. Excellent (nRMSE < 10) to good (nRMSE 10–20) predictions were also obtained for grain yield and tops weight. The average annual temperature would increase by (1.90 ± 0.36) oC, (2.45 ± 0.53) oC and rainfall would increase (8 ± 5) %, (12 ± 8) % under RCP 4.5 in 2030s and 2050s, respectively across GCMs compared to baseline in the study area. As a result in 2030s yield reduction, – 10.6% to – 15.4% and – 7.4% to – 9.3% in 2050s of maize cultivar was projected across GCMs. In 2030s and 2050s under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 long maturing cultivars (BH661) on 15th May planting with 130.5 kg N ha–1 application predicted the highest maize grain yield.Highlights: Climate change poses challenges to maize production and productivity. Adaptation strategies such as cultivars, planting dates, and nitrogen fertilizer rates were assessed. Under RCP4.5 and 8.5 in 2030s the highest maize grain yield predicted by planting late maturing (BH661) cultivar on 15 May with 130.5 kg ha–1 nitrogen fertilizer application. In 2050s planting late maturing (Raare-1) cultivar with 87 kg ha–1 nitrogen fertilizer application under RCP4.5 and, Planting late maturing (BH661) cultivar with 130.5 kg ha–1 nitrogen fertilizer application under RCP8.5 predicted to give higher yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White Guinea yam is a tuber crop characterized by a long growth period over the entire rainy season, which is affected by changes in rainfall patterns owing to climate change. In this study, we investigated the effects of shifting the planting date of yam seed tubers on shoot growth and tuber development, which could be a plausible measure for adapting to changes in rainfall patterns. Our results revealed that tuber enlargement in plants with different planting dates started depending on the days after planting rather than the day of the year. This indicates that day length had little effect on tuberization. The final tuber yield was rarely affected by low rainfall during the early growth stage, whereas severe yield reduction occurred when the rainfall stopped during the tuberization period. We conclude that shifting the planting date backward to adjust for delayed rainy seasons increases the risk of severe yield reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Considering the increase in population and the establishment of food security and the cultivation of crops facing agricultural challenges with the problem of climate change; the present study was conducted to simulate the effects of climate change on the corn plant and to provide adaptation solutions for this plant to deal with the effects of climate change. Materials and methods: In the present study, used SSM-iCrop2 model in two periods (2025) 2010-2039 and (2055) 2069-2040 and under two release scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in 23 meteorological stations of the country. Considering the increase in temperature and CO2 in the future, to improve the yield of corn, there are three strategies to adapt is considered, the change in the planting date, processing and combining the two strategies of late maturity and accelerating the planting, which increase the yield. Results: The results showed that the use of the late arrival strategy in both periods and the strategy of accelerating planting in the middle period (2055) and also the combination of these two strategies have increased the yield of the corn plant; this increase in 10% lateness with 20 days acceleration in planting was shown more strongly than other strategies. Conclusion: In general, it can be recommended that in order to deal with the effects of climate change in the corn plant, this plant should be of late type and should be planted 20 days earlier than the common planting date; so that the sensitive stages of growth such as flowering, pod filling and maturity are not faced with environmental stresses to have the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons at the Experimental Farm of Floriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Egypt to study the effect of planting dates (15th October, 7th November and 25th November) and fulvic acid levels (control, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm) on vegetative growth, essential oil percentage, fruit and oil yield as well as chemical constituents of Dutch fennel plants. Results revealed that the planting on 7th November was the most effective treatment for increasing plant height, number of main branches, herb dry weight, umbel number/plant, essential oil percentage, fruit and oil yields as well as contents of photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates and phenols compared to the other planting dates. The highest values were obtained from plants sown in 7th November, followed by plants sown on 15th October, while the lowest values were recorded with the late planting date. Spraying plants with fulvic acid at different concentrations greatly improved all studied characteristics compared to the control. The highest values of these parameters were obtained from plants treated with 2000 ppm fulvic acid, followed by 1000 ppm. The combined treatment of planting on 7th November and spraying with 2000 ppm fulvic acid resulted in the best vegetative parameters, fruit and oil yield as well as chemical components compared with the other combined treatments. Therefore, it could be recommended to cultivate Dutch fennel plants on 7th November and spraying plants with 2000 ppm fulvic acid for obtaining high values of vegetative growth, fruit and oil yield parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientific Journal of Agricultural Sciences (SJAS) is the property of Beni Suef University 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.)

Objective: The present study was conducted in order to estimate the yield gap of faba bean in the main production areas of this plant in Golestan province, including Gorgan, Ali Abadkatol and Aq Qola cities, and to identify the factors that cause it and to determine the contribution of each of them. Methods: Based on this, the information related to the production management of 445 faba bean farms in Gorgan, Aliabadkatol and Aqqola regions in 1398-1399 and 1399-1400 was collected and the yield gap was estimated using the comparative performance analysis (CPA) method. Results: The average, maximum, and gap yield of faba bean seeds were 2742, 4000, and 1258 kg per hectare, respectively. Additionally, based on the results obtained, the most important reasons for the yield gap and the contribution of each of them in creating the yield gap were: planting date 21%, pests 15 percent, the amount of pure nitrogen (N) 14 percent, the number of disc times 14 percent, the amount of seed used 12 percent, diseases 12 percent, waterlogging 5 percent, weeds 3 percent, non-use of working row 2 percent and improper planting depth 1 percent. Conclusion: In general, by optimizing the management of faba bean production and eliminating the mentioned factors of yield gap, it is possible to increase the yield of faba bean in the regions of Gorgan, Ali Abadkatol and Aq Qala of Golestan province by 46 percent (equal to 1258 kg per hectare) compared to the current amount increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTThe selection of the sowing date is one of the most important decisions in soybean production. It is important for farmers to know the expected seed yield when developing a sowing plan. The objective of this study was to quantitatively reveal the decreased seed yield ratio during late sowing in southwestern Japan under irrigated conditions. Total above ground dry matter and distribution were measured from July to August sowing in 2018 and 2019 in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. The harvest index in the August sowing did not decrease compared to the July sowing under irrigated conditions. The decrease in yield was related to the total aboveground dry matter rather than to the harvest index. The decrease in total aboveground dry matter was related to the total amount of solar radiation intercepted rather than to radiation use efficiency. A significant regression equation was obtained for the relative yield, which was calculated from the maximum seed yield observed from early to mid-July. When seeds were sown after mid-July, our result showed that the seed yield will decrease by 0.60% per day for Sachiyutaka A1 and by 0.64% for Akimaro, even under conditions of 100% seedling establishment and controlled soil water conditions. This regression equation can be used in fields as an indicator of seed yield where irrigation is possible.

The economic return for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ghana is often low due to limitations in the availability of inputs or their adoption, which are needed to optimize yield. Six experiments were conducted in Ghana in 2020 and 2021 to determine the impact of planting date, cultivar, fertilization, pest management practices, and harvest date on peanut yield, financial return, and pest reaction. A wide range of interactions among these treatment factors were often observed for infestations of aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover); groundnut rosette disease (Umbravirus: Tombusviridaee); millipedes (Peridontopyge spp.); white grubs (Schyzonicha spp.); wireworms (Conoderus spp.); termites (Microtermes and Odontotermes spp.); canopy defoliation as a result of early leaf spot disease caused by Passalora arachidicola (Hori) and late leaf spot caused by Nothopassalora personata (Berk. and M. A. Curtis); and the scarification and boring of pods caused by arthropod feeding. Pod yield and economic return increased for the cultivar Chitaochi and Sarinut 2 when fertilizer was applied and when fertilizer was applied at early, mid-, and late planting dates. Pod yield and economic return increased when a combination of locally derived potassium soaps was used for aphid suppression and one additional hand weeding was used in the improved pest management practice compared with the traditional practice without these inputs. Pearson correlations for yield and economic return were negatively correlated for all pests and damage caused by pests. The results from these experiments can be used by farmers and their advisors to develop production packages for peanut production in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of the sowing date is one of the most important decisions in soybean production. It is important for farmers to know the expected seed yield when developing a sowing plan. The objective of this study was to quantitatively reveal the decreased seed yield ratio during late sowing in southwestern Japan under irrigated conditions. Total above ground dry matter and distribution were measured from July to August sowing in 2018 and 2019 in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. The harvest index in the August sowing did not decrease compared to the July sowing under irrigated conditions. The decrease in yield was related to the total aboveground dry matter rather than to the harvest index. The decrease in total aboveground dry matter was related to the total amount of solar radiation intercepted rather than to radiation use efficiency. A significant regression equation was obtained for the relative yield, which was calculated from the maximum seed yield observed from early to mid-July. When seeds were sown after mid-July, our result showed that the seed yield will decrease by 0.60% per day for Sachiyutaka A1 and by 0.64% for Akimaro, even under conditions of 100% seedling establishment and controlled soil water conditions. This regression equation can be used in fields as an indicator of seed yield where irrigation is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selection of a suitable planting time is one of the key factors for obtaining a desirable rice grain yield. This study focuses on the effect of planting date on the key agronomic traits and provides useful information on optimal planting window to maximize grain yield of Bangabandhu dhan100 in the cold-prone Rangpur region, Bangladesh. Methods: The study was conducted at the Rangpur regional station farm of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute from October 2021 to June 2022. The selected cultivar was seeded on eight different dates at a 15-day interval, starting on October 16. Time series data on agronomic parameters including seedling biomass, leaf number of seedlings and tiller number per plant were collected at a 15-day interval. Result: A good relationship was found between accumulated GDD (growing degree days) and the associated leaf number per plant and the highest leaf number was observed with early seeding. Similarly, seedling biomass yield depended on accumulated GDD and it was found to be higher at early seeding than late seeding. The tillering pattern of Bangabandhu dhan100 was influenced by planting dates and reached its peak at 60 days after planting for all seeding dates. The highest tiller number (368/plants) was found when the cultivar was seeded on December 1. Total biomass showed an increasing trend after planting and reached its maximum of 13.9 t/ha with December 1 seeding. Planting time significantly influenced the grain yields and the highest yields were observed during seeding between 1 and 16 December; yields gradually decreased with the advancement of seeding dates. This finding provided a good idea for the selection of an optimal planting time for Bangabandhu dhan100 to maximize grain in the Rangpur region, Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quinoa is a semi-cereal native to the Andes region of South America. Quinoa can be cultivated in many parts of the world as a new alternative crop due to its high nutritional properties and compatibility to the environment. Choosing the appropriate planting date is known as one of the most important agricultural programs to achieve optimal yield in crops. In the temperate regions of Iran, after the harvest of winter cereals such as wheat and barley, crops are usually not cultivated in the arable land until autumn. Therefore, selecting plants as a second crop can increase the farmer's income. In Iran, not much research has been done about the proper planting date of quinoa as a second crop. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the suitable sowing date for quinoa as a second crop in the climatic conditions of Kermanshah. Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the research farm of the Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah Iran, in 2018. The experimental treatments (sowing date) included 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th of July. In this research, some agronomic and physiological traits were recorded. Analysis of variance was done with SAS software and means were compared with the least significant difference (LSD) test. Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of planting date on plant height, number of secondary branches, number of panicles, number of seeds per panicle, panicle length, number of days to flowering, 1000 grains weight, grain and biological yields, harvest index, soluble carbohydrates, proline content, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b concentrations were significant. The mean comparison test showed that the delay in the planting caused a significant decrease in the investigated traits of the quinoa plant. The highest and lowest amounts of these traits (except for soluble carbohydrates and chlorophyll b concentration) were obtained on the planting dates of the 9th and 30th of July, respectively. For example, the highest grain yield (2260.40 kg ha-1) was related to the planting date of 9th July, which, compared to the lowest grain yield (1331.40 kg ha-1) obtained on the planting date of 30th of July, increased by about 70%. According to the results of the correlation analysis, plant height, number of lateral branches and biological yield had the highest positive correlation with grain yield, respectively. In addition, path analysis showed that the number of panicles per plant and the number of grains per panicle had the highest direct effect, and the number of lateral branches had the highest indirect effect on quinoa grain yield. Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that different sowing dates significantly affected the grain yield and yield components of quinoa. All investigated traits decreased significantly with the reduction of the growth period length. The grain yield of the quinoa can be improved by choosing the appropriate sowing date due to the proper use of environmental resources (light, temperature, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nativa is the property of Revista Nativa 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.)

Climate simulation models, crop yield prediction and programming tools are relevant applications that help farmers to create a platform in the natural fluctuations traced over terrestrial ecosystems. For this to be achieved, daily weather parameters of Karaj agroclimate site as baseline period (1990–2020) were measured to simulate two climatic scenarios including A2 (A differentiated world with an emphasis on high population growth) and B1 (A convergent world with rapid change in economic structures). Thereby, crop management practices under set up of CERES-Maize model in DSSAT application were taken to account for demarcating the agrotechnical practices of maize (cv. S.C. 704). Further, a period of 30 years generated data (2018–2048) was used to run standardized precipitation index for which the html code integrated to render integers in a python function to exhibit drought periods of the experimental site. To provide better modularity and a high degree of code reusing an enumerable function was used to perform a single related action for computing irrigation volumes. The visualization of climatic variables revealed mean annual increase in temperature around 1.5 °C by the year 2050 under A2 scenario. Also, the highest increase in precipitation changes was approximated by 36% for the year 2030 under B1 scenario. Based on common planting date, the overall changes of grain yield were simulated from + 11.6 to − 34% in response to future negative conditions. The maximum values of water productivity were measured by 27% and 29% under low irrigation factor (IF60) in the baseline period and B1 scenario, respectively. However, maize seedlings under early planting date and B1 scenario were less affected by future negative impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Studying the promising Niger plant seed with the goal of oil production in the Pakdasht county. Methods: This research was carried out as a split-split plot in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in the year 2021 at the Aburaihan campus research farm located in Pakdasht. The study considered irrigation cycle in three levels (once every 7 days, once every 10 days, and once every 13 days) as the main factor, planting date in two levels (5 June and 22 June) as the secondary factor, and fertilization with bio-fertilizers in four levels including control (without bio-fertilizer), Shift bio-fertilizer, Chris bio-fertilizer, and the combination of Shift and Chris bio-fertilizers as sub-factors. Results: The results of the research showed that the plants cultivated on June 22 were superior to the plants cultivated on June 5 in all the investigated traits (including yield components, seed yield, and biological yield) and in all the three tested irrigation levels. The seed yield of the Niger plant under the experimental treatments displayed a pattern in line with the number and weight of the seeds. In other words, with increasing levels of drought stress, the seed yield significantly decreased in both of the planting dates under investigation. However, the ratio of seed yield reduction under drought stress was significantly lower in the plants cultivated on June 22nd than those cultivated on June 5th. Conclusion: Overall, the results showed that cultivating Niger plant on June 22nd, as a promising plant with an acceptable yield from an agricultural point of view and a final product with high oil content, is recommended for similar weather conditions and in combination with Chris bio-fertilizer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the response of four ecotypes of milk thistle from Isfahan, Kohgiluyeh va Boyer Ahmad, Khuzestan-Omidiyeh, and Hungary to three irrigation regimes (irrigation after 40%, 60%, and 80% maximum allowable depletion of available soil water ( evaluated in 2020-2021 under five different planting dates (September 27th, October 17th, November 6th, November 26th, and March 10th) at the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology in Iran. The experiment was conducted as a combined analysis of a split-plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the highest and the lowest grain yield and shoot dry weight of milk thistle plants were obtained under the October 17th and March 10th planting dates, respectively. Water deficit at both levels decreased grain yield, shoot dry weight, number of flowers per plant, plant height, flowering degree-days, and physiological maturity degree-days, but increased grain and shoot water use efficiencies. The "Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad" ecotype exhibited the highest seed yield, shoot dry weight, seed/shoot water use efficiency, and harvest index, making it a promising candidate for breeding programs aimed at creating adaptive cultivars of the milk thistle plant. Based on the study's findings, it can be concluded that milk thistle should be planted in the fall season from late September to mid-November under similar climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cauliflower is the most widely cultivated cole crop in India and fetches higher returns during rainy-season cultivation. The present study aimed to find out the most suitable time for planting of rainy-season cauliflower and to identify the best-performing variety/varieties under the foothills of the eastern Himalayan region. The experiment was laid out in two-factor factorial RBD with three replications where the first factor comprised five dates of planting (15th July, 30th July, 15th August, 30th August and 15th September) and the second factor was five different varieties (Summer Beauty, Pan 1008, Hybrid Cauliflower No.140, BN 50 and Dawn-175). The field experiment was conducted from July to November of 2022 at UBKV, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal. The findings revealed that 15th August transplanting produced maximum curd weight (530.93 g), whereas the variety Hybrid Cauliflower No.140 recorded the highest curd weight (533.93 g) and subsequently maximum curd yield (18.53 t/ha). To obtain a higher curd yield in the rainy season, the hybrid Cauliflower No.140 variety should be transplanted on 15th August to catch the early winter market for better remuneration from the rainy season cauliflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Senegal, agriculture is an important sector underpinning the socioeconomic fabric of the populace. Notably, the agricultural production in this region exhibits heightened sensitivity to climatic perturbations, particularly droughts and heat waves. This study aims to determine the resilience of different agronomic interventions for farmers practicing mixed farming that produce both crops (i.e., groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)) and raise animals in the Groundnut Basin in Senegal, which holds historical and socioeconomic significance. To understand the current situation regarding demographics, economics, consumption behavior, and farm operations for smallholder farmers, data were comprehensively collected from government and nongovernment organizations (NGO) reports, scientific papers, organization databases, and surveys. Additionally, the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was used to understand how combinations of three planting dates, three plant densities, and six urea nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates affected the yield of pearl millet, which were used as the alternative scenarios to the baseline in the farm modeling and analyses. All the collected and generated data were used as inputs into the Farm Simulation Model (FARMSIM) to generate economic, nutritional, and risk data associated with mixed farming systems. The generated data were then used to determine the resilience of the alternative scenarios against the baseline. Initially, a multi‐objective optimization was employed to meet nutritional needs while maintaining a healthy diet at the lowest cost. Then, the scenarios that met the population's nutritional requirements were evaluated based on four economic indicators: net cash farm income (NCFI), ending cash reserves (EC), net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). Lastly, those that passed the economic feasibility test were ranked based on risk criteria certainty equivalent (CE) and risk premium (RP). The analyses found N fertilizer rates of 0, 20, and 100 kg N ha−1 were generally economically not feasible. Additionally, medium (early‐July to late‐August) and late (late‐July to mid‐September) planting dates generally performed better than early (early‐June to late‐July) planting dates, while plant densities of 3.3 and 6.6 pL m−2 performed better than 1.1. The robust resilience approach introduced in this study is easily transferable to other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction into the system of sustainable agriculture is an alternative to the harvesting of medicinal plants from the spontaneous flora, ensuring the conservation of natural resources. By including in phytotherapy the active principles of the organs of this species, a qualitative leap was made. The aim was to determine the optimal planting period of the species Primula officinalis, in a experience lasting 4 years, in order to introduce it into culture. The best emergence in the following years, the plant being a perennial, had the version planted with seedlings on 28.03.2017, with an average of 7 plants, and the lowest emergence was recorded in the version planted on 10.04.2017. Analysing the influence of the planting date on the average height of the plants, it was observed that the V1 variant planted on 20.10.2016 has the highest values, with an average of 47.33 cm, the V2 variant planted on 11.11.2016 has a significant increase of 4, 00 cm compared to the control, variants V4, V5 and V6 registering negative differences. The favourable planting period proved to be autumn, in October and November, when the highest values were recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the impact of extreme drought on rice planting dates in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) region from 2014 to 2018 using the time series of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The Savitzky–Golay filter method was applied to remove noises and smooth the NDVI time series. Rice planting dates were determined by using the threshold of increasing NDVI to 20% of the amplitude for each season using TIMESAT. The research findings show that the remotely sensed-based sowing batches and the cultivation areas matched the official statistics with an estimated error of less than 12%. In the 2015/2016 extreme drought, the rice planting dates were delayed compared to the neutral years, especially in the winter–spring (WS) and summer–autumn (SA) crops. In general, the WS crop was more affected in the double rice crops than the SA crop in the triple rice crops. The results also pointed out various ecoregions facing different problems that should be addressed to ensure farmers' livelihood, primarily water management. Further research is necessary to understand the combined impacts of drought and changes in sowing dates on rice yield and the vulnerability of different farming models in the VMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The storage conditions of saffron mother corms during the summer dormancy period, including natural and pseudo-dormancy stages, can probably affect the vegetative growth and the production of replacement corms (RC), which has not received enough attention in previous scientific studies. This experiment was carried out as a complete randomized block design with seven treatments and three replicates during the 2019 growing season in Qaen, Iran. Experimental treatments were three types of corm storage inside the soil [corm planting on 5th June (A) with natural soil temperature as control, A + summer irrigation on 5th August, and A + mulch application obtained from wheat residues at the rate of 8 ton.ha-1 )] and four types of corm storage outside the soil [corm storage at room (ambient temperature) for three months started from 5th June + corm planting on 5th September (B), corm storage in constant temperature (25 oC and relative humidity of ~40 %) in incubator for three months + B, three months corm storage at variable temperature in incubator (one month in 20, 25 and 20 oC) + B and corm storage in room temperature (up to 5th August) and incubator (up to 5th September) + B. The studied traits were the length, number, and weight of leaves, the number and weight of the total RC, the weight of the main RC, the average weight of RCs, and the number and yield of RCs in different weight groups. The results showed that mulch application caused the highest length and number of leaves (35 cm and 9 No per plant, respectively). Incubation of corms at variable temperatures led to a significant increase in the total weight of RC. In contrast, incubation at constant temperature had most significant effect on the number of RC (2022 corms per m²). The highest and the lowest mean weights of RC were obtained in the mulch application (7.23 g) and incubation at constant temperature (2.22 g), respectively. Plant residue treatment (mulch) decreased the number of small RC (less than 6 g) and increased the number of RC in the weight groups of 9-12 and 12-15 g. Incubation of mother corms at variable temperatures led to an increase in the number and yield of RC weighing more than 15 g. Overall, the treatments of plant residue consumption and storage of mother corms at incubator with variable temperatures, in which 66% and 61% of the RC yield was in groups weighing more than 9 g, respectively, were the best experimental treatments in terms of improving the growth of RC. of mother corms at variable temperatures led to an increase in the number and yield of RC weighing more than 15 g. Overall, the treatments of plant residue consumption and storage of mother corms at incubator with variable temperatures, in which 66% and 61% of the RC yield was in groups weighing more than 9 g, respectively, were the best experimental treatments in terms of improving the growth of RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of planting date on the growth and yield of rice genotypes. The study was conducted during Khaif season of 2022; the field experiment was conducted at the Rice Research Center (RRC) Dokri. The experiment was laid out in split plot design containing three sowing dates' viz. 30thJune, 15th July and 30thJuly in main plots and four rice genotypes viz. NUYT-M-11, N U Y T -M-8, NUYTM-10 and Latify (check) as sub plot treatments. Nevertheless, rice crops sown on June 30th demonstrated markedly superior performance compared to other sowing dates. These crops exhibited a plant height of 97.27 cm, 19.18 tillers per plant, a panicle length of 24.77 cm, a seed index of 29.82 g, a biological yield of 8964 kg/ha, a grain yield of 6000 kg/ha, and a harvest index of 84.11%. The interaction between genotypes and sowing dates significantly influenced the observed plant height, tillers per plant, panicle length, seed index, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Among the genotypes, NUYT-M-11 sown on June 30th displayed the highest values for these parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of planting date and bulb circumference on bulb yield were investigated in Narcissus tazetta flower. Narcissus spring bulbs, which were picked from nature in August, were divided into three groups (12.1-14, 10.1-12 and 8.1-10 cm) according to their circumference and planted in open field at different dates (September, October and November). In the research, bulb sprout rate, bulb circumference increase, and bublet formation rate were determined. As a result of the study, the best planting date (September) in terms of bulb circumference increase values (15.25 cm) and bulblet formation number (1.39 per plant) was revealed as a result of the study. The highest bulb circumference increase rate (34%) was obtained from bulbs with a circumference of 8-10 cm, while the lowest value (25%) was obtained from bulbs with a circumference of 12-14 cm. In terms of bulblet formation rates, there was no difference between circumference length. In the light of these data, it has been determined that bulbs with a circumference of 8-10 and 10-12 cm should be used to increase the bulb circumference. Bulbs with a circumference of 12-14 cm and larger should be used to obtain bulblet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Most of the water consumed in Iran is allocated to the agricultural sector. The world's population will reach about 9 billion by 2050. The population of our country will exceed 86 million in 1404, in which population growth is faster than many other countries. For the exponential and rapid growth of population of the world and Iran, a great challenge will be created in food production with limited water and land resources. Due to population growth and urbanization, water resources in the world are becoming more and more limited. Therefore, paying attention to the amount of water consumed by plants and agricultural cultivation pattern, to maximize the yield of farms, is one of particular importance. Determining the capacity of canals or water pipes depends on the irrigation hydromodule and this parameter must be carefully extracted for each area. On the one hand, if the irrigation hydromodule of an area is estimated to be less than the actual value, water requirement of the plants, will not be met and the agriculture will suffer a lot from this issue. On the other hand, if the irrigation hydromodule of an area is estimated to be higher than the actual value, farmers will not save water and therefore the efficiency of irrigation systems will decrease. Therefore, it is required that for each area, the cultivation pattern and irrigation hydromodule should be carefully estimated and the combined hydromodule should be extracted and be the basis for designing irrigation projects. Methodology In this research, according to meteorological data, the rate of evapotranspiration and finally the irrigation hydromodule for some stations in the country is determined. Climatic data of Ardabil, Ahvaz, Qazvin, Kerman and Mashhad stations were collected and the evapotranspiration values of grass, as reference plant, were extracted using Cropwat8 software. The climatic data period in different stations was chosen so that the beginning of the period, as far as possible from the establishment of each station (in the absence of incomplete or missing data) and the end of the period ending in 2015. The length of the period in different stations varies depending on the year of establishment and it was tried to consider the maximum length of the period for each station. The cultivation pattern of the desired areas was extracted from the sources. The changes trend in climatic parameters, rainfall and evapotranspiration of the reference plant of each region were determined. Hydromodules, probability of occurrence, return period and Weibull conversion were extracted for each hydromodule (one per year). Firstly, obtained irrigation hydromodules from the Cropwat8 software for all the years were sorted in ascending order and each one was given a number (m). Then the probability percentage (P%) was calculated for each of the hydromodules. The return period (RP) was calculated for the various probabilities. Finally, using the Weibull conversion coefficient, irrigation hydromodules with different return periods were extracted for each region. Findings The results showed that the average evapotranspiration of the grass, as reference plant, for Ardabil, Ahvaz, Qazvin, Kerman and Mashhad stations were calculated 2.87, 5.75, 3.79, 5.4- and 2.49-mm d-1, respectively. The average irrigation hydromodules for the five mentioned stations were 0.66, 0.99, 0.75, 1.1 and 0.71 Ls-1 ha-1, respectively. Using the linear variation function, in return periods of 2 to 200 years, the irrigation hydromodule values in Ardabil, Ahvaz, Qazvin, Kerman and Mashhad stations varies from 0.673 to 0.768, 1.023 to 1.22, 0.76 to 0.861, 1.095 to 1.248 and 0.7 to 0.759 L s-1 ha-1, respectively. Using the exponential variation function, in the return periods of 2 to 200 years, the irrigation hydromodule values in Ardabil, Ahvaz, Qazvin, Kerman and Mashhad stations varies from 0.665 to 0.775, 1 to 1.249, 0.754 to 0.867, 1.086 to 1.255 and 0.695 to 0.761 L s-1 ha-1, respectively. Taking the linear change function, by changing the return period from 2 to 200 years and reducing the probability of occurrence, the amount of irrigation hydromodule in Ardabil, Ahvaz, Qazvin, Kerman and Mashhad stations were increased 0.148, 0.303, 0.156, 0.237 and 0.092 Ls-1 ha-1, respectively that is equivalent to 19.27, 24.84, 18.11, 19 and 12.12 percent, respectively. Also, considering the exponential change function, the amount of irrigation hydromodule in the mentioned stations were increased 0.173, 0.391, 0.177, 0.267 and 0.55 L s-1 ha-1, respectively that is equivalent to 22.32, 39.1, 23.47, 21.27 and 13.98 percent of the average. In short return periods (including 2, 5 and in some stations 10 years), the linear function estimates the amount of irrigation hydromodule more than the exponential function. At higher return periods (including 25, 50, 100, and 200 years), the exponential function estimates the amount of irrigation hydromodule more than the linear function. In the intermediate return periods (including 10 and 25) the results of the linear and exponential functions are very close to each other. Conclusion The lowest amount of hydromodule was obtained in Ardabil station for a return period of 2 years and the highest amount was obtained for Ahvaz station for a return period of 200 years. Taking the linear changes function and considering that with increase in return period (even up to 200 years), the irrigation hydromodule does not change much (about 20% of the average), it is suggested that the construction of water storage, transmission and distribution buildings should be designed and implemented with low probability of occurrence (high return period). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of soil salinity, plant density, and planting date on quantitative and qualitative yield of mustard forage, an experiment was conducted in 2016 at Gorgan Nemoone Farm Research Station as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor of soil salinity (2 and 10 dS/m), sub-factor of planting date (6 November, 21 November, 6 December, 21 December, and 5 January), and sub sub-factor of plant density at three levels (208000, 277000, and 416000 plants per hectare) were considered. Results showed the interactions of environment × planting date on all studied traits including fresh weight, dry weight, percentage of leaf protein, percentage of stem protein, percentage of pod protein, percentage of total protein, protein yield, percentage of leaf fibers, percentage of stem fibers, percentage of pod fibers, percentage of total fibers, fiber yield, and leaf proline concentration were significant. The interaction effect of environment × planting density was also significant on all characteristics under study except for leaf protein percentage and leaf proline concentration. Moreover, the interaction effect of planting date and planting density was significant on all characteristics under study except for stem protein percentage and leaf proline concentration. Generally, it is concluded that the cultivation of forage mustard on November 6 and with planting density of 208,000 plants per hectare produces the highest fresh and dry weight of forage and protein yield, as well as the lowest amount of fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing the potential of crops to suppress weeds is an important strategy for sustainable management. Feathertop Rhodes grass (FTR) (Chloris virgata Sw.) is a problematic warm-season weed in Australia that has recently expanded into colder seasons. This study investigated the growth and seed production of FTR at two planting times (May and July) and three wheat planting densities (0, 82, and 164 plants m−2) using a neighborhood design over two years. In both years, the plant height, tiller production, and panicle production of FTR were lower in the presence of wheat compared to when wheat was absent. Surrounding FTR with wheat delayed its pinnacle emergence, varying from 1 to 6 days in the first year and 4 to 21 days in the second year, depending on the planting date and wheat density. During both years and planting times, wheat’s presence caused approximately a 99% decrease in the dry matter and seed production of FTR compared to wheat’s absence. Additionally, the wheat height, an important competitive factor, was higher at both densities in the May planting compared to the July planting. The emergence, establishment, and continuous production of FTR seeds throughout the year indicate that inadequate management could result in the further spread of this weed. Our findings suggest that adjusting the date and density of wheat planting could be a viable strategy for sustainably managing this weed during colder seasons.

Abstract In Senegal, agriculture is an important sector underpinning the socioeconomic fabric of the populace. Notably, the agricultural production in this region exhibits heightened sensitivity to climatic perturbations, particularly droughts and heat waves. This study aims to determine the resilience of different agronomic interventions for farmers practicing mixed farming that produce both crops (i.e., groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)) and raise animals in the Groundnut Basin in Senegal, which holds historical and socioeconomic significance. To understand the current situation regarding demographics, economics, consumption behavior, and farm operations for smallholder farmers, data were comprehensively collected from government and nongovernment organizations (NGO) reports, scientific papers, organization databases, and surveys. Additionally, the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was used to understand how combinations of three planting dates, three plant densities, and six urea nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates affected the yield of pearl millet, which were used as the alternative scenarios to the baseline in the farm modeling and analyses. All the collected and generated data were used as inputs into the Farm Simulation Model (FARMSIM) to generate economic, nutritional, and risk data associated with mixed farming systems. The generated data were then used to determine the resilience of the alternative scenarios against the baseline. Initially, a multi‐objective optimization was employed to meet nutritional needs while maintaining a healthy diet at the lowest cost. Then, the scenarios that met the population's nutritional requirements were evaluated based on four economic indicators: net cash farm income (NCFI), ending cash reserves (EC), net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). Lastly, those that passed the economic feasibility test were ranked based on risk criteria certainty equivalent (CE) and risk premium (RP). The analyses found N fertilizer rates of 0, 20, and 100 kg N ha−1 were generally economically not feasible. Additionally, medium (early‐July to late‐August) and late (late‐July to mid‐September) planting dates generally performed better than early (early‐June to late‐July) planting dates, while plant densities of 3.3 and 6.6 pL m−2 performed better than 1.1. The robust resilience approach introduced in this study is easily transferable to other regions.

Onion is an important crop in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Currently, its production is being constrained by onion armyworm (OAW; Spodoptera exigua). The impact of planting dates and distance on the infestation of OAW was studied across two productions. The aim is to evaluate the influence of different combinations of planting dates (November, December, and January) and row spacing [5 cm x 10 cm, 8 cm x 10 cm, 10 cm x 10 cm, and farmer's practice or waray (6-10 cm x 6-10 cm)] on the damage and population density of OAW. The count of observed OAW larvae from the earliest month (November) and during the month of the usual production period (November-December) was negligible to minimal. However, a significant increase in the OAW population during late planting (January). In terms of leaf damage caused by the OAW feeding, November, December, and January planting had an increasing percentage as the OAW population also increased. There was an increase in bulb diameter as the row spacing widens (10 cm x 10 cm), as well as an increase in the number of marketable bulb onions when it is narrow (5 cm x 10 cm). This study showed that planting dates and distances should be one of the major considerations in onion production and insect pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study was carried out in order to evaluate the response of yield and yield components of lentil cultivars to foliar application of NPK chemical fertilizer under different planting dates. Materials and Methods: The double split-plot set of treatments was arranged within randomized complete block design with three replications during growing season 1400 at the Varzeqhan city with an average annual rainfall of 300 mm. The experimental factors were: Sowing date (main factor) at three levels: November 15 as an anticipated cropping, April 15 and April 30, Varieties (secondary factor) at two levels: local variety and Bilaswar variety, and treatment. Fertilizer foliar application (sub sub-factor) in two levels of control (no foliar application) and NPK chemical fertilizer foliar application (nitrogen 5%, phosphorus and potassium 25% dissolved in water at the rate of 3 kg per hectare). Results: The results showed that foliar application increased the grain yield of local cultivars and Bilsawar by 25 and 24%, respectively. In general, considering the economic importance of seed yield, the planting date of 15 November and foliar spraying of fertilizer with the combination of 75 grams per hectare of Fertilizer-2 biological fertilizer with 50 kilograms per hectare of triple superphosphate chemical fertilizer can have an effective role in increasing the yield. Conclusion: In this study, foliar application of NPK chemical fertilizer and planting date of November 15 with the highest number of pods, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 100 grain weight and seed yield is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: In this research the effect of planting date and Bentazon application on control of weeds and soybean yield was investigated. Methods and Materials: Experiment conducted as split plot in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Mainfactor included five planting dates (20 April, 4 May, 18 May, 2 June and 16 June) and subfactor was herbicide application including without and with bentazone application. Results: Delay in planting date and herbicide application, wild melon, and black nightshade control increased both at 10 and 30 days after spraying. The late planting date reduced soybean economic (29.2%) and biological yield (41.1%). Delay in planting date reduced the biomass of wild melon (99%) and black nightshade (61%) and other weeds (82%). Herbicide application decreased the biomass of wild melon (51%) and black nightshade (92%) and other weeds (71%). Soybean yield in early planting date was higher (71%) than late planting date. In the late planting date, density of wild melon and black nightshade was lower than early planting date. Delay in planting date accelerated flowering, and reduced ripening period, seed production, and yield. Conclusion: The early planting date of soybean along with the application of bentazone reduces weed growth, crop damage and increases soybean yield that can be recommended to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulicaria gnaphalodes (Vent.) Boiss. is a medicinal plant perennial and herbaceous belong to Asteraceae family which grows in some parts of Iran. In order to investigate the effect of two sowing dates (May 3 and 23) and nitrogen rates (0, 80, 160, and 240 kg N/ha) on morphological traits, yield and yield components and essential oil yield of P. gnaphalodes aerial parts, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out in research field of Birjand branch, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran in 2018. The results of analysis of variance showed that the simple and interaction effects of sowing date and nitrogen rate significantly affected plant height, number of main branch, number of capitols per plant, seed yield, dry weight and percentage of essential oil produced by the aerial parts at 1% level. In addition, the number of secondary branches, canopy diameter, number of seed per capitols and 1000-seed weight were affected by the nitrogen content at 1% level. The effect of sowing date on the number of main branches and canopy diameter was significant at the 1% level and on 1000-seed weight was significant at 5% level. Means comparison of simple effect of sowing date showed that plant height, number of main branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, canopy diameter, number of capitols per plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, and dry weight of the aerial parts had a significant superiority in the sowing date of May 3 compared to May 23, by 15.7, 19, 12.1, 10, 51.4, 15.8, 88.3 and 33.1%, respectively. Increasing the application of nitrogen to 240 kg N/ha also significantly increased the mentioned traits by 24, 41.2, 17.6, 29.3, 82.6, 115.3, 36.2, and 187.3%, respectively compared to 0 kg N/ha (control). Means comparison of interaction effect between sowing date and nitrogen rate showed that the maximum plant height (68.50 cm), number of main branches per plant (17 branches per plant), number of capitols per plant (170), seed yield (322.87 kg/ha) and dry weight of the aerial parts (1808.52 kg/ha) were obtained in the treatment of the sowing date of May 3 with application of 240 kg N/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionRice (Oryza sativa.L) is one of the most important grains in the world, which as one of the major food sources, provides food to more than three billion people in the world. In the near future, there are several challenges to achieve higher yields in rice plants, and one of the most basic of these challenges is increasing the average temperature of the earth's surface. Increasing the temperature indirectly reduces production by increasing water demand in areas with limited water and reducing the area under cultivation. Therefore, plant physiologists' understanding of plant physiological responses to high temperatures, as well as the selection of adaptation strategies, is an effective and very important role in rice research. In line with international research, research on introducing a diverse range of heat-tolerant rice cultivars on the one hand and finding effective physiological traits and mechanisms in tolerance or resistance of common rice cultivars in the province to this stress can play a valuable role in inactivation, modulation of negative effects or greater efficiency of the heat and light stress situation arising in the coming years. In other words, making management decisions regarding the production and use of improved cultivars, introducing native tolerant or heat-resistant cultivars and possible required changes in the temporal and spatial patterns of cultivation of cultivars, can be a significant help in combating heat stress. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate heat stress on grain yield and to study stress tolerance indices in studied cultivars in the Khuzestan region.Materials and methods In order to evaluate the stress tolerance and susceptibility indices of rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) in response to heat stress, an experiment with two factors of planting date and cultivar on the basis of split plots in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in two years 2017 and 2018 were carried out in the south of Khuzestan province. In order to apply high temperature stress (heat stress) in field conditions, three planting dates of May 15, June 5 and June 25 were selected as the main plots. At each planting date, seven rice cultivars including Anbouri, Champa, Daniel, Pollen, Hamr, and Hoveyzeh (native cultivars) and N22 (International cultivar) were cultivated as sub-plots. Stress tolerance indices included GWHSI SSI, STI, TOL. Results and discussion The results showed that at the level of planting date, the highest grain yield was on 5 June with a yield of 5737 kg.ha-1, which was 41.7 more than the first planting date. The highest grain yield was obtained among the cultivars related to Hoveyzeh with an average of 5606 kg.ha-1, which was 34.3% and 29.6% higher than Champa and Anbori, respectively. In evaluating stress tolerance indices, N22 and Hoveyzeh cultivars had the highest SSI and STI, Hammer and Hoveyzeh cultivars showed the highest STI and N22 and Hammer cultivars showed the lowest TOL. The lowest (SSI) was obtained in Hoveyzeh cultivar and then in Hamr and N22 cultivars. The lowest heat stress tolerance was also observed in Champa cultivar. Also, the highest STI index and the lowest TOL index were obtained in Hamr, N22 and Hoveyzeh cultivars. The lowest GDD in all three planting dates was in Hoveyzeh cultivar and the highest one was in sensitive cultivars to heat stress (Anburi and Champa).Conclusions In general, heat-tolerant cultivar N22, Daniel and local cultivars Hoveyzeh and Hamr were heat-tolerant cultivar and Geredeh Ramhormoz cultivar and Anbouri and Champa (native cultivars) were identified as heat-sensitive.

The economic return for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ghana is often low due to limitations in the availability of inputs or their adoption, which are needed to optimize yield. Six experiments were conducted in Ghana in 2020 and 2021 to determine the impact of planting date, cultivar, fertilization, pest management practices, and harvest date on peanut yield, financial return, and pest reaction. A wide range of interactions among these treatment factors were often observed for infestations of aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover); groundnut rosette disease (Umbravirus: Tombusviridaee); millipedes (Peridontopyge spp.); white grubs (Schyzonicha spp.); wireworms (Conoderus spp.); termites (Microtermes and Odontotermes spp.); canopy defoliation as a result of early leaf spot disease caused by Passalora arachidicola (Hori) and late leaf spot caused by Nothopassalora personata (Berk. and M. A. Curtis); and the scarification and boring of pods caused by arthropod feeding. Pod yield and economic return increased for the cultivar Chitaochi and Sarinut 2 when fertilizer was applied and when fertilizer was applied at early, mid-, and late planting dates. Pod yield and economic return increased when a combination of locally derived potassium soaps was used for aphid suppression and one additional hand weeding was used in the improved pest management practice compared with the traditional practice without these inputs. Pearson correlations for yield and economic return were negatively correlated for all pests and damage caused by pests. The results from these experiments can be used by farmers and their advisors to develop production packages for peanut production in Ghana.

Cereal grains have the main role in human world food because of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals which affected by genetic and environmental conditions. Field experiment was conducted for two years using a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design to study the effect of sowing date and organic and inorganic nutrients on maize yield and quality of oil in Shahirar, Tehran. The treatment consists of two sowing dates viz., on time date (July 15) and delayed sowing (August 15) in main plot and six fertilizer treatments viz., No fertilizer, Urea (200 kg N ha−1), farmyard manure (FYM) (200 kg N ha−1), vermicompost (200 kg N ha−1), Urea (50% N) + FYM (50% N) and Urea (50% N) + vermicompost (50% N). The outcome of field experiments revealed that on time planting recorded maximum oleic acid (18.68%) and while 200 kg N ha−1 through vermicompost recorded maximum oleic acid (17.38%) which was 12% higher than control. The highest seed yield was achieved in urea+vermicompost treatment (5570 kg ha−1). While highest oil content and linolenic acid was with FYM (200 kg N ha−1). The interaction effect showed that urea applied to maize sown on time had the highest oil yield. Linoleic and linolenic acid was less in maize which was sown late. It is concluded from study that application of urea alone or urea with vermicompost to maize sown in time can be recommended.

Crop planting timing is critical in regulating environmental conditions of crop growth throughout the season, and is an essential parameter in crop simulation models for estimating dry matter accumulation and yields. Accurate planting date information is key to characterizing crop growing dynamics under varying farming practices and facilitating agricultural adaptation to climate change. To date, the main methods to acquire planting dates include field survey methods, weather-dependent methods, and remote sensing phenological detecting methods. However, it is still challenging to effectively estimate the crop planting dates at field levels due to the lack of appropriate field-level modeling design as well as the dearth of ground planting reference data. In our study, we develop a novel CropSow modeling framework to estimate field-level planting dates by integrating the remote sensing phenological detecting method with the crop growth model. The remote sensing phenological detecting method is devised to retrieve the critical crop phenological metrics of farm fields from remote sensing time series, which are then integrated into the crop growth model for field planting date estimation in consideration of soil-crop-atmosphere continuum. CropSow leverages the rich physiological knowledge embedded in the crop growth model to scalably interpret satellite observations under a variety of environmental and management conditions for field-level planting date retrievals. With corn in Illinois, US as a case study, the developed CropSow outperforms three advanced benchmark models (i.e., the remote sensing accumulative growing degree day method, the weather-dependent method, and the shape model) in crop planting date estimation at the field level, with R square higher than 0.68, root mean square error (RMSE) lower than 10 days, and mean bias error (MBE) around 5 days from 2016 to 2020. It achieves better generalization performance than the benchmark models, as well as stronger adaptability to abnormal weather conditions with more robust performance in estimating the planting dates of farm fields. CropSow holds considerable promise to extrapolate over space and time for estimating the timing of crop planting of individual farm fields at large scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. As a result of the changing climate characteristics, it is necessary to reevaluate the planting time for crop plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the quality characteristics of malting barley cultivars in fall and spring plantings. Methods. Sixteen malting barley cultivars were used. Two fall-planted and two springplanted trials were conducted in two consecutive years. The field trials were carried out in a randomized complete block design with four replications in Tokat province of Turkey under rainfed conditions. Results. Grain yields varied between 4.38 and 5.71 t/ha in fall-planted trials and between 3.12 and 4.89 t/ha in spring-planted trials. Malt extracts were between 77.0% and 78.0% kg in fall-planted trials and between 73.9% and 76.9% in spring-planted trials. Alpha amylase activities ranged from 77.9 to 81.4 Ceralpha unit (CU)/g in fall-planted trials and from 80.8 to 100.9 CU/g in spring-planted trials. Diastatic power ranged from 194.5 to 331.1 Windisch-Kolbach unit (WK) in fall-planted trials and from 129.0 to 259.8 WK in spring-planted trials. GGE biplot analysis indicated that winter barley cultivar Durusu and facultative barley cultivar Ince-04 were the best with consistent grain yields while Ince-04 was the best with stable malt extract across the trials. In scatter plot graphics, winter barley cultivars Durusu, Aydanhanim, Yildiz and facultative Ince-04 had superior performance in fall-plantings for grain yield and malt extract. In spring planting, facultative Ince-04 had higher performance than those of other cultivars. In spring plantings, facultative or winter barley cultivars that do not have strong vernalization requirement had better yield and malt quality. Appropriate planting time and cultivars can allow a better use of available water in malt barley production under rainfed conditions. Lastly, instead of evaluating the grain yield or malt quality alone, it would be best to evaluate the target product (malt extract percentage) obtained from a particular region, process, or production methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the condition of limited available water resources, it is increasingly important to optimize irrigation strategies and adjust sowing dates to improve sustainability and profitable production. Authors calibrated and verified the crop parameters in AquaCrop model by using soil moisture, cotton growth, biomass and yield 2017−2018, and inputting the data into the meteorological, crop, irrigation, and field management modules. The biomass and yield of cotton under mulch drip irrigation in the oasis area of southern Xinjiang from 1988 to 2017 were simulated under 30 scenarios of different irrigation (TS1: 18mm, TS2: 24mm, TS3: 30mm, TS4: 36mm, TS5: 45mm, and TS6: 54mm) and sowing dates (D1: March 23, D2: April 3, D3: April 13, D4: April 23, and D5: May 3). The stability and sustainability of cotton production for 30 consecutive years were also analyzed. The results showed that the AquaCrop model could well simulate the cotton canopy coverage, aboveground biomass, and soil moisture under different irrigation and sowing dates. The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) was less than 20%, and the synergistic index (d) and correlation coefficient (R2 ) were close to 1. The AquaCrop model underestimated cotton evapotranspiration (ET) and yield (Y) with relative error (RE) of −4.5% to 1.2% and −8.6% to −6.8%, respectively. However, it proves that AquaCrop model can be used for scenario simulation. The model prediction showed that the stability and sustainability of cotton production were less affected by sowing date, but increased with the increase of irrigation quota. With the same sowing date, the cotton biomass and yield increased with the irrigation quota. Under the 495mm irrigation quota, higher irrigation water efficiency was obtained, and the cotton yield was not significantly reduced. At the same time, under the 495mm irrigation quota, if the sowing date was postponed to April 13, it could save 36.78mm of water. If early maturing cotton seeds were used for sowing on April 23, it could save 65.34mm of water. Therefore, for regions with rich water resources, early sowing can be considered to obtain high yield, while for regions with poor water resources, late sowing is an economic and effective strategy to adapt to the current and future climate change and the shortage of water resources under the combination of varieties and cultivation models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is conducted to separate the effective and influential management factors in the production of clover forage in Iran and to identify its limiting factors. In this study, the data obtained from 68 research projects conducted by the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO) throughout the country during the 2009-2020 years have been analyzed, using the meta-analysis method. The results show that planting date -3.31%, planting method -22.82%, species +40.14%, seeding rate (planting density) +1.53%, drought stress -16.16 %, and phenological stage of forage harvesting - 15.42% justify the amount of forage clover variation. Thus, fall planting in the middle of September, basin planting method, choosing the Berseem clover species (Trifolium alexandrinum var. Karaj), the seeding rate of 15-20 kg ha-1 (for forage production), and forage harvesting at the phenological stage of 10-25% flowering, are the most important management and agronomic factors in increasing clover forage production in cold and temperate regions, and not complying with one or a set of these factors will reduce the clover production and will cause yield gap. Overall, the species, planting method, and drought stress are respectively recognized as the most important factors affecting clover forage yield in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greater cover crop biomass is expected to result in a favorable microhabitat for beneficial arthropods. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cover crop termination guidelines are based on the cash crop planting date. Therefore, a delay in cash crop planting could result in greater cover crop biomass. However, studies on delays in cash crop planting and greater cover crop biomass have led to a decrease in cash crop yield. Thus, a field study was conducted in eastern Nebraska over two years to evaluate the impact of early and late corn planting dates with at-plant cover crop terminations on pest potential, beneficial arthropod activity, and agronomic parameters. To measure arthropod activity and pests in the system, pitfall traps, and corn injury assessments were performed during the early stages of corn development. A total of 11,054 and 43,078 arthropods were collected in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The results have shown no impact of the corn planting dates with at-plant cover crop termination on arthropods but identified that cereal rye cover crop supports greater Araneae activity while its alternative prey varied when compared to the no-cover treatment. Significant yield penalties were observed when cover crop was used regardless of the corn planting dates. Pest pressure was not significant in any year, however, future research using cereal rye and different cover crop species should be used in this system with an artificial infestation of a pest to be able to evaluate the trade-offs between possible cash crop yield reductions and potential biological control of pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a water-efficient crop that could fit in the declining water situation of West Texas. However, being a new crop, there is a lack of knowledge about hemp cultivation practices. Therefore, multiple experiments were conducted at Quaker Research Farm of Texas Tech University to (1) evaluate the biomass productivity potential of several imported hemp cultivars under different planting dates in field conditions, and (2) test the seed germination capacity of hemp cultivars in a range of temperatures using a growth chamber. In the field, the highest biomass yield was recorded for Jinma in 2020, which was almost 180% higher than the average biomass of two other cultivars. In 2021, early planting observed higher plant biomass, plant height, and irrigation water use efficiency compared to late planting. The highest biomass was recorded for Jinma, followed by Yuma, Eletta Campana, and Fibranova in 2021. Jinma and Yuma resulted in high Tetrahydrocannabinol content at harvesting. In the growth chamber study, percentage germination remained similar from 10 to 30 °C, but it decreased by 28% at 35 °C compared to 30 °C. The speed of germination was higher at 30 °C compared to other temperatures. The mean germination time was recorded the highest at 10−15 °C, and in Jinma among cultivars. Results indicate that Eletta campana with early planting could be more productive in West Texas. Overall, hemp germination was more sensitive to high temperatures compared to low temperatures.

IntroductionWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops in the world as well as in Iran. It has experienced many improvements in terms of yield and quality traits during recent decades. Wheat, like energy, is known as a strategic commodity and is one of the important indicators of agriculture. This plant has the highest area under cultivation and production among other cereals in the world. Planting date is an important factor in crop production because meteorological parameters vary with changes in planting date. Delay in planting is one of the problems that is common in almost all wheat growing areas of Iran and is one of the main causes of reduced yields of wheat cultivars. Yield reduction rate varies depending on the delay in planting and cultivars, and the results of some experiments indicate that this amount sometimes reaches more than 35% of potential grain yield. Phenology and growth rate due to their effect on duration and the occurrence of different stages of development and the environmental conditions prevailing in each of these stages, are the key point of adaptation to various environmental conditions such as delayed planting date. This experiment was designed to identify the changes in yield and yield components and phenological stages of new bread wheat cultivars with different growth habits and to investigate the possibility of introducing cultivars compatible with delayed planting date in the region.Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted in two separate experiments based on a complete randomized block design with optimum planting date (6th November) and delayed planting date (6th December) on 10 new bread wheat cultivars with three replications on the research farm of the Seed and Plant Improvement Research Institute in Karaj in two years (2016-2018). The bread wheat cultivars include Pishgam, Heidari, Rakhshan, Sivand, Baharan, Sirvan, Parsi, Mehregan, Chamran 2 and Chamran. Yield and yield components such as number spike per m2, number of grain per spike, 1000-grain weight were measured at the end of the growing season to evaluate responses of the cultivars to the various planting dates. In addition, the phenological stage was recorded during the growing season.Results and DiscussionResults indicated that delayed planting date from 15th Nov. to 15th Dec. caused a significant reduction on grain yield (from 7485 to 6066 kg.ha-1), number of spikes per m2 (from 698 to 605), number of grain per spike (from 28.5 to 25.8 seed), and 1000 grain weight (from 41.1 to 38.4 g). The interaction effects of planting date and cultivars were significant on grain yield and yield components. The highest and lowest grain yield belonged to Pishgam (7436 kg. ha-1) on optimum planting date and Chamran (5842 kg.ha-1) on delayed planting date, respectively. Delayed planting date reduced duration of planting to double ridge (from 736 to 641 GDD), planting to terminal spikelet (from 982 to 886 GDD), planting to anthesis (from 1608 to 1457 GDD) and planting to maturity (from 2456 to 2265 GDD).ConclusionDuration of different developmental stage is very important for the formation of yield components that determine the final grain yield. Although these stages are a genetic trait, but they are affected by plant growth conditions and environmental stresses, climatic factors, especially temperature and day length. Our research showed that delay in planting reduced grain yield by 18% compared to the optimum planting date because of the reduced number of spikes per m2 and vegetative and grain-filling periods.Based on the results, in cases of delayed planting date (unfavorable weather conditions, insufficient planting equipment, etc.) in Karaj region or similar climatic regions, early maturity cultivars such as Mehregan and Chamran 2 and moderate maturity cultivar like Sivand are recommended in order to minimize yield loss.