Responses of Rice Cultivars to the Elevated CO2

The effect of CO₂ concentration elevated to 575 – 620 µmol mol^–1 on growth, tillering, grain yield, net photosynthetic rate, dark respiration rate, stomatal conductance, sugar content and protein profile of two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars Pusa Basmati-1 and Pusa-677 at flowering stage was studied using open top chambers. The cultivar Pusa Basmati-1 responded more markedly for most of the growth and physiological parameters compared to Pusa-677. The increase in grain yield in Pusa Basmati-1 attributed largely to increased grain number. The increased net photosynthetic rate and greater accumulation of sugar contributed significantly to the accelerated development of leaves and tillers in both the cultivars. The reduction in the low molecular mass proteins including Rubisco and increase in high molecular mass photosystem 2 proteins was observed in both the cultivars. Additional sugars may possibly help in balancing the profile of photosynthetic proteins and sustain greater growth and productivity in rice cultivars.     

Effect of berseem (T. alexandrinum L.) on the growth of maize crop on artificially compacted soil

Summary A pot experiment to evaluate the effect of growing berseem on the growth of maize on soil artificially compacted to different soil bulk densities was conducted during 1964–65 and 1965–66 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The results obtained from the experiment showed that yield of berseem fodder was almost identical in pots with 1.5 and 1.6 g/cm³ soil bulk densities, but decreased abruptly as the bulk densities increased from 1.6 to 1.8 g/cm³. Increase in bulk density of soil from 1.6 to 1.8 g/cm³ adversely affected the growth of maize plants but growing of berseem mitigated the ill-effects of soil compaction. Maize crop grown in pots where berseem was grown, exhibited better growth of roots and shoots and thus produced more dry matter per plant than where no berseem was grown.A part of the Ph.D. Thesis submitted by the senior author, Div. of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.Formerly Agronomist, I.A.R.I., New Delhi, Professor of Agronomy, U.P. Agricultural University, Pantnagar, India.     

Improvements in the physical properties of soil under the influence of the rhizosphere microflora of four different plant species

Summary Finger millet or locally known asragi (Eleusine coracana Gaertn.), sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.), greengram (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) plants were raised on sterilized, sterilized and reinoculated with soil microflora and unsterile sandy loam soil in pots for 45 days. Qualitative studies on the edaphosphere microflora indicated the continuation of rhizosphere effect beyond the root surface (rhizosphere) region. Increased microbial population in the sterilized soil was attributed to the effect of sterilization in favour of faster establishment of added microorganisms. In general, steam sterilization had detrimental effects, whereas crop growth had beneficial effects on the soil physical properties. Ragi and greengram were found superior to sorghum and soybean in improving soil structure as evidenced by increased aggregate stability and hydraulic conductivity and decreased dispersion. Soil aggregates of less than 2.00 mm size were found to be increased due to crop growth. The rhizosphere microflora in association with roots of the growing plants is suggested to play a pivotal role in improving soil structure.     

Population dynamics of the rice root nematode Hirschmanniella oryzae on monsoon rice in Myanmar

Soil and root samples of the short crop cycle duration rice variety Yadanartoe were collected at 10-days intervals, starting at 20 days after transplanting until 20 days after harvest, from September 2008 until January 2009, to study the population dynamics of Hirschmanniella oryzae on (rainfed) monsoon rice. Plant growth stages, the ambient air and soil temperature, rainfall and relative humidity during the sampling period were noted. The soil type is clay and has a pH of 5.1. In the roots, three nematode population density peaks were observed during the sampling period: at the maximum tillering stage, at the milky grain stage, and between harvest and 10 days after harvest. The highest peak (483 H. oryzae/g roots) was observed at the milky grain stage. The lowest root population density (46 H. oryzae/g roots) was found at harvesting. Population densities in the soil followed more or less the same trend as in the roots. After harvesting, the soil population density increased. During our observation, we did not find any effects of environmental conditions on the population densities of H. oryzae. However, it was found that the population dynamics of H. oryzae were influenced by the plant growth stage.     

Vole population dynamics: factors affecting peak densities and amplitudes of annual population fluctuations of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Microtus pennsylvanicus</Emphasis>

We studied factors affecting peak densities and amplitudes of fluctuation during 20 annual population fluctuations ofMicrotus pennsylvanicus Ord, 1815 in alfalfa and bluegrass habitats over a 25-year period. Survival was correlated with population density over the 25 years and was the most consistent variable associated with stoppage of population growth. Although not correlated with population density over the 25 years, a decline in the proportion of reproductively active adult females contributed to cessation of growth of population fluctuations that peaked in late autumn-winter, and to cessation of growth of eight of eleven population fluctuations that peaked during summer-early autumn. We conclude variation in survival to be the primary factor affecting peak densities and amplitudes of population fluctuation ofM. pennsylvanicus.     

Reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita on Winter Cover Crops Used in Cotton Production

Substantial reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita on winter cover crops may lead to damaging populations in a subsequent cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) crop. The amount of population increase during the winter depends on soil temperature and the host status of the cover crop. Our objectives were to quantify M. incognita race 3 reproduction on rye (Secale cereale) and several leguminous cover crops and to determine if these cover crops increase population densities of M. incognita and subsequent damage to cotton. The cover crops tested were ‘Bigbee’ berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), ‘Paradana’ balansa clover (T. balansae), ‘AU Sunrise’ and ‘Dixie’ crimson clover (T. incarnatum), ‘Cherokee’ red clover (T. pratense), common and ‘AU Early Cover’ hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), ‘Cahaba White’ vetch (V. sativa), and ‘Wrens Abruzzi’ rye. In the greenhouse tests, egg production was greatest on berseem clover, Dixie crimson clover, AU Early Cover hairy vetch, and common hairy vetch; intermediate on Balansa clover and AU Sunrise crimson clover; and least on rye, Cahaba White vetch, and Cherokee red clover. In both 2002 and 2003 field tests, enough heat units were accumulated between 1 January and 20 May for the nematode to complete two generations. Both AU Early Cover and common hairy vetch led to greater root galling than fallow in the subsequent cotton crop; they also supported high reproduction of M. incognita in the greenhouse. Rye and Cahaba White vetch did not increase root galling on cotton and were relatively poor hosts for M. incognita. Only those legumes that increased populations of M. incognita reduced cotton yield. In the southern US, M. incognita can complete one to two generations on a susceptible winter cover crop, so cover crops that support high nematode reproduction may lead to damage and yield losses in the following cotton crop. Planting rye or Meloidogyne-resistant legumes as winter cover crops will lower the risk of increased nematode populations compared to most vetches and clovers.     

Abundance of the rose-grain aphid,Metopolophium dirhodum,on barley in Canterbury,New Zealand, 1984–87

Abstract

Spring populations of Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on barley, at Lincoln and elsewhere in Canterbury, New Zealand, declined markedly during 1984–87. Spring suction-trap catches of M. dirhodum also declined at the same time. Numbers of immigrant M. dirhodum on young barley, and maximum aphid population density on the crop, were positively correlated with suction-trap catches of M. dirhodum during the preceding week or month, respectively. Egg numbers of the most abundant predator, Micromus tasmaniae Walker (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae), and mummy numbers of the parasitoid, Aphidius rhopalosiphi De Stefani-Perez (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), increased relative to aphid numbers during the study. Entomophagous fungus-disease incidence could not be related to monthly rainfall, and the decline in aphid numbers during the study period was apparently not related to disease incidence. It is suggested that aphid population regulation by predators and parasitoids in the wider habitat of M. dirhodum could reduce the rate of immigration, and hence aphid population growth, in a given crop.     

Natural endophytic association between Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii and rice roots and assessment of its potential to promote rice growth

For over 7 centuries, production of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Egypt has benefited from rotation with Egyptian berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum). The nitrogen supplied by this rotation replaces 25- 33% of the recommended rate of fertilizer-N application for rice production. This benefit to the rice cannot be explained solely by an increased availability of fixed N through mineralization of N- rich clover crop residues. Since rice normally supports a diverse microbial community of internal root colonists, we have examined the possibility that the clover symbiont, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii colonizes rice roots endophytically in fields where these crops are rotated, and if so, whether this novel plant-microbe association benefits rice growth. MPN plant infection studies were performed on macerates of surface-sterilized rice roots inoculated on T. alexandrinum as the legume trap host. The results indicated that the root interior of rice grown in fields rotated with clover in the Nile Delta contained 10⁶ clover-nodulating rhizobial endophytes g fresh weight of root. Plant tests plus microscopical, cultural, biochemical, and molecular structure studies indicated that the numerically dominant isolates of clover-nodulating rice endophytes represent 3 – 4 authentic strains of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii that were Nod Fix on berseem clover. Pure cultures of selected strains were able to colonize the interior of rice roots grown under gnotobiotic conditions. These rice endophytes were reisolated from surface-sterilized roots and shown by molecular methods to be the same as the original inoculant strains, thus verifying Koch's postulates. Two endophytic strains of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii significantly increased shoot and root growth of rice in growth chamber experiments, and grain yield plus agronomic fertilizer N-use efficiency of Giza-175 hybrid rice in a field inoculation experiment conducted in the Nile Delta. Thus, fields where rice has been grown in rotation with clover since antiquity contain Fix strains of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii that naturally colonize the rice root interior, and these true rhizobial endophytes have the potential to promote rice growth and productivity under laboratory and field conditions.     

Rice root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) infestation in rice

Rice (Oryza sativa) is an important staple food crop for majority of human population in the world in general and in Asia in particular. However, among various pests and diseases which constitute important constraints in the successful crop production, plant parasitic nematodes play an important role and account for yield losses to the extent of 90%. The major nematode pests associated with rice are Ditylenchus angustus, Aphelenchoides besseyi, Hirschmanniella spp., Heterodera oryzicola and Meloidogyne graminicola. However, rice root-knot nematode (M. graminicola) happens to be the most important pest and is prevalent in major rice producing countries of the world. In India, the distribution of M. graminicola in rice growing areas of different states has been documented in nematode distribution atlas prepared by All India Coordinated Research Project (Nematodes) and published by Directorate of Information and Publications of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India during 2010. M. graminicola affected rice plants show stunting and chlorosis due to the characteristic terminal swellings/galls on the roots which ultimately result in severe reduction in growth and yield. Number of eco-friendly management technologies against M. graminicola have been developed and demonstrated, including the use of bioagents for minimising the losses due to rice root-knot nematode. This review is focused on collating information to understand the current scenario of rice root-knot nematodes with greater emphasis on its ecological requirements, damage symptoms, biology, morphology, host range and management strategies.     

Bücherbesprechung (Book Reviews)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2002 – 2003 and 2003 – 2004 to study the impact of controlling the insect vector, Whitefly, of yellow mosaic virus on the performance of green gram grown under rainfed lowland rice fallow situation. Insecticide, Imidachloprid 12.5 kg a.i./ha, was applied at 15- and 30-days growth to four green gram varieties, direct-sown under residual soil moisture conditions after the harvest of kharif rice. Results showed crops under YMV-management achieved 65.67% more seed yield producing 11.68 q/ha, which was significantly higher than the crops under no YMV management (7.05 q ha^?1). Plants which had been treated with insecticide were found to be less affected (8.50%) by YMV compared to those which had no treatment (20.10%). Varieties PDM 54 and PDM 11 emerged as superior, producing significantly higher seed yields, 12.73 and 11.69 q/ha respectively; while Pusa vishal (8.21 q ha^?1) and Pusa 105 (7.85 q ha^?1) produced moderately compared with the local variety (6.31 q ha^?1). In addition, PDM 54 and PDM 11 showed relatively more resistance against YMV infestation recording 5.23% and 6.01% infected plants.     

Fine mapping of grain length QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 7 in Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Grain dimensions (length, breadth and length/breadth ratio) are important quality attributes of Basmati rice for its high consumer acceptance. Earlier we identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) intervals on chromosomes 1 and 7 for grain dimensions in Basmati rice using a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from cross between Basmati variety Pusa 1121 and a short grain non-aromatic variety Pusa 1342. For fine mapping of these QTLs, 184 F₆ RILs were grown and phenotyped in the normal rice growing season at two different locations. Forty-nine new SSR markers targeting these QTL intervals were tested and nine were found polymorphic between the parents. Using revised genetic maps adding new markers, the grain length QTL qGRL1.1 on chromosome 1 was narrowed down to 108?kbp from the earlier reported 6,133?kbp. There were total 13 predicted gene models in this interval which includes the probable candidate gene for the exceptionally high grain length of Basmati variety Pusa 1121. Similarly, two tandem QTL intervals qGRL7.1 and qGRL7.2 on chromosome 7 were merged into a single one narrowed down to 2,390?kbp from the earlier reported length of 5,269?kbp. This region of chromosome 7 also has co-localized QTLs for grain breadth and length to breadth ratio. SSR markers tightly linked to the QTL at a map distance of ??0.2?cM were developed for the qGRL1.1 and qGRL7.1 loci that could be used for marker-assisted breeding. Validation of earlier published markers for the grain length gene GS3 on chromosome 3 showed no difference between Pusa 1121 and Pusa 1342, highlighting the significance of qGRL1.1 and qGRL7.1 for the extra grain length of Basmati variety Pusa 1121.     

Studies in clover soil sickness

Summary The clover soil sickness phenomenon (CSS) was studied over a five-year period in plots of different berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) history and used (a) to quantify the decrease in yields and its components with increase in previous clover cropping, (b) to assess the role of nutritional imbalance as a cause of CSS. The detrimental effect of CSS on growth of berseem was never found to operate before the first harvest. Less and mainly smaller branches developed on CSS conditions toward the second harvest, followed by plant death and poor branching, with a corresponding increase in the amount of weeds. When CSS conditions were more severe, the stand of berseem degenerated completely after fourth or even the third harvest. Berseem from plots previously cropped to berseem had a much lower phosphorus level in leaves than under non CSS conditions; the addition of copper, cobalt and/or molybdenum did not cure the CSS. Alternating berseem with Persian clover was found impracticable, since growing Persian clover also resulted in CSS symptoms, in both berseem and Persian clover. Nematodes may be a cause of CSS in Persian clover, but not in berseem. Contribution from The Volcani Institute of Agricultural Research, Bet Dagan, Israel. 1971 Series, No.1882-E. This work was financed by Grant FG-IS-222 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under P.L. 480.     

Expression of a plant defensin in rice confers resistance to fungal phytopathogens

Transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Pusa basmati 1), overexpressing the Rs-AFP2 defensin gene from the Raphanus sativus was generated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Expression levels of Rs-AFP2 ranged from 0.45 to 0.53% of total soluble protein in transgenic plants. It was observed that constitutive expression of Rs-AFP2 suppresses the growth of Magnaporthe oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani by 77 and 45%, respectively. No effect on plant morphology was observed in the Rs-AFP2 expressing rice lines. The inhibitory activity of protein extracts prepared from leaves of Rs-AFP2 plants on the in vitro growth of M. oryzae indicated that the Rs-AFP2 protein produced by transgenic rice plants was biologically active. Transgene expression of Rs-AFP2 was not accompanied by an induction of pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression, suggesting that the expression of Rs-AFP2 directly inhibits the pathogens. Here, we demonstrate that transgenic rice plants expressing the Rs-AFP2 gene show enhanced resistance to M. oryzae and R. solani, two of the most important pathogens of rice.     

Migration, trapping and local dynamics of whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

1 The ability to quantify whitefly migration provides a tool that can contribute to an improved understanding of the epidemic development of whitefly‐transmitted viruses. 2 In an attempt to develop a protocol for estimating whitefly immigration and emigration rates in an annual crop, new traps and sampling devices were tested in the field and models for population dynamics were developed. 3 An estimate of immigration rate was derived from the growth of a natural population of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) in the beginning of a crop cycle before offspring of immigrants contributed to population growth. 4 A model for changes in whitefly density during an entire bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop cycle, including an immigration parameter, was also developed. 5 Non‐attractant window traps surrounding an annual field crop were assumed to intercept whiteflies immigrating into and emigrating away from the crop. Captures on these traps could not categorically be identified as immigrants or emigrants, but the cumulated captures nevertheless explained 66% of the variation in population density found within the field. Hence, window traps may be used as an efficient and reliable alternative to yellow sticky traps, aspirator methods and leaf‐turn methods, etc., for estimating whitefly densities in field crops.     

Seasonal parasitism by egg parasites of the yellow rice borer,Scirpophaga incertulas [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae]

Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) [Lep.: Pyralidae] is a common pest of rice in West Bengal, India. A three year study (1978–1981) revealed that egg parasites were important in reducing the borer population in an uninterrupted rice cultivation practice. The parasite activity showed periodical fluctuation coinciding with the moth emergence. It was evident thatTelenomus spp. were most common and most dominating in the early summer crop and became highly adaptive under diverse crop growing situations. Among three species ofTelenomus, T. rowani Gahan was the most abundant durint the summer and winter seasons.Tetrastichus schoenobii Ferriere was second in importance in regulating the borer population and its attack was heaviest on the later broods in rice crops cultivated during winter.Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead was very sporadic and had a particular preference for the dry period. It usually occurred in association with other two parasites in the later part of the year. Parasitism of egg masses by two or more species of the parasites was also common during the peak period of parasite activity.      

Weed Management in Rice: Wheat Rotation by Allelopathy

Rice is major crop in India and its cultivation in northwest India started 25 to 30 years ago in assured irrigation areas during the summer rainy season. In this region, rice-wheat rotation became most popular owing to its high yields; however, these crops are highly infested by the weeds, thus farmers use herbicides for their control. Hence, this rotation consumes a maximum quantity of herbicides in this region, which has resulted in several problems (environmental pollution, human health hazards, development of herbicide resistance in weeds). Thus, serious ecological questions about the reliance on herbicides for weed control in this rotation have been raised. One of the alternatives to overcome these problems is with the use of allelopathic strategies, including the use of weed-smothering crops for weed management and for the sustainability of agriculture. The field, pot culture, and laboratory studies have shown that inclusion of weed-smothering crops in rotation considerably reduced the weed population in the current and succeeding crops. Early summer (April-June) fodder crops of sorghum, pearlmillet and maize drastically smothered the weed population and biomass. The residual suppression effect of peralmillet also persisted in the next crop up to 45 days. Thus, it is conceptualized that the inclusion of such summer fodder crops before the rice crop in the rice-wheat rotation may provide satisfactory weed control in the succeeding rice crop and may minimize the use of herbicides. Likewise, the replacement of wheat by winter fodder crops of oat and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) may also help in the control of winter weeds. Hence, further studies in this direction may provide satisfactory weed management in rice-wheat rotation and may minimize the use of herbicides and thereby help indeveloping sustainable agricultural practices.     

Alleviation of fungicide-induced phytotoxicity in greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] using fungicide-tolerant and plant growth promoting Pseudomonas strain

This study was designed to explore beneficial plant-associated rhizobacteria exhibiting substantial tolerance against fungicide tebuconazole vis-à-vis synthesizing plant growth regulators under fungicide stressed soils and to evaluate further these multifaceted rhizobacteria for protection and growth promotion of greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] plants against phytotoxicity of tebuconazole. Tebuconazole-tolerant and plant growth promoting bacterial strain PS1 was isolated from mustard (Brassica compestris) rhizosphere and identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa following 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The P. aeruginosa strain PS1 solubilized phosphate significantly and produced indole acetic acid, siderophores, exo-polysaccharides, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia even under tebuconazole stress. Generally, tebuconazole at the recommended, two and three times the recommended field rate adversely affected the growth, symbiosis, grain yield and nutrient uptake in greengram in a concentration dependent manner. In contrast, the P. aeruginosa strain PS1 along with tebuconazole significantly, increased the growth parameters of the greengram plants. The inoculant strain PS1 increased appreciably root nitrogen, shoot nitrogen, root phosphorus, shoot phosphorus, and seed yield of greengram plants at all tested concentrations of tebuconazole when compared to the uninoculated plants treated with tebuconazole. The results suggested that the P. aeruginosa strain PS1, exhibiting novel plant growth regulating physiological features, can be applied as an eco-friendly and plant growth catalyzing bio-inoculant to ameliorate the performance of greengram in fungicide stressed soils.     

Genotypic Variation in Phytoremediation Potential of Indian Mustard Exposed to Nickel Stress: A Hydroponic Study

Ten Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes were screened for their nickel (Ni) phytoremediation potential under controlled environmental conditions. All ten genotypes were grown hydroponically in aqueous solution containing Ni concentrations (as nickel chloride) ranging from 0 to 50 μM and changes in plant growth, biomass and total Ni uptake were evaluated. Of the ten genotypes (viz. Agrini, BTO, Kranti, Pusa Basant, Pusa Jai Kisan, Pusa Bahar, Pusa Bold, Vardhan, Varuna, and Vaibhav), Pusa Jai Kisan was the most Ni tolerant genotype accumulating up to 1.7 μg Ni g^?1 dry weight (DW) in its aerial parts. Thus Pusa Jai Kisan had the greatest potential to become a viable candidate in the development of practical phytoremediation technologies for Ni contaminated sites.     

Ontogenic variation in response of Brassica campestris L. to cadmium toxicity

Abstract

Rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) cv Pusa Gold plants, exposed to different cadmium (Cd) levels (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg kg^?1 soil) in greenhouse, pot culture experiment, were analyzed with reference to distribution of metal, accumulation of biomass and the degree of growth stage Cd-sensitivity. A significant maximum decrease in plant biomass was observed at Cd-exposed flowering stage followed by pre-flowering and post-flowering stages. Activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) differentially increased; while, the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) drastically decreased in plants exposed to Cd at various growth stages. However, the concentrations of GSH and AsA decreased maximally in plant groups exposed to Cd at their flowering stage. The maximum Cd-accumulation occurred in roots followed by leaves and stem. Various Cd levels inhibited also the contents of plant nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S) in leaves. The present endeavor hence concludes the existence of close relationships among growth parameters, Cd-sensitivity of phenological stages of the crop and the components of antioxidant system in rapeseed plants exposed at various growth stages.