种植密度和施氮水平对小麦吸收利用土壤氮素的影响

2011-2013小麦季,在大田条件下设置2个氮肥水平(180和240kgN· hm-2)和3个种植密度(135、270和405万·hm-2),并将15N-尿素分别标记在20、60和100 cm土层处,研究种植密度-施氮互作对小麦吸收、利用土壤氮素及硝态氮残留量的影响.结果表明:种植密度从135万·hm-2增加至405万·hm-2,小麦在20、60和100 cm土层的15N吸收量分别增加1.86、2.28和2.51 kg·hm-2,地上部氮素积累量和吸收效率分别提高12.6％和12.6％,氮素利用效率降低5.4％;施氮量由240 kg N·hm-2降至180 kg N·hm-2,小麦在20、60 cm土层的15N吸收量分别降低4.11和1.21 kg·hm-2,在100 cm土层的15N吸收量增加1.02 kg·hm-2,地上部氮素积累量平均降低13.5％,氮素吸收效率和利用效率分别提高9.4％和12.2％.施氮180kg N·hm-2+种植密度为405万·hm-2处理与施氮240 kg N·hm-2+种植密度为270或405万·hm-2处理相比,其籽粒产量无显著差异,深层土壤氮素的吸收量显著提高,氮素吸收效率和利用效率分别提高13.4％和11.9％,O～ 200 cm土层的硝态氮积累量及100～ 200 cm土层硝态氮分布比例降低.在适当降低氮肥用量条件下,通过增加种植密度可以促进小麦吸收深层土壤氮素,减少土壤氮素残留,并保持较高的产量水平.     

氮素营养水平对冬小麦碳氮运转的影响

在大田试验条件下,研究了不同施氮水平对2种穗型冬小麦品种花后干物质和氮素积累与运转的影响及其与产量和品质的关系,以探讨氮素营养水平对冬小麦碳氮运转的影响.结果显示,适宜的施氮量（180 kg·hm^-2）能够极显著增加2种穗型冬小麦品种叶片、茎鞘等营养器官花前贮藏物质及花前贮藏氮素的再运转量和运转率以及总再运转量和运转率,也能够极显著增加成熟期籽粒氮素含量和花前贮藏氮素总运转量对籽粒氮素含量的贡献率.各施氮处理对2种穗型小麦品种花后氮素积累量对籽粒氮素含量贡献率的影响效应不明显.结果表明,适宜的施氮量有利于小麦籽粒和蛋白质产量的提高.     

施氮水平对2种穗型冬小麦品种产量及氮素吸收利用的影响

在大田高产栽培条件下,以大穗型小麦品种‘兰考矮早八’和多穗型品种‘豫麦49-198’为材料,研究了4个施氮水平下2种穗型冬小麦品种的籽粒产量、氮素吸收和氮肥利用效率。结果显示:随着施氮水平的提高,2种穗型小麦植株地上部生物量(返青期、拔节期除外)、籽粒产量和籽粒蛋白质产量均呈先增加后降低的趋势并都显著高于对照(不施氮),且均以180 kg.hm-2施氮处理最高,而2品种小麦各生育期植株氮素积累量和成熟期籽粒蛋白质含量却逐渐增加,且大都显著高于对照;2品种小麦的氮肥利用率、土壤氮贡献率以及氮收获指数均表现出180 kg.hm-2>90 kg.hm-2>360 kg.hm-2的趋势,且不同氮肥处理间均存在极显著差异(P<0.01)。研究表明,2种穗型冬小麦品种在试验条件下施用纯氮180 kg.hm-2可获得较高籽粒产量、蛋白质产量和氮收获指数。     

关中地区小麦/玉米轮作农田硝态氮淋溶特点

通过田间原位淋溶装置研究了不同施氮量和秸秆覆盖对关中地区小麦/玉米轮作农田90cm深处硝态氮(NO3--N)淋溶量、0～1m土层硝态氮累积及作物产量和氮平衡的影响.试验设不施氮(N1,0kg·hm-2·a-1)、常规施氮(N2,471kg·hm-2·a-1)、推荐施氮(N3,330kg·hm-2·a-1)、减量施氮(N4,165kg·hm-2·a-1)、增量施氮(N5,495kg·hm-2·a-1)和推荐施氮+秸秆覆盖(N3+S)6个不同施肥处理.结果表明:NO3--N淋溶量随施氮量的增加而增大,氮肥的过量施用及秸秆覆盖易造成NO3--N淋溶.N3+S处理90cm处年NO3--N流失量最大,为22.32kg·hm-2,施肥造成的氮流失量为16.44kg·hm-2,比相同施氮量不覆盖处理(N3)高158.9%.NO3--N主要累积在20～60cm土层,年施氮量330kg·hm-2(N3)时,秸秆覆盖与否不影响NO3--N的剖面分布.各施肥处理对作物产量没有显著影响,但减量施氮处理(N4)有减少作物产量的趋势.在本试验条件下,推荐施肥量(小麦施氮150kg·hm-2,玉米施氮180kg·hm-2)在保证作物产量的同时,可减少土壤NO3--N的淋溶和累积.     

不同施氮量下灌水量对小麦耗水特性和氮素分配的影响

研究了不同施氮量条件下灌水量对高产小麦耗水特性和氮素分配利用的影响。设置4个施氮水平:0kg·hm-2(N0)、120kg·hm-2(N1)、210kg·hm-2(N2)和300kg·hm-2(N3),在每个施氮水平下设置4个灌水量处理:不浇水(W0)、底墒水+拔节水(W1)、底墒水+拔节水+开花水(W2)、底墒水+拔节水+开花水+灌浆水(W3),每次灌水量60mm。结果表明:(1)在N0水平下W0处理日耗水量以拔节至开花期最高,在N1水平下,拔节至开花期日耗水量与开花至成熟期的无显著差异。同一施氮水平下,小麦开花后总耗水量、耗水模系数和日耗水量随灌水量的增加而提高,但产量随灌水量的增加先升高后降低。(2)同一施氮水平下,成熟期W1处理20—140cm各土层土壤含水量低于W2和W3处理,140—200cm土层土壤含水量与W2处理无显著差异;W1处理0—40cm土层土壤硝态氮含量及植株氮素在籽粒中的分配比例高于W2和W3处理,100—140cm土层土壤硝态氮含量及植株氮素在营养器官中的分配量和分配比例低于W2和W3处理。表明灌溉底墒水和拔节水的W1处理,促进了小麦对20—140cm土层土壤水的吸收利用,减少了土壤硝态氮向100cm以下土层的淋溶,而且有利于营养器官中氮素向籽粒的再分配,水分和氮素利用效率较高。(3)在试验条件下,施纯氮210kg·hm-2、灌溉底墒水和拔节水的N2W1处理,籽粒产量最高,水分利用效率和氮素利用效率较高,可供生产中参考。     

施氮量及底追比例对小麦产量、土壤硝态氮含量和氮平衡的影响

研究了高产麦田中施氮量和底追比例对冬小麦籽粒产量、土壤硝态氮含量和氮素平衡的影响。田间试验在山东省龙口市中村进行,试验区小麦各生育阶段的降雨量和零度以上的积温分别为:82.9mm,649.8℃(播种~冬前)、33.3mm,578.7℃(冬前~拔节)2、8mm,359℃(拔节~开花)、84.3mm,837.6℃(开花~成熟)。试验设3个施氮量:0kg.hm-2(CK)、168kg.hm-2(A)、240kg.hm-2(B);在施氮量168kg.hm-2和240kg.hm-2条件下分别设3个底追比例:1/2∶1/2(A1和B1)、1/3∶2/3(A2和B2)、0∶1(A3和B3)。结果表明:不同施氮处理之间植株氮积累量无显著差异;与不施氮处理相比,施氮可显著提高籽粒产量和蛋白质含量,施氮量为168kg.hm-2、底追比例为1/3∶2/3的处理A2与处理B2、B3差异不显著,但处理A2显著提高了氮肥利用率,降低了土壤残留量和氮素表观损失量;施氮量相同,适当增加追施氮肥的比例可显著提高籽粒产量、蛋白质含量和氮肥利用率。试验还表明,在拔节期,底施氮量为84kg.hm-2和120kg.hm-2的处理A1、B1,在80~100cm和100~160cm土层分别出现硝态氮的累积;而底施氮量为56kg.hm-2的处理A2,在0~200cm土层硝态氮含量和累积量与不施氮处理无显著差异。在成熟期,追施氮量大于160kg.hm-2的处理B3、A3和B2,硝态氮在120~180cm土层出现累积高峰,已下移到小麦根系可吸收范围之外,易于造成淋溶损失;而追氮量为112kg.hm-2的处理A2,在100~200cm土层硝态氮累积量与对照无显著差异。试验中,施氮量为168kg.hm-2底追比例为1/3∶2/3的处理A2的籽粒产量、蛋白质含量、地上部植株氮肥吸收利用率、氮肥农学利用率和籽粒氮肥吸收利用率均较高,100~200cm土层未出现硝态氮的明显累积,氮素表观损失量最少,为最佳氮肥运筹方式。     

灌溉量和施氮量对冬小麦产量和土壤硝态氮含量的影响

研究了大田条件下灌溉量和施氮量对小麦产量和土壤硝态氮含量的影响.结果表明:增加灌溉量,0～200 cm土层硝态氮含量呈先降后升又降的趋势.0～80 cm土层硝态氮含量显著低于对照,而80～200 cm土层硝态氮含量显著高于对照.随灌溉量的增加,土壤硝态氮向深层运移加剧,在成熟期,0～80 cm土层硝态氮含量降低,120～200 cm土层硝态氮含量升高,并在120～140 cm土层硝态氮含量出现高峰.灌溉量不变,施氮量由210 kg·hm-2增加到300 kg·hm-2,开花期、灌浆期、成熟期0～200 cm各土层土壤硝态氮含量显著升高.随灌溉量的增加,小麦籽粒产量先增加后降低,以全生育期灌溉量为60 mm的处理籽粒产量最高.增加施氮量,籽粒产量、蛋白质含量和蛋白质产量显著提高.本试验中,施氮量为210 kg.hm-2、两次灌溉总量为60 mm的处理籽粒产量、蛋白质含量、蛋白质产量和收获指数均较高,且土壤硝态氮损失少,是较合理的水氮运筹模式.     

硫氮配施对持绿型小麦氮素运转及叶片衰老的影响

以持绿型小麦品种‘豫麦66号’、‘潍麦8号’及非持绿型品种‘小偃6号’为材料,采用以氮肥为主区硫肥为副区的田间裂区试验,研究了2个施氮水平[纯氮120kg/hm2(N120)、220kg/hm2(N220)]和3个施硫水平[纯硫0kg/hm2(S0)、20kg/hm2(S20)、60kg/hm2(S60)]下植株各部位的含氮量、叶片干鲜重及叶片叶绿素含量的变化,探讨硫氮配施对不同类型小麦氮吸收及衰老的影响。结果表明:在相同处理下,持绿型小麦植株的总含氮量、氮素转运量、叶绿素含量、叶片含水量及穗粒数和千粒重均高于非持绿型小麦。N120处理条件下,不同硫肥处理时持绿型小麦与非持绿型小麦变化趋势相同,开花期茎和叶含氮量及叶绿素含量在S60处理下均低于其他2个硫肥处理,生育后期叶片含水量下降幅度也明显高于其他处理;在N220处理条件下,3个品种开花期叶含氮量、收获期总氮累积量、氮收获指数、叶绿素含量及叶片含水量在S60处理下均高于其他2个处理,其中非持绿型小麦在高硫处理条件下灌浆期的叶绿素含量的增长率明显高于持绿型小麦,而灌浆中后期叶片含水量的下降幅度则明显低于持绿型小麦。研究发现,施用硫肥在氮肥不足时会对小麦植株氮素的吸收利用及叶片衰老等方面产生负面影响,但在氮肥充足时却在氮素的吸收利用、延缓叶片衰老及最终籽粒产量和总生物量等方面表现出正面效应;本实验条件下,220kg/hm2左右施氮量和60kg/hm2左右施硫量有利于各品种小麦生长发育和产量提高;高N和高S水平对于延缓小麦的衰老而言,非持绿性小麦比持绿型小麦更明显。     

耕作方式及施氮量对砂姜黑土区小麦氮代谢及籽粒产量和蛋白质含量的影响

为明确砂姜黑土区小麦(Triticum aestivum)产量和品质形成的耕作方式及施氮量最优组合, 在大田试验条件下, 以深松、旋耕和常规耕作3种耕作方式为主区, 0、120、225、330 kg·hm^-2 4个施氮量为副区, 研究了不同耕作方式及施氮量组合对小麦拔节后氮代谢、籽粒产量和蛋白质含量的影响。结果表明, 随着生育期的推进, 叶片谷氨酰胺合成酶活性、游离氨基酸含量和可溶性蛋白含量均呈先升后降的趋势, 深松方式配合中高氮处理的峰值在花后10天, 而常规耕作和旋耕的4个施氮处理以及深松的低氮处理峰值多在开花期。与常规耕作和旋耕相比, 深松耕作显著降低了10-40 cm的土壤容重, 提高了土壤总空隙度和根干质量, 有利于中后期根系氮素吸收。耕作方式和施氮量对籽粒产量和蛋白质含量影响显著, 均以深松方式最高。3种耕作方式下小麦产量和蛋白质含量均随施氮量增加而增加, 籽粒产量以深松方式配合330 kg·hm^-2施氮量最高, 而常规耕作和旋耕方式的产量在施氮量为225 kg·hm^-2时达到最大。3种耕作方式下籽粒蛋白质含量均以施氮225 kg·hm^-2最高。因此, 在砂姜黑土区宜采用深松耕作方式配合适宜的施氮量, 以改善土壤条件, 促进根系氮素吸收, 延长叶片功能期, 达到产量与蛋白品质提升之目的。     

施氮量对不同肥力水平下夏玉米碳氮代谢及氮素利用率的影响

以郑单958为材料,在高产田和中产田两种地力水平下,利用15N标记法研究了施氮量对夏玉米氮素分配率、利用率和碳氮代谢的影响.结果表明:高产田适量施氮可以提高玉米产量,过量施氮没有表现出进一步增产效果,其氮肥利用率较低(29 04%).中产田随施氮量的增加产量提高,但氮素利用率却降低.各个器官15N积累量依次为籽粒>叶片>茎>根>叶鞘>穗轴.在高产田,当施氮量超过300kg·hm-2时,玉米籽粒和叶片中积累15N有所下降,而茎和根中积累15N的量随施N量的增加而增加;在中产田,随着施N量的增加,籽粒和穗轴积累15N量均相应增加.高产田叶片的硝酸还原酶活性、谷氨酰胺合成酶活性和蔗糖磷酸合成酶活性以及籽粒中蔗糖合成酶活性和酸性转化酶活性均是施氮300kg·hm-2时最大,施氮450 kg·hm-2则抑制了其活性的增强,而中产田的各个酶活性则随着施氮量的增加而增加.     

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Residual Nitrogen on Biomass Yield of Switchgrass

Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L., grown for biomass has been extensively researched where the annual precipitation >760 mm and the climate varies from humid to moist-subhumid. Research is needed for areas that receive <700 mm of precipitation, where the climate varies from dry-subhumid to semiarid. The objectives were to determine (1) the effect of nitrogen fertilization on biomass production, (2) the effect of residual nitrogen on biomass production, (3) the nitrogen yield from harvested biomass, and (4) the concentration of soil organic carbon (SOC) from switchgrass plots. Plots were fertilized annually with nitrogen at the rates of 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha^?1 from 2008 to 2011 and unfertilized from 2012 to 2015. The biomass yield varied with N rate × production year interactions (P < 0.05), and biomass yield as a function of N rate was either linear or curvilinear depending upon production year. When fertilized, the biomass yield averaged 4.4, 9.4, 11.6, and 13.2 ± 0.4 Mg ha^?1 for the 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha^?1 N rates, respectively. Residual nitrogen sustained high biomass yields for 1 year after fertilization ceased. The nitrogen harvested in biomass varied with N rate × production year interactions (P < 0.05), and the harvested nitrogen yield as a function of N rate was linear each year. Fertilization increased the concentration of SOC an average of 1.0 ± 0.2 mg g^?1 of soil. The data suggest that producers could occasionally skip a year of nitrogen fertilization without detrimentally impacting the production of switchgrass biomass.     

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Spring Wheat

Nine amounts of nitrogen fertilizer, ranging from 0 to 200 kgN ha^–1, were applied to spring wheat cv. Kleiber in the3 years 1972-1974. In 1972 grain dry weight with 125 kg N ha^–1or more was 100 g m^–2 (23 per cent) greater than withoutnitrogen. Grain yield was unaffected by nitrogen in the otheryears. Leaf area at and after anthesis was increased throughoutthe range of nitrogen tested, most in 1972 and least in 1973.Consequently, the addition of 200 kg N ha^–1 decreasedthe amount of grain produced per unit of leaf area by approximately25 per cent in all years. The dry weight of leaves and stems at anthesis and maturitywas increased by nitrogen in all years, similarly to leaf area.However, the change in stem dry weight between anthesis andmaturity was not affected by nitrogen; stems increased in dryweight for about 20 days after anthesis and then decreased tovalues similar to those at anthesis. The uptake of CO₂ per unit area of flag leaf or second leaf(leaf below the flag leaf) was slightly decreased by nitrogenwhen the increase in leaf area caused by nitrogen appreciablydecreased the light intensity at the surface of these leaves.In spite of such decreases the CO₂ absorbed by flag and secondleaves per unit area of land was always increased by nitrogen,and relatively more than was grain yield. It is suggested that increases in respiratory loss of CO₂ withincreasing nitrogen fertilizer may explain why nitrogen increasedvegetative growth and leaf area relatively more than grain yield.     

Consequences of Wheat Breeding on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Yield, Grain Nitrogen and Phosphorus Concentration and Associated Traits

Several studies have analysed the effects of wheat breedingon dry matter accumulation and partitioning, but little hasbeen done to understand the effects on nutrient economies. Theobjective of this study was to identify the changes producedby wheat breeding in the economy of nitrogen and phosphorusunder field conditions. Two experiments were carried out withseven genotypes (including a commercial hybrid) representingdifferent eras of plant breeding. Wheat breeding has increased grain nitrogen and phosphorus yieldbut total absorbed nutrients have not shown any trend duringthis century. The main attribute closely related to the increasein grain nitrogen and phosphorus yields was their harvest indices.The higher nutrient partitioning in the newer cultivars wasassociated with lower grain nitrogen and phosphorus concentrationsin their grains. Therefore, there was a negative effect of geneticimprovement in grain nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.The main cause for the decreased concentration of these nutrientsin the grains of the modern cultivars appeared to be a dilutionby an even more increased dry matter partitioning. It is suggestedthat future breeding should be aimed to select for higher nitrogenuptake as a way to increase the level of this nutrient in grain.Copyright1995, 1999 Academic Press Triticum aestivum L., wheat breeding, genetic improvement, nitrogen, phosphorus, wheat, grain nitrogen concentration, grain phosphorus concentration     

不同小麦品种氮效率和产量性状的研究

对29个冬小麦品种进行子粒产量和氮效率的研究,结果表明,在氮胁迫条件下,供试小麦品种的子粒产量具有明显差异。缺氮条件下子粒产量的聚类分析结果表明,供试品种可划分为氮高效、中效和低效三类,氮高效品种在其中所占比例较少。在缺氮条件（N-）下,不同氮效率品种成熟期植株全氮含量差异不大,植株氮素积累量、氮效率（NUE）、吸收效率（UPE）和利用效率（UTE）均以氮高效品种最高,中效品种次之,低效品种最低。缺氮条件下较强的氮索吸收和利用能力是氮高效小麦品种氮胁迫条件下高氮效率的主要原因。     

Biomass Yield and Nutrient Removal Rates of Perennial Grasses under Nitrogen Fertilization

Perennial grasses may provide a renewable source of biomass for energy production. Biomass yield, nutrient concentrations, and nutrient removal rates of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), giant reed (Arundo donax L.), weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Shrad.) Nees], kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.), and Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) were evaluated at four N fertilizer rates (0, 56, 112, or 168?kg?N?ha^?1) on a Minco fine sandy loam soil in southern Oklahoma. Species were established in 2008 and harvested for biomass in winter of 2009 and 2010. Biomass yield (dry matter basis) did not show a strong relationship with N fertilizer rate (p?=?0.08), but was affected by year and species interactions (p?<?0.01). Weeping lovegrass and kleingrass produced 29.0 and 16.0?Mg?ha^?1 in 2009, but only 13.0?Mg?ha^?1 and 9.8?Mg?ha^?1 in 2010, respectively. Biomass yields of giant reed, switchgrass, and Johnsongrass averaged 23.3, 17.8, and 6.0?Mg?ha^?1, respectively. Giant miscanthus established poorly, producing only 4.7?Mg?ha^?1. Across years, giant reed had the highest biomass yield, 33.2?Mg?ha^?1 at 168?kg?N?ha^?1, and the highest nutrient concentrations and removal rates (162 to 228?kg?N?ha^?1, 23 to 25?kg?P?ha^?1, and 121 to 149?kg?K?ha^?1) among the grasses. Although giant reed demonstrated tremendous biomass production, its higher nutrient removal rates indicate a potential for increased fertilization requirements over time. Switchgrass had consistently high biomass yields and relatively low nutrient removal rates (40 to 75?kg?N?ha^?1, 5 to 12?kg?P?ha^?1, and 44 to 110?kg?K?ha^?1) across years, demonstrating its merits as a low-input bioenergy crop.     

氮磷钾硫对冬小麦产量及加工品质的调节效应

试验在中国农业科学院作物科学研究所试验基地进行,以强筋小麦品种为试验材料,研究不同氮磷钾硫肥料处理对小麦产量和品质的影响.结果表明,在高产的条件下以120kg/hm2施氮的处理,产量、千粒重和容重最高,过度施氮使产量、千粒重和容重呈逐渐降低的趋势,子粒硬度随施氮量增加而提高.蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、形成时间和稳定时间均有随施氮量增加而提高的趋势,增加施氮量显著增加了面包体积.蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量和稳定时间有随施钾量增加而提高的趋势.施磷和硫处理对产量和品质的影响不显著.     

有机培肥和减施氮肥对小麦光合特性和氮素吸收及产量的影响

以常规单施氮肥处理为对照(CK,270kg·hm-2),设置秸秆还田(J)、秸秆还田+牛粪(JF)、秸秆还田+沼渣(JZ)3种有机培肥措施,耦合N1(较CK减量10%)、N2(较CK减量20%)和N3(较CK减量30%)3个施氮水平,采用田间试验方法,探究有机培肥和减施氮肥对小麦光合特性、氮素吸收及产量的影响。结果表明:(1)与CK相比,有机肥配施氮肥明显促进了小麦生育期分蘖的发生和有效群体数的形成,提高叶绿素含量并维持旗叶较高光合速率水平,促进小麦地上部干物质积累、植株氮素吸收,增加穗粒数和千粒重,并显著提高小麦产量,产量增幅为4.21%~17.80%,并以JFN2(JF+N2)处理组合产量最高(6 853.43kg·hm-2)。(2)同一有机肥培肥处理中,N2(减施氮肥20%)处理效果最好,能显著促进小麦群体形成,提高小麦叶绿素含量、光合速率和产量;JFN2小麦群体数在成熟期分别比JFN1、JFN3增加5.16%、4.31%,JFN2叶绿素含量在花期分别较JFN1、JFN3增加2.29%、2.31%;JFN2处理产量分别比JFN1和JFN3显著增加11.41%和7.56%。(3)同一施氮水平下,成熟期干物质积累量表现为JZN1处理显著大于JFN1和JN1处理,分别增加8.93%和12.01%;花期JF处理氮素积累量在3种施氮水平下均分别显著高于其它2种有机培肥处理;JFN2处理籽粒产量显著高于JZN2和JN2处理,增幅分别为12.17%和6.09%。研究认为,有机肥耦合施氮量可促进小麦分蘖和有效群体数的形成,提高叶绿素含量和光合速率,增加植株干物质和氮素积累,从而增加小麦产量。     

Grain Yield of Pennisetum americanum Adjusts to Nitrogen Supply by Changing Rates of Grain Filling and Root Uptake of Nitrogen

Coaldrake, P. D., Pearson, C. J. and Saffigna, P. G. 1987. Grainyield of Pennisetum americanum adjusts to nitrogen supply bychanging rates of grain filling and root uptake of nitrogen.–J.exp. Bot 38: 558–566. Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum(L.)Leeke) was grown in containers at three constant rates of nitrogensupply or with the nitrogen supply increased from the lowestto the highest rate during panicle differentiation or at anthesis.We measured the rate and duration of nitrogen and dry weightgain by individual grains and nitrogen (¹⁵N) uptake by rootsand its distribution during grain filling. The total amountsof nitrogen and dry weight in all grain per plant at the lowestnitrogen supply were 8% and 14% respectively of plants growncontinuously at the highest rate of nitrogen. This was becauselow rates of nitrogen supply reduced grain number, mean grainweight and the nitrogen content of each individual grain. Theamino acid composition of the grain protein was affected onlyslightly by nitrogen treatments. Rates of grain growth were sensitive to nitrogen supply whereasthe duration of nitrogen movement to the grain was not. Nitrogenuptake by roots continued throughout grain filling; rates ofuptake per g root in plants given least nitrogen were one-halfthose of plants given the highest amount of nitrogen. A changefrom lowest to highest nitrogen supply at panicle differentiationincreased the uptake of nitrogen by roots and the rates of growthof individual grains, to the rates observed in plants whichhad been supplied continuously with the highest nitrogen. Whenthe change in supply was made at anthesis there was rapid movementof nitrogen into the plant but this was not translated intomore rapid grain growth. Key words: Nitrogen supply, Pennisetum americanum, grain yield, root uptake     

Effect of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Photorespiratory Activity in Spring Wheat

Spring wheat plants growing in pots in controlled environmentrooms were given extra nitrogen after flag leaf emergence. Theeffect of nitrogen on growth, yield, the activity of ribulose1,5–bisphosphate carboxy–lase/oxygenase and thedistribution of¹⁴C in photorespiratory intermediates and indifferent parts of the plants was determined. Extra nitrogenincreased the movement of ¹⁴C to the ear and increased grainyield by 29 per cent, mainly because of an increase in grainnumber. Though extra nitrogen delayed senescence of the leaves,the growth of the ear in the later stages was not increasedin proportion to the extra green area. The relative inefficiencyof leaf area with extra nitrogen, which has also been foundin the field, was not due to a reduction in photosynthesis perunit leaf area. Nor was there evidence of an increase in photorespirationas reflected by a greater flow of carbon into the photorcspiratorymetabolites glycine and serine, or an increase in the activityof ribulose 1,5–bisphosphate oxygenase relative to thecarboxylase. We suggest that there may be an increase in theloss of carbon in dark respiration. Triticum aesttvum, nitrogen, growth, yield, photorespiration