Role of thiourea in improving productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The role of thiourea (TU), a sulfhydryl compound, was assessed in wheat via soil and foliar treatments. Results showed that at 30 days after flowering, soil-applied TU treatments did not influence dry matter accumulation or its distribution in leaves, stems, and ears, but foliar-applied treatments brought about significant effects varying with the timing of spray. At harvest, however, soil-applied treatment of 10 kg/ha TU increased the number of ears, grains/ear, weight/grain, biological yield (total above ground biomass), grain yield, and harvest index. Grain yield increased by 17.3% over control. Soil-applied 20 kg/ha TU increased the grain yield by 1.6% over control. Foliar applied treatment of 0.5 kg/ha TU at tillering increased the number of ears, grains/ear, weight/grain, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Grain yield increased by 15.2% over control. Foliar spray of 0.5 kg/ha TU at flowering tended to improve only weight/grain, but biological yield and grain yield increased significantly. Grain yield increased by 6.6% over control. TU spray at both tillering and flowering increased the number of ears, grains/ear, weight/grain, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Grain yield increased by 23.9% over control, and when compared with spray at tillering there was a significant increase of 7.5%. Thus, two foliar sprays of thiourea, at tillering and at flowering, at 1 kg/ha can be recommended for improving wheat productivity.Abbreviations TU thiourea - DMA dry matter accumulation - DMD dry matter distribution     

Effects of level,time, and splitting of urea on the yield of irrigated direct seeded rice

Summary To determine effects of level and time of application of urea on grain yields, components of grain yield, and nitrogen use efficiency by irrigated direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L. var. IR 298-12-1-1-1), three field experiments were conducted at the Gezira Agricultural Research Station during the period 1976–78. The treatments included the factorial combination of three levels of nitrogen as urea (0,75 and 150 kg N/ha) two or three splits, and three times of topdressing of urea (early season application, 10 days after rice emergence, DRE; maximum tillering stage, 40 DRE; and panicle initiation stage, 75 DRE).Without application of nitrogen, grain yields averaged 1.5 t/ha. The yields averaged for rate and time of split significantly increased with increase in nitrogen applied to 3.9 and 5.0 t/ha, but nitrogen use efficiency (kg rice/kg N) decreased from 31 to 23 with the application of 75 and 150 kg N/ha respectively.As compared to other treatments of time of urea application, topdressing of urea at maximum tillering and panicle initiation stages significantly improved nitrogen use efficiency by promoting production of more panicles per unit land area, and increasing grain weight. Three splits were no better than the two splits given at maximum tillering and panicle initiation stages.     

Identification and characterization of quantitative trait loci for grain yield and its components under different nitrogen fertilization levels in rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

A set of rice (Oryza sativa L.) recombinant inbred lines from a cross between Zhenshan 97 (indica) and HR5 (indica) was planted for four different growing seasons in two locations at three nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (N300, 300 kg urea/ha; N150, 150 kg urea/ha; and N0, 0 kg urea/ha). Grain yield and its components were evaluated, including grain yield per plant (GYPP), panicle number per plant (PNPP), grain number per panicle (GNPP), filled grains per panicle (FGPP), spikelet fertility percentage (SFP) and 100-grain weight (HGW). Correlation and path analysis indicated that SFP had the greatest contribution to GYPP at the N300 and N150 levels, but FGPP contributed the most to GYPP at the N0 level. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped based on a mixed linear model; genetic components (main effects, epistatic effects and QTL-by-environment interactions) were estimated separately. Six to 15 QTL with main effects were detected for each trait except SFP. Clusters of main-effect QTL associated with PNPP, GNPP, SFP and HGW were observed in regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10. The main-effect QTL (qGYPP-4b and qGNPP-12) were only detected at the N0 level and explained 10.9 and 10.2% of the total phenotypic variation, respectively. A total of 33 digenic interactions among grain yield and its components were also identified. The identification of genomic regions associated with yield and its components at different nitrogen levels will be useful in marker-assisted selection for improving the nitrogen use efficiency of rice.     

Nitrogen limitations to field bean productivity: A comparison of combined nitrogen applications with Rhizobium inoculation

Summary Nitrogen limitations to the yield of a field crop ofVicia faba have been examined. Application of nitrogen totalling 560 kg/ha increased dry matter yield at flowering by 674 kg/ha (32%) and grain yield at final harvest by 1.6 tonnes/ha (24%). Attempts to reduce nitrogen limitations by replacing the native rhizobia with strains ofRhizobium leguminosarum selected for high rates of nitrogen fixation were unsuccessful but the introduction of poor rhizobia reduced grain yield. The reasons for this and the implications of the results for crop improvement are discussed.     

The nitrogen fertilization of spring barley

Summary From 1971 to 1979 field trials with increasing rates of fertilizer nitrogen on spring barley with sugar beet as the preceding crop were conducted on a farm on sandy loam in the south western part of The Netherlands. Prior to sowing and fertilizing soil samples were taken and analysed for mineral nitrogen (N_min). The average yield increase through application of fertilizer nitrogen was only 750 kg of grain per ha per year, the maximum yield being about 5 tonnes per ha. In the case of a fixed rate of fertilizer nitrogen per annum it can be derived from the response curves that 60 kg of N would have given the smallest average yield deficit (170 kg grain per ha) in comparison with maximum yields. With an N-advisory system based on soil analysis the average yield deficit would be at a minimum (163 kg of grain per ha) with a value for mineral soil nitrogen+fertilizer nitrogen totalling 120 kg N per ha.No relationship was found between optimum rate of fertilizer nitrogen and the amount of mineral soil nitrogen at the end of the winter. This was ascribed to the relatively small variation in mineral soil nitrogen and the weak response of the crop to fertilizer nitrogen.Promising results from nitrogen fertilizing systems based on soil analysis can be expected from more responsive crops like winter wheat, sugar beets and potatoes.With the average yield deficit compared with maximum yield as a characteristic, the usefulness of any N-advisory system can be compared, taking a fixed rate of nitrogen system as a standard.Seconded by the Agricultural Bureau of the Netherlands Fertilizer Industry (LBNM).     

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     

云南不同类型一季稻产量形成及其与气象因子的关系

利用云南省14个不同海拔农业气象观测站1994-2010年水稻大田发育期和产量观测资料,研究水稻产量形成及气象因子对低产水稻产量构成因素的影响;根据14个站点水稻产量构成因素的系统聚类分析结果和水稻类型,将水稻分为低产粳型、低产籼型、高产粳型和高产籼型4个类型.对这4类水稻产量构成因素的分析结果表明,单位面积颖花量与产量呈极显著正相关,低产粳型水稻产量主要受结实率和颖花量影响,其他3类颖花量对产量影响较大.低产粳型水稻主要受低温的影响,孕穗期低温降低颖花量和有效穗数,孕穗期和抽穗开花期低温增加空壳率,以平均气温、平均最高气温和冷积温的影响较大;乳熟前期较低的平均气温增加秕谷率,同时降低千粒重.低产籼型水稻产量构成因素受多种气象因子的综合影响明显;分蘖期和拔节期一定程度的增温不利于增加低产籼型水稻有效穗数,而分蘖期较多的日照时数和较大的平均气温日较差有利于有效穗数的增加,分蘖期和拔节期气温和日照时数与每穗粒数的关系呈“抛物线型”;低产籼型水稻空壳率一定程度上受抽穗开花期低温的影响,而乳熟前期高温少雨不仅增加秕谷率,还导致千粒重明显下降.     

Dry-matter production,phosphorus and potassium uptake as influenced by levels and methods of nitrogen application in rainfed upland rice

Summary Studies revealed that the total dry-matter yield and the uptake of P and K by the crop at harvest increased due to nitrogen application. Split application of nitrogen through soil alone or soil + foliage was found to be more conducive to dry-matter production and P and K uptake than application of full dose of nitrogen at sowing. Among split application treatments, nitrogen applied through soil alone seemed to be more favourable to P and K uptake than splits involving nitrogen application in the similar fractions through soil + foliage. Cultivars ‘Bala’ and ‘Padma’ on an average, removed almost equal quantity of P (around 16 kg P/ha) from the soil. The average K removal by ‘Bala’ and ‘Padma’ was 76 and 73 kg K/ha, respectively. The translocation of the absorbed P and K to reproductive sink (grain) was markedly reduced in rainfed up-land conditions. Both the cultivars translocated nearly 60 per cent of the absorbed P and 10 per cent of the absorbed K to their grains.     

开放式空气CO2浓度增高对水稻产量形成的影响

在大田栽培条件下 ,研究开放式空气CO2 浓度增加 (FACE) 2 0 0 μmol·mol-1的处理对水稻产量及产量构成因素的影响 .结果表明 ,FACE处理对水稻株高和主茎叶片数没有明显影响 ,但使水稻生育进程加快 ,全生育期显著缩短 ,增加施N量可减缓FACE处理对水稻全生育期缩短的程度 ;FACE处理能显著增加分蘖数 ,极显著增加穗数 ,提高结实率 ,但使每穗颖花数显著减少 ;FACE处理能显著提高水稻产量 ,在高N条件下增产幅度更大 ;提高FACE处理的每穗颖花数和单位面积颖花数能极显著提高水稻产量 ,增加施N量是提高FACE处理每穗颖花数和单位面积颖花数的重要措施 .     

开放式空气CO2浓度增高对水稻产量形成的影响

在大田栽培条件下,研究开放式空气CO₂浓度增加(FACE)200μmol·mol^-1的处理对水稻产量及产量构成因素的影响.结果表明,FACE处理对水稻株高和主茎叶片数没有明显影响,但使水稻生育进程加快,全生育期显著缩短,增加施N量可减缓FACE处理对水稻全生育期缩短的程度;FACE处理能显著增加分蘖数,极显著增加穗数,提高结实率,但使每穗颖花数显著减少;FACE处理能显著提高水稻产量,在高N条件下增产幅度更大;提高FACE处理的每穗颖花数和单位面积颖花数能极显著提高水稻产量,增加施N量是提高FACE处理每穗颖花数和单位面积颖花数的重要措施.     

氮肥水平对不同基因型水稻氮素利用率、产量和品质的影响

以不同基因型的水稻品种日本晴、N70、N178和OM052为供试品种,氮肥采用尿素,按基肥(70%)和蘖肥(30%)两次施用,设置3个施氮水平(N用量设0、120、270 kg·hm^-2)的田间小区试验,研究氮素水平对水稻产量、氮素利用效率和稻米品质的影响,以期为氮肥合理施用和氮高效水稻品种创制提供科学依据.结果表明:施氮能增加水稻品种产量的原因是提高了有效穗数和每穗实粒数;与对照(0 kg·hm^-2)相比,当施氮量为120和270 kg·hm^-2时,OM052籽粒产量在4个品种中增幅最大,分别为41.1%和76.8%;品种产量增幅不同是由于氮素利用效率的差异,在120、270 kg·hm^-2氮处理下,4个供试品种中,日本晴籽粒产量和氮素农学利用率(40.90 g·g^-1、18.56 g·g^-1)都最低,为氮低效品种,OM052籽粒产量和氮素农学利用率(145.9 g·g^-1、81.24 g·g^-1)都最高,为氮高效品种.施N能够增加各品种的直链淀粉和蛋白质含量,使胶稠度变长,降低垩白率、垩白度和碱消值;随施氮量增加,热浆黏度、峰值黏度、回复值和崩解值递减,而消碱值递增.相关性分析表明,低N水平下,供试品种产量及产量构成因子与外观品质、蒸煮食味的相关性更显著.综上,OM052是一个籽粒产量和氮素利用效率“双高”基因型品种,合理施用氮肥可以显著增加水稻的有效穗数和每穗粒数,改善稻米籽粒品质,实现高产和优质的协同.     

Identification of operative dose of NPK on yield enhancement of desi and kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in diverse milieu

The effect of fertilizer on yield and yield related traits studied in two consecutive years at two different locations. Three different doses of fertilizer (NPK) applied at the rate of 9:23:0, 18:46:12 and 27:69:25 respectively on sixteen chickpea, genotypes (Desi and Kabuli advance lines and commercial varieties). Data recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height, primary and secondary branches, pods per plant, 100-grain weight and grain yield (kg/ha). In Desi chickpea highest grain yield (kg/ha) in both years was produced by advance line D-12026 and in Kabuli advance line K-70005 at Faisalabad location. Grain yield kg/ha had significant positive correlation with all the considered parameters except days to 50% flowering and days to 50% maturity. The treatment comparison manifested that fertilizer doses 9:23:0 enhanced grain yield. The high dose of fertilizer is not recommendable. The grain yield of Desi and Kabuli chickpea at two locations Pulses Research Institute (PRI) Faisalabad and GBRSS (Gram Breeding Research Sub Station) Kallurkot had significant variation. The grain yield (kg ha⁻¹) was significant high in research area of PRI, Faisalabad in both years. The NPK 9:23:0 found operative dose of fertilizer for chickpea.     

不同施氮量对晚稻抵御抽穗扬花期低温的影响

以超级杂交晚稻品种五丰优T025为材料,设置4种施氮水平,低氮(N₁,90 kg N·hm^-2)、正常氮(N₂,180 kg N·hm^-2)、高氮(N₃,250 kg N·hm^-2)和超高氮(N₄,330 kg N·hm^-2),研究了抽穗扬花期低温条件下不同施氮量对晚稻生长发育、产量形成和相关生理特性的影响. 结果表明:遇低温条件下,各处理产量均有不同程度的下降,以N₂产量最高, N₁最低, N₃和N₄居中, N₃、N₄单株有效穗数、每穗总粒数均较高,但结实率和收获指数均显著下降;随施氮量增加,包穗率、总干物质量和叶绿素含量有不同程度的升高,而穗部干物质量则以N₂最多;低温来临后,各处理叶绿素含量、净光合速率(P_n)和蒸腾速率(T_r)均有不同程度的下降, N₃、N₄的P_n、T_r较N₂降幅更大;各处理游离脯氨酸、丙二醛含量和过氧化物酶活性均一定程度上升高,超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶活性和可溶性蛋白含量下降,以N₃、N₄的变化幅度最为显著.表明高氮量不利于晚稻抵御抽穗扬花期低温,生产上应避免氮肥施用失当,双季晚稻施氮量以不超过180 kg·hm^-2为宜.     

Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Nitrogen Fertilizer Increases Spikelet Number per Panicle in Rice by Repressing Protein Degradation and 14-3-3 Proteins

The spikelet number per panicle is established in the early stages of panicle development. Nitrogen fertilizer application before panicle initiation is known to increase spikelet number, which is one of the most important traits in rice productivity determination. However, the basic proteomic mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study shows that nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased spikelet number and grain yield in rice. Proteomic variations were further analyzed in young panicles at the secondary panicle branch initiation and spikelet meristem initiation under nitrogen fertilizer treatment. Proteomic analysis identified 63 proteins with significant differential accumulation in young panicles under nitrogen fertilizer treatment. Proteolysis represents the largest functional category, which suggests that protein degradation is an important pathway in the response to nitrogen fertilizer. Importantly, nitrogen fertilizer significantly reduced 14-3-3 proteins, which interact with key enzymes associated with carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and the rice FT homologue Hd3a. Real-time PCR revealed that Hd3a signaling is also repressed by nitrogen fertilizer in leaves. This study contributes to a better understanding of the regulation of nitrogen fertilizers in the flowering pathway leading to panicle development. The identification of novel genes provides new insight into the profound impacts of nitrogen fertilizer on panicle development in rice.     

不同水分和氮素处理对寒地水稻生育及产量的影响

为了探讨不同水分和氮素处理对寒地水稻生长发育及产量的影响,以水稻品种空育131、龙粳21为试验材料,于2010—2011年度在黑龙江建三江进行水分、氮素处理大田试验,水分为雨养、间歇灌溉、水层灌溉3个水平,氮素为不施氮、常规施氮(112—135 kg/hm2)、高氮(142—173 kg/hm2)3个水平。结果表明:与水层灌溉相比,雨养水稻生育期缩短1—5 d,生长指标明显降低,产量显著降低,间歇灌溉水稻生育期、生长指标与其相似,产量差异不显著。与常规施氮相比,不施氮生育期缩短2—5 d,高氮条件下延长2—4 d;施氮量增加,生长指标增大,产量显著增加;低氮条件下,水分不足的限制作用明显,高氮能一定程度弥补水分的限制,促进水稻生长。增加施氮量及灌溉水平可以显著地提高有效穗数、每穗粒数。在试验条件下,水氮互作效应不显著。间歇灌溉及高氮管理具有较好的增产效应及资源利用率,研究可为寒地水稻生产进行水氮科学管理、实现高产高效提供理论依据。     

Limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis at the anthesis and grain filling stages in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Panicle photosynthesis is crucial for grain yield in cereal crops; however, the limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis are poorly understood, greatly impeding improvement in this trait. In the present study, pot experiments were conducted to investigate the limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis at the anthesis stage in seven rice genotypes and to examine the temporal variations in photosynthesis during the grain filling stage in the Liangyou 287 genotype. At the anthesis stage, leaf and panicle photosynthesis was positively correlated with stomatal conductance and maximum carboxylation rate, which were in turn associated with hydraulic conductance and nitrogen content, respectively. Panicle hydraulic conductance was positively correlated with the area of bundle sheaths in the panicle neck. During grain filling, leaf and panicle photosynthesis remained constant at the early stage but dramatically decreased from 8 to 9 days after anthesis. The trends of variations in panicle photosynthesis were consistent with those in stomatal conductance but not with those in maximum carboxylation rate. At first, the maximum carboxylation rate and respiration rate in the panicle increased, through elevated panicle nitrogen content, but then drastically decreased, as a result of dehydration. The present study systematically investigated the limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis, which are vital for improving photosynthesis and crop yield.     

Pattern of dry-matter accumulation,and nitrogen concentration and uptake as influenced by levels and methods of nitrogen application in rainfed-upland rice

Summary Dry-matter accumulation, and concentration and uptake of nitrogen increased with increasing level of nitrogen at all the stages of crop growth. The differences in nitrogen concentration due to nitrogen levels were greatest at panicle initiation stage and started becoming narrower with the advancement in crop age. Split application of nitrogen with its heavier fractions at tillering and panicle initiation stages either through soil alone or soil+foliage (1/3+1/3+1/3) resulted in higher dry-matter accumulation, and higher nitrogen concentration and uptake than other methods. The crop, on an average, removed 61 kg N/ha. Plants accumulated nearly 15% of the total absorbed nitrogen, up to tillering, 50% up to panicle initiation and 85–90% up to heading. Proportionately lesser nitrogen uptake and dry-matter accumulation at post-heading stage is an indicative of a major constraint for production efficiency of rainfed-upland rice culture.     

Effect of rates of nitrogen and relative efficiency of sulphur-coated urea and nitrapyrin-treated urea in dry matter production and nitrogen uptake by rice

Summary A field experiment conducted for two rainy seasons (1974 and 1975) on a sandy clay loam soil at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi showed that at 100kg N/ha the apparent recovery of urea nitrogen by the rice crop was only 28%, which was raised to 41.7% by treating urea with Nitrapyrin and to 47.4% by coating urea withneem (Azadirachta indica Juss) cake. The recovery with sulphur-coated urea was 37.7%. Dry matter production nitrogen concentration in plant and uptake by rice were increased as the rate of nitrogen was increased from 0 to 150kg N/ha. Advantage of treating urea with Nitrapyrin or coating withneem cake was seen more in grain than straw yield.     

Effects of boron and limestone on cereal yields and on B and N concentration of plant tissue

Summary Rates of added B up to 1.8 kg/ha had no effect on grain yield, but at rates of 2.24 kg/ha and higher it decreased yield of both barley and wheat. Lime-stone applications up to 4000 kg/ha did not induce B deficiency at low levels of B or alleviate B toxicity at high B levels in the two crops. Liming increased barley yields where soil pH was less than 5.8 but gave no yield response when soil pH exceeded 5.8. In general, liming did not decrease the B concentration of boot stage tissue (b.s.t.) except in barley at 1.8 kg B/ha on Location 1, where liming to pH 6.3 and 6.6 decreased B in b.s.t. from 16.4 to 12.2 and 11.4 ppm. The applications of B generally increased the N concentration of wheat grain where yields decreased due to B toxicity. Contribution no. 360, Research Branch, Research Station, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 7M8. Contribution no. 360, Research Branch, Research Station, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 7M8.     

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.