Lengthening single-stem rotation improves biomass yield and water use efficiency in black poplar genotype multi-stem rotation coppice plantations

AbstractWater stress is one of the major abiotic factors affecting crop growth and development at every growth stages. Effects of water deficit on the vegetative growth stage of four maize varieties consisting of two Quality Protein Maize varieties (ILE1OB and ART98SW6OB) and two drought tolerant checks (TZPBSR and DTESTRSYN) were evaluated under the screen house conditions at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R & T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Maize seeds were sown in 20 L plastic pots filled with 15 kg top soil, which were subjected to four watering regimes of 25, 50, 75 and 100% field capacities (FC). The experimental design was a 4 × 4 factorial fitted into CRD with four replications. Data were collected on days to germination, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, leaf extension rate, biomass yield and water use efficiency. The result showed that days to germination were prolonged as the moisture availability decreases, while water use efficiency increased as the moisture level reduced. Reduction in moisture availability caused significant reduction in the other evaluated parameters. At 25% FC DTESTRSYN was superior in leaf area, number of leaves per plant, days to germination and water use efficiency, TZPBSR had highest values for stem diameter and biomass yield, while ILE1OB was superior in plant height, stem diameter, leaf and stem extension rate. ILE1OB competes favourably with the drought tolerant checks and performed better than ART98SW6OB. Adequate moisture condition is fundamental for normal growth and development in maize crops.

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Wild Miscanthus Germplasm in a Drought-Affected Area: Physiology and Agronomy Appraisals

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10050679 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 679

Author(s):

Danilo Scordia ◽

Giovanni Scalici ◽

John Clifton-Brown ◽

Paul Robson ◽

Cristina Patanè ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Use Efficiency ◽

Water Use ◽

Mediterranean Climate ◽

Biomass Yield ◽

Net Photosynthesis ◽

High Yield ◽

Summer Drought ◽

Mediterranean Regions ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

The Mediterranean

Predictions of future climate scenarios indicate that yields from perennial biomass crops (PBCs) growing in the Mediterranean region are likely to decline due to prolonged drought. Among PBCs, Miscanthus grasses with C4 photosynthesis combine high yield potentials and water use efficiencies. However, the standard commercial clone M. x giganteus (Mxg), with minimal stomatal regulation, is too sensitive to drought for reliable yields in the Mediterranean regions. This paper screened a diverse panel of thirteen Miscanthus genotypes (M. sinensis, M. floridulus, M. sacchariflorus and Mxg) to identify which types could maximize yield under summer drought conditions typical in the South Mediterranean climate. In the second growing season, significant differences were observed for plant height (from 63 to 185 cm), stem number (from 12 to 208 stems plant−1), biomass yield (from 0.17 to 6.4 kg DM plant−1) and whole crop water use efficiency (from 0.11 to 7.0 g L−1). Temporal variation in net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and instantaneous water use efficiency identified different strategies adopted by genotypes, and that genotypes selected from M. floridulus and M. sinensis were better adapted to rainfed conditions and could produce six times more biomass than the Mxg. These accessions are being used as parents in experimental breeding aimed at producing future seed-based drought resilient hybrids.

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Water-use efficiency and the effect of water deficits on crop growth and yield of Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in a cool-temperate subhumid climate

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859603003630 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 141 (3-4) ◽

pp. 285-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

M. RAJIN ANWAR ◽

B. A. McKENZIE ◽

G. D. HILL

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Water Use Efficiency ◽

Cicer Arietinum ◽

Water Use ◽

Seed Yield ◽

Biomass Yield ◽

Soil Moisture Deficit ◽

Moisture Deficit ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

Chickpea Cultivars

The present study was conducted from 1998 to 2000, to evaluate seasonal water use and soil-water extraction by Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The response of three cultivars to eight irrigation treatments in 1998/99 and four irrigation treatments in 1999/2000 at different growth stages was studied on a Wakanui silt loam soil in Canterbury, New Zealand. Evapotranspiration was measured with a neutron moisture meter and water use efficiency (WUE) was examined at crop maturity. Water use was about 426 mm for the fully irrigated treatment and at least 175 mm for the non-irrigated plants. There was a significant correlation (P<0·001) between water use and biomass yield (R2=0·80) and water use and seed yield (R2=0·75). There were also highly significant (P<0·001) interacting effects of irrigation, sowing date and cultivar on WUE and the trend was similar to that for seed yield. The estimated WUE ranged from 22–29 kg DM/ha per mm and 10–13 kg seed yield/ha per mm water use.The three chickpea cultivars were capable of drawing water from depths greater than 60 cm. However, most of the water use (0·49–0·93 mm/10 cm soil layer per day) came from the top 0–30 cm, where most of the active roots were concentrated. The study has shown that using actual evapotranspiration and water-use efficiency, the biomass yield and seed yield of Kabuli chickpeas can be accurately predicted in Canterbury. Soil water shortage has been identified as a major constraint to increasing chickpea production. Drought was quantified using the concept of maximum potential soil moisture deficit (Dpmax) calculated from climate data. Drought responses of yield, phenology, radiation use efficiency and yield components were determined, and were highly correlated with Dpmax. The maximum potential soil moisture deficit increased from about 62 mm (irrigated throughout) to about 358 mm (dryland plots). Chickpea yield, intercepted radiation and the number of pods per plant decreased linearly as the Dpmax increased. Penman's irrigation model accurately described the response of yield to drought. The limiting deficit for this type of soil was c. 165 and 84 mm for the November and December sowings in 1998/99 and 170 mm in 1999/2000. Beyond these limiting deficits, yield declined linearly with maximum potential soil moisture deficits of up to 358 mm. There was little evidence to support the idea of a moisture sensitive period in these Kabuli chickpea cultivars. Yield was increased by irrigating at any stage of crop development, provided that the water was needed as determined by the potential soil moisture deficit and sowing early in the season.

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Overexpression of an aquaporin gene PvPIP2;9 increased biomass yield and protein content, improved drought tolerance and water use efficiency and affected other PIP2 genes’ expression in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

10.21203/rs.2.19780/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jing Zhang ◽

Wuwu Wen ◽

Hui Li ◽

Qiyu Lu ◽

Bin Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drought Tolerance ◽

Water Use Efficiency ◽

Water Use ◽

Panicum Virgatum ◽

Biomass Yield ◽

Drought Treatment ◽

Water Transportation ◽

Panicum Virgatum L ◽

Aquaporin Gene ◽

Use Efficiency

Abstract Background: Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) is a prime candidate for non-grain-based bioenergy feedstock production. Improved drought tolerance and higher water use efficiency are important for its successful field establishment and production, especially on marginal lands. Aquaporins are key channels and regulators for water transportation and maintenance of cellular water status. In this study, the functional role of an aquaporin gene, PvPIP2;9 , in switchgrass was studied. Results: Expression of PvPIP2;9 was regulated by diurnal oscillation and osmotic stress. Constitutive over-expressing PvPIP2;9 in switchgrass significantly improved its leaf length, plant height, above-ground biomass, biomass protein contents, and cellulose contents in stressed plants. Under 21 days of drought treatment, transgenic plants showed less electrolyte leakage rates, but higher relative water contents, photochemical efficiencies, and chlorophyll contents, indicating that PvPIP2;9 positively regulated plant drought tolerance and water use efficiency. Moreover, expression patterns of all 14 switchgrass PIP2 subfamily genes were checked during the drought treatment, and the result showed that over-expressing PvPIP2;9 also affected transcript levels of most other PIP2 genes. Conclusions: Together, this study showed that improved biomass yield, drought tolerance and higher water use efficiency can be achieved by manipulating the expression level of PvPIP2;9 and also suggested PIP2 subfamily genes were transcriptionally regulated in a coordinated manner.

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Enhancing Water use Efficiency of Maize under Deficit Irrigation: the Case of Moisture Deficit Areas of Tigray, Ethiopia

Journal of Engineering Research and Reports ◽

10.9734/jerr/2019/v8i116983 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Kiflom Degef Kahsay ◽

Kidane Welde Reda

Keyword(s):

Water Stress ◽

Water Use Efficiency ◽

Water Use ◽

Irrigation Water ◽

Deficit Irrigation ◽

Growth Stage ◽

Biomass Yield ◽

Growth Stages ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

Late Growth

Maize (Zea Mays L.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide. In Ethiopia, it is one of the leading food grains selected to assume a national commodity crop to support the food self-sufficiency program of the country. Maize is fairly sensitive to water stress and excessive moisture stress. This is due to variation in sensitivity of different growth stages to water stress. The study was conducted to determine the water use efficiency of maize under deficit irrigation practice without significant reduction in yield and to identify crop growth stages which can withstand water stress. The experiment was conducted at the Alamata Agricultural Research center experimental site Kara Adishabo Kebele, Raya Azebo district. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and six levels of irrigation water applications as possible treatments. Analysis was done to yield and water use efficiency of maize using R statistical software and the mean difference was estimated using the least significant difference (LSD) comparison. The highest grain (33.72qt/ha) and biomass yield (148.4qt/ha) was obtained from the 50% deficit irrigation at late growth. The maximum irrigation water use efficiency was obtained from both 50% deficit at all the four growth stages (0.5418 kg/ha) and at 50% deficit at late growth stage (0.446 kg/m3). And by comparing the grain yield obtained at the 50% deficit at late growth stage (33.72 qt/ha) and grain yield obtained at 50% deficit at all growth stages (23.34 qt/ha), the 50% deficit at late growth stage shows better result. The 50% deficit of crop water requirement did not affect the yield components (plant height & number of cobs per plant) of maze. Therefore applying irrigation water by reducing the crop water requirement by 50% at the late growth stage has a significant contribution for sustainable and efficient irrigation water utilization at moisture deficient areas without a significant loss on grain and biomass yield.

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Selection of black poplars for water use efficiency

Zbornik Matice srpske za prirodne nauke ◽

10.2298/zmspn0201045o ◽

2002 ◽

pp. 45-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Sasa Orlovic ◽

Slobodanka Pajevic ◽

Borivoj Krstic

Keyword(s):

Water Use Efficiency ◽

Water Use ◽

Field Experiments ◽

Populus Deltoides ◽

Net Photosynthesis ◽

High Positive Correlation ◽

Eastern Cottonwood ◽

Black Poplar ◽

Poplar Clones ◽

Use Efficiency

Photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency (WUE) and biomass production have been investigated in nine black poplar clones (section Aigeiros) in three field experiments. Eastern cottonwood clones (Populus deltoides) had the highest net photosynthesis and water use efficiency. European black poplar clones had the highest transpiration intensity. Correlation analysis showed that net photosynthesis was in a high positive correlation with biomass. Medium negative correlations existed between WUE and net photosynthesis, transpiration and biomass and WUE and biomass. The study showed a pronounced interclonal variability of the physiological and growth characters under study.

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An Ammoniated Straw Incorporation Increased Biomass Production and Water Use Efficiency in an Annual Wheat-Maize Rotation System in Semi-Arid China

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10020243 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 243 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yufeng Zou ◽

Hao Feng ◽

Shufang Wu ◽

Qin’ge Dong ◽

Kadambot H. M. Siddique

Keyword(s):

Winter Wheat ◽

Water Use Efficiency ◽

Soil Water ◽

Water Use ◽

Biomass Yield ◽

N Fertilizer ◽

Summer Maize ◽

Rotation System ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

Straw Incorporation

Water shortage and excessive chemical fertilizers application result in low soil water and nutrient availability and limit crop production in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China. Ammoniated straw incorporation with N fertilization may be an efficient strategy to maintain agricultural sustainability. However, the interactive effects of straw incorporation and N fertilizer on the biomass water use efficiency (WUE) in the winter wheat–summer maize rotation system remain unclear. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of combining ammoniated straw incorporation and N fertilizer on soil water, biomass yield and biomass water use efficiency (WUE) in an annual summer maize (Zea mays L.)—Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation system. There were three treatments: (i) long straw (5 cm) mulching with N fertilizer (CK), (ii) long straw with N fertilizer plowed into the soil (LP), and (iii) ammoniated long straw with N fertilizer plowed into the soil (ALP). Compared with the CK treatment, LP and ALP led to a similar soil water storage capacity. ALP improved summer maize biomass yield and winter wheat biomass yield at the jointing-maturity stage. ALP improved summer maize WUE at the ten-leaf collar-tasseling stage and winter wheat WUE from the tillering stage to the maturity stage. Also, the ALP treatment increased the total water use efficiency (TWUE) of winter wheat by 4.1–22.0%. Overall, ammoniated straw incorporation produced the most favorable biomass yield and WUE in the summer maize—Winter wheat rotation system in the Loess Plateau of China.

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