Half-topping 'A4' macadamia trees has a markedly different effect on yield than full-topping

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Olesen ◽  
David Robertson ◽  
Alister Janetzki ◽  
Tina Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Size Control ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
First Year ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Control Tree ◽  
Western Half ◽  
Yield Penalty

Mechanically hedging the tops of macadamia trees to control tree size is referred to as topping. Topping the entire upper canopy causes a substantial reduction in yield and is not a recommended industry practice. Here we compare topping just half the upper canopy with full-topping, and with control trees that were not pruned, to test whether half-topping is a more acceptable means of size control, with less of a yield penalty. We used macadamia cultivar ‘A4’ as the subject for the study. The trees were topped horizontally at anthesis. Full-topping reduced yields by 78% in the first year and 63% in the second year compared with the control trees. By the end of the second year the height of the fully-topped trees was approximately the same as that of the control trees. In contrast, topping just the western half of the upper canopy resulted in little yield penalty. Yields were reduced non-significantly by 14% in the first year, and negligibly in the second year, compared with the control trees; and by the end of the second year, the regrowth on the topped halves of the trees was only two-thirds the height of that on the full-topped trees. The results are encouraging because topping is simple and cheap, and would be an attractive tree size control option for growers at the yield penalty described here for the half-topped treatment.

scholarly journals Production Trends in Mature Macadamia Orchards and the Effects of Selective Limb Removal, Side-hedging, and Topping on Yield, Nut Characteristics, Tree Size, and Economics

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa McFadyen ◽  
David Robertson ◽  
Margaret Sedgley ◽  
Paul Kristiansen ◽  
Trevor Olesen
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Size Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Macadamia Integrifolia ◽  
Effective Removal ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Yield Trends ◽  
Disease Pressure

Yields of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia, M. tetraphylla, and hybrids) orchards tend to increase with increasing tree size up to ≈94% light interception. Beyond this, there is some indication that crowding leads to yield decline, but the evidence is limited to one site. Increasing tree size and orchard crowding also present numerous management problems, including soil erosion, harvest delays, and increased pest and disease pressure. The aim of this study was to better characterize long-term yield trends in mature orchards and to assess the effects of manual and mechanical pruning strategies on yield, nut characteristics, tree size, and economics. We monitored yield at four sites in mature ‘344’ and ‘246’ orchards for up to seven years and confirmed a decline in yield with crowding for three of the sites. There was a small increase in yield over time at the fourth site, which may reflect the lower initial level of crowding and shorter monitoring period compared with the other sites, and highlights the need for long-term records to establish yield trends. Pruning to remove several large limbs from ‘246’ trees to improve light penetration into the canopy increased yield relative to control trees but the effect was short-lived and not cost-effective. Removal of a codominant leader from ‘344’ trees reduced yield by 21%. Annual side-hedging of ‘246’ trees reduced yield by 12% and mechanical topping of ‘344’ trees caused a substantial reduction in yield of up to 50%. Removal of limbs in the upper canopy to reduce the height of ‘344’ trees had less effect on yield than topping but re-pruning was not practical because of the extensive regrowth around the pruning cuts. Tree size control is necessary for efficient orchard management, but in this study, pruning strategies that controlled tree size also reduced yield. Research into the physiological response to pruning in macadamia is required to improve outcomes.

Shot-hole borer (Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh.) of tea in Ceylon II.—The effect of chemical control on the yield and manurial response of tea

1968 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-641
Author(s):  
J. E. Cranham ◽  
P. Kanapathapillai ◽  
A. Kathiravetpillai
Keyword(s):  
Field Trials ◽  
First Year ◽  
Percentage Increase ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
The Third ◽  
Prolonged Effect ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Significant Regression ◽  
Effect On Yield

In 1960–65, six field trials were carried out on tea estates in Ceylon to assess the effect on yield, and on the response of the crop to fertilizer, of dieldrin sprays applied after pruning to control shot-hole borer (Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh.). Periodic sampling was carried out to assess the numbers of borers and their galleries. Yields were recorded by weekly or fortnightly weighings of the green leaf plucked, over pruning cycles of two to four years.The pattern of the yield increases on the sprayed plots was related to the difference in attack between the sprayed and unsprayed plots. Increases were, in general, small in the first year and much larger in the second year, reaching peak values of 32–58 per cent. (on the yields of successive three-monthly periods recorded) in the late second year, and declining thereafter through the third year as the difference in attack declined. Over the first two years there were marked yield increases in eight of the nine pruning cycles, and these ranged from 11·7 per cent, to 26·3 per cent. There was significant regression (P<0·001) of the percentage increase in yield on the maximum difference in gallery counts. Yield increases in the third year of pruning cycles were also considerable and the results evidence a prolonged effect of the heavy borer attack occurring in the second year.In one trial there was a significant interaction between the effects of dieldrin spraying and of nitrogen supplied. Control of the borer greatly improved the crop response to nitrogen. Nitrogen application increased the yield but resulted also in a proportionately larger loss of crop from borer attack. There was a small but significant increase in the number of borer galleries on the plots receiving nitrogen.The evidence on the size and pattern of crop losses caused by the borer suggests that these occur both from shoot breakages and from the direct effect of galleries on the growth of stems.The significance of the results in relation to estate practice, and the economics of spraying, are briefly discussed.

scholarly journals Chicken manure as soil amendment: Effect on yield and foliar nutrient content of tanier, and on chemical properties of the soil.

1969 ◽  
Vol 95 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 211-221
Author(s):  
Agenol González-Vélez
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
First Year ◽  
Manure Application ◽  
Foliar Nutrient ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Effect On Yield

During two consecutive years, chicken manure effects on yield and foliar nutrient content of tanier, and on chemical properties of the soil were evaluated. Treatments were 0, 25 and 50 t/ha of chicken manure incorporated into the soil prior to planting the first year. No significant differences in yield were found among the chicken manure treatments. This lack of differences was attributed to the high coefficient of variation found in the experiment. Nevertheless, with the application of 25 t/ha we observed a 17% and 122% increase in yield on the first and second year of the experiment, respectively, compared to yield in the check treatment. This increase in yield could be related to the ample benefit of applied organic matter, especially in low fertility soil. Only foliar nitrogen content showed a significant increase with the chicken manure application in both years, whereas potassium content increased with manure application during the second year. The application of chicken manure caused an increase of organic matter, electric conductivity and N, P, K and Mg content in the soil during the first year.

scholarly journals HARVEST AGE EFFECT ON YIELD OF ERECT BLACKBERRIES

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1170b-1170
Author(s):  
John R. Clark ◽  
James N. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Age Effect ◽  
The Other ◽  
First Year ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Average Yield ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Berry Weight ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Effect On Yield

Yield and average berry weight were measured for first year fruiting (on semi-erect canes) and second year fruiting (erect canes) to compare harvest age effect for erect blackberries established from root cuttings. cultivars were `Cheyenne', `Choctaw', `Navaho' and `Shawnee' and 4 plantings were included in the comparison. One of the four plantings had an average yield of 27% more in the first year as compared to the second year. The other plantings had higher yields in the second year as compared to the first ranging up to a 100% increase. Yield was 23% higher for the second year when all plantings were averaged. Average yield increase by cultivar in the second year compared to the first was: 'Choctaw' 37%, 'Cheyenne' 27%, 'Navaho' 22% and 'Shawnee' 20%. Berry weight was not affected by harvest age except in one planting, where average weight was higher for first year fruiting.

scholarly journals Soil fertility and upland rice yield after biochar application in the Cerrado

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 699-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiano André Petter ◽  
Beáta Emöke Madari ◽  
Mellissa Ananias Soler da Silva ◽  
Marco Aurélio Carbone Carneiro ◽  
Márcia Thaís de Melo Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Upland Rice ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Block Design ◽  
First Year ◽  
Dry Matter Accumulation ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Effect On Yield

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of biochar made from Eucalyptus on soil fertility, and on the yield and development of upland rice. The experiment was performed during two years in a randomized block design with four replicates, in a sandy loam Dystric Plinthosol. Four doses of NPK 05-25-15, annually distributed in stripes (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1), and four doses of biochar (0, 8, 16 and 32 Mg ha-1), applied once in the first year - alone or with NPK - were evaluated. In the first year, biochar positively affected soil fertility [total organic carbon (TOC), Ca, P, Al, H+Al, and pH], at 0-10 cm soil depth, and it was the only factor with significant effect on yield. In the second year, the effect of biochar diminished or was overcome by the fertilizer. TOC moved down in the soil profile to the 0-20 cm depth, influencing K availability in this layer. In the second year, there was a significant interaction between biochar and the fertilizer on plant growth and biomass dry matter accumulation.

scholarly journals 543 Effect of Calcium and Sulfur on Yield of Late-storage Cabbage

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 489B-489
Author(s):  
Alan McKeown ◽  
Cathy Bakker
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Calcium Nitrate ◽  
Potassium Sulfate ◽  
First Year ◽  
Southern Ontario ◽  
Nitrogen Levels ◽  
Hidden Hunger ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Effect On Yield

Soil and crop management practices suggest the possibility of sulfur deficiency for cole crops in Southern Ontario. A 3-year study was conducted to evaluate rates of calcium and sulfur on yield of `Huron' late-storage cabbage. Treatments were based on CaSO4 applied at 0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 kg·ha–1 `Novacal' (Ca 27%, S 19%, Mg 2.5%, Dolomex Inc., Portage-du-Fort, Quebec, Canada), a granulated gypsum product. Potassium sulfate and calcium nitrate were used as elemental controls. Potassium and nitrogen levels were balanced with potassium chloride and ammonium nitrate. Phosphorous applications were based on soil analysis. All treatments were applied pre-plant incorporated. This trial was repeated on sand and loam soils typical of soil used for cabbage production in southern Ontario. Applications of sulfur increased yield of cabbage on sand and clay, although the optimum rate varied from year to year. Medium and high rates produced the highest yield in the first year, while low rates were more effective in the second and third seasons. Response of cabbage to calcium varied from year to year. Medium and high rates of calcium increased yield on sand, but had no effect on clay in the first year. Calcium had no effect on yield on either soil type in the second year. However, in the third year, low rates of calcium produced the highest yield on both sand and clay. Although there were no visual symptoms of deficiency, applications of sulfur, and to a lesser extent calcium, increased yield indicating that a `hidden hunger' for these elements may exist on some soils in southern Ontario.

Quackgrass and Nitrogen Effects on Succeeding Crops in the Field

Weed Science ◽  
1970 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thor Kommedahl ◽  
K. M. Old ◽  
J. H. Ohman ◽  
E. W. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Avena Sativa ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Land Application ◽  
First Year ◽  
Fallow Land ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Seed Yields ◽  
Heavy Infestation

Plant heights and seed yields of oats (Avena sativa L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) were lower where these crops followed a heavy infestation of quackgrass (Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.) than when they followed oats or fallow land. Application of ammonium nitrate (280 kg/ha) only partially corrected the adverse effect on yield of a previous quackgrass infestation. The effect of quackgrass persisted through the second growing season as measured by height and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and compared with wheat after oats, corn, soybeans, or fallow, but the effect of nitrogen applied the first year only did not persist through the second year.

An inevitable crisis? From first to second year in counsellor training

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-89
Author(s):  
Hugh Crago
Keyword(s):  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
First Year ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Counsellor Training ◽  
Student Dropout ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Neurological Research ◽  
First Year Of Life ◽  
And Control

In a seminal 1973 paper, Robert Clark described the very different “cultures” of the first and second year students in a four year clinical psychology PhD programme. The author applies Clark’s template to his own experiences as trainee or trainer in five different counsellor education programmes, one in the US and four in Australia. Each of the programmes, to varying degrees, demonstrates key features of the pattern identified by Clark, where the first year is “therapeutic” and other-oriented, the second is “professional” and self-focused. The author concludes that all the surveyed programmes exhibited some level of “second year crisis”, in which a significant number of students felt abandoned, dissatisfied, or rebellious. The author extends and refines Clark’s developmental analogy (first year = childhood; second year = adolescence) to reflect recent neurological research, in particular, the shift from a right hemisphere-dominant first year of life, prioritising affiliative needs, to a left hemisphere-dominant second year, prioritising autonomy and control. This shift is paralleled later by a more gradual move from a protective, supportive childhood to necessary, but sometimes conflictual, individuation in adolescence. The first two years of a counsellor training programme broadly echo this process, a process exacerbated by the second year internship/placement, in which students must “leave home” and adjust to unfamiliar, potentially less nurturing, authority figures. Finally, the author suggests introducing more rigorous “academic holding” into the first year, and greater attention to “therapeutic holding” of dissident students in the second, hopefully decreasing student dropout, and achieving a better balanced training experience.

Implementation of the Second-year course in an Engineering Professional Spine

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Iqbal ◽  
Deena Salem ◽  
David Strong
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Research University ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Employability Skills ◽  
First Year ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
Core Courses ◽  
Second Year ◽  
First Time ◽  
Academic Year

The objective of this paper is to document the experience of developing and implementing a second-year course in an engineering professional spine that was developed in a first-tier research university and relies on project-based core courses. The main objective of this spine is to develop the students’ cognitive and employability skills that will allow them to stand out from the crowd of other engineering graduates.The spine was developed and delivered for the first time in the academic year 2010-2011 for first-year general engineering students. In the year 2011-2012, those students joined different programs, and accordingly the second-year course was tailored to align with the different programs’ learning outcomes. This paper discusses the development and implementation of the course in the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department.

Exploring the Implementation of Early Math Assessments in Kindergarten Classrooms: A Research-Practice Collaboration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer McDonald ◽  
Rebecca Merkley ◽  
Jacqueline Mickle ◽  
Lisa Collimore ◽  
Daniel Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Thinking ◽  
Math Education ◽  
Kindergarten Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Research Practice ◽  
Early Numeracy ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Collaborative Project ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Second Year

Research in cognitive development has highlighted that early numeracy skills are associated with later math achievement, suggesting that these skills should be targeted in early math education. Here we tested whether tools used by researchers to assess mathematical thinking could be useful in the classroom. This paper describes a collaborative project between cognitive scientists and school board researchers/educators implementing numeracy screeners with kindergarten students over the course of three school years. The Give-A-Number task (Wynn, 1990) was used with first-year kindergarten students and the Numeracy Screener [BLINDED] with second-year kindergarten students. Results indicated that educators (N = 59) found the tools feasible to implement and helpful for exploring their students’ thinking and targeting instruction. The Educators’ feedback also helped inform improvements to the implementation of the tools and future directions for both the schools and the researchers. This work emphasizes the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration to address the research-practice gap.

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