Basal branching in field pea cultivars and yield-density relationships

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Spies ◽  
T. Warkentin ◽  
S. Shirtliffe

The current recommended plant density in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in western Canada is 88 plants m–2. This rate may exceed the optimum for yield in cultivars with more basal branching than typical. The objective of this research was to determine how the seed yield of pea cultivars differing in basal branching ability responds to changes in plant density. Ten pea cultivars were sown at target plant populations of 10, 30, 90, 120, and 150 plant m–2 for 3 yr at Rosthern and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At very low plant densities there was greater than a twofold difference in branching potential between cultivars (range 0.85 to 1.99 branches plant–1). Increasing field pea plant density reduced branching by 0.097 branches for each additional plant. The response of yield to plant density differed, as the forage cultivars 40-10 and CDC Sonata reached their potential yield at lower densities, while Courier required higher densities to reach the same proportion of yield. Field pea cultivars with greater basal branching achieved their maximum yield at lower plant densities compared with cultivars with low basal branching. The optimum economic plant density for the pea cultivars ranged from 59 to 84 plants m–2, which is below the current recommended plant density. However, with the exception of the forage cultivars and the low-branching cultivar Courier, the optimum seeding rate was within 8% of 88 seeds m–2. It is recommended that pea growers avoid low-branching pea cultivars and seed at a rate of 88 viable seeds m–2.Key words: Basal branching, seeding rate, plant density, light interception, leafed pea, semi-leafless pea, forage pea

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. MORRISON ◽  
P. B. E. McVETTY ◽  
R. SCARTH

To determine the effects of varying plant densities on summer rape (Brassica napus L.), the cultivar Westar was seeded in 15- and 30-cm row spacings at seeding rates of 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 kg ha−1. Plants seeded in 15-cm rows yielded more per area, produced more pods per plant and lodged less than those in 30-cm rows. Higher yields were associated with a more even plant distribution and a lower degree of intra-row competition. There were no significant protein, oil and chlorophyll concentration differences between the row spacing treatments. The highest yields (kg ha−1) were achieved with the 1.5 and 3.0 kg ha−1 seeding rates. Summer rape compensated for lower plant densities with the production of more branch racemes. As seeding rate increased, competitive mortality increased, resulting in greater etiolation at bolting, and greater lodging at harvest. Seed oil and protein concentrations were not affected by seeding rate. However, seed chlorophyll concentration decreased with increased seeding rate.Key words: Brassica napus, plant density, seed quality, rape (summer)


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 670-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROGÉRIO PERES SORATTO ◽  
TIAGO ARANDA CATUCHI ◽  
EMERSON DE FREITAS CORDOVA DE SOUZA ◽  
JADER LUIS NANTES GARCIA

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of plant densities and sidedressed nitrogen (N) rates on nutrition and productive performance of the common bean cultivars IPR 139 and Pérola. For each cultivar, a randomized complete block experimental design was used in a split-plot arrangement, with three replicates. Plots consisted of three plant densities (5, 7, and 9 plants ha-1) and subplots of five N rates (0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha-1). Aboveground dry matter, leaf macro- and micronutrient concentrations, yield components, grain yield, and protein concentration in grains were evaluated. Lower plant densities (5 and 7 plants m-1) increased aboveground dry matter production and the number of pods per plant and did not reduce grain yield. In the absence of N fertilization, reduction of plant density decreased N concentration in common bean leaves. Nitrogen fertilization linearly increased dry matter and leaf N concentration, mainly at lower plant densities. Regardless of plant density, the N supply linearly increased grain yield of cultivars IPR 139 and Pérola by 17.3 and 52.2%, respectively.


1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 481-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Moyer ◽  
R. W. Richards ◽  
G. B. Schaalje

Alfalfa was seeded in row spacings of 36, 72 and 108 cm and at broadcast seeding rates of 0.33, 1.0 and 3.0 kg ha−1 on irrigated land at Tilley (1983) and Lethbridge (1984), Alberta to determine the effect of plant density on weed growth and alfalfa seed yield. During the seed-producing years at each location, herbicide treatments were overlaid on seeding treatments in a split-block arrangement to assess the joint effect of herbicides and plant density on alfalfa seed yield. Hexazinone was the main herbicide used for weed control. Alfalfa seed and weeds were harvested for 5 yr following alfalfa establishment. Alfalfa seed yields tended to be maximum with 36-cm row spacings or the 3.0 kg ha−1 broadcast seeding rate, and were similar in row-seeded and broadcast-seeded alfalfa. Dry matter yields of weeds decreased as row spacings decreased or the broadcast seeding rate increased. Hexazinone controlled quackgrass, sow thistle, flixweed and kochia. In the experiment at Tilley with perennial weed infestations, mean alfalfa seed yields from 1984 to 1985 were 20% larger when herbicides were used than in the untreated check. Alfalfa plant densities slightly larger than currently recommended usually produced the largest seed yields and smallest weed infestations. Key words: Medicago sativa, quackgrass, kochia, sow thistle, flixweed, hexazinone


Author(s):  
Murray D. Hartman ◽  
Scott R. Jeffrey

Canola production in western Canada has expanded such that in many regions canola area rivals the area seeded to wheat. This change can be mainly attributed to adoption of herbicide resistant hybrid varieties, and resulting higher relative profitability. Producers responded to higher seed prices by reducing seeding rates, leading to plant densities that were often lower than industry recommendations. The study objectives were to examine canola yield response to plant density and assess economically optimal density levels relative to industry recommendations and grower practices. A meta-analysis approach was applied to yield response and plant density data with herbicide resistant hybrid canola from multiple studies. Three alternative marginal yield-density functions were estimated and used to calculate economically optimal plant density. Sensitivity of results to key parameters was assessed. Resulting optimal density levels under recent average prices, seed size and emergence were 62-73 plants m-2, consistent with industry recommendations for western Canada. Recent field surveys report lower densities than this range, suggesting that producers are seeding at less than optimal rates. However, there is significant uncertainty associated with canola production, and interaction of seeding rate with other factors. These would impact on optimal plant density, although much of the uncertainty remains until well after seeding. The empirical results represent a foundation for development of more detailed models, highlight the significance of the relationship between plant density and economically optimal yield, and suggest the need to develop decision making tools to support producers in making canola planting decisions.


1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
LJ Wade ◽  
ACL Douglas

The extent and significance of the maturity x density interaction in dryland grain sorghum, and its implications for yield stability, were examined for 3 hybrids over 6 locations. Site mean grain yield ranged from 0.44 to 4.96 t/ha. Early maturity was superior in environments truncated by water stress, while late maturity was superior in favourable environments. Mid-season maturity provided greater stability of grain yield. Maximum yield by each hybrid at each yield level did not differ significantly from yield at a density of 75 000 plants/ha. The highest grain yields should be obtained with plant densities of 50000-100000 plants/ha under rainfed conditions, where yield expectations range from 0 to 5.0 t/ha. The results demonstrate the stability of sorghum grain yield over a wide range of plant density and crop maturity. Regression analysis aided data presentation and interpretation.


2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 521-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Shirtliffe ◽  
Adrian M. Johnston

There is relatively little agronomic information on solid-seeded production of dry bean in western Canada. Recommended seeding density for dry bean can depend on the growth habit of the plant, the yield–density relationship, percent emergence, seed cost and environment. The objective of this study was to determine the yield–density relationships in two determinate bush type cultivars of dry bean and the optimum plant population under solid-seeded production in Saskatchewan. CDC Camino, a late-season pinto bean and CDC Expresso, a medium-season-length black bean were the cultivars evaluated. In most sites, the yield-density relationship of the cultivars was asymptotic and an optimum plant density for maximum yield could not be determined. Camino generally required a lower plant population to reach a given yield than Expresso. Increasing plant population did not affect 1000-seed weight. Higher seeding rate did result in a greater number of seeds produced m-2, with Expresso having a greater increase in seed produced m-2 compared with Camino. Expresso was required to be at higher plant densities than Camino to maximize economic returns. This reflects the differences between cultivars in yield-density relationship and seed cost, as Camino has a heavier 1000-seed weight than Expresso. Saskatchewan bean growers wishing to maximize profit should target plant populations for Expresso and Camino of approximately 50 and 25 plants m-2, respectively. Key words: Saskatchewan, yield components, non-linear regression, seeding rate, narrow rows, solid-seeded


2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 717-721
Author(s):  
R. H. McKenzie ◽  
A. B. Middleton ◽  
E. Bremer

Field trials were conducted at 12 location-years (sites) over a 4-yr period (2000–2003) to determine the response of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to seeding date and rate in southern Alberta. Desi chickpea, cv. Myles, was planted on three dates at approximately 10-d intervals at target plant densities of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 plants m-2. Seed yields were close to maximum at seeding dates ranging from late April till mid-May, but further delays in seeding resulted in modest yield declines at two sites during the drought years and large yield declines at two sites in the wet year. The economic optimum plant density for desi chickpea increased with moisture availability, from 26 to 79 plants m-2. Under typical conditions in southern Alberta, optimum yields of chickpea were obtained with seeding dates prior to May 15 and seeding rates of 30 to 40 plants m-2. Key words: Cicer arietinum, yield, planting, sowing


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-86
Author(s):  
Леонид Шашкаров ◽  
Leonid Shashkarov ◽  
Светлана Толстова ◽  
Svetlana Tolstova

The article deals with the issues of plant density and field germination of winter triticale on gray forest soils of the southeastern part of the Volga-Vyatka zone depending on the variety and seeding rates. The question of establishing the optimum density of sowing, the area of food for grain crops served as the object of study by many researchers. The urgency of the issue of creating optimal sowing density is explained by the fact that the factors that determine the magnitude of the yield are constantly changing. The plant stand density and field germination of winter triticale are significantly influenced by the weather conditions formed during the growing season of winter triticale plants. With an increase in seeding rates, the plant stand density and seeding rate increases, respectively, is important for the formation of a given density of productive stalks. In production, these elements of technology are often underestimated and often unjustifiably overestimate the seeding rate, which is absolutely unnecessary, since the really possible yield is achieved at an optimal seeding rate with minimal seed consumption. The winter triticale seeding rates, both in Russia and in the world as a whole varies from 2 to 8 million viable seeds per hectare. The urgency of the issue of creating optimal sowing density is explained by the fact that the factors that determine the magnitude of the yield are constantly changing. Until now, there is no consensus on the dependence of planting density on the degree of fertility. Some researchers believe that nutrient-rich soil requires less seed for maximum yield. Under these conditions, the plants develop better, they bush more, the maximum yield can be obtained with a lower seeding rate. The opposite opinion that it is necessary to sow thicker on rich soils has become widespread, especially in recent years. Advocates of the bottom conclusion explain their point of view by the fact that fertile soil has a greater supply of food and moisture, therefore, more plants can be grown on the same area, which means that the seeding rate should be increased [1,2.3,4.5,6,7]. Research results indicate that winter triticale with increasing seeding rates increases plant density and field germination of winter triticale plants.


2000 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Q. CRAUFURD

Three alternate-row intercrop experiments of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)–cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and/or millet (Pennisetum glaucum)–cowpea were grown at plant densities of 20 000 to 80 000 plants ha−1 at two locations in northern Nigeria between 1990 and 1992 to examine relations between yield and plant density. These relations were examined using the reciprocals of yield per plant to determine effects of environment, species and genotype on the theoretical maximum yield and optimum plant density. The intercrops were dominated by cereals, and cowpea biomass (BY) and seed yield (SY) were <10% of cereal BY and SY. Cowpea yields decreased as cereal plant density (D) increased, whereas cereal and total intercrop yields increased asymptotically with increasing D. Biomass yield of all intercrops responded to increasing D in a similar manner and the theoretical maximum intercrop BY was 12 290 kg ha−1 in all experiments. The response of SY to D varied among intercrops and was greatest and least with early and late maturing cereals respectively. The optimum D required to produce 90% maximum intercrop BY and SY varied between 15 600 and 30 000 plants ha−1, and 0 (no response to D) and 120 000 plants ha−1 respectively, and was higher for sorghum than for millet intercrops. The implications of these responses for agronomic management and germplasm improvement of cereal–cowpea intercrops are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 834-840
Author(s):  
R. Bowness ◽  
M.A. Olson ◽  
D. Pauly ◽  
R.H. McKenzie ◽  
C. Hoy ◽  
...  

Lentil was seldom grown in Alberta prior to 2015 due to the lack of demonstrated ability to achieve adequate yields, even though it was potentially well adapted to most agricultural regions within the province. We conducted field trials at five locations for 4 yr to determine potential productivity and optimum seeding rate, N management, and imidazolinone herbicide formulation for two imidazolinone-resistant red lentil cultivars across a broad geographic region in Alberta. Over the 4 yr of this study (2012–2015), the average yield potential of lentil ranged from 3000 to 3700 kg ha−1 at five locations. Maximum yield was consistently obtained when plant density exceeded 90 plants m−2. Lentil yield was not influenced by rhizobia inoculation, N fertilizer rate, or their interaction. Application of imidazolinone-based herbicide did not impact yield or nodulation of the lentil cultivars used in this study. High productivity of two imidazolinone-resistant red lentil cultivars was attainable over a broad geographic region in Alberta.


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