Joelle Fustec

Groupe ESA - Higher Education and Research Institution in Agriculture · Research Group 'Legumes Crop Ecophysiology Agroecology' (LEVA)

The intercropping of winter oilseed rape with frost-sensitive service plants can provide a diversity of services including weed control and N supply for oilseed rape. This practice started to be adopted by farmers and has therefore become one of the most popular intercropping in Western Europe. However, in Switzerland, such intercropping leads to c...

In the last decade, intercropping of frost-sensitive service plants with winter oilseed rape has become common in Western Switzerland and France. Currently, many farmers grow increasingly complex service plant mixtures. However, the composition of these mixtures is often based on empirical experiments, and little is known about the role of each spe...

Increasing crop trait diversity in oilseed rape (OR, Brassica napus L.) cropping systems by introducing frost-sensitive legume species could improve weed suppression and crop productivity. Intercrops and sole crops were compared over two years in the field in Western France. Winter OR was intercropped simultaneously with either spring faba bean (Vi...

Legumes are suitable for the development of sustainable agroecosystems because of their ability to use atmospheric N2 through symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). However, a basic NO3− input is necessary before SNF takes place to ensure successful seedling establishment. Since Rhizobia not only induce nodulation but also affect root branching by stim...

Winter oilseed rape (OSR) can be grown intercropped with frost-sensitive service plant mixtures. This practice may reduce weed pressure and contribute to providing N for OSR after service plant freezing. However, there is little knowledge of how plants interact together and with the soil in diverse annual crop mixtures. To assess these interactions...

Flowering is a critical stage of fennel seed production, which strongly depends on climate factors. In crops such as fennel, the complexity of the umbellate structure and the lack of knowledge about its flowering dynamics make the prediction of the duration of this phenological stage uneasy. In the context of climate change, a reliable predictive t...

Intercrops and crop mixtures are considered to be a way to increase nitrogen use efficiency by promoting niche complementarity and facilitation, reducing the input of fertilizers and herbicides, which are important factors when considering the effects of climate change. However, interactions between crop communities and soil functional diversity al...

In cropping systems, legumes release substantial amounts of nitrogen (N) into the soil, via rhizodeposition, and constitute a sustainable source of N, instead of synthetic N fertilisers (Fustec et al. 2010). More frequent or/and intense droughts and floodings, due to climate change and intensification of agriculture, may affect N rhizodeposition (P...

Both aboveground and belowground biodiversity and their interactions can play an important role in crop productivity. Plant functional diversity, such as legume based intercrops have been shown to improve yields through plant complementarity for nitrogen use (Corre-Hellou et al., 2006). Moreover, plant species or plant genotype may influence the st...

We assessed the impact of intercropping on the microbial communities in the rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp durum) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). Using a RNA based approach coupled with bacterial phylum specific real time PCR, we found that the active bacterial communities in the wheat-pea association were distinct from those in the rhi...

Legume crops are known to have low soil N uptake early in their life cycle, which can weaken their ability to compete with other species, such as weeds or other crops in intercropping systems. However, there is limited knowledge on the main traits involved in soil N uptake during early growth and for a range of species. The objective of this resear...

The exudation of low-molecular-weight compounds, such as amino acids, contributes to the structure of rhizospheric microbial communities and plays a crucial role in nutrient mobility throughout the vege-tative cycle of the plant. Due to their low concentration and their constant removal by microorganisms, the study of amino acids is difficult in un...

Functional diversity within plant communities may enhance productivity (Díaz et al. 2007). Among soil organisms, earthworms can positively affect plant growth (Scheu 2003, Brown et al. 2004). Biodiversity may also influence productivity of the plant cover through above- and belowground interactions (De Deyn and Van der Putten 2005, Eisenhauer 2012)...

Functional diversity within plant communities may enhance productivity (Díaz et al. 2007). Among soil organisms, earthworms can positively affect plant growth (Scheu 2003, Brown et al. 2004). Biodiversity may also influence productivity of the plant cover through above- and belowground interactions (De Deyn and Van der Putten 2005, Eisenhauer 2012)...

Aims Differences in the ability to fix and transfer N have been shown between perennial legume species. However, the traits responsible for such variations are largely to be identified. This study aimed at comparing the dynamics of N transfer from alfalfa and white clover and test whether their differences resulted from difference in fixation, legu...

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S006521131400011X This paper presents the current state of our knowledge of mutual legume intercropping, with an emphasis on its utilization in continental and Mediterranean climates. Its novelty is primarily reflected in the carefully designed schemes for two main forms of mutual legume intercroppi...

This paper presents the current state of our knowledge of mutual legume intercrop- ping, with an emphasis on its utilization in continental and Mediterranean climates. Its novelty is primarily re fl ected in the carefully designed schemes for two main forms of mutual legume intercropping. The fi rst one is establishing perennial forage legumes, such...

Résumé Dans les peuplements monospécifiques constituant la majorité des écosystèmes cultivés, les plantes sont en compétition pour les ressources abiotiques car elles exploitent les mêmes niches écologiques. A contrario, dans les peuplements plurispécifiques, deux processus majeurs ont été mis en évidence pour expliquer les meilleures performances...

Résumé Les associations végétales, par la complexité du couvert végétal qu’elles créent, sont le siège d’interactions biotiques particulières avec les ravageurs, les prédateurs, les champignons pathogènes, les adventices ou encore les organismes non pathogènes du sol. Cet article traite de la diversité des mécanismes en jeu (modification de paramèt...

Résumé Dans les peuplements monospécifiques constituant la majorité des écosystèmes cultivés, les plantes sont en compétition pour les ressources abiotiques car elles exploitent les mêmes niches écologiques. A contrario, dans les peuplements plurispécifiques, deux processus majeurs ont été mis en évidence pour expliquer les meilleures performances...

Résumé Les associations végétales, par la complexité du couvert végétal qu’elles créent, sont le siège d’interactions biotiques particulières avec les ravageurs, les prédateurs, les champignons pathogènes, les adventices ou encore les organismes non pathogènes du sol. Cet article traite de la diversité des mécanismes en jeu (modification de paramèt...

Les processus de complémentarité de niche et de facilitation déterminent le fonctionnement des associations végétales et leur efficacité pour l'acquisition des ressources abiotiques. Résumé Dans les peuplements monospécifiques constituant la majorité des écosystèmes cultivés, les plantes sont en compétition pour les ressources abiotiques car elles...

RÉGULATION DE L’EXSUDATION RACINAIRE DES FABACÉES ET CONSÉQUENCES DANS LA RÉPONSE AUX STRESS ABIOTIQUES H. Bobille(1,2), J. Fustec(1), A. M. Limami(2) (1)Groupe École Supérieure d’Agriculture, UR LEVA, 55 rue Rabelais, B.P. 30748 Angers, Cedex 01, FR (2)Université d’Angers, IRHS-UR ALSA, 4 boulevard de Lavoisier, 49000 Angers, FR h.bobille@groupe...

Legume-brassica intercrops may help to reduce N fertilizer input. We tested whether (i) intercropping with faba bean can improve N status of rapeseed, and (ii) root complementarity and/or N transfer is involved in such performance.Pre-germinated rapeseed and faba bean were grown either together or in monospecific rhizotrons (2 plants per rhizotron)...

Au cours des dernières décennies, l’utilisation d’intrants a permis d’augmenter significativement la productivité des agro-écosystèmes, mais dans le cas de l’azote (N) et du phosphore (P), cette augmentation s’est accompagnée d’une diminution significative de l’efficience de N et P. Cela est en partie lié à des pertes de N et P conduisant à des imp...

Background and aims: In legume- based intercrops, nitrogen is supposed to be transferred from the legume to the companion crop. However, nitrogen transfer in annual intercrops remains difficult to assess and poorly documented. We aimed to quantify bi-directional transfer between durum wheat and field pea using 15N labeling methods. Method: In a fir...

Carefully designed intercropping systems can have many advantages in comparison to monocropping such as increased forage yield, enhanced weed control, reduced soil erosion and, in the case of legumes, improved soil fertility due to their symbiosis with nitrogen-fixating bacteria. In addition the use of forage legumes is increasing for the rations o...

Because nitrogen is one of the major elements limiting growth of plants in agrosystems, large amounts of N fertilisers have been used in the second half of the twentieth century. Chemical fertilisers have contributed to increasing crop yields and food supply, but they have induced environmental damage such as nitrate pollution and wasting fossil fu...

Carefully designed intercropping systems can have many advantages in comparison to monocropping such as increased forage yield, enhanced weed control, reduced soil erosion and, in the case of legumes, improved soil fertility due to their symbiosis with nitrogen-fixating bacteria. In addition the use of forage legumes is increasing for the rations o...

Bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) and Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.) are better adapted than White clover to silt soils with hydromorphous periods alternating with dry spells, but there is little information available on their capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen. This greenhouse trial with 4 cultivars of Bird's-foot trefoil and 4...

How to combine N supply and biological control in low input systems

The symbiosis Fabaceae/Rhizobiaceae plays a critical role in the nitrogen cycle. It gives the plant the ability to fix high amounts of atmospheric N. A part of this N can be transferred to the soil via rhizodeposition. The contribution of Fabaceae to the soil N pool is difficult to measure, since it is necessary for assessing N benefits for other c...

Grain legumes can be used for nitrogen acquisition in different ways in sustainable agriculture (Fustec et al., 2009). They are seen as a tool to reduce mineral N fertilizers in cropping systems. However, estimates of biological N fixation, N balance and N benefit either for the following crop or in mixed crops, remain unclear. The contribution of...

Capsule Montagu’s Harriers avoided tree plantations and selected plots with dense heath of intermediate height, while sympatric Hen Harriers preferred afforested or taller plots of heath. Aims To investigate relationships between vegetation structure and nest selection by Montagu’s and Hen Harriers. Methods We defined three vegetation strata: upper...

Because nitrogen is one of the major elements limiting growth of plants in agrosystems, large amounts of N fertilisers have been used in the second half of the twentieth century. Chemical fertilisers have contributed to increasing crop yields and food supply, but they have induced environmental damage such as nitrate pollution and wasting fossil fu...

Les graminées (Poaceae) et les légumineuses (Fabaceae) constituent les deux familles botaniques les plus importantes pour l’agriculture. Leur culture en association (simultanément sur la même parcelle) est un usage ancien qui permet de valoriser les différences écologiques, agronomiques et nutritionnelles des deux familles. Les performances de ces...

Among the various subjects taught in agricultural schools, those that deal with forages are analysed : they are rarely mentioned among the sciences related to plants and to the environment. It may nevertheless be hoped that the renovated programmes will evidence a more inclusive approach, conciliating the various problems. The forages, both annual...

The aim of the present study was to test and improve the reliability of the 15N cotton-wick method for measuring soil N derived from plant rhizodeposition, a critical value for assessing belowground nitrogen input in field-grown legumes. The effects of the concentration of the 15N labelling solution and the feeding frequency on assessment of nitrog...

In the part of the Loire River recently colonized by Eurasian beavers, we compared habitat characteristics among sites with lodges, sites with cut trees and sites without beaver. The absence of sandbank and canopy cover (by 10–15-m tall trees, by tall Salicaceae, and by bushy Salicaceae) appeared as good predictors for lodge settling. Based on this...

A l'interface entre le végétal et l'animal, les fourrages annuels et pérennes se placent au centre d'enjeux socio-économiques et environnementaux à l'échelle des territoires. Cette complexité rend difficile la formation des acteurs de la production fourragère de demain. L'enseignement agricole doit intégrer les nouveaux enjeux dans les formations e...

Legumes usually sown in mixtures with grasses do not grow well in silt soils. Biological characteristics of species like birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) are still poor documented, though they can resist drought and/or water excess. We compared (i) early development, and (ii) biological fixation by sever...

In organic farming, multi-specific pastures with legumes increase the production as well as the self-sufficiency of the farms as regards feeds. Many problems however are raised by the choice of the species to be sown and by the maintenance and the feeding value of the swards. The results from several trials given here throw some light on the subjec...

Competition for soil resources plays a key role in the outcome of intercropping systems. In cereal–legume intercrops, competition for soil nitrogen during the vegetative phase greatly influences the final performance of the intercropped species. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the main factors involved in interspecific soil N competitive i...

The use of grass/legume mixtures in grasslands is known to be of interest for reducing fertilization (Seguin et al. 2000, Høgh-Jensen and Schoering 2001). However, most of the legume species usually sown in these mixtures do not grow very well in poor silt soils. Biological characteristics of species like birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; F...

Two 15N labelling methods for assessing net rhizodeposition of nitrogen (N) in pea crop (Pisum sativum L.) were compared in the greenhouse and in the field: the cotton-wick (CW) and the splitroot (SR) methods. Rhizodeposition is defined as the organic material lost from roots during their growth through the soil. CW is a method in which 15N urea wa...

Selection and use of woody plants in beaver (Castor fiber) lodge construction on the Loire River are poorly understood. We investigated woody species used by beaver for construction and analysed the efficiency of the tree-cutting technique used. We observed that beavers used branches of Salicaceae of large diameter (approx. 4.5 cm) to build the fra...

The benefits of introducing crop legumes into rotations are now recognized. However, N contribution of belowground parts to the soil N pool (BGN) is rarely measured, though such data are necessary for improving soil N management. Some values of BGN to total plant N are reported in the literature, but they vary widely [1]. Furthermore, few authors h...

Field experiments were carried out during three successive years to study through a dynamic approach the competition for soil N and its interaction with N2 fixation, leaf expansion and crop growth in pea–barley intercrops. The intensity of competition for soil N varied between experiments according to soil N supply and plant densities. This study d...

To improve the management of grass communities, early plant development was compared in three species with contrasting growth forms, a caespitose (Lolium perenne), a rhizomatous (Poa pratensis) and a caespitose-stoloniferous species (Agrostis stolonifera). Isolated seedlings were grown in a glasshouse without trophic constraints for 37 d (761 degre...

Le castor européen (Castor fiber L.) est une espèce protégée par la Directive Habitats. Il a disparu du fleuve Loire et de la presque totalité du territoire français à la fin du XIXème siècle en raison de la chasse. Dans les années 70, des individus issus d'une population relicte du Rhône furent réintroduits sur la Loire, près de Blois. Cette opéra...

This paper provides a theoretical framework to assess the role of grain legumes in crop rotation. Three concepts (i) the preceding effect (ii) the sensitivity of the following crop (iii) the cumulative effect, corresponding to different time scale are used to review N and non-N effects of grain legumes in a cropping system. It is shown that conclus...

1. Colonization in a reintroduced population of European beavers in the Loire Valley was studied between 1974 and 1999. It followed a discontinuous remoteness model and a scattered distribution, beavers occupying only 25% of the river system over the 2800 km explored. 2. After 5 years, the colonization rate reached 104.2% year±1 of new sites occupi...

In order to control young plant form by modifying culture conditions, plants of Rhododendron catawbiense from in vitro culture were grown in a greenhouse under different photoperiodic treatments (long or short days) combined or not with a several-week nitrogen starvation. After 12 weeks of culture under long days (16 h) with nitrogen supply, plants...

It had been established that photoperiodic conditions influence morphogenesis in Rhododendron catawbiense 'Album' (Ericaceae). Plants developed from cuttings obtained by in vitro culture were grown in a greenhouse for one ortwo years, under different photoperiodic treatments. Under long days, the upper buds followed a rhythmic development. Under sh...

Rhododendron catawbiense cv. Album propagated in vitro were transferred ex vitro and grown in a greenhouse, under long or short days. Under long days, the rhythmic growth led to an acrotonous development. In contrast, under short days, the upper buds were unable to burst, allowing basitony. In both photoperiodic conditions, the apical buds were sam...