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Winter Wheat Cropping System Response to Seed Treatments, Seed Size, and Sowing Density
Abstract
Poor stand establishment resulting in lower yield is a major constraint to expanding winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) across western Canada. To address this issue, we conducted a study totaling 26 site-years over three growing seasons (2011–2013) to observe crop responses to system manipulations involving seeding rate (200 and 400 seeds m–2), seed size as a proxy for plant vigor (light/thin, moderate, heavy/plump), and a dual fungicide/insecticide seed treatment, on crop establishment, yield, and seed quality. Fall and spring plant
density was about 10 plants m–2 greater for heavy seed vs. light seed. Seed treatment improved fall and spring plant density slightly more than 10 plants m–2. Th e dual seed treatment improved yield and test
weight for thin seed size. Hypothesized weakest agronomic systems (low seeding rate and untreated, light seed) that oft en included the 200 seeds m–2 seeding rate were the poorest performing (suboptimal
responses and highly variable) systems; however, a favorable response to seed treatments allowed for partial compensation and grain yield comparable to systems with high seeding rates. Greater instability
was generally observed in weak systems irrespective of seed treatment. The economic advantage of the seed treatment was more apparent with thinner winter wheat stands as it resulted in greater gross (CAN+22 ha–1) returns. This study reaffirms the importance of a strong and integrated agronomic system and indicates seed treatments can help off set weak systems comprised of poor stand establishment and lower yield performance.
... These factors have increased the need for integrated weed management strategies. Many integrated weed management strategies have been investigated for wild oat in western Canada (Harker et al. 2003;Harker et al. 2009;Harker et al. 2016;O'Donovan et al. 2013). However, many of these strategies require rotational changes in cropping systems or utilizing crops for silage instead of grain, which may be problematic due to limited on-farm need or market access (Harker et al. 2016). ...
... Many integrated weed management strategies have been investigated for wild oat in western Canada (Harker et al. 2003;Harker et al. 2009;Harker et al. 2016;O'Donovan et al. 2013). However, many of these strategies require rotational changes in cropping systems or utilizing crops for silage instead of grain, which may be problematic due to limited on-farm need or market access (Harker et al. 2016). ...
... In the final year of the study, when all rotations were in barley, there was no significant effect of any of the fixed effect variables on crop yield ( Figure 6C), suggesting that the wild oat density differences observed (Figure 2 The early maturing crop rotation combined with HWSC resulted in the smallest wild oat populations, indicating the potential for highly effective integrated weed management of this species when these tactics are combined, and effective herbicides are utilized. Winter cereals can provide a competitive advantage compared to spring annuals in managing wild oat (Harker et al. 2016, Tidemann et al. 2023). This competitive advantage can be weakened if winter cereals do not successfully establish and over-winter (Beres et al. 2016;Harker et al. 2016, O'Donovan et al. 2005. ...
Wild oat is a significant weed of cropping systems in the Canadian Prairies. Wild oat resistance to herbicides has increased interest in non-chemical management strategies. Harvest weed seed control techniques such as impact mills or chaff collection have been of interest in Prairie crops, with wild oat identified as a key target. To evaluate impacts of crop rotation maturity, harvest management and harvest weed seed control on wild oat, a study was conducted from 2016-2018 at four locations in the Canadian Prairies. Two-year crop rotations with either early, normal, or late-maturity crops were implemented before barley was seeded across all rotations in the final year. In addition, a second factor of harvest management (swathing or straight cut) was included in the study. Chaff collection was used in this study in an attempt to quantify wild oat seeds that were targetable by harvest weed seed control techniques. The hypothesis was that earlier maturing crops would result in increased wild oat capture at harvest and, therefore, lower wild oat populations. Wild oat density and wild oat biomass were lowest in the early maturing rotations. In addition, wild oat biomass was lower in swathed crops than in straight-cut crops. Wild oat seedbank levels reflected a similar trend with the lowest densities in early maturing rotation, then the normal maturity rotation and the late maturing rotation had the highest seedbank densities. Wild oat densities increased in all crop rotations; however, only harvest weed seed control and crop rotation were implemented as control measures. Wild oat numbers in the chaff were not reflective of the earliness of harvest. Crop yields suggest that competitive winter wheat stands contributed to the success of the early maturing rotations compared to other treatments. Early maturing rotations resulted in reduced wild oat populations, likely through a combination of crop competitiveness and rotational diversity, and harvest weed seed control impact in earlier maturing crops.
... To study the integrated role of seed treatments combined with fall-applied foliar fungicides, the following hypothesis was established: seed treatments can improve winter wheat establishment and productivity, and fall-applied foliar fungicides may further improve crop health, yield components, and competitiveness. A companion paper addresses how the integration of seed treatment, seed lot vigor (seed size), and sowing density can be manipulated to enhance winter wheat production systems (Beres et al., 2016). ...
... Conditions A wide range of environmental conditions were encountered over the course of this study (Table 1 and Fig. 2), which is typical for crop production in the Prairies. Trends are summarized in the companion paper to this study (Beres et al., 2016). Briefly, eastern Prairie locations tended to be cooler during the winter months than more westerly locations. ...
... In the current study, only certified seed with germination levels of >90%, and little or no infection with F. graminearum was used. In a companion study by Beres et al. (2016) the same dual fungicide/ insecticidal seed treatment, as used in the current study, increased winter wheat fall and spring plant density as well as winter survival. They also reported that the same combination seed treatment, increased grain yield and net returns, especially when a lower seeding rate was used (Beres et al., 2016). ...
... To study the integrated role of seed treatments combined with fall-applied foliar fungicides, the following hypothesis was established: seed treatments can improve winter wheat establishment and productivity, and fall-applied foliar fungicides may further improve crop health, yield components, and competitiveness. A companion paper addresses how the integration of seed treatment, seed lot vigor (seed size), and sowing density can be manipulated to enhance winter wheat production systems (Beres et al., 2016). ...
... Conditions A wide range of environmental conditions were encountered over the course of this study (Table 1 and Fig. 2), which is typical for crop production in the Prairies. Trends are summarized in the companion paper to this study (Beres et al., 2016). Briefly, eastern Prairie locations tended to be cooler during the winter months than more westerly locations. ...
... In the current study, only certified seed with germination levels of >90%, and little or no infection with F. graminearum was used. In a companion study by Beres et al. (2016) the same dual fungicide/ insecticidal seed treatment, as used in the current study, increased winter wheat fall and spring plant density as well as winter survival. They also reported that the same combination seed treatment, increased grain yield and net returns, especially when a lower seeding rate was used (Beres et al., 2016). ...
Poor stand establishment resulting in lower yield is a major constraint to expanding winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) land area across the semiarid temperate regions of the northern Great Plains. We conducted a direct‐seeded study at nine sites across western Canada totaling 26 environments (site‐years) over three growing seasons (2011–2013) to observe the responses of the winter wheat cultivar CDC Buteo to five levels of seed treatment (i) Check–no seed treatment, (ii) tebuconozole [( RS )‐ 1‐(4‐Chlorophenyl)‐4,4‐dimethyl‐3‐(1 H , 1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)pentan‐ 3‐ol], (iii) metalxyl {2‐[(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)‐(2‐methoxy‐1‐oxoethyl) amino} propanoic acid methyl ester], (iv) imidacloprid ( N ‐{1‐[(6‐Chloro‐3‐pyridyl)methyl]‐4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐yl}nitramide), and (v) dual fungicide/insecticidal seed treatment: tebuconozole, + metalxyl + imidacloprid; and two levels of fall‐applied fungicide (i) Check–no application or (ii) foliar‐applied prothioconazole {2‐[2‐(1‐chlorocyclopropyl)‐3‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐hydroxypropyl]‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thione} performed in mid‐October. The check and the fungicide seed treatment, metalaxyl, produced similarly low grain yield resulting in lower net returns, whereas the dual fungicide/insecticide seed treatment provided the highest yield and net returns (CAN+12 ha ⁻¹ ). Plant density increased slightly (13 plants m ⁻² ) when seed treatments included the insecticide component, imidacloprid. Fall foliar fungicides generally improved spring plant density; however, no benefit was observed in seed treatments containing imidacloprid. Greater yield and plant stand stability was observed with fall‐applied foliar fungicide applications; however, fall foliar would be cost prohibitive. The benefits of a fall foliar fungicide application requires further exploration in the context of an added input or as an alternative to a spring application as the net returns of a fall foliar compared to no application in the system render the input cost‐prohibitive.
Core Ideas Seed treatment increases winter wheat yield.
Fall‐applied fungicide increases winter wheat yield.
Seed treatment increases winter wheat net returns.
... Fungicides namely, Carbendazim 75% WP, Imidalm T 450 WS, Tebuconazole 2 DS, Difenoconazole 25% EC, Propiconazole 25% EC, Thiram 50% WP, Carboxin 37.5 % + Thiram 25%, Torpedo (Thiamethoxam + Metalaxyl-M), Pyraxonil 30 FS (Clothianidin 25% +fludioxonil 2.5% + pyraclostrobin 2.5% FS) and Apron Star WS (Thiamethoxam 200g/kg + Metalaxyl-M 200g/kg + Difenoconazole 20g/kg are registered and currently used as a seed treatment (Ram et al., 2021;Getachew et al., 2022). Fungicide seed treatments are designed to mitigate external or internal microorganisms from seeds or soil, resulting in healthy seedlings and plants (Khanzada et al., 2002;Beres et al., 2016). Thus, seed can be treated to promote good stand establishment, minimize yield loss due to suboptimal seed quality, and limit the spread of pathogens, although fungicide seed treatment does not completely eliminate the risk of disease transmission, damage from the latter pathogens can be more severe than if the seed had not been treated (Richard et al., 2002;Beres et al., 2016;Turkington et al., 2016). ...
... Fungicide seed treatments are designed to mitigate external or internal microorganisms from seeds or soil, resulting in healthy seedlings and plants (Khanzada et al., 2002;Beres et al., 2016). Thus, seed can be treated to promote good stand establishment, minimize yield loss due to suboptimal seed quality, and limit the spread of pathogens, although fungicide seed treatment does not completely eliminate the risk of disease transmission, damage from the latter pathogens can be more severe than if the seed had not been treated (Richard et al., 2002;Beres et al., 2016;Turkington et al., 2016). ...
Type: Review Full Text: PDF, PHP, HTML, EPUB, MP3 Wheat production is expected to increase despite increased global food demand due to the influence of population growth and climate change. Providing enough and ensuring sustainable wheat production for a rapidly growing world population poses many challenges. Among the most serious hazard, Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium is one of the most dangerous and catastrophic wheat diseases. It has a wide geographic distribution and causes severe economic losses in wheat production worldwide. Several investigations noted that FHB epidemics were becoming widespread. An increasing frequency of FHB epidemics in wheat has resulted in significant yield reductions, and it is crucial to emphasize the future challenge of safeguarding wheat production under upcoming imminent climate change affecting environmental conditions. Climate change aggravates FHB epidemics by increasing wheat stresses and expanding the natural ranges for Fusarium species. Multiple outbreaks of FHB have affected Ethiopian wheat producers over the last few years, most notably in the 2022 cropping season. The infection leads to mycotoxin accumulation in grains, jeopardizing its suitability for human and animal consumption. Moreover, due to the toxicity of Fusarium mycotoxins and the impact of FHB on wheat production, prevention and control practices such as cultural practices, resistant cultivars and fungicide application must be integrated into the management strategy. Nowadays, there is an urgent need to make wheat production more robust and sustainable while still continuing to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-smart wheat varieties. This review aims to provide an overview of pathogen biology, current status, detection method and integrated management strategies. Generally, to safeguard wheat production and productivity from the deadliest FHB, we must struggle and fight by all means open to science.
... For pathogens whose spores are easily spread by raindrops splashing from the lower infected parts of the plant to the upper leaves, the closer the leaves are to each other, the easier the spores are spread to the upper parts [33]. The incidence of disease symptoms in wheat crops also depends on various agrotechnical practices, including the date and density of sowing [28,34]. This effect may be direct, but often the sowing method indirectly influences the incidence of diseases on plants [35]. ...
... Generally, with increasing sowing density, the severity of the symptoms of this disease increased. This is consistent with the observations made on the form of winter common wheat, as an increase in plant density strongly contributed to the increased occurrence of powdery mildew symptoms [34,45]. It is known that dense sowing brings the leaves closer to each other, which facilitates the spread of pathogen spores. ...
The need for foods with high nutritional value has led to the rediscovery of ancient wheat species Triticum sphaerococcum and T. persicum as raw materials with valuable consumption properties, but their reintroduction requires assessment of their productivity under different agricultural practices. The field experiments were carried out for three years (2018–2020) to test the hypothesis that the sowing density of T. sphaerococcum and T. persicum (400, 500 and 600 no m⁻²) will affect their agronomic traits, yield and occurrence of diseases, but the response will depend on the hydrothermal conditions of the growing seasons. In this study, a significant correlation of the grain yield with the amount of precipitation in tillering, and from booting to the beginning of fruit development was demonstrated. The sowing density of T. sphaerococcum had an impact on the grain yield only under moderate drought stress during the growing season (2019), when the highest yield was obtained at a sowing density of 600 m⁻². In 2019, the most favorable sowing density was also the highest for T. persicum. In the year with the lowest amount of rainfall during the growing season (2018), the yield of T. persicum was the highest in the lowest sowing density. At the shooting stage, a greater intensity of powdery mildew was observed on T. persicum, especially with higher sowing densities. Increasing the sowing density also increased the occurrence of root rot symptoms in both wheat species in the year that favored the occurrence of this disease (2018). It can be concluded that in the integrated low-input cultivation of T. sphaerococcum and T. persicum, it is justified to use a sowing density of 600 pcs. m⁻², in an agroclimatic zone with moderate droughts during the growing season.
... The tillering development is also known to be affected by light transmission as well as intraspecific competition (Dornbusch et al. 2014;Beres et al. 2016). To achieve high yields of other crops (such as maize and cotton), previous studies have recommended a relatively large row distance to enhance the population photosynthetic capacity (Retasánchez and Fowler 2002;Balkcom et al. 2010;Lin et al. 2016). ...
... It has been a difficult problem to coordinate the relationship among the yield components to achieve the highest grain yield (Cai et al. 2014;Slafer et al. 2014). The increase of one yield component often leads to the decrease of the other yield components (Dornbusch et al. 2014;Beres et al. 2016). The discovery that a configuration can simultaneously increase all three yield components has rarely been reported (Wang et al. 2015;Gonzalez-Navarro et al. 2016). ...
The wide-precision planting pattern has become widely used in the North China Plain as a practice for increasing wheat yield. However, the effects of tillering development and light transmission within canopy on wheat yield under different sowing widths have not been clearly described. Therefore, a two-year experiment was conducted, including four different seeding widths (6 cm, W6; 8 cm, W8; 10 cm, W10; 12 cm, W12) and the traditional planting pattern with seeding width of 4 cm (W4). The results indicated mainly positive effects by the reduced intraspecific competition, specifically all three yield components of W6 and W8 were higher than those for W4. The configurations with more than 10-cm seeding width were mainly affected by the negative effect of a relative homogeneous canopy, leading to the weakened light transmission, leaf senescence, and reduced grain number per spike. Finally, the yields of W6 and W8 were significantly higher than that of W4, whereas the yield in W12 was lower (though not significantly) than W4. In wheat production, therefore, the appropriate seeding width of 6–8 cm is recommended for farmers, whereas the too wide seeding width, with more than 10 cm, should be avoided.
... Weather conditions, seed quality, cultural practices and levels of disease inoculum affect the level of disease pressure in any given year. Seed treatments are available to control most soil and seed borne fungi ( Beres et al., 2016;Turkington et al., 2016). These treatments protect germinating seeds and young seedlings from pathogens. ...
... The positive effect of seed treatments on wheat has been documented widely ( Pike et al., 1993;Gilbert and Tekauz, 1995;Ashraf and Foolad, 2005). A number of fungicide seed treatment products are available for control of early season seed and seedling problems ( Beres et al., 2016;Turkington et al., 2016). Barnard and Booyse (2018). ...
... In wheat crops sown at 350 plants m −2 , 28%-32% of the yield originated from tillers (Elhani et al., 2007), with this contribution reducing 2%-12% under higher densities (Destro et al., 2001). The greater reliance of wheat yield on tillers under low densities has four major consequences: (i) Because tillers are formed progressively afterward main shoots, lower density wheat usually reduces uniformity in heading days (since different tillers head in different days) (Beres et al., 2016;Destro et al., 2001;Donald, 1968;Elhani et al., 2007) and has later heading date (Fischer et al., 2019). Less uniform heading date spreads the risk against adverse weather events such as frost (Fuller et al., 2007), heat (Ferris et al., 1998), and combined stresses (Zhao et al., 2022), and later heading can improve yield through frost escape and in seasons with cool and moist grain fill conditions. ...
Seeding rate recommendations for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are often 150–450 seeds m⁻². However, we hypothesize that wheat grown with high resource availability (i.e., fertility and moisture) can maximize yield under considerably lower rates. Our objectives were to explore winter wheat response to low populations under high resource availability using yield‐contest fields as a case study. A factorial experiment evaluated four wheat varieties (i.e., Joe, WB‐Grainfield, Langin, and LCS Revere) exposed to five seeding rates (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 seeds m⁻²) during five seasons in commercial wheat fields managed by yield‐contest winning producers near Leoti, KS. Fields were silt‐loam soils with high available water‐holding capacity, long‐term history of manure application with non‐limiting fertility, and adopted a sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow–wheat rotation. Plant density ranged from 26 to 341 plants m⁻² and yield ranged from 3.2 to 6.8 Mg ha⁻¹. Water use efficiency of 19.5 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ suggested no management limitations to yield. Quadratic models portrayed the grain yield–plant density relation well, with 95% of the maximum yield reached at 68 to 91 plants m⁻² for crops sown at the optimum date (4 out of 5 years), and at 312 plants m⁻² for a late‐sown crop. Greater fall temperature accumulation reduced the relative yield between the maximum and minimum seeding rates. There was no variety × plant density interaction and Langin was the most consistent yielding variety across environments. Optimum plant density for winter wheat in environments with high resource availability may be considerably lower than current recommendations.
... Thiamethoxam [5-methyl-3-(2chlorothiazol-5-ylmethyl)-1,3,5-oxadiazinan-4ylidene-N-nitroamine] are chemicals that have active ingredient of pesticides (neonicotinoid), with typical uses are to control insect pests of winter wheat and other cereal crops (Beres et al., 2016;Zargar et al., 2017b). The plant absorbs the Thiamethoxam during seed germination and moves along the xylem to untreated parts of plants. ...
Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields are gradually increasing in Russian plains, though a limited yield exists, which could point back to insect pest incursion in wheat fields. However, in the past up to the present, yield losses due to insect pest invasion were approximately 20% annually. The latest study aims to determine the effectiveness of the insecticide Thiamethoxam (350 g/l) used in controlling insect pests through wheat seed treatment. The experiments laid out in 2019 and 2020 in the foothill zone of Abinsky, Astrakhan region, Russian Federation. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) used with four replications and a plot size of 100 m 2. The treatment included one winter wheat variety and four treatments: T1 = Kaytoks, KS @ 0.5 l/t, T2 = Kaytoks, KS @ 1.0 l/t, T3 = Cruiser, KS @ 1.0 l/t, and T4 = the control (untreated). Based on the crop season evaluation, a significant increase resulted in the pest population (4.74 to 26.57 adults/m 2) in the control plots. The plots amended with insecticide Thiamethoxam (350 g/l) at the rate of 0.5 l/t showed lesser pest population (0.25 to 1.25 adults/m 2), and plots with 1.0 l/t ranged from 0 to 0.5 adults/m 2. Results also revealed that insecticides of the manufacturers, i.e., Kaytoks, KS, and Cruiser, KS, proved effective in pest control, ranging from 80 to 100%. The wheat seeds treated with Kaytoks, KS (0.5 l/t) and (1.0 l/t) increased their yield compared with control by 9.3 to 14.8% (2019) and 15.6 to 17.3% (2020). Thus, to achieve insect pest control and yield increase in wheat varieties, seed treatment using Thiamethoxam (Kaytoks, KS) at an application rate of 1.0 l/t can be a vital crop protection tool for cereal crops and an eco-friendly method. Citation: Astarkhanova T, Bereznov AV, Saquee FS, Diakite S, Zargar M, Garikovna KD (2024). Effect of thiamethoxam seed treatment on insect pest prevalence and grain yield in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 56(3):
... Thiamethoxam [5-methyl-3-(2chlorothiazol-5-ylmethyl)-1,3,5-oxadiazinan-4ylidene-N-nitroamine] are chemicals that have active ingredient of pesticides (neonicotinoid), with typical uses are to control insect pests of winter wheat and other cereal crops (Beres et al., 2016;Zargar et al., 2017b). The plant absorbs the Thiamethoxam during seed germination and moves along the xylem to untreated parts of plants. ...
... Canola lifecycle begins at seed germination and emergence, which is affected by seedbed preparation and tillage practices (CCC, 2017;Willenborg et al., 2004;Assefa et al., 2014), abiotic stresses such as soil and air temperature conditions and moisture including freezing and or drought (CCC, 2017;McCauley, 2016;Zheng et al., 1998;Harker et al., 2015;Hwang et al., 2014). After emergence, biotic stresses such as soil-borne pathogens and insects can affect seedling at early stages of growth (Willenborg et al., 2004;Kaur and Bishnoi, 2011;Sharma et al., 2015;Beres et al.,2016), although seed treatments were reported to increase stand establishment (Willenborg et al., 2004;Sharma et al., 2015). (Hosseini, 2006;Assefa et al., 2014;Yantai et al., 2016). ...
Canola (Brassica napus L), biochar and composted manure are potential crop and soil amendments to remediate saline and sonic soils
... To shift entirely to density-based units might obscure effects of seed size itself on cover crop performance. For example, larger seeds may confer benefits such as greater emergence (Beres et al., 2016;Manner, 1963), larger seedlings (Lafond & Baker, 1986), and better establishment through stubble (Kruidhof et al., 2011). Conversely, smaller seeds may germinate faster (Lafond & Baker, 1986). ...
It is common to use mass‐based units (e.g., kg ha–1) to describe cover crop seeding rates. However, this convention obscures important information about seed size and resulting plant density in the field, which may be linked to cover crop performance and ecosystem services. Seed counts of 27 lots of commercially available winter rye (Secale cereale L.) spanned a wide range from 28,000 to 50,000 seeds kg–1. If the lots with the lowest and highest seed counts were seeded at a common mass‐based seeding rate of 125 kg ha–1, it would result in a nearly twofold difference in density‐based seeding rate, or 3.0 and 5.6 million live seeds ha–1. Including density‐based metrics such as live seeds per area and resulting in‐field plant density in research will help advance our understanding of cover crop management, and these efforts will make it easier for farmers and policymakers to tailor cover cropping practices for specific goals.
... Canola lifecycle begins at seed germination and emergence, which is affected by seedbed preparation and tillage practices (CCC, 2017;Willenborg et al., 2004;Assefa et al., 2014), abiotic stresses such as soil and air temperature conditions and moisture including freezing and or drought (CCC, 2017;McCauley, 2016;Zheng et al., 1998;Harker et al., 2015;Hwang et al., 2014). After emergence, biotic stresses such as soil-borne pathogens and insects can affect seedling at early stages of growth (Willenborg et al., 2004;Kaur and Bishnoi, 2011;Sharma et al., 2015;Beres et al.,2016), although seed treatments were reported to increase stand establishment (Willenborg et al., 2004;Sharma et al., 2015). (Hosseini, 2006;Assefa et al., 2014;Yantai et al., 2016). ...
Canola (Brassica napus L) and carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun) are potential oilseed crops for diversifying cropping systems and expanding into marginal lands impacted by saline and saline-sodic soil condition in South Dakota (SD). However, genotypes that are high yielding, with high agronomic adaptability and stability over diverse environments, and salt tolerant have not been selected. One field experiment was conducted at two environments (Brookings - eastern SD and Pierre - western SD) from 2019 to 2020 to evaluate genotypes for growth and yield stability. Three greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate genotypes for salt tolerance in soils varying in electrical conductivity (EC), and with or without amendments (biochar and composted manure). The field experiment in 2019 evaluated ten canola and three carinata genotypes, whereas in 2020, twelve canola genotypes were evaluated. The experimental design was RCBD with treatments replicated four times. The earliest genotype to flower was NCC101S reaching 50% flowering at 41 and 36 days after planting (DAP) in 2019 and 2020, respectively. All carinata genotypes were later flowering reaching 50% flowering at >48 DAP. Seed yield for all genotypes averaged 1809 and 1740 kg ha-1 at Brookings and (1384 and 858 kg ha-1) at Pierre in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Similarly, seed oil concentration was greater at Brookings (410 g kg-1) than at Pierre (356 g kg-1) at Pierre in 2019. Environment was the most dominant cause of variation among genotypes, explaining 73.3%, 67.7%, 45.2% and 45.7%, of the variations in biomass yield, pods plant-1, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield, respectively, while genotype by environment interactions (GEi) explained most of the remaining variation. Data indicated that four genotypes, CS2300, DKTF92SC, CS2500, and NCC101S were stable with good yield in the four environments.
For greenhouse experiments, the first experiment evaluated ten canola and three carinata genotypes in three soils with EC ranging from non-saline (0.62 mmho/cm), moderately saline (5.17 mmho/cm) and highly saline (8.47 mmho/cm). The experimental design was an RCBD with treatments replicated three times. In the second experiment, two types of biochar (softwood and hardwood were introduced in each soil type at a rate of 5% by volume with an unamended control (no biochar) for each soil and 10 canola and three mustard genotypes were planted at a rate of eight seeds pot-1. The four most promising genotypes identified in experiment two (African cabbage, Brown mustard, DKTF91SC and NCC101S) were evaluated in the third experiment. In this experiment composted manure was added to each soil-biochar combination (as in second experiment) at rated of 0, 30 and 50% by volume. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with soil salinity level as the main plot and biochar, composted manure rate and genotype arranged in factorial design within soil salinity level. Seedling emergence had a negative relationship with soil salt content with an average of 65.1%, 17.7% and 11.2% of emerged seedlings in non-saline, moderately saline and highly saline soils in experiment one. The genotypes with the greatest seedling emergence in moderately saline soils were L140P and NCC101S (29.2%), whereas NCC101S in the highly saline soil was the best at 29.2%. Averaged over biochar and genotypes, application of composted manure improved seedling emergence, number of leaves plant-1 and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD values) as compared to treatments with no composted manure, irrespective of soil salt content (salinity level). However, application of composted manure interacted with biochar type to influence number of leaves plant-1 and (SPAD values) in moderately saline and highly saline soil but not in non-saline soils. The interaction for number of leaves plant-1 was due to better response in moderately saline and highly saline soils amended with softwood biochar compared to soil with no biochar or amended with hardwood biochar to increasing composted manure rate with the greatest number of leaves obtained at the highest rate of 50%. For SPAD values, the interaction between biochar and composted manure was due to high variability in SPAD values response to applied composted manure among biochar treatments. In terms of genotype, there was high variability with all genotypes showing improvement with composted manure application in moderately saline and highly saline soils with or without biochar amendment, but with the best observed in soils amended with softwood biochar. These findings suggest that canola has a potential to become an alternative spring broadleaf oilseed crop for diversifying cropping systems in SD. However, more research is required for this crop to determine the best management practices in saline-sodic soils.
... Canola lifecycle begins at seed germination and emergence, which is affected by seedbed preparation and tillage practices (CCC, 2017;Willenborg et al., 2004;Assefa et al., 2014), abiotic stresses such as soil and air temperature conditions and moisture including freezing and or drought (CCC, 2017;McCauley, 2016;Zheng et al., 1998;Harker et al., 2015;Hwang et al., 2014). After emergence, biotic stresses such as soil-borne pathogens and insects can affect seedling at early stages of growth (Willenborg et al., 2004;Kaur and Bishnoi, 2011;Sharma et al., 2015;Beres et al.,2016), although seed treatments were reported to increase stand establishment (Willenborg et al., 2004;Sharma et al., 2015). (Hosseini, 2006;Assefa et al., 2014;Yantai et al., 2016). ...
Canola (Brassica napus L) and carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun) are potential oilseed crops for diversifying cropping systems and expanding into marginal lands impacted by saline and sodic soils in South Dakota (SD). However, genotypes that are high yielding, with high agronomic adaptability and stability over diverse environments, and salt tolerant have not been selected
... However, this requires a proper establishment of the seeds in the soil and control of the emergence stage. The traditional and even modern method of sowing which advocates the use of an approximate quantity to the number of seeds per square meter (200 to 250 seeds per m 2 , 450 seeds per m 2 ) ( McKenzie et al., 2007;Beres et al., 2011Beres et al., , 2016 does not allow the analysis of the interaction between the seeds since the distance between them is not uniform, which leads us to introduce this technique of sowing while respecting the spacing distance between the seeds which has not been introduced elsewhere until now. ...
Sowing techniques and planting density directly affect the shape and microenvironment of the canopy and, therefore, the final yield. A field experiment was carried out during two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018, at Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu Experimental Farm. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of the drill seeding and punch seeding of wheat at the emergence stage. The experiment comprised of three (1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 cm distances between seed) treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications in a plot size of 4.0 by 5.0 m. During the two seasons of the experiment, a general tendency was observed for the two modes of sowing; the reduction of the growth parameters (the dry weight of the roots, the aerial biomass, and the number of roots) seedlings as the planting density increased. However, several parameters showed significant statistical variations, such as the emergence rate by age ratio of the seedlings, the dry weight of the biomass, the leaf area, the dry weight of the roots, the root volume, the length, the root depth, and root/soil ratio. The results showed that competition between plants began to appear at the stage of sowing, and the higher the planting density, the more the growth of the wheat population of individuals is hampered. Beyond the results, we have demonstrated the interest of characterizing the phenotypes of wheat through multiple criteria, also considering the whole plant at the emergence stage.
... Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in the northern Great Plains of North America is an alternative to spring wheat production and offers advantages such as high yield potential and weed competitiveness ( Beres et al. 2016). Although the area under winter wheat cultivation in western Canada has increased over the past two decades, it is still not comparable with that of spring wheat. ...
A complex of leaf spotting diseases [tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Died.) Drechs.), the septoria complex (Zymoseptoria tritici (Desm.) Quaedvlieg & Crous and Parastagonospora nodorum (Berk.) Quaedvlieg, Verkley, & Crous ), spot blotch (Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker), and powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis (DC.) E.O. Speer f.sp. tritici Ém. Marchal)] are frequently observed on winter wheat in western Canada; however, there are few studies indicating varietal differences in reaction to these diseases or the benefit of fungicide application. To determine the benefit of varietal improvement, and multiple fungicide treatments and application timings, field experiments were conducted at six site-years in western Canada. Two cultivars varying in reaction to leaf spot diseases were used in combination with fungicide treatments. Disease severity ranged from trace to 64% of the combined flag and penultimate leaf area diseased, differed between cultivars, and was reduced from the check by some fungicide treatments. Yield improvement by fungicide treatment varied from 3.3 to 13.2% greater than the non-treated check. At two site-years, the split application of two half rates of fungicide resulted in the greatest yield; however, in both cases the yield benefit did not differ from a single application at the flag leaf growth stage. Cultivar selection and fungicide use under environments conducive to disease are beneficial components of an integrated leaf spot disease management program for winter wheat in western Canada.
... Adoption of no-till and the preservation of crop residues have resulted in colder and often wetter soils at planting, which can also delay seedling emergence. Integration of crop protection inputs such as dual fungicide and insecticide seed treatments can help offset weak systems comprised of poor stand establishment and lower yield performance ( Beres et al., 2016). However, challenges with cold soils extend further as it was discovered that volatilization of N can indeed occur in cold soils (Engel et al., 2011). ...
... However, ST significantly increased seedling stand density in the two winter wheat cultivars and improved yield and reduced variability of Emerson. These observations parallel other studies that report ST benefits to wheat plant density and yield ( Beres et al. 2016;Turkington et al. 2016), and may relate to enhanced resistance to abiotic stress as a response to the neonicotinoid insecticide in combination with difenoconazole. Moreover, any apparent differences observed in winter wheat plant density responses between high and low FHB sites would be an artifact of local abiotic conditions occurring throughout the winter and have less to do with direct FHB pathogen activity. ...
Field trials were conducted under natural infection and artificial inoculation from 2012 to 2014 at seven sites across the Canadian prairies to determine genetic and management effects on Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat production systems. A system of management, which consisted of (1) a control of no fungicide was compared with (2) the seed treatment (ST) thiamethoxam + difenoconazole + metalaxyl-M + S-isomer, (3) an in-crop foliar fungicide (tebuconazole + prothioconazole), or (4) ST + foliar fungicide, was integrated with four wheat cultivars of contrasting growth habits and levels of FHB resistance. Results indicated the cultivars expressing improved FHB resistance, Carberry (spring wheat) and Emerson (winter wheat), were superior over susceptible cultivars, Harvest (spring wheat) and CDC Falcon (winter wheat), in reducing Fusarium-damaged kernel (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) levels, and displayed higher yield under high Fusarium pressure. Winter wheat displayed higher overall yield, with Emerson producing the highest and most stable yields across environments. Application of foliar fungicide, with or without the ST, increased grain yield, seed mass, and test weight; and lowered FDK and DON. Seed treatment alone increased test weight, spring plant density of both winter wheat varieties, and kernel weight in Emerson. A management strategy of foliar fungicide and (or) ST + foliar fungicide generally produced higher yields with greater stability, particularly for susceptible cultivars in high FHB environments. The results of this study reinforce that integration of FHB-resistant cultivars with appropriate cultural practices is required to reduce the risk of FHB and optimize grain yield, and is further enhanced with a winter vs. spring growth habit.
... Fiebelkorn and Rahman (2016) reported significant effects of acclimation to cold temperature on different varieties of rapeseed. Beres et al. (2016) indicated that successful winter wheat management depends on seed management systems that ensure consistent, uniform stand establishment. They also showed that a high-yielding, stable system for optimum grain yield typically required high sowing densities. ...
Recent advances in agronomy include better understanding of biodiversity in the ecosystem and mechanisms of interactions between crop species. Intercropping encompasses two or more crop species growing together. Enhanced biodiversity in intercropping system can increase productivity, stability, resilience, and resource-use efficiency of the intercropped species compared to the sole-cropping. Feasibility of different wheat-rapeseed intercropping patterns were evaluated under three nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 60 and 120 kg N ha-1) across two experimental years. Besides sole-cropping of wheat (1:0) and rapeseed (0:1), three patterns of wheat-rapeseed intercropping were arranged in different ratios, including 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3. Rapeseed growth and development were influenced highly by inter-annual weather variability which resulted in low yielding in the second year of the experiment. Total cropping system performance, as indicated by dry matter (per plant and per unit area) and grain yield production, incre...
Seed treatments are commonly used to protect most major crops in the United States from seed‐ and soil‐borne pathogens. In winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) systems in the North Central United States, target pathogens include both true fungi like Fusarium spp. or Rhizoctonia spp. and oomycetes like Pythium spp. or Globisporangium spp. Potential benefits of seed treatments may include improved germination and emergence, protection against early season diseases, and improved plant vigor, but there is little recent research on the benefits of seed treatments in winter wheat in the North Central United States. Field experiments were established at 10 locations across Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of seed treatments on winter wheat yield. The trial design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Treatments were a factorial of two varieties, Harpoon and Kaskaskia, and five seed treatments, non‐treated control, Athena‐R, CruiserMaxx Vibrance Cereals, Stamina F4, and Raxil Pro MD/Shield. The variety Harpoon resulted in greater yield and lower test weight than Kaskaksia. The only seed treatment to affect yield was Athena‐R when applied to the Harpoon variety. No other seed treatment significantly impacted yield. Results of this study suggest that while seed treatments can provide yield protection, variety selection had a bigger role in overall yield potential.
Reported global reductions in cereal grain yields due to increased global average temperature combined with increasing global populations peaking near 2050 create an immediate need to increase cereal grain yield potential and reduce the yield gap between realized on‐farm grain yield and potential yield. The development of an ultra‐early planting system for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on the northern Great Plains can increase the resiliency of current growing systems to a changing climate. This was achieved through the development of a unique set of practices designed to successfully shift current wheat production systems to ultra‐early growing systems. Ultra‐early‐planted wheat‐growing systems on the northern Great Plains will provide immediate benefits to the adopting producer in the form of increased grain yield and increased grain yield stability relative to current practices. As global average temperatures warm, and atmospheric CO2 concentrations increase, the northern Great Plains region is in a unique position to potentially realize grain yield increases rather than temperature‐driven grain yield decreases. Shifting planting earlier and taking advantage of increased growing degree day accumulation and water use efficiencies while avoiding higher temperatures during sensitive physiological periods are tactics implemented in ultra‐early growing systems that will increase in importance and relevance in the next three decades as average daily temperatures increase.
A variety of products have been used on seeds to maintain or increase their grain yield potential. In this study, we evaluated the effect of different seed treatment products, such as micronutrients, polymer, fungicide, and insecticide on the yield components and grain yield of wheat. Wheat seeds of the cultivar "Tec Vigore" were subjected to 12 treatments, in different combinations, using the following protective seed products: micronutrient 1 (1% Mn, 0.1% Mo, 10% Zn), micronutrient 2 (0.3% B, 0.3% Co, 3% Zn), polymer (ColorSeed HE ®), fungicide (Vitavax ®-Thiram 200 SC), and insecticide (Cruiser ® 350 FS). At the point of physiological maturity, we proceeded with the following evaluations of the wheat crop: the number of tillers per plant, the number of fertile tillers per plant, grains per ear, the mass of grains per ear, and grain yield. Seed treatment did not affect the number of grains per ear or the mass of grains per ear. The number of tillers per plant and the number of fertile tillers per plant were higher in seeds treated with fungicide + insecticide; however, seed treatment did not significantly affect wheat grain yield.
This thesis combines optical sensors on a ground and on an aerial platform for field measurements in wheat, to identify nitrogen (N) levels, estimating biomass (BM) and predicting yield. The Multiplex Research (MP) fluorescence sensor was used for the first time in wheat. The individual objectives were: (i) Evaluation of different available sensors and sensor platforms used in Precision Farming (PF) to quantify the crop nutrition status, (ii) Acquisition of ground and aerial sensor data with two ground spectrometers, an aerial spectrometer and a ground fluorescence sensor, (iii) Development of effective post-processing methods for correction of the sensor data, (iv) Analysis and evaluation of the sensors with regard to the mapping of biomass, yield and nitrogen content in the plant, and (v) Yield simulation as a function of different sensor signals. This thesis contains three papers, published in international peer-reviewed journals. The first publication is a literature review on sensor platforms used in agricultural research. A subdivision of sensors and their applications was done, based on a detailed categorization model. It evaluates strengths and weaknesses, and discusses research results gathered with aerial and ground platforms with different sensors. Also, autonomous robots and swarm technologies suitable for PF tasks were reviewed. The second publication focuses on spectral and fluorescence sensors for BM, yield and N detection. The ground sensors were mounted on the Hohenheim research sensor platform Sensicle. A further spectrometer was installed in a fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). In this study, the sensors of the Sensicle and the UAV were used to determine plant characteristics and yield of three-year field trials at the research station Ihinger Hof, Renningen (Germany), an institution of the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart (Germany). Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was sown on three research fields, with different N levels applied to each field. The measurements in the field were geo-referenced and logged with an absolute GPS accuracy of ±2.5 cm. The GPS data of the UAV was corrected based on the pitch and roll position of the UAV at each measurement. In the first step of the data analysis, raw data obtained from the sensors was post-processed and was converted into indices and ratios relating to plant characteristics. The converted ground sensor data were analysed, and the results of the correlations were interpreted related to the dependent variables (DV) BM weight, wheat yield and available N. The results showed significant positive correlations between the DVs and the Sensicle sensor data. For the third paper, the UAV sensor data was included into the evaluations. The UAV data analysis revealed low significant results for only one field in the year 2011. A multirotor UAV was considered as a more viable aerial platform, that allows for more precision and higher payload. Thereby, the ground sensors showed their strength at a close measuring distance to the plant and a smaller measurement footprint. The results of the two ground spectrometers showed significant positive correlations between yield and the indices from CropSpec, NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) and REIP (Red-Edge Inflection Point). Also, FERARI and SFR (Simple Fluorescence Ratio) of the MP fluorescence sensor were chosen for the yield prediction model analysis. With the available N, CropSpec and REIP correlated significantly. The BM weight correlated with REIP even at a very early growing stage (Z 31), and with SAVI (Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index) at ripening stage (Z 85). REIP, FERARI and SFR showed high correlations to the available N, especially in June and July. The ratios and signals of the MP sensor were highly significant compared to the BM weight above Z 85. Both ground spectrometers are suitable for data comparison and data combination with the active MP fluorescence sensor. Through a combination of fluorescence ratios and spectrometer indices, linear models for the prediction of wheat yield were generated, correlating significantly over the course of the vegetative period for research field Lammwirt (LW) in 2012. The best model for field LW in 2012 was selected for cross-validation with the measurements of the fields Inneres Täle (IT) and Riech (RI) in 2011 and 2012. However, it was not significant. By exchanging only one spectral index with a fluorescence ratio in a similar linear model, it showed significant correlations. This work successfully proves the combination of different sensor ratios and indices for the detection of plant characteristics, offering better and more robust predictions and quantifications of field parameters without employing destructive methods. The MP sensor proved to be universally applicable, showing significant correlations to the investigated characteristics such as BM weight, wheat yield and available N.
A healthy crop growth ensures a good biomass development for optimal yield amounts and qualities. This can only be achieved with sufficient knowledge about field conditions. In this study we investigated the performance of optical sensors in large field trails, to predict yield and biomass characteristics. This publication investigated how information fusion can support farming decisions. We present the results of four site-year studies with one fluorescence sensor and two spectrometers mounted on a ground sensor platform, and one spectrometer built into a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The measurements have been carried out in three winter wheat fields (Triticum aestivum L.) with different Nitrogen (N) levels. The sensor raw data have been processed and converted to features (indices and ratios) that correlate with field information and biological parameters. The aerial spectrometer indices showed correlations with the ground truth data only for site-year 2. FERARI (Fluorescence Excitation Ratio Anthocyanin Relative Index) and SFR (Simple Fluorescence Ratio) from the Multiplex® Research fluorometer (MP) in 2012 showed significant correlations with yield (Adj. r2≤ 0.63), and the NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) and OSAVI (Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index) of the FieldSpec HandHeld sensor (FS) even higher correlations with an Adj. r2≤ 0.67. Concerning the available N (Navail), the REIP (Red-Edge Inflection Point) and CropSpec indices from the FS sensor had a high correlation (Adj. r2 ≤ 0.86), while the MP ratio SFR was slightly lower (Adj. r2≤ 0.67). Concerning the biomass weight, the REIP and SAVI indices had an Adj. r2≤ 0.78, and the FERARI and SFR ratios an Adj. r2 ≤ 0.85. The indices of the HandySpec Field® spectrometer gave a lower significance level than the FS sensor, and lower correlations (Adj. r2≤ 0.64) over all field measurements. The features of MP and FS sensor have been used to create a feature fusion model. A developed linear model for site-year 4 has been used for evaluating the rest of the data sets. The used model did not correlate on a significant de novo level but by changing only one parameter, it resulted in a significant correlation. The data analysis reveals that by increasing mixed features from different sensors in a model, the higher and more robust the r2 values became. New advanced algorithms, in combination with existent map overlay approaches, have the potential of complete and weighted decision fusion, to ensure the maximum yield for each specific field condition.
Sowing density can have a strong impact on crop stand development during wheat growing cycle. In organic and low-input agriculture, and therefore with minimum or nil use of chemical herbicides, increased sowing density is expected to affect not only grain yield but also weed suppression. In this study we tested, under Mediterranean conditions, six common wheat cultivars (three modern and three heritage) and two three-component mixtures (arranged by combining the three modern or the three heritage cultivars). The different crop stands were tested at sowing densities of 250 (low) and 400 (high, similar to standard sowing density used by local farmers) viable seeds m-2 for two growing seasons. We did not detect a significant effect of crop stand diversity (single cultivars vs mixtures) on grain yield and weed suppression. Differences were ascribed to type of cultivars used (heritage vs modern). Compared to high sowing density, in modern cultivars grain yield did not decrease significantly with low sowing density whereas in heritage cultivars it increased by 15.6%, possibly also because of 21.5% lower plant lodging. Weed biomass increased with low sowing density both in heritage and modern cultivar crop stand types. However, heritage crop stands had, on average, a lower weed biomass (56%) than modern crop stands. Moreover, weed biomass in heritage crop stands at low density (6.82 ± 1.50 g m-2) was lower than that of modern cultivars at the same sowing density (15.54 ± 3.35 g m-2), confirming the higher suppressive potential of the former. We can conclude that lower sowing density can be advisable when using heritage crop stands as it keeps productivity while decreasing plant lodging and maintaining weeds under control.
The risks of winter kill in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for the Northern Great Plains of the Canadian prairies can be virtually eliminated when using a no-till production system. Because of the needs for no-till, a re-examination of the effects of row spacing should be conducted. Narrow row spacings can cause equipment design and trash clearance problems under heavy residue. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the grain yield of winter wheat could be maintained at wider row spacings by varying seeding rates and P fertilizer and using a fungicide seed treatment. The study consisted of three separate trials that were all conducted at the Indian Head Research Farm in Saskatchewan on an Indian Head heavy clay soil (rego black chernozem Udic Haploboroll). The first trial examined eight seeding rates and the effect of the seed treatment Vitavax Dual Powder. The second trial examined three row spacings and six seeding rates for three growing seasons. The third trial involved three row spacings, three seeding rates, and three rates of seed-placed P over 2 yr. Use of the seed treatment increased grain yield by 4 to 6% in 2 of 3 yr. Optimum seeding rate was about 90 to 120 lb/acre, at which the maximum grain yield was achieved in 6 out of 8 yr. On average, the 8 and 12 in. row spacing resulted in an equivalent or higher (8%) grain yield than the 4 in. row spacing. The effect of row spacings was consistent at various seeding rates, with no row spacing x seeding rate interactions. Seed-placed P increased grain yield by 21 to 30%. In the more humid regions of the Northern Great Plains where heavy crop residue may disrupt the seeding operation, wide row spacing coupled with proper seeding rates, P fertilizer, and a seed treatment, would ensure successful winter wheat production.
CDC Buteo is a hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar that is eligible for grades of the Canada Western Red Winter Wheat class. It is an intermediate height cultivar with moderate stem and leaf rust resistance and good winter hardiness and grain yield potential. It is adapted to the western Canadian prairies where its agronomic and disease package combined with an excellent grain quality profile has resulted in wide commercial acceptance in Saskatchewan. CDC Buteo was made the wheat quality standard for the Central Winter Wheat Co-operative Registration Trials in 2008.
Canola (Brassica napus L.) is the most common dicotyledonous crop in Canada. Here we determine the effect of canola seed size and seeding rate on canola emergence, development, yield and seed weight. In 2013, direct-seeded experiments were conducted at nine western Canada locations. Four canola seed sizes (1000-seed weights ranging from 3.96 to 5.7 g) and one un-sized treatment (4.4 g average) were seeded at two rates (75 and 150 seeds m-2). Higher seeding rates led to higher canola emergence and stubble density at harvest. Higher seeding rates also increased early crop biomass, 1000-seed weights and seed oil content and reduced days to start of flowering and days to crop maturity. Seed size effects on canola emergence, yield or seed quality were not significant. Increasing seed size had a positive linear association with early canola biomass and 1000-seed weights, whereas, both days to flowering and days to the end of flowering had a negative linear association with seed size. Greater biomass from large seeds increases crop competition with weeds and also hastens flowering, shortens the flowering period and reduces the risk that canola will be exposed to high temperatures that can negatively impact flowering and pod development.
Four wheat and two rye cultivars were seeded at 2-wk intervals between 1 Aug. and 15 Oct. in five summer-fallow and two stubble-seeded trials at three locations in the north-central part of the agricultural area of Saskatchewan. Averaged over 3 yr, the optimum dates for planting both winter wheat and rye were between 15 Aug. and 1 Sept. Seeding earlier than this usually resulted in reduced yield and lower 1000-kernel weight. Later seeding usually resulted in a yield reduction, delayed heading, later maturity and reduced hectoliter weight. Reduced height in rye and reduced 1000-kernel weight in wheat were also associated with delayed seeding dates. However, exceptions to these generalizations did occur with the result that a significant trial by date of seeding interaction was recorded for all characters measured. For the optimum period for seeding, rye cultivars were higher yielding, earlier heading and maturing, taller and had lower 1000-kernel and hectoliter weight than winter wheat cultivars.Key words: Winter wheat, winter rye, yield, seeding date, maturity
Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.) were seeded into stubble the first week of September and October on four different years at a total of 11 sites in the central, eastern and northern part of the agricultural region of Saskatchewan. The average response to delayed seeding was a reduction in yield and hectolitre weight for both species. In contrast, date of seeding did not have a large influence on kernel size. A significant environmental effect was observed for all characters measured. Productivity of both wheat and rye was high when moisture conditions were adequate. Average yield of rye was higher and 1000-kernel and hectolitre weight lower than for wheat. Significant first and second order interactions demonstrated that the effects of seeding date, species and environment were not independent. These interactions were of sufficient magnitude to introduce a risk factor which should be taken into consideration when conclusions are drawn on the influence of seeding date on yield and other agronomic characters of stubble-seeded winter cereals.Key words: Triticum aestivum L., Secale cereale L., yield, hectolitre weight, kernel size, seeding date
The wheat stem sawfly [Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae)] (WSS) has been a serious pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) since the late 19th century. Adoption of solid-stemmed cultivars, which are available only in the spring bread wheat class in Canada, can mitigate damage but the trait that confers resistance tends to be variable. Five other classes of wheat are grown within the geographical range of C. cinctus and are vulnerable to WSS infestation, and the entire production area for durum (T. turgidum L.) in western Canada, Montana, and western North Dakota lies within the geographic range of C. cinctus. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the response of hollow-and solid-stemmed cultivars to sowing density (150, 250, 350, or 450 seeds m(-2)) would differ and subsequently affect infestation patterns of WSS and an endemic parasitoids. The lowest rates of infestation occurred in the hollow-stemmed durum cultivar AC Avonlea and declined with increased sowing density. Wheat pith expression was optimized at the lowest sowing density but the same level produced low and variable grain yield. In the solid-stemmed cultivar Lillian, pith expression was most stable at 250 or 350 seeds m(-2). For all cultivars, grain yield was optimized at the higher seeding rates of 350 and 450 seeds m(-2). Solid-stemmed wheat should be seeded at low to moderate density to maximize resistance to WSS, but hollow-stemmed cultivars should be seeded at higher seeding rates to optimize yield, lower WSS infestation, and to increase overall crop competitiveness.
Advances in cultivar development and the demand for winter wheat as an ethanol
feedstock has increased winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) acreage across the
Canadian Prairies. A sustainable production package is required to maintain this
renewed interest. Experiments were established in 2002–2004 at Lethbridge and
Lacombe, AB, to determine cultivar, seeding rate, and herbicide effects on weed
competition and crop yield. Treatments included a factorial combination of four
contrasting cultivars (Radiant, CDC Osprey, CDC Falcon, and CDC Ptarmigan), three
seeding rates (300, 450, and 600 seeds m-2), and two herbicide treatments (fall only or
fall plus a spring in-crop herbicide). CDC Ptarmigan yield was higher (12%) than the
other cultivars. This was expected as CDC Ptarmigan has higher yield potential, but its
ability to maintain high yields in the presence of weeds was unexpected. The yield of
CDC Falcon and Radiant was similar, but CDC Falcon had inferior weed competitive ability, as shown by yield differences, relative to the other three cultivars. CDC Osprey
yielded less than the other cultivars. Grain yield was reduced when planted at 600 seeds
m-2 by 4%, but weed biomass was less (40%). Spring in-crop herbicide application
reduced weed biomass, but the extra application did not improve grain yield. These
results suggest winter wheat yields can be maintained without added inputs of spring
herbicides, and greater stability of yield, winter survival, and competitiveness will usually
occur with increased seeding rates.
The effect of thiamethoxam on germination of soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds cv. Pintado under water deficit was studied. When used as insecticide at the recommended level (100/100 kg seeds) in the treatment of soybean seeds, thiamethoxam accelerated germination. Soybean germination
was delayed under lower water availability; however pretreatment of seeds with thiamethoxam reduced the negative effects of water deficit on such process.
Neonicotinoid insecticides control crop pests based on their action as agonists at the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which accepts chloropyridinyl- and chlorothiazolyl-analogs almost equally well. In some cases, these compounds have also been reported to enhance plant vigor and (a)biotic stress tolerance, independent of their insecticidal function. However, this mode of action has not been defined. Using Arabidopsis thaliana, we show that the neonicotinoid compounds, imidacloprid (IMI) and clothianidin (CLO), via their 6-chloropyridinyl-3-carboxylic acid and 2-chlorothiazolyl-5-carboxylic acid metabolites, respectively, induce salicylic acid (SA)-associated plant responses. SA is a phytohormone best known for its role in plant defense against pathogens and as an inducer of systemic acquired resistance; however, it can also modulate abiotic stress responses. These neonicotinoids effect a similar global transcriptional response to that of SA, including genes involved in (a)biotic stress response. Furthermore, similar to SA, IMI and CLO induce systemic acquired resistance, resulting in reduced growth of a powdery mildew pathogen. The action of CLO induces the endogenous synthesis of SA via the SA biosynthetic enzyme ICS1, with ICS1 required for CLO-induced accumulation of SA, expression of the SA marker PR1, and fully enhanced resistance to powdery mildew. In contrast, the action of IMI does not induce endogenous synthesis of SA. Instead, IMI is further bioactivated to 6-chloro-2-hydroxypyridinyl-3-carboxylic acid, which is shown here to be a potent inducer of PR1 and inhibitor of SA-sensitive enzymes. Thus, via different mechanisms, these chloropyridinyl- and chlorothiazolyl-neonicotinoids induce SA responses associated with enhanced stress tolerance.
In recent years, several methods of identifying superior genotypes in the presence of genotype–environment interaction have been proposed. Fifteen single-cross maize hybrids, originating from a 6-inbred diallel of short-season maize, were grown in yield tests over 16 environments from 1969 to 1974. Several statistical methods for measuring yield stability were applied to the data. The problems with these techniques are discussed and an alternative method is proposed, whereby genotypes are grouped on the basis of mean yield and coefficient of variation across environments. Comparisons are made among methods.
Field trials were conducted for 3 yr (2002/2003 to 2004/2005) at three locations in southern Alberta to determine the impact of seeding rate and opener type on plant stand and grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and winter triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack). Responses were determined for an optimum date of seeding in early to mid-September and for a late seeding in early to mid-October. Conditions were generally favourable for crop establishment, winter survival and growth, and average site yields ranged from 4.5 to 8.9 Mg ha(-1). The disc opener increased spring plant density by 12.5% compared with the hoe opener, but did not affect grain yield. Spring plant density was 23% lower for winter triticale than winter wheat and 20% lower for October-seeded cereals than September-seeded cereals. Late seeding reduced grain yields of winter wheat and winter triticale by an average of 18 and 11%, respectively. Increases in target seeding rates from 150 to 350 plants m(-2) (approximately 70 to 160 kg ha(-1)) did not affect grain yield and quality of September-seeded cereals, but increased grain yield of late-seeded crops by an average of 5 kg per kg increase in seeding rate. High seeding rates did not fully compensate for yield losses caused by late seeding.
Wild oat continues to reduce spring wheat yields and profits despite the wide spread use of herbicides. Further reductions in the occurrence of wild oat could be achieved with the development of competitive cropping systems. Field studies were conducted to investigate the effects of wheat seed size and seeding rate on wild oat demographic processes under a range of wild oat densities. Spring wheat competitiveness increased as seed size and seeding rate increased, significantly reducing wild oat biomass and seed production. Averaged across all other factors, spring wheat plants derived from large seed reduced wild oat panicle numbers 15% and biomass and seed production 25% compared with small seed. Increasing spring wheat seeding rate from 175 to 280 plants m−2 reduced the number of panicles 10% and wild oat biomass and seed production 20%. The combined effect of large seed plus increased seeding rate reduced wild oat biomass and seed production 45%. Results demonstrate that the use of large seed size and increased seeding rates can improve wheat competitiveness and provide an effective means to reduce wild oat biomass and seed production. Nomenclature: Wild oat, Avena fatua L. AVEFA; spring wheat, Triticum aestivum L. ‘McNeal’.
Field crop reporting series-estimates of production of principal field crops. Government of Canada
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Anonymous. 2015a. Field crop reporting series-estimates of production of principal
field crops. Government of Canada. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/22-002-x/22-002-x2011008-eng.pdf (accessed 15 Oct. 2015).
Official grain grading guide-Barley. Ch. 6. Government of Canada
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Anonymous. 2015b. Official grain grading guide-Barley. Ch. 6. Government of
Canada http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/oggg-gocg/06/oggg-gocg-6d-eng.htm
(accessed 15 Oct. 2015).
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Canadian Grain Commission. 2011. Official grain grading guide. Canadian Grain
Commission Industry Serv. http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/oggg-gocg/ggg-gcgeng.htm#d (accessed 18 January).
Agronomic performance of winter versus spring wheat
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- D B Fowler
Entz, M.H., and D.B. Fowler. 1991. Agronomic performance of winter versus
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Date of seeding, fall growth, and winter survival of winter wheat and rye
- D B Fowler
Fowler, D.B. 1982. Date of seeding, fall growth, and winter survival of winter wheat
and rye. Agron. J. 74:1060-1063. doi:10.2134/agronj1982.000219620074000
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