Agricultural Science Commons^™

Bio-Based Sprayable Mulch For Weed Control In Row Crop Systems, Camila Chiaranda Rodrigues

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Improving current crop productivity levels requires transformative advancements in management, engineering, and science. One of the main challenges is the increasing difficulty of weed management due to herbicide-resistant weeds. There is a growing need for alternative weed management methods to reduce pesticide use and improve environmental safety. An emerging technology that is being developed is spray-on films which could help address these challenges. Spray-on films are liquid solutions that after spraying on the soil will dry and form a physical barrier. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a chicken feather bio-based sprayable mulch film …

Assessing The Above- And Belowground Productivity Of Fall-Planted Cover Crop Cultivars In Nebraska's Diverse Ecoregions, Bridget Mckinley

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Cover crops (CC) provide essential ecosystem services including soil conservation, nutrient cycling, and weed suppression, through the accumulation of aboveground (AGB) and belowground (BGB) biomass. While AGB has been widely studied, BGB contributions, particularly root development and distribution, remain less understood. This study evaluated fall-planted CC across three Nebraska ecoregions, assessing AGB productivity, BGB biomass, and correlations between ground cover, plant height, and AGB.

Thirty treatments, including grasses, legumes, brassicas, and mixtures, were evaluated over two fall growing seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at three UNL research centers in northeast, west central, and west Nebraska. AGB was highest at west site …

Adopt-A-Trap To Help Detect European Wasps, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Early detection of European wasp is important to prevent the spread and establishment of nests, and the Adopt-a-trap program is a key part of annual European wasp surveillance.

The department intensively traps the highest risk areas of the state, but the Adopt-a-trap program can extend surveillance beyond these areas and into the regions to enhance community surveillance.

The trapping method used in the Adopt-a-trap program is very successful in catching European wasps. They address the wasps’ sense of smell and foraging habits to find food. Trapped wasps are useful in alerting us to the presence of a nearby nest — …

Rabbit Control: Warren And Harbourage Destruction, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

If correctly and appropriately undertaken, the destruction of rabbit warrens, or modification of the habitat so it becomes less favourable to rabbits, can be an important and effective part of reducing the impacts of rabbits.

Destruction of warrens can improve the overall effectiveness of rabbit control programs, even though many rabbits live and shelter above-ground under bushes, and in scrub). If undertaken properly, the ripping of rabbit warrens can often provide a relatively permanent and long-term benefit. Similarly, removing or modifying other forms of rabbit-harbourage (for example, removing rock piles) can help, particularly in semi-urban areas or on smallholdings.

Rabbit Fencing To Protect Crops And Pastures, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet outlines the use of fencing to protect crops and pasture from rabbits.

Rabbits cause an estimated loss of $217 million each year to Australian agricultural production and cause significant environmental damage. In Western Australia (WA), areas of native vegetation, particularly on sandy ridges that would otherwise be subject to wind erosion, have been retained on farms. Bush remnants are a major refuge habitat for rabbits, which can cause considerable damage to nearby pastures and crops. A measure of rabbit control can be achieved by poisoning around bush remnants in late summer or autumn, prior to seeding. To be …

Yellow Crazy Ant, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are believed to be native to west Africa or Asia. They are not present in Western Australia (WA) and are prohibited.

Yellow crazy ants were first observed in Australia in the early 1900’s on the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Christmas Island, where they have now caused a massive decline in the population of iconic red crabs. More recently, they have been recorded in Queensland, the Northern Territory (NT), and New South Wales (NSW).

Gorse And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant with links to requirements that landowners/occupiers must adhere to, pest control methods and how to search, detect and report it.

Gorse is a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) present in Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory; it is not present in the Northern Territory. Gorse is a declared pest plant in WA.

European Wasp: Declared Pest, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The European wasp is one of the worst wasps in the world — harmful to people, outdoor lifestyles, and horticultural and agricultural industries. Early detection of wasp activity is critical to prevent the wasp establishing in Western Australia (WA). This is achieved via collaboration between residents, businesses, industry, and government.

European Wasp Information For Local Government, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The department’s European wasp surveillance and eradication program is a yearly campaign, aimed at detecting the presence of this destructive pest as early as possible so that nests can be found and eradicated.

The continued success of European wasp surveillance and eradication program relies on surveillance in metropolitan Perth and regional areas, strong community awareness, and participation between residents, business owners, community groups, industry, and government.

Confined Paddock Feeding And Feedlotting Of Sheep, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Confinement feeding (also referred to as lot feeding or feedlotting) is an intensive feeding system in a confined area where all, or the majority of, feed and water is supplied to the contained animals. The department recommends using confinement feeding as part of a whole farm livestock, pasture and erosion management program.

We recommend having a confinement feeding system as an integral part of a whole farm livestock, pasture and erosion management program. Guides and resources that provide more detailed information are listed at the bottom of this fact sheet.

Sheep Feed Value Guide, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Sheep are supplementary fed for either survival or production purposes. Efficient supplementary feeding should aim to supply sheep with a diet that is sufficient in digestible energy and protein. We recommend testing feedstuffs, although the feed tables supplied here can be used to help roughly estimate the amount of grain and fodder required.

Knowing the value of different feedstuffs is critical when making decisions about livestock nutrition, for survival, maintenance and growth.

Supplementary feeding is a key part of a Western Australian (WA) sheep enterprise because most sheep systems are on annual pasture which is dry over the Mediterranean summer. …

Evaluation Of Dual Purpose Canola And Cereals Grazed With Cattle, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducted research to investigate and demonstrate the importance of dual-purpose crops (canola, wheat and barley) to improve the feed availability for cattle (in late autumn to early winter) in mixed farming systems of the high rainfall environment of Western Australia (WA).

The grain yield of a wide range of canola and cereal varieties sown in mid-April were unaffected by the grazing of cattle at a stocking rate of 20 to 22 dry sheep equivalent (DSE) per hectare (ha) for up to 4 weeks at Esperance in 2011.

The grazed crops yielded the …

Improving Rice Yield Using Sensor Based Nitrogen Application And Best Management Practices (Bmps) In Rice-Soybean And Rice-Crawfish Rotational Systems, Charles Darnall

LSU Master's Theses

Sustainable rice farming requires effective nutrient management and conservation practices to maintain high yields and minimize environmental impact. Implementing best management practices (BMPs) promotes lower fertilizer application rates, increased N use efficiency, improves soil health, and water quality. Demonstration fields established in two different rotational cropping systems (rice-soybean and rice-crawfish) in Kaplan, LA in 2023. In each rotation system, the benefits of BMPs (sensor based mid-season N management and cover cropping) compared to farmer’s practice (FP) were evaluated using yield, yield components, soil and water quality as metrics. The rice-soybean fields in 2023 and 2024 were both planted with PVL03 …

Effect Of Crop Age On Seed Yield Of Arachis Pintoi At Two Sites In Costa Rica, Pedro J. Argel, Alfredo Valerio

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Arachis pintoi is a forage legume well adapted to the humid tropics of Costa Rica. Seed production studies were carried out at two contrasting localities within the country, Gulipiles (very humid tropics) and San Isidro (seasonal evergreen tropical forest). The accessions CIAT 18748, 18744 and 17434 cv. Amarillo of A. pinloi were vegetatively planted at both sites. Seed yields were measured at 8, 12, 16 and 20 months post- planting inGulipiles, and at·8, 16 and 20 months in San Isidro. Mean seed yields among accessions were similar in San Isidro but significantly different in Gulipiles; however, the contrary occurred in …

Efficient Nitrogen Fertilization In Grass Seed Crops With Regard To Soil Mineral Nitrogen Content And Analyzing Grass Tillers In Spring, W Schoberlein, H J. Wahl

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

When applying the Nmln method in grass seed crops analogously lo that in cereal crops we proceed from the experience that for a mean level of mineralisation, the sum total of soil-borne Nm1n available to plants at the beginning of the growth period and Nd Input in the form of fertiliser will provide sufficient N to the crop. The total quantity of mineral soil-borne N and fertiliser N is considered as the nominal value. The required N input can be derived from the difference between nominal value and mineral soil-borne N (Nd = nominal value• Nrnin>· For Dactylis glomerata …

Effects Of Aneuploidy On Seed Production In Autopolyploid Forage Crops, A Elgersma

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Between the selection of a population and its commercial use, several generations of multiplication are necessary. The essential feature in variety maintenance is that no genetic changes occur during multiplication. In seed-propagated species, however, during each multiplication cycle natural selection takes place at ihe gamete, zygote, seed and plant level. In induced autopolyploids high frequencies of aneuploids can occur. Aneuploidy not only affects the seed yield level, but also the selection processes that occur during multiplication. It may cause genetic shift and affect variety stability. Species differ in their tolerance to aneuploids. It is not possible to eliminate aneuploidy by …

Effects Of Ratooning And Protection From Diseases And Birds On Seed Production In Guinea Grass, Okoro Oji, F N. Madubuike, F.O C. Ezedinma

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Effects of ratooning and protection from diseases and birds on seed production in guinea grass (Pannicum maximum L.) were assessed in a study from October 1986 to April 1987. Treatments included ratooning and mancozeb application with or without protection from birds (netting). Highest yield occurred with combined netting and mancozeb application. Mancozeb sp,aying without netting gave lower seed yield than netting without fungicide spraying. Seed yield, which generally decreased with ratooning, was lowest among unnetted and unsprayed crops. Prom anthesis to seed maturation lasted, on average, 9 days, and seeds borne on the upper part of the panicle matured …

Potential For Improved Honey Bee Pollination Efficiency From Easy-To-Trip Lucerne, L R. Teuber, E E. Knapp

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The principal pollinator of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in California, USA is the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.). However, honey bees are notoriously inefficient pollinators of lucerne because they learn to avoid tripping the floret. Easy-to-trip lucerne florets could reduce this problem. These studies were designed to determine the inheritance of ease of tripping and assess the effect of ease of tripping on the rate of outcrossing. Both additive and digenic variance for ease of tripping were significant, resulting in a heritability of 34.0:1:16.2%. Ease of tripping had no influence on outcrossing rate, which was estimated to average …

Effect Of Final Cutting For Fodder On Seed Yield And Seed Quality In Berseem, S L. Saini, R K. Chowdhury

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The study was conducted to determine the appropriate time of final culling (closing) for fodder to optimise the seed yield and seed quality in berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Based on 2 years' experimentation, the maximum seed yield was obtained when the final cut for fodder was taken in mid•March and the crop was then closed for seed. Seed yield was reduced drastically when the final cut was delayed to late March•April. The seed quality parameters of standard germination, seed weight and vigour index were also reduced when the final cut for fodder was delayed to late March•early April. Based …

Effect Of Post-Harvest Management Practices On Seed Yields On Fine-Leaf Fescue, Gale A. Gingrich, William C. Young Iii, Thomas B. Silberstein

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Public opposition and legislative actions have restricted the practice of open-field burning of grass seed fields in Western Oregon's Willamette Valley. Finding economically acceptable alternatives to straw residue removal has become a priority for valley grass seed growers. Trials using 4 residue management practices were established on 2 commercial fine fescue (Festuca rubra) seed fields. Seed yields varied significantly between residue management practices. Seed yields from thermal-treated plots were equal or significantly greater than yields from the non-thermal treatments. Fertile tiller number was also greater with thermal treatments. Most fine fescue fields produce 4-6 seed crops before replanting, …

Floret Site Utilization Of White Clover, A H. Marshall, D H. Hides

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Plants of white clover (Trifolium repensL.) cv. Olwen were grown in an open glasshouse at 20°C and ovule growth and development measured. Differences in the rate of growth of ovules within ovaries were observed as early as 2 days after pollination. Ovules reached a maximum size after 8 days, with the smallest only half the size of the largest. After 8 days the smallest ovules became flaccid and shrivelled. Ovule position within the ovary had no effect on the frequency of seed set. Inflorescence position and floret position on the inflorescence had a significant effect on the number …

Influence Of Harvest Date On The Yield And Quality Of Seed Of Phalaris, K Reddy, W R. Scott, R J. Lucas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands Maru phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L,) was harvested every third day commencing 12 days after mid-anthesis (DAA) to define the optimum time of harvest for seed yield and quality. Harvesting earlier than 21-24 DAA reduced 1000-seed weight and viability. Delaying harvest until 24 days reduced seed yield due to shattering but had no detrimental effect on seed weight and viability. Heavy seed losses occurred 24 DAA when seed moisture fell below 40%. The results of this experiment suggest that Maru phalaris should be harvested 21-24 DAA when the seed moisture is in the range of 40-42% to reduce the …

Annual Bluegrass And Rat's Tail Fescue Control In Perennial Ryegrass, M E. Mellbye, William C. Young Iii, George W. Mueller-Warrant

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Annual bh1egrass (Poa annua L.) and rat's-tail fescue (Vulpia myruros (L.) C.C. Omel.) are common weed contaminants in seed from perennial ryegrass fields Lolium perenne L. grown in Oregon. A trial was conducted to evaluate post-harvest residue removal methods and herbicides to reduce the level of these impurities. The best weed control was obtained from herbicides following crew-cut management, a comparatively thorough non-thermal nppronch to residue removal. Control was good with sequential herbicide treatments, especially when an effective pre-emergence herbicide such as pendimethalin was used, although no treatment completely eliminated annual bluegrass and rat's-tail fescue from threshed seed samples …

Flowering And Seed Production Of Centrosema Spp. In Relation To Day Length And Temperature, R.J M. Gonzalez, R J. Clements, L R. Humphreys

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effcc1s of variation in daylength and temperature on the flowering processes leading to seed production were studied in genotypes of 5 Centrosema spp. Short days (11 h) enhanced flowering in accessions of C. virginatum from low latitude but flowering of lines from high latitude was more prolific in 16-h days. A quantitative long-short day response was evident in 2 intermediate latitude accessions. The critical photoperiod for flowering·varied: C. virginianum cross 31 flowered in 13.5 h or less, C. pubescens, C. pascuorum and C. macrocarpum in 12 h or less, and C. schiediam Oowcred only in a 10.5 …

Herbicide Treatments For Non-Thermal Grass-Seed Production, George W. Mueller-Warrant, William C. Young Iii

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Legislation phasing down open-field burning in the Willamette Valley of Oregon is forcing grass seed growers to alter crop production piactices. Adoption of new mechanical means for straw removal has increased reliance on herbicides. Volunteer seedling control and crop tolerance for 15 herbicide treatment sequences were evaluated in established tall fcscue (Festuca arundinacea) and perennial ryegrass (Lolimn perenne) stands during 2 growing seasons using 5 methods of residue removal. Pre-emergence pendimethalin was extremely safe yet fairly effective on volunteer seedlings in both crops. For perennial ryegrass subsequently treated with post-emergence herbicides, pre-emergence metolachlor was slightly more …

A Development Scale For Perennial Ryegrass, Miriam L. Martin, Roger J. Field

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Vernalised plants of perennial ryeg ra ss (Lolium prenne L. cv. Orasslonds Nui) were grown under controlled conditions and apical development followed by regular excision of apices, which were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. A 12-point scale describing apical development from the vegetative stage to ear emergence has been produced that is presented in 2 forms: a developmental sequence describing organogenesis events at specific stages, and a commentary on easily recognised features of each stage. The developmental scale provides a detailed analysis that is of value as a botanical description and as a practical aid to those involved …

Seed Yield Potential Of White Clover: Characteristics, Components And Compromise, P.T P. Clifford, I J. Baird

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nd relationship between leaf size and any of the measured variables was found for 63 agronomically superior white clover (Trifolium repens L.) plants of relatively diverse morphological and physiological characteristics, Predominantly crown-flowering plants gave more than double the seed yield of stolon-lip 'flowerers. High seed yields were also associated with delays in peak flowering, harvest date and increased harvest dry matter. Similar associations were evident for inflorescence density. Increased dry matter accumulation was associated with increases in both floret numbers and seeds/ inflorescence.

Studies In Germination And Thousand-Seed Weight In Chicory Cv. Grasslands Puna, W J. Archie, J S. Rowarth, B R. Guy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A strong, positive correlation was found between 1000-seed weight (TSW) and germination in chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) cv. Grasslands Puna. Low TSW tended to be associated with empty or immature seed; empty seed was associated with exclusion of bees. No significant differences in seed characteristics were found between seeds harvested from different positions (top, middle or bottom third) on the plant. Optimum harvest lime was 4 weeks after peak flowering.

Seed Production Of Plantain (Plantago Lanceolata L.), J S. Rowarth, M P. Rolston, W J. Archie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Seed development studies showed that seed maturity in plantain (Plantago lanceolata L,) occurred 6 weeks after anthesis; maximum seed yields were obtained 8 weeks after anthesis. This is consistent with the fact that seed heads take approximately 17 days to complete flowering. Fertiliser nitrogen increased plantain seed yield. Time of closing, timing of nitrogen application and different stand densities did not significantly affect seed yield, probably because plantain can adapt to and compensate for the treatments imposed.

Reproductive Initiation, Closing Dates, Nitrogen Requirements And Harvesting Of Smooth Brome Cv. Grasslands Tiki, J S. Rowarth, W J. Archie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Reproductive initiation, closing dates, nitrogen requirements and optimum harvest time were investigated for seed production of Grasslands Tiki smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) in the South Island of New Zealand. Reproductive initiation began in late June, spikelet initiation in mid-September and ear-emergence in mid­October. Seed yield was not affected detrimentally by mowing to 5 cm in mid-September but decreased 24% by mowing in mid-October. Seed yield tended to increase with increasing amounts of N. However, although the highest seed yields were achieved with 50 kg/ha of N in autumn plus I 00 or 150 kg/ha in spring, they did not …