The trial was carried out at Vista Alegre Experimental farm, Universidad Austral de Chile, in order to determine the growth curve, yield, harvesting time, and nutrient analysis in both roots and leaves of five varieties of fodder-beet. In this study a randomized complete-block design was used and included 25 treatments, with three replications, in a 5 x 5 factorial arrangement which corresponded to five harvesting times, i.e. April, May, June, July and August, and to the following varieties: Abondo, Blanca, Jumbo, Monotoro and Polyfourra. As to determine the curve of dry matter accumulation for each variety, measurements were performed every 30 days from sowing to harvest. Nutrient analysis was carried out with both roots and leaves harvested in June. The growth curve for each variety was assessed considering the growth of leaves, roots and total growth. A regression was performed to obtain an adjusted curve for the total growth by variety. Fresh matter yield, dry matter percent and dry matter yield were evaluated according to variety and harvesting time. The nutrient analysis was carried out in relation to dry matter percent, metabolizable energy and crude protein content. From the results obtained it is concluded that maximum dry matter accumulation occurs in May for the Blanca variety and in July for the remaining ones. No interaction was found between variety and harvesting time. The best yield was obtained with the varieties Monotoro (19,89 ton/ha) and Jumbo (16,42 ton/ha) and the period ranging from May-July resulted to be the best harvesting time. All varieties showed a high energy content (3 Mcal/kg DM) and low crude protein content (10,33% on average) in roots. Leaves had a lower energy content (2,15 Mcal/kg DM) and high level of crude protein ( 20%)

The trial was carried out at Vista Alegre Experimental farm, Universidad Austral de Chile, in order to determine the growth curve, yield, harvesting time, and nutrient analysis in both roots and leaves of five varieties of fodder-beet. In this study a randomized complete-block design was used and included 25 treatments, with three replications, in a 5 x 5 factorial arrangement which corresponded to five harvesting times, i.e. April, May, June, July and August, and to the following varieties: Abondo, Blanca, Jumbo, Monotoro and Polyfourra. As to determine the curve of dry matter accumulation for each variety, measurements were performed every 30 days from sowing to harvest. Nutrient analysis was carried out with both roots and leaves harvested in June. The growth curve for each variety was assessed considering the growth of leaves, roots and total growth. A regression was performed to obtain an adjusted curve for the total growth by variety. Fresh matter yield, dry matter percent and dry matter yield were evaluated according to variety and harvesting time. The nutrient analysis was carried out in relation to dry matter percent, metabolizable energy and crude protein content. From the results obtained it is concluded that maximum dry matter accumulation occurs in May for the Blanca variety and in July for the remaining ones. No interaction was found between variety and harvesting time. The best yield was obtained with the varieties Monotoro (19,89 ton/ha) and Jumbo (16,42 ton/ha) and the period ranging from May-July resulted to be the best harvesting time. All varieties showed a high energy content (3 Mcal/kg DM) and low crude protein content (10,33% on average) in roots. Leaves had a lower energy content (2,15 Mcal/kg DM) and high level of crude protein (> 20%).

The use of visual symptoms to identify nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in plants can be improved by both their careful observation and description. This guide attempts to accurately describe symptoms of nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in wheat (Triticum spp.). An effort has also been made to develop criteria for distinguishing one nutrient deficiency or toxicity from another using these visual symptoms. Expression of visual symptoms of a nutrient deficiency or toxicity may change with the variety. Although many of the 47 photos in this publication depict a single variety subjected to various nutrient deficiencies and toxicities, it is felt that the descriptions of symptoms presented will be of considerable value for diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in other varieties of wheat. This booklet is designed as a quick guide for identifying these toxicities and deficiencies in the field. It is intended primarily for agricultural researchers, technicians, and farmers in developing countries, but also will be of value to others. The text comprises a brief description of the major nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in wheat. Color photographs, a diagnostic key for identifying deficiencies in the center of the guide, and a set of appendices complement the text as an aid to identification. Except where indicated, the photographs are provided courtesy of the authors. | iv, 76 pages

A recent 15N dilution/N balance study confirmed that certain sugar cane varieties are capable of obtaining large contributions of nitrogen from plant-associated N2 fixation. It was estimated that up to 60 to 80% of plant N could be derived from this source, and under good conditions of water and mineral nutrient supply, it may be possible to dispense with N fertilization of these varieties altogether. The recently discovered bacterium, Acetobacter diazotrophicus, apparently responsible for this N2 fixation associated with the plants, has unique physiological properties for a diazotroph, such as tolerance to low pH, and high sugar and salt concentrations. lack of nitrate reductase, and nitrogenase activity which tolerates short-term exposure to ammonium. Furthermore, it also behaves as an endophyte, in that it is unable to infect sugar cane plants unless through damaged tissue or by means of VA mycorrhizae and is propagated via the planting material (stem pieces).

The characteristics of Red-Yellow Podzolic soils include low pH, extremely low P and usually high in exchangeable aluminum. Sorghum is sensitive to acid soils high to exchangeable aluminum. Sorghum varieties differ in their response to exchangeable aluminum. To collect information on the response of sorghum varieties to lime and phosphate on acid soil high in exchangeable aluminum, a factorial pot experiment was conducted in the green house of Bogor Research Institute for Food Crops. The soil was collected from Jasinga (Bogor), acid in reaction (pH 4,32), and high in excheangable aluminum (18,7 me/100 g dry soil). Sorghum varieties Keris No.311, CS. 100 and UPLSG-5 were used as indicator plants. The treatments were without lime nor phosphate fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer without lime, and phosphate fertilizer with lime. The phosphate fertilizer rate was 100 ppm P2O5 as TSP, lime rate was 1 X exchangeable aluminum, and all treatments were applied with 200 ppm N as Urea and 100 ppm K2O as KCl. Sorghum was harvested 40 days after planting to record plant growth and nutrient absorption. Keris and No.311 varieties were responsive to phosphate and lime, plant growth and N, P, K, Ca absorption increased significantly. Keris and No. 311 varieties grew well on acid soil if fertilized with phosphate and limed. CS.110 variety did not respond to phosphate and lime and therefore not suitable for acid soils. UPLSG-5 variety was responsive to phosphate but not to liming. Plant growth and N, P, K, Ca absorption were similar to Keris and No. 311, which were fertilized with phosphate and lime. UPSLG-5 variety grew well on acid soil and therefore suitable for acid Red-Yellow Podzolic Soils.

Varietal differences of nitrate contents have been studied in the controlled hydroponic system with artificial lighting in a glasshouse and in the phytotron in the kohlrabi bulbs of growing units under the conditions of higher controlled atmosphere with normal concentrations of carbon dioxide (340 micro l/l) or at higher concentration (1,000 micro l/l). White earlier varieties exhibited lower nitrate contents than the later ripening blue varieties. The plants growing under the conditions of lower carbon dioxide concentrations had always a higher weight in comparison with the control due to the higher photosynthetic production. There were no differences found between variants with increased and normal carbon dioxide concentration in nitrate contents in the phase of plants with small undeveloped bulbs. The atmosphere enriched with carbon dioxide helped to decrease nitrate contents in bulbs in comparison with the control by 37 % in the phytotron and by 25 % in the glasshouse. The most significant decrease in nitrate contents, 57 %, however, was achieved by the elimination of nutrient solutions with nitrate contents and by their replacement by fresh water a week before harvest.

Nicotine can be produced from green tobacco for use as an environmentally sound pesticide and fodder protein. Varieties (hybrids) belonging to the species Nicotiana rustica are best for this purpose. As the results of selection, rapidly developing varieties and F1 hybrids are available where the nicotine content of the leaves is 6-8 o/o. Experiments were carried out to elaborate a new production technology for double purpose utilization. One precondition for this is the provision of satisfactory nutrient supplies and irrigation. A plant density of 60-70.000/ha proved the most suitable. The nicotine content of green tobacco harvested together with the stem, side-shoots and flowers was in excess of 2 o/o over the average of several years, while the protein was over 20 o/o and the green mass around 50 t/ha. The further chopping and pressing of green tobacco harvested as silage can be easily mechanized and the product can be successfully preserved (using Na benzoate). Calculations indicate that more than 100 kg/ha nicotine base for plant protection and pharmaceutics can be produced, while the protein yield is 15 kg/t, with an annual yield of 700-800 kg/ha.

The effectiveness of soil fertilizer application on soybean is often low. Foliar feeding is another alternative to be studied. Two experiments were carried out at Citayam experimental farm in West Java during July 1988-October 1988 (late dry season) and March 1989-June 1989 (dry season) to study foliar feeding on soybean. The experiments were arranged in split-plot design with 3 replications. During dry season 1988 the main plots were Tidar and Merbabu varieties. The subplots were Urea 50 g/1 (5 percent), Urea 100 g/1 (10 percent). Gandasil D and B 2 g/1, Gandasil D and B 4g/1, Mastofol Tristar 1 ml/l. Mastofol Tristar 4 ml/l, Sitosim 2,5 mll1, Sitosim 4 ml/l and control. During dry season 1989, the main plots were Ringgit and Kerinci varieties. The sub plot were Urea 50 g/1 (5 percent), Urea 30 g/1 (3 percent). Gandasil D and B 4 g/1, Gandasil D and B 6 g/1. Mastofol Tristar 1 ml/l, Mastofol Tristar 4 ml/l, Sitosim 4 ml/l, Sitosim 6 ml/l and control. The rates of basal fertilizer application were equivalent to 25 kg Urea, 100 kg TSP and 50 kg KCl/ha. Plot size was 4 m x 5 m with 40 cm x 12,5 cm plant spacing. The results showed that foliar application of 50 g Urea/1 (5 percent) increased dry weight of root, number of seeds and yield of Tidar variety by 15 percent. The application of Gandasil B and D 4 g/1 increased leaf area index, dry weight of nodules, dry weight of root and yield by 12 percent for Merbabu, 17 percent for Ringgit and 9 percent for Kerinci. Application of Mastofol Tristar 1 ml/l and 4 ml/l increased leaf area index, dry weight of nodules, dry weight of seeds (13 percent) and yield of Kerinci. Sitosim application 4 ml/l and 6 ml/l increased leaf area index, dry weight of nodules, dry weight of seeds (17 percent) and yield of Kerinci (12 percent). Kerinci variety was more responsive to foliar fertilizer application than Merbabu, Tidar and Ringgit varieties. Nutrient contents of Tidar and Kerinci varieties were higher than Merbabu and Ringgit varieties. Nitrogen uptake of Kerinci was highest.

The effectiveness of soil fertilizer application on soybean is often low. Foliar feeding is another alternative to be studied. Two experiments were carried out at Citayam experimental farm in West Java during July 1988-October 1988 (late dry season) and March 1989-June 1989 (dry season) to study foliar feeding on soybean. The experiments were arranged in split-plot design with 3 replications. During dry season 1988 the main plots were Tidar and Merbabu varieties. The subplots were Urea 50 g/1 (5 percent), Urea 100 g/1 (10 percent). Gandasil D and B 2 g/1, Gandasil D and B 4g/1, Mastofol Tristar 1 ml/l. Mastofol Tristar 4 ml/l, Sitosim 2,5 mll1, Sitosim 4 ml/l and control. During dry season 1989, the main plots were Ringgit and Kerinci varieties. The sub plot were Urea 50 g/1 (5 percent), Urea 30 g/1 (3 percent). Gandasil D and B 4 g/1, Gandasil D and B 6 g/1. Mastofol Tristar 1 ml/l, Mastofol Tristar 4 ml/l, Sitosim 4 ml/l, Sitosim 6 ml/l and control. The rates of basal fertilizer application were equivalent to 25 kg Urea, 100 kg TSP and 50 kg KCl/ha. Plot size was 4 m x 5 m with 40 cm x 12,5 cm plant spacing. The results showed that foliar application of 50 g Urea/1 (5 percent) increased dry weight of root, number of seeds and yield of Tidar variety by 15 percent. The application of Gandasil B and D 4 g/1 increased leaf area index, dry weight of nodules, dry weight of root and yield by 12 percent for Merbabu, 17 percent for Ringgit and 9 percent for Kerinci. Application of Mastofol Tristar 1 ml/l and 4 ml/l increased leaf area index, dry weight of nodules, dry weight of seeds (13 percent) and yield of Kerinci. Sitosim application 4 ml/l and 6 ml/l increased leaf area index, dry weight of nodules, dry weight of seeds (17 percent) and yield of Kerinci (12 percent). Kerinci variety was more responsive to foliar fertilizer application than Merbabu, Tidar and Ringgit varieties. Nutrient contents of Tidar and Kerinci varieties were higher than Merbabu and Ringgit varieties. Nitrogen uptake of Kerinci was highest.

Experiments were conducted in 1985 and 1986 to study the removal of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by three varieties of Corchorus capsularis namely CVL-1, CVE-3 and CC-45. The nutrient levels comprised of 0-0-0, 45-5-18 and 67-10-28 kg nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P, K)/ha respectively. Nitrogen and phosphorus removal were highest with CC-45 compared to CVL-1 and CVE-3 in both the years. Potassium removal was higher with CVL-1 in both the years compared to the other two cultivars. Total accumulation of nitrogen was more in leaves than that of bark and stick. Total content of phosphorus and potassium was higher in bark. The trend of removal and accumulation of N, P and K increased with the increased rates of N, P and K fertilizer application.