Pourazari, F., Vico, G., Ehsanzadeh, P. and Weih, M. 2015. Contrasting growth pattern and nitrogen economy in ancient and modern wheat varieties. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 851–860. Nutrient availability, especially nitrogen (N) availability, is a limiting factor for crop production in many regions of the world. Modern crop varieties often produce high yields under high resource availability, whereas ancient varieties are expected to have characteristics more suitable under low resource availability. To test this expectation, we compared the growth and N use efficiency (NUE) of some varieties of ancient hulled wheat, Triticum turgidum spp. dicoccum, and modern free-threshing wheat, T. aestivum and T. turgidum spp. durum. The wheats were grown under different nutrient fertilization (F) levels in two contrasting environments (field in Iran and outdoor growth container in Sweden). Grain yield was significantly higher in modern varieties than in ancient varieties, regardless of fertilization level. In contrast, N uptake efficiency (i.e., mean N in the plant during the main growth period over N in the initial seed grain) and grain N concentration were generally higher in the ancient varieties. Nitrogen use efficiency, defined as the ratio of the grain N content to the sown seed N content, was higher in the ancient varieties only at lower nutrient supply, because in modern varieties higher nutrient supply resulted in a marked increase in NUE through greatly enhanced grain-specific N efficiency (grain yield per mean plant N content during the main growth period). The modern varieties also showed greater fertilization responses in above-ground biomass and leaf area than ancient varieties. The results are relevant in the context of wheat breeding for nutrient use efficiency.

Brazil is the largest producer of oranges (Citrus sinensis) in the world. The nutrient management of tree orchards is designed from experiments with a limited number of varieties. This knowledge is transferred to other varieties by diagnosing tissue nutrient composition and tree demand. Compositional data analysis has been first applied to tissue analysis of agricultural crops using centered log ratios with compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND-clr). The isometric log ratio (ilr) transformation is a new approach based on binary nutrient ratios and the principle of orthogonality (CND- ilr). We analyzed eleven nutrients: nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in leaf tissue samples across 108 commercial plots (thirty-one grow Valencia, twenty-two Hamlim, twenty Pera, and thirty-five Natal). Nutrients were partitioned between macro- and micronutrients as well as anionic and cationic species. The effect size of varieties over Valencia was quantified by the mean and standard deviation of ilr values across ilr coordinates. Specific varietal nutrient profiles and ilr norms were defined. The nutrient profile of orange varieties could be classified into homogeneous groups to take advantage of fertilizer trials conducted on varieties of the same group. The Aitchison distance and a perturbation vector could be instrumental for diagnostic purposes and nutrient management.

Rice flakes of two varieties of pigmented and two varieties of non-pigmented rice harvested at soft dough and hard dough stages were observed for their nutritional value, phytochemical components and sensory characteristics and acceptability. There was a significant reduction (p 0.05) in the proximate composition, mineral contents, carbohydrate profile and phytochemical components when raw grains were processed into rice flakes. On the other hand, the low amylose and total dietary fiber contents of rice flakes from different varieties at soft dough and hard dough suggest higher glycemic index. In terms of color, aroma, flavor and appearance, Malagkit Songsong was the most preferred over other varieties. For texture, no significant difference was observed. In general, Malagkit Songsong variety of rice flakes was the most acceptable regardless of dough stage. Based on their nutrient contribution to the recommended energy and nutrient intake for Filipinos (% RENI) rice flakes made from all varieties are a source of energy, protein and zinc.

A field experiment was carried out at the Navsari agricultural university, Navsari during 2011–2012 to study the effect of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties and weed management practices on quality parameters, nutrient content and uptake by crop. The result indicated that significantly maximum protein content (21.35%) and protein yield (385 kg ha⁻¹) as well as nutrient content in seed N (3.42%), P (0.72%) and K (0.87%) in stover N (1.41%), P (0.25%) and K (1.42%) and uptake of nutrient by seed N (61.65 kg ha⁻¹), P₂O₅ (13.06 kg ha⁻¹) and K₂O (15.76 kg ha⁻¹) were recorded by treatment W2 (Weed free upto harvest- H.W. 20, 40 & 60 DAS.) as compared to unweeded (control) respectively. All varieties of chickpea found equally suitable for cultivation.

Field experiments were conducted under All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project (AICSIP) at 6 locations during rainy seasons of 2009 and 2010 in a split plot design having 3 fertility levels, viz., control (0:0:0 kg/ha of N: P₂O₅: K₂O), recommended dose of nutrients-RDF (80:40:40 kg/ha of N: P₂O₅: K₂O) and 150% of RDF (120:60:60 kg/ha of N: P₂O₅: K₂O) in main-plots, while 8 sorghum cultivars including 3 hybrids (‘CSH 14’, ‘CSH 16’, ‘CSH 23’) and 5 varieties (‘SPV 462’, ‘CSV 15’, ‘CSV 17’, ‘CSV 23’, ‘SPV 1616’) constituted the sub-plot to find out their effects on productivity and nutrient-use efficiency in rainy-season grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Results revealed that increasing levels of fertility up to 150% RDF significantly increased the grain yield (3.28 t/ha), nutrient uptake, net returns (25.97 ×10³/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.79) as compared to control. Hybrids produced 20.6% higher grain yield over varieties. Among hybrids ‘CSH 16’ (3.07 t/ha) and among varieties ‘SPV 462’ (2.56 t/ha) produced the maximum grain yields. The nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) was higher in hybrids (6.66 kg grain/kg NPK) than the varieties (5.54 kg grain/kg NPK). Increasing fertility levels from 100% RDF to 150% RDF increased the NUE of all the test hybrids, but decreased the efficiency of varieties except ‘CSV 17’.

A field investigation was carried out at Research cum Instructional Farm of IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during spring season of 2014–15 to evaluate the different varieties and nutrient management on economics of sugarcane planted in spring season. The results indicated that among the varieties significantly higher number of millable cane (75.96×10³ ha⁻¹), cane yield (97.51 t ha⁻¹), gross return (214516.80 ha⁻¹), net return (146716.30 ha⁻¹) and B: C ratio (3.16) was recorded under variety Local Rasgulla than the rest of other varieties but MSG-CoM-0265 and EG-VSI-08121 which is statistically at par with Local Rasgulla. Among the nutrient management treatments higher number of millabe cane (77.76×10³ ha⁻¹), cane yield (103.45 t ha⁻¹), gross return (227596.80 ha⁻¹), net return (159026.80 ha⁻¹) and B: C ratio (3.32) was recorded with application of 350: 100: 100 kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O ha⁻¹.

A field experiment was carried out during the winter seasons of 2004–05 and 2005–06 at Udaipur, Rajasthan on clay loam soil to study the effect of 4 balanced fertilization ((60 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ + 40 kg K₂O (NPK), NPK+40 kg S/ha (NPKS), NPK+5 kg Zn/ha (NPKZn and NPKSZn) and 3 agrochemicals (water, brassinosteroid @ 0.4 ppm and thiourea @ 1000 ppm foliar sprayed at branching and flowering) on 2 mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss.)varieties (Bio-902 and Vasundhra). Amongst varieties, variety Bio-902 accumulated significantly higher, N, P, K, S and Zn in seed, stover and total compared to Vasundhra. The addition of S, Zn and S + Zn with NPK significantly improved content and uptake of these nutrients over application of NPK alove. The highest values of N, P, K, S, and Zn uptake in seed, stover thereby total by mustard were recorded with the conjoint application of NPKSZn which were significantly higher over NPK, NPKZn and NPKS. The magnitude of increase in total uptake of N< P, K, S and Zn due to NPKSZn application were to the tune of 42.4, 51.2, 40.6, 52.1 and 72.1 percent, respectively over NPK. The foliar spray of brassinosteroid recorded significantly higher nutrient uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn in seed, stover and total in mustard over water and thiourea spray. The combined application of NPKSZn in balanced amount resulted higher net gain of nutrients in soil which helped in maintaining soil fertility.

Nutrient composition in the fruits of cultivated and wild varieties of&nbsp;M. charantia&nbsp;viz,&nbsp;M. charantia&nbsp;var.&nbsp;charantia&nbsp;and var.&nbsp;muricata&nbsp;were evaluated to prioritize the wild accessions suitable for crop improvement programme. The nutritive value of the varieties were assessed in terms of the quantity of proteins, carbohydrate, vitamins, total sugar, reducing and non-reducing sugar and minerals like Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe,Cu and Zn. The wild variety was found superior than the cultivar in terms of their nutrient content. The study recognized MC12, as the elite germplasm with highest concentration of Vit. E, B2, Cu and Ca and the accession MC10 as a rich source of carbohydrate, non-reducing sugar and Vit. B1. The accessions MC2, MC7, and MC15 were superior having higher concentration of protein, Vit. C and reducing sugar respectively. Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between fruit traits and nutrient composition. UPGMA dendrogram analysis suggests that the nutritional variation in the accessions was not determined by the fruit and seed morphology. However, a direct relationship between the nutrient contents and the fruit traits viz, fruit weight, length and fruit diameter was observed. The study recommends the accessions like MC12, MC7, MC10, and MC15 with high nutrient composition for bitter gourd breeding programme. The study emphasizes the conservation of the wild species, the rich sources of nutrients for crop improvement programme.

Comparative analyses of inherent seed nutrient composition often are used to demonstrate ‘substantial equivalence’ between genetically modified (GM) and conventionally bred oilseed varieties. Risk assessment of genetically modified crops in food and feed applications is conducted typically with whole oilseed composition information. However, it is important to evaluate the composition of processed oilseed fractions to assure that the composition of the oilseed components is not compromised during processing. Oilseed processing methods can significantly affect the nutrient quality of oilseed fractions. Although advances in oilseed processing technology help maximize the nutrient quality of the constituents of processed oil and meal, few studies have documented the degree to which individual processed fractions compare to nutrient levels in corresponding raw oilseeds. In cases where a lack of substantial equivalence is suggested, such information should reveal whether any apparent differences are attributable to genetic modification or processing technology. This investigation employs a meta-analysis of composition data from oilseeds and corresponding processed fractions that has been amassed over the last decade. Results of these analyses support the conclusion that positive associations may be expected between nutritional constituents in oilseeds and processed fractions from those oilseed samples. Therefore either source of these data may be used to establish similarities among modern crop varieties.

Bu çalışmada, topraktan B uygulamasının farklı elma çeşitlerinin (Mondial Gala ve Braeburn) B konsantrasyonuyla diğer besin elementlerine etkilerinin incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla; 0, 0.1, 0.3 ve 0.5 kg B da-1 olacak şekilde topraktan bor gübrelemesi yapılmıştır. Deneme sonunda, artan B uygulamalarına bağlı olarak yaprak B konsantrasyonları her iki çeşitte de artmıştır. Elmanın bor uygulamalarına bağlı olarak besin elementi konsantrasyonlarındaki değişim, çeşitlere göre farklılıklar göstermiştir. | In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of soil Boron (B) application on B and other nutrient concentration of different apple varieties (Mondial Gala and Braeburn). For this reason; 0, 1, 3 and 5 kg B ha-1 were applied to soil. At the end of the experiment, it was seen that leaf B concentration of both varieties increased with B applications. While leaf B concentration at control treatment was 24.6 mg kg-1 in Mondial Gala cultivar, it reached up to 36.1 mg kg-1. Also in Breaburn cultivar, leaf B concentration increased from 28.5 mg kg-1 to 44.7 mg kg-1. Variations in B and other nutrient concentrations depending on different B applications varied with varieties.