Mapping QTL for flowering time-related traits under three plant densities in maize

Flowering time is an indicator of adaptation in maize and a key trait for selection in breeding.The genetic basis of flowering time in maize,especially in response to plant density,remains unclear.The objective of this study was to identify maize quantitative trait loci(QTL)associated with flowering time-related traits that are stably expressed under several plant densities and show additive effects that vary with plant density.Three hundred recombinant inbred lines(RIL)derived from a cross between Ye 478 and Qi 319,together with their parents,were planted at three plant densities(90,000,120,000,and 150,000 plants ha^(-1))in four environments.The five traits investigated were days to tasseling(DTT),days to silking(DTS),days to pollen shed(DTP),interval between anthesis and silking(ASI),and interval between tasseling and anthesis(TAI).A high-resolution bin map was used for QTL mapping.In the RIL population,the DTT,DTS,and DTP values increased with plant density,whereas the ASI and TAI values showed negligible response to plant density.A total of 72 QTL were identified for flowering time-related traits,including 15 stably expressed across environments.Maize flowering time under different densities seems to be regulated by complex pathways rather than by several major genes or an independent pathway.The effects of some stable QTL,especially qDTT8-1 and qDTT10-4,varied with plant density.Fine mapping and cloning of these QTL will shed light on the mechanism of flowering time and assist in breeding earlymaturing maize inbred lines and hybrids.

Yield photosynthesis and leaf anatomy of maize in inter-and mono-cropping systems at varying plant densities

Increasing plant density can increase cereal crop yields. However, the physiological and anatomical mechanisms of grain yield increase at high plant densities in maize-based intercropping systems are not well understood. A two-year field experiment was conducted in 2018 and 2019 to investigate grain yield, photosynthetic characteristics, stomatal traits, and leaf anatomy of maize plants in an intercropping system with high plant densities. Two cropping patterns(monocropping and intercropping) and three plant densities(D1, 78,000 plants ha^(-1);D2, 103,500 plants ha^(-1);D3, 129,000 plants ha;were arranged in a randomized block design. Increasing maize plant density significantly increased maize yield, and intercropping gave a significant yield advantage over monocropping under the same plant density. Intercropping combined with high plant density increased the leaf area and SPAD value of maize,increasing the photosynthesis rates after the harvest of pea. At the twelfth leaf stage, the stomatal density and stomatal area of intercrops combined with medium plant density increased by respectively 10.5%and 18.4% relative to their values for the corresponding density of monocrops. Although leaf thickness of maize was reduced by increasing plant density, the chloroplast number and grana lamella number were higher in intercropping than in monocropping under different plant densities. These positive changes in leaf anatomy resulted in increased photosynthesis, suggesting a physiological basis for the increase in grain yield.

Evaluation of Plant Densities and Various Irrigation Regimes of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under Low Water Supply

Drought stress, during growth season along with plant density, is an important problem that needs attention. In order to investigate the influence of both factors in increasing the water use efficiency, field experiments were laid out in split-plot design at Agriculture Research Station, Collage of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, to investigate the effects of irrigation intervals viz., irrigation every (6, 9 and 12 days) under different plant densities i.e., (6, 8 and 10 plants/m2) on growth, yield and yield component parameters as well as grain quality of sorghum local variety (Gizani). Results revealed that almost all growth, yield and yield component parameters were significantly influenced by both factors as well as their interaction. Chemical composition of seeds, leaf proline content and WUE were also considered. Severe drought stress condition caused gradual decrease in most of the growth characters as compared to watered treatment and reflected in decreasing yield and yield component characters. Increasing plant densities led to raise biomass production and seed yield per unit area and not able to compensated the low number and weight of grains per panicle. Contrary, low plant density, under adequate irrigation conditions, can be compensated by a high number of grains per panicle and high weight of the grain. Maximum seed yield per hectare was recorded by the interactional effects of most watered treatments (irrigation every 6 days) and plant density of 10 plants per square meter.

Phytoremediation of PAH-Contaminated Sediments by Potamogeton Crispus L. with Four Plant Densities

In order to investigate the effect of plant density ofPotamogeton crispus L. on the remediation of sedi- ments contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a 54-day experiment with four plant densities （642, 1 604, 2 567 and 3 530 plants/m^2） was conducted. The results showed higher plant density with slower plant growth rate. Surface area per plant was the most sensitive root parameter to plant density. At the end of the 54-day experi- ment, planting P. crispus enhanced the dissipation ratios of phenanthrene and pyrene in sediments by 6.5%-26,2% and 0.95%-13.6%, respectively. The dissipation increment increased with increasing plant density. Plant uptake accounted for only a small portion of the dissipation increments. Furthermore, P. crispus could evidently improve sediment redox potentials, and strong positive correlations between root surface area and the redox potential as well as between the redox potentials and the dissipation ratios of phenanthrene and pyrene were obtained, indicating that the oxygen released by the roots ofP. crispus might be the main mechanism by which P. crispus enhanced the dis- sipation of PAHs in sediments.

Cultivation of “Roxo de Valinhos” Fig Tree in Different Plant Densities for Production of Green Figs for Industry in the Region of Campo Das Vertentes-MG

The objective of this work was to study the effect of different planting densities on the development and production of “Roxo de Valinhos” green figs for industry, in the Campo das Vertentes-MG region. The experiment was installed at the Risoleta Neves Experimental Field—CERN/EPAMIG. The plants used were three years old and were arranged in three randomized blocks, subject to three different planting densities, with spacings ranging from 1 m (4000 plants·ha-1), 1.5 m (2666 plants·ha-1), and 2 m (2000 plants·ha-1) between plants in the planting line and 2.5 m between row for all planting densities. The average length of the branches (m), average number of fruits per branch, average number of fruits per plant, average weight of fruits, average yield per plant and the average yield per hectare (kg) were evaluated. It was verified that, there were no significant differences in the length of branch and in the average weight of fruit, in the three densities of fig tree planting. (4000 plants·ha-1), the average number of fruits per branch (7.5), per plant (55.87) and yield per plant (878.93 kg) were lower, however. The average yield per hectare (3515.73 kg) was higher than in other growing densities. It is concluded that, the higher density of plants (4000 plants·ha-1), provides the highest productivity per area, without damages to the quality of the fruits.

Effect of Fertilizing Level and Planting Densities on Yield and Nitrogen Utilization in Maize

Elite maize hybrid Guidan0810 was selected as material, and the effects of fertilizing level and planting densities on yield and nitrogen utilization were dis- cussed in the study. In field experiments as per double-cropping system, 4 main plots （fertilization levels） and 6 subplots （planting densities） were set in a split plot design. The results suggested that yield had close relationship with fertilization levels and planting densities. Different fertilization levels and planting densities significantly affected yield. With the increase of nitrogen fertilization, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen agronomic efficiency and nitrogen physiological efficiency declined. Under the same fertilization level, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen agronomic efficiency and nitrogen physiological efficiency grew a little with the increase of planting density, so nitrogen efficiency could be improved by regulating planting density. The results also showed that A2 （including N 225.0 kg/hm2, P205 75.0 kg/hm^2, K20 187.5 kg/hm^2） matching to B3 （52 500 plants/hm^2） or B4（60 000 plants/hm^2） was a better design, which could obtain a higher yield in the range of 7 913.2-8 207.8 kg/hm2, respectively.

Analysis on Differences in Photosynthetic Characteristics of Korla Fragrant Pear among Different Planting Densities

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the differences in photosynthetic characteristics of Korla fragrant pear among different planting densities,providing a basis for the improvement of fruit yield and quality of Korla fragrant pear in production. [Method] The net photosynthetic rates, photoresponse curves and CO2 response curves of Korla fragrant pear under six different planting densities were determined using Li-6400 XT portable photosynthesis system. [Result] There were significant differences in photosynthetic parameters of Korla fragrant pear among six different planting densities. The net photosynthetic rate of Korla fragrant pear was highest under the planting density of 4.0 m × 6.0 m. At the planting density of4.0 m×6.0 m, when the light intensity reached 1 800 μmol/（m^2·s）, the net photosynthetic rate of Korla fragrant pear reached the peak [19.326 μmol/（m^2·s）], and the apparent quantum yield, carboxylation efficiency and dark respiration rate all reached the maximum values; at the planting density of 6.0 m ×7.0 m, Korla fragrant pear showed lower light compensation point and CO2 compensation point, but higher light saturation point. At the planting density of 3.0 m ×5.0 m, Korla fragrant pear had higher light saturation point. [Conclusion] Among the six different planting densities,Korla fragrant pear with planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m showed the highest net photosynthetic rate. It suggested that Korla fragrant pear, at the planting density of4.0 m ×6.0 m, had stronger utilization capacity for low light and low-concentration CO2. Therefore, the Korla fragrant pear with the planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m has the highest photosynthesis efficiency, and the planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m is the most ideal planting density for Korla fragrant pear.

Experimental analysis of a nitrogen removal process simulation of wastewater land treatment under three different wheat planting densities

Nitrogen contaminant transport, transformation and uptake simulation experiments were conducted in green house under three different planting density of winter wheat. They were Group A, planting density of 0.0208 plants/cm 2, Group B, 0.1042 plants /cm 2, and Group C, 0.1415 plants/cm 2. The capacity and ratio of nitrogen removal were different on three kinds of conditions of wastewater land treatment. From analysis of wastewater treatment capacity, wastewater concentration and irrigation intensity for Group C were suitable and nitrogen quantity added was 2 times of that for Group B, 2.6 times for Group A while nitrogen residue was only 7.06%. Hence, wastewater irrigation and treatment design with purpose of waste water treatment should select the design with maximum capacity, optimal removal ratio and least residue in soil, which was closely related to crop planting density, crop growth status and also background nitrogen quantity in soil.

Alterations in Growth and Yield of Camelina Induced by Different Planting Densities under Water Deficit Stress

Camelina(Camelina sativa L.)is famous for its oil quality and unique fatty acid pattern.Growth and yield of crops reduced under water deficit conditions.Environmental threat such as drought or water deficit condition is the emerging problem which creates the negative impact on the growth of plants.Based upon the current situation a pot study was performed in rain out-shelter to explore the effect of different plant densities(15,10 and 5 plants per pot)on growth and seed yield of two camelina genotypes under normal(100%WHC)and water deficit(60%WHC)conditions by using completely randomized design with factorial arrangement having three replicates.Results indicated that individual effects of plant densities and water deficit stress levels considerably influenced the growth and seed yield of camelina but interaction effects did not indicate any significant variation.Maximum values of leaf area index(LAI)and crop growth rate(CGR)were recorded in P_(3) treatment(15 plants per pot).However,maximum values of leaf area duration(LAD),net assimilation rate(NAR),yield and yield components were observed in the treatment P_(1)(5 plants per pot).Water deficit condition(60%WHC)significantly minimized the growth,seed yield(0.82 g/m^(2))and yield components of camelina genotypes.Both camelina genotypes(611 and 618)did not differ significantly under water deficit conditions.

Environmental load of solid wood floor production from larch grown at different planting densities based on a life cycle assessment

As one of the main structural units in a building,a solid wood floor has significant strategic research value for low-carbon energy saving.Taking the production line of a solid larch wood floor as a case study,we assessed the environmental load during production based upon a life cycle assessment.Using GaBi 6.0 software,we analyzed the associated carbon sequestration during floor production,with the initial planting density serving as the disturbance factor in a modular analysis.The results indicated that the cutting and finishing steps have relatively intense,negative influences on the environment,whereas transportation,ripping,and trimming do not.Additionally,recycling biomass waste has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.When the initial planting density was 3.0×3.0 m,carbon sequestration was relatively high.Although the emissions of freshwater pollutants,volatile organic compounds,and fine particulate matter（matter with a 2.5-μm diameter） were comparatively high,the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions was still excellent at this planting density.

Grain yield and N uptake of maize in response to increased plant density under reduced water and nitrogen supply conditions

The development of modern agriculture requires the reduction of water and chemical N fertilizer inputs.Increasing the planting density can maintain higher yields,but also consumes more of these restrictive resources.However,whether an increased maize density can compensate for the negative effects of reduced water and N supply on grain yield and N uptake in the arid irrigated areas remains unknown.This study is part of a long-term positioning trial that started in 2016.A split-split plot field experiment of maize was implemented in the arid irrigated area of northwestern China in 2020 to 2021.The treatments included two irrigation levels:local conventional irrigation reduced by 20%(W1,3,240 m^(3)ha^(-1))and local conventional irrigation(W2,4,050 m^(3)ha^(-1));two N application rates:local conventional N reduced by 25%(N1,270 kg ha^(-1))and local conventional N(360 kg ha^(-1));and three planting densities:local conventional density(D1,75,000 plants ha^(-1)),density increased by 30%(D2,97,500 plants ha-1),and density increased by 60%(D3,120,000 plants ha^(-1)).Our results showed that the grain yield and aboveground N accumulation of maize were lower under the reduced water and N inputs,but increasing the maize density by 30% can compensate for the reductions of grain yield and aboveground N accumulation caused by the reduced water and N supply.When water was reduced while the N application rate remained unchanged,increasing the planting density by 30% enhanced grain yield by 13.9% and aboveground N accumulation by 15.3%.Under reduced water and N inputs,increasing the maize density by 30% enhanced N uptake efficiency and N partial factor productivity,and it also compensated for the N harvest index and N metabolic related enzyme activities.Compared with W2N2D1,the N uptake efficiency and N partial factor productivity increased by 28.6 and 17.6%under W1N1D2.W1N2D2 had 8.4% higher N uptake efficiency and 13.9% higher N partial factor productivity than W2N2D1.W1N2D2 improved urease activity and nitrate reductase activity by 5.4% at the R2(blister)stage and 19.6% at the V6(6th leaf)stage,and increased net income and the benefit:cost ratio by 22.1 and 16.7%,respectively.W1N1D2 and W1N2D2 reduced the nitrate nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen contents at the R6 stage in the 40-100 cm soil layer,compared with W2N2D1.In summary,increasing the planting density by 30% can compensate for the loss of grain yield and aboveground N accumulation under reduced water and N inputs.Meanwhile,increasing the maize density by 30% improved grain yield and aboveground N accumulation when water was reduced by 20% while the N application rate remained constant in arid irrigation areas.

Leaf Photosynthetic Characteristics of High-Yield Soybean[Glycine max(L.)Merr.]Under Different Planting Densities,Different Fertilization Rates,and Single/Mixed Planting Patterns

Understanding the photosynthetic characteristics of high-yield soybean[Glycine max(L.)Merr]cultivar(HYC)would aid research aiming at investigating the soybean high yield formation mechanism and optimization of cultivation system.To assess the photosynthesis of HYC,a pot experiment was conducted to quantify the differences in photosynthetic characteristics between HYC and common-yield soybean cultivar(CC)under different planting densities,fertilization rates,and single/mixed planting patterns.The leaf greenness(Lg),net photosynthetic rate(Ph),stomatal conductance(St)and transpiration rate(Tr)were significantly higher in HYC than CC mainly in seed-filling stages.HYC was more tolerant to dense and mixed planting because the decreases of Ph and St under high planting density and those of Ph,St,and Tr under mixed planting were lower in HYC than CC.The Lg and Ph in HYC were more superior to those in CC at high fertilization rate.Thus,the HYC has a superior performance in photosynthetic characteristics under the varied cultivation practices,which may contribute to the greater seed yield in HYC than CC.

Effects of Different Planting Densities on the Yield of Rice Developed from Seedlings Dry Raised in Plug Trays

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different planting densities on rice tillering dynamics and yield. [Methods]The effects of different planting densities on rice yield were studied based on seedlings dry raised in plug trays. [Results]Planting density had obvious effects on tillering dynamics,number of panicles per unit area,number of grains per panicle and rice yield under the condition of seedlings dry raised in plug trays. Comprehensive analysis showed that the row spacing × hill spacing = 25 cm × 14 cm,that is,the planting density of 2. 85 × 10~5 hills/hm^2,achieved the highest yield,at 9 960 kg/hm^2. [Conclusions]This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing rice cultivation techniques and achieving high yield and high efficiency in rice production.

Exploring the impact of high density planting system and deficit irrigation in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.):a comprehensive review

Lessons learned from past experiences push for an alternate way of crop production.In India,adopting high density planting system(HDPS)to boost cotton yield is becoming a growing trend.HDPS has recently been considered a replacement for the current Indian production system.It is also suitable for mechanical harvesting,which reducing labour costs,increasing input use efficiency,timely harvesting timely,maintaining cotton quality,and offering the potential to increase productivity and profitability.This technology has become widespread in globally cotton growing regions.Water management is critical for the success of high density cotton planting.Due to the problem of freshwater availability,more crops should be produced per drop of water.In the high-density planting system,optimum water application is essential to control excessive vegetative growth and improve the translocation of photoassimilates to reproductive organs.Deficit irrigation is a tool to save water without compromising yield.At the same time,it consumes less water than the normal evapotranspiration of crops.This review comprehensively documents the importance of growing cotton under a high-density planting system with deficit irrigation.Based on the current research and combined with cotton production reality,this review discusses the application and future development of deficit irrigation,which may provide theoretical guidance for the sustainable advancement of cotton planting systems.

Effects of Planting Density on Yield and Mechanical Harvesting Loss Rate of Brassica napus L.

[Objective] This study aimed to explore agronomical measures to reduce the mechanical harvesting loss of rapeseed. [Method] Two rapeseed cultivars, Ningza 19 and Ningza 21, with certain pod-cracking resistance, were employed in field experiments. The two-factor split plot design and randomized complete block design were adopted. The rapeseed seeds were directly sowed with four different seeding rates （1.50, 2.25, 3.00 and 3.75 kg/hm2）. A total of four treatments were designed （112 500, 225 000, 337 500 and 450 000 plants/hm2）. After ripe, the rapeseed was harvested with harvester. Then the yield and harvesting loss rate were determined. [Result] When the planting density ranged from 112 500 to 450 000 plants/hm2, the mechanical harvesting loss rate was decreased with the increase of planting density （Ningza 19, 7.54%-4.01%; Ningza 21, 7.19%-3.81%）. The total loss rates were all below 5% for the high plant densities, 337 500 and 450 000 plants/hm2. High planting density had certain regulating effects on plant type of rapeseed, including reducing plant height, reducing biomass per plant, reducing branch pod numbers per plant, weakening crossing and tangling among stems and improving ripening uniformity of pods. All the changes above were all conducive to reducing mechanical harvesting loss. In addition, the test results showed after the pods grew to maturity, especially when pods were yellow and the moisture content in grains was reduced to 11%, the mechanical harvesting loss only accounted for about 1% of the total field loss. In addition, the shattering loss, caused by mild col- lision, represented more than 90%, and the cleaning loss, occurred during the threshing and cleaning process, represented 4%-8% of the total field loss. The un- harvesting loss accounted for approximately 1% of the total loss. The shattering loss is closely related to cultivar characteristics, planting density, production level and other agronomic factors. The cleaning loss is determined by properties of harvesting machines. The unharvesting loss depends on mechanical properties ad skills of workers or farmers who drive harvesting machines. [Conclusion] In order to reduce mechanical harvesting loss, the rapeseed production should be improved from the perspectives of agricultural machinery and agronomic measures.

Effects of Planting Density on Yield and Sourcesink Characteristics of Sweet Potato[Ipomoea batatas(L.) Lam]

[Objective] The aim was to resolve the issue of sparsely planting （37 500-40 500 plants/hm2） of sweet potato in hilly areas. [Method] The starch-oriented Jishu No.21 and raw-eating oriented Jishu No.22 were studied to explore effects of planting density on yield and sink and source characteristics of sweet potato. [IRe- suit] Leaf area index of Jishu No.21 and Jishu No.22 were increasing upon planting density. Leaf area index of the same planting density showed a single-peak curve. Specifically, leaf area index grew fast during the 40th-80th d after planting, and reached the peak on the 80th d after planting, followed by decreasing. What＇s more, ventilation and sunshine transmission both declined upon planting density, as well as the number of leaf, the number of branch, the length of vine, dry and fresh weights of stem and leaf. When planting density exceeded 75 000 plants/hm2, the yield of sweet potato dropped dramatically. Besides, the optimal planting density tended to be volatile upon cultivars. For example, the range of 45 000-60 000 plants/hm2 is the optimal planting density of Jishu No.21 and the range of 60 000-75 000 plants/hm2 is the optimal planting density of Jishu No.22. [Conclusion] It can be concluded that rational planting densities would well coordinate sweet potato growth of ground parts and underground parts to get a high yield by providing a rational group structure. Considering the optimal planting density differs upon cultivars, it is necessary to take genotype, environment, soil fertility and planting density into consideration in determining planting density.

Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Amount on Stalk Lodging-Resistance and Yield of Summer Maize in Sichuan Basin

[Objective] The experiment was conducted to explore the suitable planting density and nitrogen amount for summer maize in Sichuan Basin with the objective to provide technical reservation and scientific basis for high-yielding cultivation technique.[Method] A widely planted maize cultivar ＇Chengdan 30＇ was used as experimental material to study the effects of planting density and nitrogen amount on the stalk agronomic traits,stalk lodging-resistance mechanical characters,stalk breaking percentage and yield of maize.Experiment was arranged in a two-factor split plot design with three replicates.The planting density was the main factor with three density gradients（4.5×10^4,6.0×10^4 and 7.5×10^4 plants/hm^2） and the nitrogen amount was the second factor with two different levels of nitrogen content（300 and 375 kg/hm^2）.[Result] The stalk lodging-resistance and yield were affected by planting density significantly.The increase of planting density would result in an increase of internode length and decrease of internode diameter,dry matter weight of per unit stalk length,rind penetration strength and breaking resistance of 3rd and 4th basal internodes.When planting density increased from 6.0×10^4 plants/hm2 to 7.5×10^4 plants/hm^2,the stalk breaking percentage in the whole growing season increased by 17.17%,and the yield reduced by 17.58%.The interaction between planting density and nitrogen amount affected the stalk breaking percentage in the whole growing season and yield significantly.The treatment with planting density of 6.0×104 plants/hm^2 and nitrogen amount of 375 kg/hm^2 of pure N was an optimal combination,which may not only control the stalk breaking percentage of whole growing stage effectively,but also could obtain an optimum grain yield.[Conclusion] In Sichuan Basin,the appropriate planting density and nitrogen amount for summer maize were 6.0×10^4 plants/hm^2 and 375 kg/hm^2.

Effects of Planting Density, Duration of Disclosing Plastic Film and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Growth Dynamics of Rapeseed under No-tillage Cultivation

[ Objective] This study was to understend the optimized combination of planting density, duration of disclosing plastic film and nitrogen fertilization under no-tillage cultivation. [ Method] Quadratic polynomial regression and saturated D-optimal design were employed to investigate the effects of planting density, duration of disclosing plastic film and nitrogen fertilization on the dynamics growth of rapeseed under no-tillage cultivation.[ Result] Within the experimental range, the growth dynamics of no-tillage cultivated rapeseed assumed a rise-fall tend. For the effects to the growth dynamics of no-tillage cultivated rapeseed, nitrogen application amount was higher than planting density and duration of disclosing plastic film. The interaction effect between planting density and duration of disclosing plastic film was higher than that between nitrogen application amount and planting density, and between nitrogen application amount and duration of disclosing plastic film. [ Conclusion] The optimized combination of these factors for dynamic growth of rapeseed under no-tillage cultivation was determined to be： planting density of per hectare 154 925 individuals, duration of disclosing plastic film of 110 d, nitrogen application amount of 315 kg/hm^2.

Suitable Date of Seeding, Planting Density and Water Use Efficiency for Propagation of Stock Seed Potato in Mountainous Region of Southwest Sichuan

[Objective] The experiment was conducted to study suitable date of seed- ing and density of spring potato at the stock breeding base in Ebian County at an elevation of 1 200 to 1 500 m. [Methods] Virus-free Potato ＂Chuanyu 13＂ was used as material to study the effects of date of seeding and density on growing period, germination rate, yield and water use efficiency of spring potato in the field. [Result] With the postponement of date of seeding, the days from sowing to germination shortened, while the germination rate, the number of tubers per plant, the number of middle and small tubers in a group, yield and water use efficiency all increased. Planting density had no effects on the days from sowing to germination and the ger- mination rate, while the number of tubers per ptant, the number of middle and small tubers in a group, yield and water use efficiency increased significantly along with the increasing planting density. [Conclusion] At an elevation of 1 200 m to 1 250 m in Ebian County, the suitable date of seeding for potato was from February 9 to March 1, and the suitable planting density was 12×10^4 plants per hm^2, however, in the optimum planting density has not been found so that it needs further research,

Effects of Genotype and Planting Density on Agronomic Traits and Storage Root of Sweetpotato

The effects ol different genotypes and planting densities on main agronomic traits, storage root traits and yield were studied with 6 high-quality sweetpotato varieties as study objects by 2-factor completely random design. The results showed that there were significant differences in stem diameter, length of the longest vine and top/root （T/R） between different genotypes, T/R differed significantly under dif- ferent planting densities, and number of basal branches decreased with planting density increasing. Genotype and genotype x density showed significant or very sig- nificant effects on fresh root yield per plant, dry matter content and fresh root yield per hectare, fresh root yield per plant gradually decreased with planting density in- creasing, while fresh root yield per hectare increased with planting density increas- ing. Numbers of storage roots in different sizes of the 6 sweetpotato cultivars all exhibited an order of number of large-sized storage roots〈number of medium-sized storage roots〈small-sized storage root; and there were very significant differences in ratio of large-sized storage roots between different genotypes. The number of large- sized storage roots, ratio of large-sized storage roots and number of commercial storage roots deceased with planting density increasing, while there were no signifi- cant differences in number of medium-sized storage roots, number of small-sized storage roots, ratio of medium-sized storage roots and ratio of small-sized storage roots between different densities. Correlation analysis showed that there was signifi- cant positive correlation between number of basal branches and fresh root yield per plant; dry matter content in storage roots was in significant positive correlation with stem diameter, and in significant negative correlation with length of the longest vine; fresh root yield per hectare was in significant positive correlation with fresh root yield per plant, and in very significant negative correlation with dry matter content; and ratio of large-sized storage roots was in very significant positive correlation with number of large-sized storage root and fresh root yield per plant, and in very sig- nificant negative correlation with ratio of medium-sized storage roots and ratio of small-sized storage roots. This experiment showed that under the planting density of 7.5×104 plants/hm2, the 6 sweetpotato cultivars all reached the highest numbers of commercial storage roots and fresh root yields per hectare.