Phosphate Biofertilizer, Row Spacing and Plant Density Effects on Corn (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) Yield and Weed Growth

A field study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran to investigate the effects of phosphate biofertilizer, row spacing and plant density on corn yield and weed growth. The experiment was a factorial with three factors arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was phosphate biofertilizer (inoculation and non-inoculation), the second was row spacing (conventional (75 cm) and reduced (50 cm)) and the third was plant density (66,666 plants·ha–1 (conventional plant density) 83,333 and 99,999 plants·ha–1 (1.25 and 1.5 times the conventional plant density, respectively)). Results indicated that corn yield and weed growth were significantly influenced by row spacing and plant density. So that, corn yield improved and weed biomass diminished in response to increasing plant density and decreasing row spacing. However, phosphate biofertilizer had no significant effect on corn yield, whereas, weed biomass was notably increased when phosphate biofertilizer was applied. Overall, this study revealed that both yield and weed control in corn field can be improved by alteration of the planting arrangement.

Effects of Plant Density on Forage Nutritive Value of Whole Plant Corn

In the field experiment, the effects of plant densities (75 000, 112 500 and 150 000 plants ha-1) on forage nutritive value of whole plant corn (WPC) were studied from 1999 to 2001. The results demonstrated that with the increasing of plant density, the forage matter yield per plant corn decreased significantly, while the fresh matter and dry matter per hectare corn increased significantly, and a higher grains yield was gotten at higher plant densities. Forage nutritive quality of whole plant corn was changed as plant density increased, the crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and general energy (GE) yields increased obviously. Increas- ing plant density reasonably with the application of plant growth regulators could improve plant properties, harvest more forage matter, and enhance forage nutritive value of WPC.

Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria at Various Nitrogen Rates on Corn Growth

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) colonize plant roots and promote plant growth by producing and secreting various chemical regulators in the rhizosphere. With the recent interest in sustainable agriculture, an increasing number of researchers are investigating ways to improve the efficiency of PGPR use to reduce chemical fertilizer inputs needed for crop production. Accordingly, greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of PGPR inoculants on biomass production and nitrogen (N) content of corn (Zea mays L.) under different N levels. Treatments included three PGPR inoculants (two mixtures of PGPR strains and one control without PGPR) and five N application levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended N rate of 135 kg N ha&#8722;1). Results showed that inoculation of PGPR significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and root morphology of corn compared to no PGPR application under the same N levels at the V6 growth stage, but few differences were observed at the V4 stage. PGPR with 50% of the full N rate produced corn biomass and N concentrations equivalent to or greater than that of the full N rate without inoculants at the VT stage. In conclusion, mixtures of PGPR can potentially reduce inorganic N fertilization without affecting corn plant growth parameters. Future research is needed under field conditions to determine if these PGPR inoculants can be integrated as a bio-fertilizer in crop production nutrient management strategies.

Pig Compost Use on Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Soils and Corn Plants

The use of pig compost (PC) in agricultural land has increased in Chile in the last years. This organic amendment is a valuable nutritional source for crops, but its applying must be done in a controlled manner since it exhibited high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. A short-term field experiment was conducted out to study the effects of increasing PC rates on the production and quality corn crop in two soils located at south central Chile. Five treatments were evaluated: control without fertilization (C), conventional fertilization (CF) (350 kg N ha-1), and three increasing PC rates (15.33, 30.65, and 61.31 Mg&middotha-1, corresponding to 350, 700, and 1400 kg N ha-1, respectively) in a split plot design with four replicates. The overall results indicated that dry matter production, grain yield, and plant Zn and Cu concentrations were similar among fertilization sources and rates. Extractable soil Zn concentration exhibited a rate-related increase of PC in both locations, while Cu concentration exhibited this behavior only at the soil located in Chillan. Nevertheless, the values obtained were below of those considered phytotoxic levels. Therefore, the contribution of Zn and Cu through PC applying at different rates to the soils studied showed a slight affect in soil extractable Zn and Cu values without negatively effects on quantity and quality corn crop. The organic amendment applied can be a good and cheaper substitute to conventional fertilization, although further monitoring of Zn and Cu soil levels should be carried out to avoid any environmental risk.

Relationship of late-season ear leaf nitrogen with early- to mid-season plant height of corn

Nitrogen concentration in the ear leaf is a good indicator of corn (Zea mays L.) N nutrition status during late growing season. This study was done to examine the relationship of late-season ear leaf N concentration with early- to mid- season plant height of corn at Milan, TN from 2008 to 2010 using linear, quadratic, square root, logarithmic, and exponential models. Six N rate treatments (0, 62, 123, 185, 247, and 308 kg·N·ha-1) repeated four times were implemented each year in a randomized complete block design under four major cropping systems: corn after corn, corn after soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], corn after cotton [Gossypium hirsutum (L.)], and irrigated corn after soybean. The relationship of ear leaf N concentration determined at the blister growth stage (R2) with plant height measured at the 6-leaf (V6), 10-leaf (V10), and 12-leaf (V12) growth stages was statistically significant and positive in non-irrigated corn under normal weather conditions. However, the strength of this relationship was weak to moderate with the determination coefficient (R2) values ranging from 0.21 to 0.51. This relationship was generally improved as the growing season progressed from V6 to V12. Irrigation and abnormal weather seemed to have adverse effects on this relationship. The five regression models performed similarly in the evaluation of this relationship regardless of growth stage, year, and cropping system. Our results suggest that unlike the relationship of corn yield at harvest with plant height measured during early- to mid-season or the relationship of leaf N concentration with plant height when both are measured simultaneously during early- to mid-season, the relationship of late-season ear leaf N concentration with early- to mid-season plant height may not be strong enough to be used to develop algorithms for variable-rate N applications on corn within a field no matter which regression model is used to describe this relationship.

Nutrient Content in Soils and Adaptability of Corn in Yuanzhou District,Guyuan City

[Objective] The aim was to research rational fertilization of corn in Yuanzhou District, Guyuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Method] Nutrient con- tents in soils in Yuanzhou District were measured with conventional analysis method and the suitable fertilization scheme of corn growth was proposed based on fertiliz- er-application rule of corn growth and nutrient balance. [Result] Soil in farmlands in Yuanzhou District was of alkalinity; organic matter, N, P and Zn were shortage; S was extremely insufficient; Fe and Mn were moderate; K was abundant; Cu would satisfy crop growth, [Conclusion] The research provides references for yield increase, reduction of chemical fertilizer and related pollution for corn growth.

Field Evaluation of the Asian Corn Borer Control in Hybrid of Transgenic Maize Event MON 810

In this study, a transgenic Bt maize hybrid (event MON 810 from Monsanto Company) expressing Cry1Ab protein derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its negative isoline hybrid were evaluated for control of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in a field trial. Maize plants were artificially infested with neonate larvae of Asian corn borer at the mid-whorl (first-generation), pre-tassel (first- and/or second-generation), and silk (second-generation) growth stages. The transgenic Bt maize hybrid sustained significantly less leaf feeding damage (rating 1.0±0.0) than its negative isoline control (rating 7.3±0.1). With the Bt maize, 1.36.8% of plants were damaged by corn borer tunneling with <0.5 cm tunneling per stalk under different levels of infestation, compared with 100% of plants damaged with 9.325.0 cm tunneling per stalk for the negative isoline control. On average, transgenic Bt maize hybrids had only 0.010.05 tunnels per stalk and no stems were broken. In contrast, the negative isoline control had 3.118.36 tunnels per stalk and 31.273.9% of stems broken. Yields were significantly higher in transgenic Bt maize than in the control. These results demonstrate that transgenic Bt maize can significantly minimize yield losses caused by the Asian corn borer through resistance to the first- and second-generation larvae.

Study on the Theory and Technology of High Yield Culture of Compact Corn

Using the split plot and multi-quadric regressive orthogonal cross-course rotary combination design, corn variety Denghai 6’s yield and yield components, important colony quality and physiological index, microclimate index in field and technical planting for high yield were studied. Cultivation for high yield showed that Denghai 6 had the great potential of increase yield. The average yield of two years was

Factors Impacting Corn (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) Establishment and the Role of Uniform Establishment on Yield

Information from actual farm fields can help corn producers understand the value and importance of establishing uniform crop emergence and within-row plant spacing. Thirty-eight fields planted with corn (Zea mays L.) by North Dakota producers were evaluated to determine the effects of uneven plant emergence timing and within-row plant space variability, as well as identifying contributing factors. Rows within a planter’s width with the most variability yielded 6% less than the least variable rows. Individual ear weights decreased as the number of days after normal emergence (date when 50% of plant stand emerged) increased. Ears next to within-row gaps (>30.5 cm) weighed 11% more than the normally spaced plants. Combined ears from both plants situated <5.1 cm apart weighed 36% more than from a single ear from normally spaced plants. Surface residue and planting speed impacted stand establishment variability more often than other factors measured. Producers should assess each field environment individually in order to identify best practices to achieve uniform stand establishment.

Influence of late emerging weeds in glyphosate-resistant corn

Fifteen field trials were conducted from 2009 to 2011 in Ontario, Canada and Michigan, USA to determine how long glyphosate-resistant corn needs to be kept weed-free after emergence to prevent yield loss. Data were separated into two environments based on when yield loss first occurred after glyphosate application. In Environment 1 (4/15 sites) yield was not reduced when corn was kept weed-free until the 4-leaf stage. However, in Environment 2 (11/15 sites) there was no yield loss when corn was kept weed-free up to the 2-leaf stage. The most prominent weeds were velvetleaf, redroot pigweed, common ragweed, common lambsquarters and foxtail species. While later emerging weeds did not necessarily impact corn yield, weeds emerging after the 2- and 4-leaf corn stage likely produced seed that was added to the soil seed bank. Weeds emerging after 6-, 8-, and 10-leaf corn growth stages were small (low biomass/seedlings) and most likely did not reach reproductive maturity. Based on this research, corn must be maintained weed-free up to the 4-leaf stage. Any weeds emerging after that did not influence corn yield.

Study on Differentiation of Growing Points in Corn Sprouts into Multiple Stems

[Objectives] This study was conducted to improve the efficiency of genetic transformation using growing points of corn sprouts. [Methods] A mixed liquid of plant hormones 6-BA and KT at a suitable concentration and ratio was added dropwise to the growing points of corn sprouts, followed by culture under appropriate conditions. [Results] Corn sprouts could be induced to form multiple plants, thereby improving the transformation efficiency of growing points in corn sprouts. [Conclusions] This study provides a breeding method using growing points of corn sprouts as transformation receptors for direct plantlet formation without tissue culture by the Agrobacterium transgenic technology.

Design and experiment on intelligent fuzzy monitoring system for corn planters

When sowing summer corn without tillage,it is necessary to ensure that the furrow opener is free from straw congestion and that the spacing of the sowing can be adjusted according to the breeds of corn and the preset seeding rate per acre.On the basis of the structural features of newly developed no-tillage corn fertilizers,an intelligent fuzzy monitoring system for corn planters was developed in this study.The system facilitates automatic control of the spacing adjustment and the status monitor for the fertilizer tank,seed tank,and seeding orifice.According to the preset number of rows,line spacing,number of plants per acre,and seed germination rate,the control rate can be calculated through designing in surveillance software.The control rate is output to the fuzzy controller through the digital output module of the CAN bus.Fuzzy control is applied to the DC motor for stepless adjustment of the spacing.A system for video surveillance of the working status of a planter is developed for displaying a real-time video image of the planter operation and achieving an anti-congestion status monitoring of a no-tillage planting operation in a dusty environment.Through field trials,the detection accuracy was 91.4%.The seed-clogging fault-alarm accuracy was 96.0%.The entire system remained stable and reliable.

Development of seeder for mixed planting of corn and soybeans

Corn and soybeans should be sown between 5 cm and 10 cm apart in mixed cultivation to increase protein content and improve productivity of the forage.However,existing sowers cannot plant at intervals of less than 20 cm.Consequently,mixed cultivation of corn and soybeans is currently performed by first sowing corn seeds with a tractor and then manually planting soybean seeds.This method results in irregular intervals between the seeds,it is laborious and time consuming.This study aimed at developing a seeder that can simultaneously,precisely and efficiently plant corn and soybean.The geometrical and rheological properties of corn and soybeans were initially measured.The seed conveying equipment were designed using the EDEM software.The sowing interval between seeds,depth of soil over planted seed,and sowing performance were analyzed.The EDEM simulation results indicated that a 6-mm-wide and 3-mm-deep grooved seed-delivering roller had the highest particle mobility of the designs considered,with a 2.5%misplanting rate.A performance test showed that no misplanting occurred in the sections sowed with soybean seeds at a seeding interval that averaged 32 mm(321 seeds sown in 10 m)and that misplanting occurred in one section sowed with corn at a seeding interval that averaged 247 mm(40 seeds sown over 10 m).The sowing efficiency for both corn and soybeans was found to be 0.42 h/hm2.The average depth of soil over seed was 32.7 mm for soybean and 39.7 mm for corn.These average depths are within the stipulated range for the depth of soil over seed,which is 5 to 10 times the seed size.This study developed an efficient seeding machine that can simultaneously plant soybean and corn precisely,consequently improving forage yield and saving man-hours.

Father of Hybrid Rice Plants Corn

New joint venture strengthens China’s position against international seed companies Yuan Longping Hi-Tech Agriculture Co.Ltd.(Longping Hi-Tech),named after the father of hybrid rice in China,announced on February 10 the establishment of a joint venture(JV) with a subsidiary of Vilmorin & Cie.

How plant density affects maize spike differentiation, kernel set, and grain yield formation in Northeast China?

A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant density on tassel and ear differentiation, anthesissilking interval(ASI), and grain yield formation of two types of modern maize hybrids(Zhongdan 909(ZD909) as tolerant hybrid to crowding stress, Jidan 209(JD209) and Neidan 4(ND4) as intolerant hybrids to crowding stress) in Northeast China. Plant densities of 4.50×104(D1), 6.75×104(D2), 9.00×104(D3), 11.25×104(D4), and 13.50×104(D5) plants ha-1had no significant effects on initial time of tassel and ear differentiation of maize. Instead, higher plant density delayed the tassel and ear development during floret differentiation and sexual organ formation stage, subsequently resulting in ASI increments at the rate of 1.2–2.9 days on average for ZD909 in 2013–2014, 0.7–4.2 days for JD209 in 2013, and 0.5–3.7 days for ND4 in 2014, respectively, under the treatments of D2, D3, D4, and D5 compared to that under the D1 treatment. Total florets, silking florets, and silking rates of ear showed slightly decrease trends with the plant density increasing, whereas the normal kernels seriously decreased at the rate of 11.0–44.9% on average for ZD909 in 2013–2014, 2.0–32.6% for JD209 in 2013, and 9.7–28.3% for ND4 in 2014 with the plant density increased compared to that under the D1 treatment due to increased florets abortive rates. It was also observed that 100-kernel weight of ZD909 showed less decrease trend compared that of JD209 and ND4 along with the plant densities increase. As a consequence, ZD909 gained its highest grain yield by 13.7 t ha-1on average at the plant density of 9.00×104 plants ha-1, whereas JD209 and ND4 reached their highest grain yields by 11.7 and 10.2 t ha-1at the plant density of 6.75×104 plants ha-1, respectively. Our experiment demonstrated that hybrids with lower ASI, higher kernel number potential per ear, and relative constant 100-kernel weight(e.g., ZD909) could achieve higher yield under dense planting in high latitude area(e.g., Northeast China).

基于CFD的玉米田间吊喷装置仿真设计与试验

为了改善玉米作物生长至中后期时中下层叶片雾滴沉积效果差,不同冠层雾滴分布不均导致植株叶片整体雾滴覆盖率低,喷施农药方式不佳造成药害和环境污染的问题,设计了一种玉米田间吊喷装置。利用数学理论几何关系结合Fluent软件确定了关键参数,即吊杆长度为1950 mm、侧下喷头距吊杆底端高度为50 mm、侧上喷头距植株顶端高度为50 mm、侧下喷头与水平方向上夹角为38.8°、侧上喷头与水平方向上夹角为43.7°。利用Design-Expert软件以吊杆侧上喷口处压强、吊杆侧下喷口处压强、机具行进速度为试验因素,以叶片平均雾滴覆盖率Y为试验指标设计三因素三水平正交试验,经方差分析后得到影响雾滴覆盖率大小因素主次顺序:行进速度>侧下压强>侧上压强。经田间试验后得到最终组合参数为机具行进速度0.8 m/s,侧上压强0.7 MPa,侧下压强0.5 MPa,雾滴覆盖率为26.54%,上、中、下层叶片雾滴覆盖率分别为28.32%、23.54%、27.75%,模型仿真与田间试验相对误差为5.05%。研究结果可为玉米植保机械的研发提供参考。

Decumbenones A–C from marine fungus <i>Aspergillus sulphureus</i>as stimulators of the initial stages of development of agricultural plants

The effect of decumbenones A (1), B (2) and C (3) from the marine-derived strain of the fungus Aspergillus sulphureus on the growth of seedling roots of buckwheat, wheat, barley and corn at the concentration range 10﹣5 - 10﹣18 M was studied. It was shown that decumbenone B had a stimulatory effect on the growth of seedling roots of buckwheat, decumbenone A—on the growth of seedling roots of spring soft wheat, decumbenone C—on the growth of seedling roots of spring barley, decumbenone A, B and C —on the growth of seedling roots of corn. The stimulatory effect for some substances was shown at ultra-low concentrations 10﹣12 - 10﹣18 M. It is possible to recommend decumbenones A, B and C for studying in field conditions as growth factors of buckwheat, wheat, barley and corn.

全株玉米青贮饲料的制作及在肉牛养殖中的应用

全株玉米青贮饲料在养殖中的应用范围越来越广,但在实际操作中仍然存在不少问题。本文总结了全株玉米的制作方法及在肉牛养殖中的应用,旨为广大收贮企业规范制作全株玉米青贮饲料及肉牛养殖场户科学饲喂提供参考。

大豆玉米带状种植模式下玉米摘穗机设计与试验

针对丘陵山区大豆玉米带状种植模式的玉米果穗收获有机难用、无机可用的现状,设计一款自走式小型玉米摘穗机。该机采用纵卧式摘穗辊实现果穗摘取,并通过输送装置收集装袋;采用“Y”型布局的L型小甩刀实现茎秆粉碎。对摘穗过程进行动力学分析、对粉碎过程进行静力学分析,确定其核心装置设计参数并进行样机试制。以茎秆粉碎长度合格率、果穗损失率、籽粒破碎率为试验指标进行田间试验,来验证该机设计的合理性。试验表明:在生产率为0.8 hm^(2)/d、果穗籽粒含水率为26.38%、茎秆含水量为71.25%的条件下进行试验,茎秆粉碎长度合格率为92.4%、果穗损失率为2.06%、籽粒破碎率为0.61%。该机设计各项指标符合国家相关标准,能够满足丘陵山地地区玉米机械化收获需求。

基于混合分组扩张卷积的玉米植株图像深度估计

【目的】研究面向玉米田间场景的图像深度估计方法,解决深度估计模型因缺少有效光度损失度量而易产生的精度不足问题,为田间智能农业机械视觉系统设计及导航避障等提供技术支持。【方法】应用双目相机作为视觉传感器,提出一种基于混合分组扩张卷积的无监督场景深度估计模型。设计一种混合分组扩张卷积结构及对应的自注意力机制,由此构建反向残差模块和深度估计骨干网络;并将光照不敏感的图像梯度和Gabor纹理特征引入视图表观差异度量,构建模型优化目标。以田间玉米植株图像深度估计为例,开展模型的训练和测试试验。【结果】与固定扩张因子相比,采用混合分组扩张卷积使田间玉米植株深度估计平均相对误差降低了63.9%,平均绝对误差和均方根误差则分别降低32.3%和10.2%,模型精度显著提高;图像梯度、Gabor纹理特征和自注意力机制的引入,使田间玉米植株深度估计平均绝对误差和均方根误差进一步降低3.2%和4.6%。增加浅层编码器的网络宽度和深度可显著提高模型深度估计精度,但该处理对深层编码器的作用不明显。该研究设计的自注意力机制对编码器浅层反向残差模块中不同扩张因子的卷积分组体现出选择性,说明该机制具有自主调节感受野的能力。与Monodepth2相比,该研究模型田间玉米植株深度估计的平均相对误差降低48.2%,平均绝对误差降低17.1%;在20 m采样范围内,估计深度的平均绝对误差小于16 cm,计算速度为14.3帧/s。【结论】基于混合分组扩张卷积的图像深度估计模型优于现有方法,有效提升了深度估计的精度,能够满足田间玉米植株图像的深度估计要求。