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Crops, Volume 4, Issue 2 (June 2024) – 11 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is the fifth most crucial cereal crop globally, yet its seed morphology remains relatively unexplored. This study examined seed morphology traits in 245 sorghum lines for links to fungal disease resistance. Head smut-resistant lines displayed larger and more circular seed shapes when compared to susceptible lines, potentially implicating a link between plant development and infection to Sporisorium reilianum. Additionally, GWAS, using over 24,000 seeds and 290,000 SNPs, identified markers linked to morphology traits. Through mapping these markers in the sorghum genome, novel candidate genes that influence the morphology of plant seeds have been revealed. View this paper
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14 pages, 515 KiB  
Article
Productive and Qualitative Traits of Sorghum Genotypes Used for Silage under Tropical Conditions
by Risalvo F. Oliveira, Alexandre F. Perazzo, Douglas dos S. Pina, Henry D. R. Alba, Vagner M. Leite, Manoel M. dos Santos, Edson M. Santos, Luiz E. C. de A. Sobrinho, Ricardo L. S. Pinheiro, Elielson L. Aquino and Gleidson G. P. de Carvalho
Crops 2024, 4(2), 256-269; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020019 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 845
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive potential, chemical composition, and fermentation profile of 24 genotypes of forage sorghum after ensiling. For this agronomic evaluation, a completely randomized block design with six replicates and twenty-four treatments was employed. Genotype 5 [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive potential, chemical composition, and fermentation profile of 24 genotypes of forage sorghum after ensiling. For this agronomic evaluation, a completely randomized block design with six replicates and twenty-four treatments was employed. Genotype 5 had the highest dry matter (DM) yield of 22.24 t/ha. The plant DM content ranged (p < 0.001) from 271.8 g/kg of fresh matter (FM) in genotype 9 to 330.0 g/kg FM in genotype 3, averaging 302.9 g/kg FM. The crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates differed significantly (p < 0.001) in the evaluated silages, with mean values of 61.0 and 275.3 g/kg DM, respectively. The pH of the sorghum silages also differed (p < 0.001), despite having an average of 3.94, with values ranging from 3.68 to 4.27. No changes were observed (p > 0.05) for the dry matter recovery of the sorghum genotype silages, which averaged at 853.9 g/kg FM. In the present study, genotype 5 resulted in being the most recommended genotype because it demonstrated a higher yield and higher nutritional value in both its fresh form and its ensiled form; had the lowest losses; and showed an ideal dry matter recovery after ensiling of 880 g/kg. Full article
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14 pages, 1434 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Yield of Three Legume Crop Varieties under Hawaii’s Micro-Climates
by Amjad A. Ahmad, Theodore J. K. Radovich, Jari Sugano, Koon-Hui Wang, Hue V. Nguyen, Jensen Uyeda, Sharon Wages, Kylie Tavares, Emilie Kirk and Michael Kantar
Crops 2024, 4(2), 242-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020018 - 12 Jun 2024
Viewed by 902
Abstract
Hawaii is known for its diverse micro-climates, making the evaluation of varieties at different locations an important strategy to determine the best varieties for each climate zone. Demand for dry beans in Hawaii has been rising due to the increase in production of [...] Read more.
Hawaii is known for its diverse micro-climates, making the evaluation of varieties at different locations an important strategy to determine the best varieties for each climate zone. Demand for dry beans in Hawaii has been rising due to the increase in production of value-added goods made from legumes. Initial field trials in 2017 were conducted to determine the best sowing date for dry beans in Hawaii since there were no previous such determinations. Field trials were conducted between 2018 and 2021 to evaluate 24 varieties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), 21 varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and 10 varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) for their suitability and yield variability under Hawaii’s micro-climates. Preliminary sowing date trials were conducted in 2017, and a variety of trials were conducted between 2018 and 2021; seven field trials were conducted, including two in each of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii County, and one in Kauai County. The trials were conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. For all the study sites, 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer was applied at 30, 13, and 25 kg/ha N-P-K, respectively. A drip irrigation system was used in all locations as supplemental irrigation. Irrigation was used when needed and turned off 2 weeks prior to harvest. The results showed highly significant (p < 0.01) differences in yield between the varieties of each legume crop. Highly significant (p < 0.01) differences in yield were also found between the study locations. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decline in yield by 28% and 45% in chickpea and by 32% and 43% in common bean when planted 1 and 2 months, respectively, after the optimal mid-February planting on Oahu and Maui County. A decline of 21% and 50% in chickpea and 30 and 48% in common bean was recorded when planted 1 and 2 months, respectively, after the optimal mid-March planting in Hawaii County. The study results lead to developing site-specific recommendations for varieties and planting dates from each of the legume crops for each county. However, more studies are needed to develop site-specific recommendations for the micro-climates within each county. Full article
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15 pages, 1966 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of King Coconut Husk Ash and Biochar, Combined with Chemical Fertilizer Application, on Enhancing Soil Fertility in Coconut Plantations
by Selvaraja Kaushalya Shamila, Shashi S. Udumann, Nuwandhya S. Dissanayaka, Kowshalya Rajaratnam and Anjana J. Atapattu
Crops 2024, 4(2), 227-241; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020017 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1336
Abstract
Sustainable soil fertility management is crucial for enhancing productivity in coconut plantations. This study investigated the synergistic effects of king coconut husk (KCH) ash, biochar, and chemical fertilizers on soil properties in a coconut plantation over a short period (4 months). Six treatments [...] Read more.
Sustainable soil fertility management is crucial for enhancing productivity in coconut plantations. This study investigated the synergistic effects of king coconut husk (KCH) ash, biochar, and chemical fertilizers on soil properties in a coconut plantation over a short period (4 months). Six treatments were applied: control, chemical fertilizers alone (F), fertilizers with ash (FA), fertilizers with biochar (FB), fertilizers with both ash and biochar (FAB), and fertilizers with half ash and biochar (FA1/2B). Strongly alkaline KCH ash contained significantly higher total and available potassium content levels than mildly alkaline biochar. Data indicated that KCH ash significantly enhanced soil available potassium, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content compared to the control and F treatments over a short-term period. Even though biochar application demonstrated initial improvements in soil moisture content, a longer study duration may be required to evaluate its influence on other soil parameters comprehensively. Highlighting the synergistic benefits of KCH ash and biochar, FA1/2B treatment exhibited the highest combined index score based on physical, biological, and chemical soil indicators, suggesting its potential for optimizing agricultural outcomes. It emerged as the most promising approach, underscoring the value of exploring sustainable soil amendments derived from agricultural waste streams to promote soil fertility and sustainable coconut production. Full article
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16 pages, 1790 KiB  
Article
Azospirillum brasilense Inoculation in a Maize–Urochloa–Rice Cropping System Promotes Soil Chemical and Biological Changes and Increases Productivity
by Philippe Solano Toledo Silva, Nayara Siviero Garcia, Fernando Shintate Galindo, Orivaldo Arf, Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira, Arun Dilipkumar Jani and Ana Maria Rodrigues Cassiolato
Crops 2024, 4(2), 211-226; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020016 - 4 Jun 2024
Viewed by 977
Abstract
Large quantities of cover crop residues in the soil, combined, or not, with the inoculation of seeds with diazotrophic bacteria, can increase organic matter (OM) and protect soil microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi. Thus, the [...] Read more.
Large quantities of cover crop residues in the soil, combined, or not, with the inoculation of seeds with diazotrophic bacteria, can increase organic matter (OM) and protect soil microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi. Thus, the use of these sustainable biotechnologies can benefit microbial interactions, soil fertility and rice production in the Brazilian Cerrado region. In this study, we evaluated the effects of maize and Urochloa ruziziensis, intercropped or individually, as cover crops and an inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense on the chemical (fertility) and biological (C–microbial biomass and C–CO2 released) attributes of soil and the effects of root colonization by AMF and DSE on the yield of rice grown in succession in highlands. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, in a typical dystrophic Red Oxisol. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks arranged in strips, incorporating a combination of eight residual cover crops: ((1) maize, (2) maize–I (I = inoculation of seeds with A. brasilense), (3) Urochloa (U. ruziziensis), (4) Urochloa–I, (5) maize + Urochloa–I, (6) maize + Urochloa–I, (7) maize–I + Urochloa and (8) maize–I + Urochloa–I). This was accompanied by two treatments of rice as a successor crop (inoculated or not with A. brasilense), with four replicates, totaling 64 experimental units. A cover crop and rice seed inoculation prompted increases in OM and AMF relative to DSE, while the inoculation of rice, regardless of the cover crop treatment, increased the soil’s P content. The combination of maize + Urochloa–I and inoculated rice as the next crop generated increases in its sum of bases (SBs) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). There was a 19% increase in rice grain yields when the seed was inoculated. Full article
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16 pages, 3967 KiB  
Article
Multi-Locational Evaluation of Forage-Suited Selected Sudan Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Accessions Identified High-Yielding and Stable Genotypes in Irrigated, Arid Environments
by Sara A. E. Babiker, Mohammed A. M. Khair, Abdelraheem A. Ali, Mohamoud A. M. Abdallah, Asim M. E. Hagelhassan, Eltahir I. Mohamed, Nasrein M. Kamal, Hisashi Tsujimoto and Izzat S. A. Tahir
Crops 2024, 4(2), 195-210; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020015 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 804
Abstract
Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a subtropical grain and forage crop. It is privileged with several desirable forage attributes. Nevertheless, research on pearl millet is limited, especially as a forage crop, in developing countries. Therefore, the objectives of this [...] Read more.
Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a subtropical grain and forage crop. It is privileged with several desirable forage attributes. Nevertheless, research on pearl millet is limited, especially as a forage crop, in developing countries. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the field performance and stability of pearl millet genotypes for forage yield across seven environments. The study was conducted in seven environments (combination of locations and seasons) during the 2016/2017–2018/2019 seasons. Twenty-five pearl millet genotypes, selected based on forage yield from a core collection of 200 accessions, were arranged in an alpha lattice design with three replications. The parameters measured were fresh forage yield, days to flowering, plant height, number of culms m−2, leaf-to-stem ratio, and stem girth. The combined analysis revealed that environments, genotypes, and their interaction had significant effects on all traits studied except the genotypic effect on stem girth. Across the seven environments, four genotypes (G14, G01, G12, and G22) outyielded the check genotype in fresh matter yield by 20.7, 16.5, 11.0 and 9.8%, respectively. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis showed that the genotype, environment, and their interaction were highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) for fresh matter yield. The results of AMMI stability values (ASVs) and the genotype selection index (GSI) combined with the AMMI estimate-based selection showed that genotypes G14, G22 and G01 were the most stable and adapted genotypes and were superior to the check genotype. These results indicate that forage pearl millet varieties could be developed directly through evaluating the wealth of available collections or indirectly through hybridization in crop breeding programs. Full article
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15 pages, 8669 KiB  
Article
Investigating Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Rice Breeding from Association Mapping of 116 Accessions Using 64 Polymorphic SSR Markers
by Alok Kumar Singh, Devendra Kumar, Donato Gemmati, Ranjith Kumar Ellur, Ashutosh Singh, Veronica Tisato, Devendra Kumar Dwivedi, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Kishor Kumar, Nawaz Ahmad Khan and Ajay Vikram Singh
Crops 2024, 4(2), 180-194; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020014 - 23 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1267
Abstract
Genetic variability in rice breeding programs plays a very crucial role. It provides an outstanding pool of superior alleles governing better agronomic and quality characters through association mapping. For a greater understanding of population structure, the genetic relationship among different rice lines is [...] Read more.
Genetic variability in rice breeding programs plays a very crucial role. It provides an outstanding pool of superior alleles governing better agronomic and quality characters through association mapping. For a greater understanding of population structure, the genetic relationship among different rice lines is indispensable prior to the setting of a correlation among dynamic alleles and traits. In the present investigation, the genetic diversity and population structure of 116 rice accessions were studied to understand genetic relatedness and diversity among them using 64 polymorphic SSR markers. A genotyping assessment based on SSR markers revealed a total of 225 alleles, with an average PIC value of 0.755. The germplasm lines were classified into three distinct subgroups through population structure analysis, utilizing both model- and distance-based approaches. AMOVA analysis showed that 11% of the total variation could be attributed to differences between groups, while the remaining 89% was likely due to differences within groups. This study suggested that population structure and genetic relatedness should be considered to establish marker–trait associations for association mapping when working with the core collection of germplasm lines. Full article
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8 pages, 1484 KiB  
Communication
Evaluation of the Plant Growth Regulator SPGP4 in Agricultural Crops: A Case Study in Oaxaca, México
by Guiee N. López-Castillo, Arnoldo Wong-Villareal, Judith Castellanos-Moguel, Gilberto Vela Correa, Sandra L. Cabrera-Hilerio, Mariana Miranda-Arámbula, Alan Carrasco-Carballo and Jesús Sandoval-Ramírez
Crops 2024, 4(2), 172-179; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020013 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 822
Abstract
The search for new plant growth regulators is a cornerstone of agricultural research; however, laboratory studies rarely go on to be evaluated in the field. This is because greater production is required, as well as longer studies. Particularly, brassinosteroids present these difficulties, and [...] Read more.
The search for new plant growth regulators is a cornerstone of agricultural research; however, laboratory studies rarely go on to be evaluated in the field. This is because greater production is required, as well as longer studies. Particularly, brassinosteroids present these difficulties, and although they have been evaluated in crops with good results, their high production cost gives rise to the search for new alternatives. 22-Oxocholestanes such as SPGP4, previously used in silico and in vitro studies, have shown great potential, so their evaluation in crops grown from native seeds from the study region becomes of interest. Based on these data, SPGP4 was evaluated under crop conditions in three agricultural plots located on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, Oaxaca, México. The seeds were treated with a 0.5 mg/L aqueous solution of the 22-Oxocholestane compound SPGP4 by imbibition one night before sown. Later, 45 days after sowing, a solution of 0.5 mg/L at a rate of 200 L per hectare was applied. At the production level, the bean harvest showed an increase in the range of 21.0–38.1%, and the corn harvest increased between 22 and 32%. In addition, the latter also demonstrated an increase in biomass production, given the increase in diameter and height observed in the corn plant. This indicates that SPGP4 functions as a regulator of plant growth at the crop level to increase both seed and biomass production. Full article
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16 pages, 3462 KiB  
Article
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Seed Morphology-Related Traits in Sorghum Mini-Core and Senegalese Lines
by Ezekiel Ahn, Sunchung Park, Zhenbin Hu, Vishnutej Ellur, Minhyeok Cha, Yoonjung Lee, Louis K. Prom and Clint Magill
Crops 2024, 4(2), 156-171; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020012 - 11 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1376
Abstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) ranks fifth as the most crucial cereal crop globally, yet its seed morphology remains relatively unexplored. This study investigated seed morphology in sorghum based on 115 mini-core and 130 Senegalese germplasms. Eight seed morphology traits encompassing size, shape, [...] Read more.
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) ranks fifth as the most crucial cereal crop globally, yet its seed morphology remains relatively unexplored. This study investigated seed morphology in sorghum based on 115 mini-core and 130 Senegalese germplasms. Eight seed morphology traits encompassing size, shape, and color parameters were assessed. Statistical analyses explored potential associations between these traits and resistance to three major sorghum diseases: anthracnose, head smut, and downy mildew. Furthermore, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using phenotypic data from over 24,000 seeds and over 290,000 publicly available single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through the Genome Association and Prediction Integrated Tool (GAPIT) R package. Significant SNPs associated with various seed morphology traits were identified and mapped onto the reference sorghum genome to identify novel candidate defense genes. Full article
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11 pages, 3652 KiB  
Article
Hemp Seed Yield Responses to Nitrogen Fertility Rates
by Swarup Podder, Sanaz Shafian, Wade E. Thomason, T. Bain Wilson and John H. Fike
Crops 2024, 4(2), 145-155; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020011 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1295
Abstract
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) holds promise as a crop for more sustainable supply chains given its potential as a source of high-strength fibers, adsorbents, and nutrient-dense feedstuffs. Developing nutrient management guidelines for hemp will be an important part of optimizing the [...] Read more.
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) holds promise as a crop for more sustainable supply chains given its potential as a source of high-strength fibers, adsorbents, and nutrient-dense feedstuffs. Developing nutrient management guidelines for hemp will be an important part of optimizing the crop’s sustainability attributes. This study measured hemp seed yield in response to N fertilization rate (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha−1). Treatments were tested with four hemp cultivars (‘Joey’ and ‘Grandi’ in 2020, 2021, and 2022 and ‘NWG 2463’ and ‘NWG 4113’ in 2023) in Virginia. Nitrogen input influenced (p ≤ 0.0177) seed yield in all four experimental years, although the pattern of response varied substantially. In 2020, following delayed seeding, hemp showed a weak quadratic (p = 0.0113) response to N inputs, with peak yield (1640 kg ha−1) occurring with 120 kg N ha−1. In 2021, hemp displayed a strong linear (p < 0.0001) response to N inputs, with the highest seed yield (2510 kg ha−1) at 240 kg N ha−1. In 2022, a season characterized by low precipitation and high weed pressure, a weak, linear (p = 0.0111) response to the N rate was observed. The greatest seed yield (380 kg ha−1) was again observed with 240 kg N ha−1. In 2023, weed pressure remained an issue, but the response to N was strong and linear (p < 0.0001), with the greatest seed yield (831 kg ha−1) again measured at 240 kg N ha−1. These findings indicate hemp can be quite responsive to N inputs but that the magnitude of response is sensitive to other factors such as available soil moisture, weed pressure, and growing period. Full article
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11 pages, 4341 KiB  
Article
Development of Algorithm for Determining N Fertiliser Requirements of Winter Wheat Based on N Status Using APSIM Modelling
by Iris Vogeler, Uttam Kumar, Leif Knudsen, Elly M. Hansen, Val Snow and Ingrid K. Thomsen
Crops 2024, 4(2), 134-144; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020010 - 3 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1341
Abstract
The determination of optimum nitrogen (N) fertilisation rates, which maximise yields and minimise N losses, remains problematic due to unknown upcoming crop requirements and near-future supply by the soil. Remote sensing can be used for determining the crop N status and to assess [...] Read more.
The determination of optimum nitrogen (N) fertilisation rates, which maximise yields and minimise N losses, remains problematic due to unknown upcoming crop requirements and near-future supply by the soil. Remote sensing can be used for determining the crop N status and to assess the spatial variability within a field or between fields. This can be used to improve N fertilisation, provided that the optimal fertilisation rate at the time of fertiliser application for an expected yield is known. Using the APSIM-wheat model, we developed an algorithm that relates the N status of the plants at early development stages to the yield response to N. Simulations were performed for winter wheat under growth conditions in Denmark. To obtain a range of different N status in the biomass at early growth stages, the soil N in autumn was varied from 20 to 180 kg N ha−1, and at BBCH23, fertiliser was applied at a rate of 50 kg N ha−1. In a full factorial setup, additional N fertiliser was applied ranging from 0 to 150 kg N ha−1 during three different development stages (BBCH30, 32, and 37). The algorithm was evaluated by comparing model outputs with a standard N application of 50 kg N ha−1 at BBCH23 and 150 kg N ha−1 at BBCH30. The evaluation showed that, depending on the N status of the soil, the algorithm either provided higher or lower optimal N fertilisation rates when targeting 95% of the maximum yield, and these affected the grain yield and the grain N, as well as the amount of N leaching. Split application of fertiliser into three applications was generally beneficial, with decreased product-related N leaching of up to nearly 30%. Further testing of the model under different environmental conditions is needed before such an algorithm can be used to guide N fertilisation. Full article
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19 pages, 18241 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Growth Pattern Using High Spatial Resolution Images: A Case Study at Lakehead University Agriculture Research Station, Thunder Bay, Canada
by María V. Brenes Fuentes, Muditha K. Heenkenda, Tarlok S. Sahota and Laura Segura Serrano
Crops 2024, 4(2), 115-133; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops4020009 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 882
Abstract
Remote sensing technology currently facilitates the monitoring of crop development, enabling detailed analysis and monitoring throughout the crop’s growing stages. This research analyzed the winter wheat growth dynamics of experimental plots at the Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station, Thunder Bay, Canada using high [...] Read more.
Remote sensing technology currently facilitates the monitoring of crop development, enabling detailed analysis and monitoring throughout the crop’s growing stages. This research analyzed the winter wheat growth dynamics of experimental plots at the Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station, Thunder Bay, Canada using high spatial and temporal resolution remote sensing images. The spectral signatures for five growing stages were prepared. NIR reflectance increased during the growing stages and decreased at the senescence, indicating healthy vegetation. The space–time cube provided valuable insight into how canopy height changed over time. The effect of nitrogen treatments on wheat did not directly influence the plant count (spring/autumn), and height and volume at maturity. However, the green and dry weights were different at several treatments. Winter wheat yield was predicted using the XGBoost algorithm, and moderate results were obtained. The study explored different techniques for analyzing winter wheat growth dynamics and identified their usefulness in smart agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fertigation and Nutrient Management in Crops)
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