Field Crops Research最新文献

{"title":"Integrated subsurface drip fertigation and residue management enhance maize resource-use efficiency in semi-arid agro-ecosystems","authors":"Arjun Singh,&nbsp;Anchal Dass,&nbsp;S. Sudhishri,&nbsp;V.K. Singh,&nbsp;Prameela Krishnan,&nbsp;Pravin K. Upadhyay,&nbsp;K. Shekhawat,&nbsp;R.N. Sahoo,&nbsp;S.S. Rathore,&nbsp;Ayekpam Dollina Devi,&nbsp;A.R. Devika","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efficient resource management is crucial for sustaining maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) productivity in semi-arid Indo-Gangetic Plains, where water scarcity and nitrogen-use inefficiency limit yield potential. The present two-year field study (2022–2023) at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, investigated: (1) the influence of precision sub-surface drip fertigation (SSDF) of N and crop residue management on maize physiological performance and productivity, and (2) relationships between physio-biochemical parameters and grain yield of maize. Treatments included 0–100 % of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) delivered in 3 or 4 splits <em>via</em> SSDF (main-plot treatments), with or without greengram residue (3 t ha⁻¹) incorporation (sub-plot treatments), in comparison to conventional surface fertilization. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for a split-plot design. SSDF significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll status (SPAD), intercepted PAR (IPAR), and yield attributes. The treatment with100 % N delivered in 4 splits (100 % N-4S) recorded the highest net photosynthesis (31.9 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), SPAD (50.4), IPAR (1673 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹), and grain yield (6.7 t ha⁻¹), revealing 19.6–27.5 % higher yield over conventional practices. The treatment with 75 % N delivered in 4 splits (75 % N-4S) achieved a comparable yield (6.3–6.4 t ha⁻¹), enabling a 25 % nitrogen saving without loss in productivity. Residue incorporation enhanced stomatal conductance (↑9 %), transpiration efficiency (↑5 %), specific leaf nitrogen (↑5–9 %), and improved grain yield by 5.5 % (during the year 2022) and 9.8 % (during 2023) over no-residue. Additionally, PCA explained 65 % of the total trait variance, with key loadings from specific leaf area (SLA), SPAD, photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency (PNUE), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). These findings confirm that integrating SSDF with optimized N scheduling and residue management enhances maize resource-use efficiency and yield, offering a resilient, sustainable strategy in semi-arid agro-ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110339"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing nitrogen application to minimize yield-scaled reactive nitrogen loss and nitrogen surplus in rice systems","authors":"Wangmei Li ,&nbsp;Yu Sun ,&nbsp;Tingting He ,&nbsp;Yuhan Xue ,&nbsp;Ke Hu ,&nbsp;Ruotong Si ,&nbsp;Mingsheng Fan ,&nbsp;Haiqing Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110340","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110340","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Determining optimum nitrogen (N) management is essential for maintaining rice yield while reducing the environmental risk caused by N loss. The C/N ratio of agricultural inputs plays a critical role in regulating reactive N (Nr) emissions and soil N retention.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>However, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding the optimization of N management (application rates and surplus levels) to simultaneously achieve yield maximization and yield-scaled Nr loss minimization in straw-incorporated, deep-fertilized paddy systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a three-year field experiment in Sanjiang Plain in northeast China with four N application rate treatments (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha⁻¹). Through systematic evaluation N input (straw-N, biological N fixation, atmospheric N deposition，irrigation-derived N), output (grain N removal, NH₃ volatilization, N₂O emissions, runoff, leaching, and drainage loss), and yield of paddy system.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified closely aligned thresholds for agronomic (104.5 kg N ha⁻¹ for maximum yield) and environmental (99.5 kg N ha⁻¹ for minimal yield-scaled Nr loss) objectives, corresponding to similar N surpluses (32.9–34.1 kg N ha⁻¹). The system maintains high efficiency with Nr losses of just 2.3–6.5 kg N ha⁻¹ annually, dominated by NH₃ volatilization (2.7–4.4 % of applied N). When N application exceeded 100 kg N ha⁻¹, both Nr losses and yield-scaled Nr losses increased sharply, with a critical inflection point at 110 kg N ha⁻¹ corresponding to accelerated N surplus accumulation. Notably, a negative correlation was observed between paddy Nr losses and the C:N ratio of input materials.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The recommended 99.5–110 kg N ha⁻¹ application range provides a scientifically validated pathway for sustainable intensification, requiring 30.3–33.6 % N less than conventional systems while maintaining comparable yields through optimized N cycling rather than increased inputs. The synergistic effects of optimization N rates，straw incorporation, and deep fertilization collectively regulate the C:N ratio and Nr losses of paddy systems, thereby mitigating the typical trade-off between productivity and sustainability in intensive rice systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110340"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Crop yield–soil quality trade-offs under no-tillage and deep tillage in the black soil region of Northeast China","authors":"Ying Song ,&nbsp;Xiaoling He ,&nbsp;Jinxia Fu ,&nbsp;Fenli Zheng ,&nbsp;Zhi Li","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110337","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Context&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Conservation Agriculture (CA) is globally recognized as a critical strategy for sustaining agricultural productivity while preserving soil ecosystem services. In the black soil region of Northeast China, long-term conventional tillage has contributed to black soil degradation, resulting in yield stagnation and loss of critical soil functions. Regenerative tillage practices, including no-tillage (NT) and deep tillage (DT), are now being adopted as key components of CA to restore soil functions and sustain productivity.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Research question&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;However, because most studies have focused on the impacts of either NT or DT on individual soil properties, the trade-offs between crop yield and soil quality under these two CA tillage practices remain poorly understood.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study synthesized 745 paired observations from 151 publications in Northeast China, integrating meta-analysis with the Soil Quality Index (&lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt;) and interpretable machine learning methods to quantify how NT and DT influence crop yield and &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Overall, NT and DT increase crop yield by an average of 3 % and improve &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; by 7 %. NT shows a greater benefit for &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; (+8 % vs. +6 %), while DT provides larger yield gains (8 %, CI: 5 % to 11 %). Tillage effectiveness varies with climate and soil conditions: DT outperforms NT in enhancing both yield and &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; under cold (MAT &lt; 3°C) or dry (MAP &lt; 500 mm) climates and under unfavorable soil conditions (bulk density &gt; 1.35 g/cm³, pH &lt; 6, or soil organic matter &lt; 20 g/kg). Straw retention is critical for maximizing tillage benefits. Fertilization strategies further influence outcomes: single fertilization favors &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; improvement (+9 %) under NT, whereas split applications are more effective under DT, leading to a substantial yield increase (+14 %) and simultaneous improvement in &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; (+8 %). The positive effects of NT accumulate over time, whereas DT benefits decline after six years. Under NT, nitrogen application rate and duration as the dominant drivers of yield and &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt;, whereas MAP and straw management are the primary determinants under DT.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Both NT and DT effectively enhance yield and soil quality in Northeast China’s black soils, but their suitability depends heavily on local conditions. Tailoring tillage practices to specific climatic, soil, and management contexts is essential for maximizing agricultural sustainability.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Implications&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study provides an evidence-based framework for optimizing tillage practices in mollisols. By elucidating the context-dependent efficacy of NT and DT, it supports the development of region-specific conservation strategies that balance productivity and soil health. These insights are valuable for policymakers and farmers aiming to implement su","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110337"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145956487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotype selection for high performance and stability of sugar yield and lodging resistance across multiple environments in sugarcane","authors":"Qiansi Liao ,&nbsp;Jianmei Geng ,&nbsp;Wenwei Cai ,&nbsp;Farooq Shah ,&nbsp;Zhaojie Li ,&nbsp;Li Xiong ,&nbsp;Peng Wang ,&nbsp;Yang Tao ,&nbsp;Qianhua Yuan ,&nbsp;Wei Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Breeding sugarcane genotypes for maximum sugar yield potential while exhibiting strong lodging resistance is crucial for the sustainability of sugarcane cropping systems. However, identifying and recommending with excellent and stable performance across multiple targeted traits and diverse environments remains a significant challenge.</div></div><div><h3>Objective and methods</h3><div>This study applied two methodologies–Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) –to analyze the genotype × environment interaction (GEI), based on a three–year field experiment. The study involved 11 genotypes, assessed for 28 parameters. For integrating the mean performance and stability of a single trait, a superiority index (WAASBY) was used. A Multi–trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to consider multiple targeted parameters simultaneously, enabling more comprehensive genotype recommendation across different environments.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><div>Our findings confirmed that the BLUP model is highly effective for a single–trait selection, such as for sugar yield and lodging resistance; achieving excellent genotype selection accuracy ranging from 0.78 to 0.91. When focusing solely on sugar yield via the BLUP model, the genotypes G01 (Zhongtang 1) and G02 (SO5) exhibited both high mean performance and stability. However, other two genotypes were selected when the target trait shifted to lodging resistance, highlighting that genotype recommendations based on one trait can be somewhat biased. To overcome this limitation, we demonstrated the effectiveness of MTSI in recommending a variety with multiple desirable parameters, as validated through several analytical and statistical methods. Two ideal genotypes (G03: Zhongtang 3; G04: Guitang 58) were selected based on minimum MTSI (1.15–1.82). The MTSI always illustrated a strong relationship with WAASBY for sugar yield and lodging resistance (R² = 0.56^**). Notably, some key traits, such as root anchorage strength and related root parameters were major contributors to the overall lodging resistance and MTSI indicators.</div></div><div><h3>Implications or significance</h3><div>These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing a rigid root system as a key criterion in future breeding efforts to enhance lodging resistance and overall sugarcane performance. Furthermore, the MTSI is a promising and user–friendly tool for breeders to identify and recommend superior genotypes based on multiple targeted traits, thereby supporting more informed and efficient breeding decisions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110352"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antagonistic, additive and synergistic relationships between soil moisture and nitrogen for yield of maize in dryland systems","authors":"Mosenda Enock ,&nbsp;Onesmus Kitonyo ,&nbsp;James Mutegi ,&nbsp;Victor Sadras ,&nbsp;George Chemining’wa","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110342","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interactions between water and nitrogen affect the yield of maize in dryland systems. The magnitude and type of these interactions depend on the environment and management practice. In these systems, nitrogen fertilization is often risky due to moisture constraints which impact the synchrony between crop demand and nutrient availability. However, combining soil moisture conservation practices with better fertilizer nitrogen formulations, particularly slow-release forms could improve crop nitrogen economy and yield. An experiment combining soil moisture conservation practices and fertilizer nitrogen sources was replicated in two locations, in Embu and Siakago for three seasons with contrasting rainfall in short rains of 2022 and long and short rains of 2023. Moisture conservation treatments comprised plastic film mulch, crop residue mulch, and superabsorbent polymers (hydrogels), with a bare ground control. Fertilizer nitrogen sources were slow-release urea, conventional urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), and unfertilized control. In Embu, cumulative grain yield increase ranged from 10 % to 111 % compared with control, while up to 120 % yield increase was recorded in Siakago. Plastic film mulch with CAN, conventional urea or slow-release urea and hydrogels with CAN out-yielded controls, which averaged 1.5 t ha⁻¹. Plastic film mulch with CAN or slow-release urea, and crop residue with CAN increased biomass compared with controls, which averaged 4 t ha⁻¹. Of the 54 combinations of moisture and nitrogen treatments, 94 % were additive and 6 % antagonistic for yield. Lack of treatment synergies justify the stepwise adoption of technologies, starting with those with lower upfront costs to build capital before progressing to more expensive options. Claims of synergies between water and nitrogen might be over-estimated and need to be tested rigorously.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110342"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Calcium amendment strategies for alfalfa with biomass yield responses across contrasting soils and stand types","authors":"Nour Ismail ,&nbsp;Lotfi Khiari ,&nbsp;Rachid Daoud","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110347","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110347","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa L</em>.) is a high-value forage crop with substantial ecological benefits, but it is particularly sensitive to soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies. While current fertilization guidelines in regions like Québec, Canada, favor raw limestone (CaCO₃) exclusively, other calcium amendments, including burned limes (CaO, Ca(OH)₂) and sulfate-based materials, are commonly used elsewhere and may offer agronomic advantages. However, their effectiveness may vary with soil texture, stand age, and application method. This study evaluated the impact of nine calcium-based amendments: raw lime, burned lime, and sulfate-based non-liming materials, applied at a uniform spring rate (3 Mg ha⁻¹ CaCO₃-equivalent or 1.2 Mg ha⁻¹ Ca for anhydrite) on two alfalfa stands (newly seeded: establishment vs. long-established: maintenance) and two contrasting soil textures in Québec, Canada. Agronomic performance was monitored over four consecutive growing seasons. Results revealed contrasting responses: The establishment of an alfalfa stand on clay loam soil showed no biomass yield response to amendments. In contrast, the long-established stand on sandy loam soil exhibited strong and lasting responses. Sulfate-based treatments (CHAC, anhydrite, and lime-anhydrite) increased biomass yields by up to 2000 kg DM ha⁻¹ compared with the control, with gains persisting for 4 seasons after a single application. Mixed lime treatments (CaCO₃+CaO and/or Ca(OH)₂) also outperformed raw lime without causing phytotoxicity. These findings highlight the need for stand age-specific calcium amendment strategies. Sulfate-based and blended formulations may sustainably enhance productivity in mature alfalfa systems on coarse soils. Exclusive reliance on raw lime may overlook the agronomic potential of alternative materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110347"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial to the special issue “Xinjiang – how to get super-high yield in a water- and heat-limited area”","authors":"Hezhong Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110368","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110368"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146048010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Yield benefit and ecophysiological processes behind the introgression of HaHB4 in a modern wheat in the Argentine Pampas","authors":"Francisco Ayala ,&nbsp;Facundo Curin ,&nbsp;Martín Diaz-Zorita ,&nbsp;José Murguía ,&nbsp;Enrique Montero Bulacio ,&nbsp;Margarita Portapila ,&nbsp;María Elena Otegui ,&nbsp;Raquel Lía Chan ,&nbsp;Fernanda Gabriela González","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Breeding for improved tolerance to water deficit is critical to mitigate the climate change impact on wheat yield. In 2020, Argentina approved the first wheat transformed with the sunflower <em>HaHB4</em> gene (INDØØ412–7), which increased yield by 16 % compared to the non-transformed Cadenza under drought conditions. This benefit may have been overestimated, as Cadenza is a long cycle for the Pampas region. Additionally, the underlying physiological mechanisms of yield benefit, particularly those related to water use and water use efficiency, remain to be fully elucidated.</div></div><div><h3>Objective or research question</h3><div>The aims of the study are (i) to quantify the yield advantage of <em>HaHB4</em> in a modern, well-adapted cultivar and (ii) to elucidate the physiological processes involved in yield benefit, which is crucial for identifying optimal environments for this technology.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An <em>HaHB4</em>-introgressed line of Algarrobo was compared with the conventional cultivar in a broad network of experiments comprising one greenhouse, with two irrigation levels, and 29 field environments within the Pampas region combining different locations (10), years (5) and treatments (sowing dates, irrigation).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Under water deficit during the reproductive phase, the yield advantage of <em>HaHB4</em> was 15 % in the greenhouse and 13 % in the field. <em>HaHB4</em> improved the relative yield by 0.06–0.08 % per mm of water deficit, also responding positively to moderate heat stress (∑Tmax &gt; 30 °C ∼40–60 °Cd). The enhanced water use and water use efficiency conferred by <em>HaHB4</em>, allowed for maintaining biomass and yield under water deficit.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The hypothesis of an initial overestimation of <em>HaHB4</em> benefits can be rejected because in the modern Algarrobo cultivar it showed a similar benefit as in Cadenza. In areas prone to drought combined with heat stress, the introgression of <em>HaHB4</em> in modern cultivars would enhance yield stability by improving water-limited yield. This may have a great impact on productivity in rainfed cropping systems, like most of the wheat-producing areas around the world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110319"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of upland rice variety mixtures in the Madagascar highlands","authors":"Koloina Rahajaharilaza ,&nbsp;Kirsten vom Brocke ,&nbsp;Philippe Letourmy ,&nbsp;Bertrand Muller ,&nbsp;Ramavovololona ,&nbsp;Perraud Rebecca ,&nbsp;Tuong-Vi Cao ,&nbsp;Joël Rakotomalala ,&nbsp;Louis-Marie Raboin","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110338","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110338","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Madagascar heavily depends on rice for caloric intake, especially through irrigated farming. In the Vakinankaratra region, rainfed upland rice farming is an important complement but faces challenges such as poor soil fertility and vulnerability to pathogens like <em>Pyricularia oryzae</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Objective or research question</h3><div>To address these challenges, we evaluated extended elite lines upland rice varietal mixtures adapted to local conditions, focusing on yield performance, stability, and food security.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Four upland rice varieties: Chhomrong Dhan, FOFIFA 172, FOFIFA 173, and FOFIFA 180, well-suited to Madagascar's high-altitude climatic conditions and resistant to <em>Pyricularia oryzae</em>, were evaluated in three experiments conducted in the highlands of Madagascar between 2013 and 2017. The experimental design assessed all variety combinations, considering two treatment factors: 'mixture type' (ranging from pure stands to mixtures of all four varieties) and 'varietal composition' (15 modalities representing different varietal combinations). The analysis included the identification of the best-performing varietal compositions using a mixed-effects linear regression model and land equivalent ratio calculations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis revealed that grain yield did not significantly differ among various mixture types, while varietal composition within mixtures had a highly significant effect. No mixture combination yielded more than the best varieties in pure stand although some matched their performance. Three combinations showed a significantly improved land equivalent ratio. Varieties differed in competitive abilities and trait plasticity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Contrary to literature suggesting that increased diversity through varietal mixtures enhances production, the study found that the number of varieties in mixtures (mixture type) did not have significant effects. However, it appears possible to identify specific mixture combinations with strong mixing abilities.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This study evaluated mixtures of elite rice varieties that are currently available to farmers, under optimal fertility management. In these conditions, varietal mixtures did not demonstrate clear advantages over pure stands. However, results may differ under low-fertility conditions more representative of farmers’ fields, or when using a broader genetic diversity. These scenarios warrant further investigation. In such contexts, varietal mixtures could complement other diversification strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Madagascar Highlands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110338"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Defining the critical period for yield determination in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek]","authors":"Natalia da Silva Volpato ,&nbsp;Víctor D. Giménez ,&nbsp;Gustavo A. Maddonni ,&nbsp;P.V. Vara Prasad ,&nbsp;Timothy Durrett ,&nbsp;Ignacio A. Ciampitti","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Mungbean (<em>Vigna radiata</em> (L.) R. Wilczek) is a legume valued due to its high nutritional quality, rich in protein, essential amino acids and micronutrients. Mungbean also plays a key role in sustainable agriculture via nitrogen fixation and adaptability to diverse cropping systems. However, there is a noticeable gap in knowledge about the critical period of mungbean for seed yield determination.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to (i) identify the critical period for seed yield determination in mungbean and (ii) determine the main important seed yield components influencing yield variation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Successive 14-day shading treatments were applied throughout the crop cycle at different points, from emergence to maturity, in field experiments conducted during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons in Manhattan, Kansas, United States (US), with treatment timing expressed as thermal time (sum of degree-days above a base temperature of 7.5 °C) relative to flowering.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The critical period for yield determination was identified between 139 °C days before flowering (∼7 days before flowering) and 427 °C days after flowering (∼25 days after flowering), ranging from V8 to R5 crop growth stages (seventh trifoliate leaf to one pod on the main stem turning dark brown). Shade treatments reduced seed yield, with penalties ranging from 41 % to 68 %, and were mainly due to reductions in seed number per unit area, with limited compensation from increased seed weight. Pod number per unit area was the strongest determinant of final yield, while seeds per pod had a lesser effect.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Defining the critical period for seed yield determination is essential for optimizing mungbean productivity through breeding and management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110341"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}