In this paper, we discuss, from both biological and cultural perspectives, the ancient human-plant liaison that gave rise to Near Eastern agriculture. We explain the biological aspects of Near Eastern plant domestication by a comparative analysis of legume vs. cereal crop evolution. This comparison is illustrated by the natural distribution, ecological affinity, physiology, population structure...

Abstract Diversifying cropping systems by increasing the number of cash and cover crops in crop rotation plays an important role improving resource use efficiency promoting synergy between ecosystem processes. The objective this study was to understand how combination diversification practices influences performance arable sequences terms grain yield, weed biomass, nitrogen acquisition a temper...

Habitat diversification can influence the interactions of insects with plants and this can be used in agroecosystems for the management of pest populations. Plant diversification can be achieved through planting crops, such as trap crops, or by adjusting weed management. Aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a polyphagous species that uses cereals, ve...

Improved cropping systems are needed to reduce production inputs, increase production efficiency, protect water quality, and reduce soil erosion on furrow-irrigated land. Five field studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of producing cereal or corn (Zea Mays L.) without tillage following alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on furrow-irrigated land. The primary purposes of these studies wer...

Biotechnology and its use to modify the genetic makeup of living organisms has become a topic of heated discussion in recent years. Confusion is plentiful on the topic of biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The purpose of this publication is to discuss genetic/biochemical processes at a basic level and how biotechnology is used to modify the genetic makeup of an organism. R...

a Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA b Cereal Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, 501 Walnut St., Madison, WI 53705, USA c Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA d Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9 Canada e Research Institute for Bioresources, Okayama University, Kuras...

Cropland diversity has diminished with the advent of mechanized agriculture. In some cases, a single crop is grown year after year in the same field. The lack of diversity in crops rotated in a field has allowed pests to build up, reduced yields, and in some cases increased soil erosion and reduced soil quality. Recognizing these problems, efforts are underway in many farming regions to add mor...

Allelopathic effect of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) root on some crops and weeds was investigated in two independent experiments. First, the effect of concentrations aqueous extract of apricot root (AAR) was assayed on the seed germination of Cicer arietinum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Triticum aestivum L., Zea mays L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Secale cereal L., and Avena ludoviciana Durieu. ...