Maize–soybean intercropping systems are widely used in developing countries, but few studies have been performed to optimize such systems. The effects of strip width and orientation on photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) distribution characteristics were therefore determined gain a better understanding crop productivity maize–soybean A series experiments incorporating different orientatio...

Maize plays a leading role in the food security of millions in southern Africa, yet it is highly vulnerable to the moisture stress brought about by the erratic rainfall patterns that characterize weather systems in the area. Developing and making drought-tolerant maize varieties available to farmers in the region has thus long been a key goal on the regional development agenda. Farm-level adopt...

ABSTRACT Second-crop maize-ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis) intercropping, nitrogen (N) fertilization, and high maize plant densities enhance biomass production N cycling, which may favor soybean growth yield in the following season. This study aimed to assess effects of second-crop top dressing, density on straw autumn/winter, agronomic performance crops grown succession. Field experiments wer...

Traditional yellow maize though contains high kernel carotenoids, the concentration of provitamin A (proA) is quite low (<2 μg/g), compared to recommended level (15 μg/g). It also possesses poor endosperm protein quality due to low concentration of lysine and tryptophan. Natural variant of crtRB1 (β-carotene hydroxylase) and lcyE (lycopene-ε-cyclase) cause significant enhancement of proA concen...

the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of addition of pulses in crop sequences, crop residue management, and application of fertilizer n on soil nitrogen content, soil organic carbon, nutrient uptake, and its consequences for wheat yields. the field experiments were carried out from 2009 to 2012 in the sub-humid and sub-tropical zone of northern india. the treatments were (i...

A major goal of plant reproduction research is to understand and overcome hybridization barriers so that the gene pool of crop plants can be increased and improved upon. After successful pollen germination on a receptive stigma, the nonmotile sperm cells of flowering plants are transported via the pollen tube (PT) to the egg apparatus for the achievement of double fertilization. The PT path is ...

Bacillus subtilis ANSB060 isolated from fish gut is very effective in detoxifying aflatoxins in feed and feed ingredients. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of B. subtilis ANSB060 on growth performance, body antioxidant functions, and aflatoxin residues in ducks fed moldy maize naturally contaminated with aflatoxins. A total of 1500 18-d-old male Cherry Valley ducks wi...