Water stress affects the germination, emergence, and growth of different sorghum cultivars

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of water deficit stress on the germination, emergence and seedling growth of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] using Completely Randomised Block Design in four replications. Five sorghum cultivars (Jigurti, Gambella 1107, Meko, 76 T1 #23 and P9403) were evaluated under three water deficit stress treatments (0, -0.20 and -0.85 MPa) using PEG as an osmoticum (Experiment I) and under four varying growing media water contents (100, 60, 40 and 20% of field capacity) using sand (Experiment II). In both experiments, water deficit stress significantly reduced the rate and percentage of germination and emergence and early seedlings growth. Coleoptile, mesocotyl, radicle, and seedling shoot and root lengths, as well as root area were adversely affected by water deficit stress. Cultivars differed in the rate and percentage of germination, and emergence and seedling growth. Gambella 1107, Meko and P9403 had significantly (

Elevation of shoot-apices of two ecotypes of Themeda triandra on the Transvaal Highveld

In a series of investigations from 1965 to 1970 on the Transvaal Highveld it was found that the elevation of shoot apices of two ecotypes of Themeda triandra was affected by season, ecotype and treatment. The absence of defoliation increased the susceptibility of the ecotypes to defoliation, whereas the shorter the defoliation the greater the subsequent resistance to grazing. The most important finding was the general application of earlier research findings from Natal was not possible in this case.Keywords: elevations|shoots|apices|ecotypes|Transvaal|Gauteng Province|Highveld|grasses|seasons|treatments|defoliations|grazing|KwaZulu Natal Province|veld management|burning regimes|mowin

The seasonal growth patterns of a Tall Grassveld sward

The growth patterns of a Tall Grassveld sward measured with an inclined point and by clipping and weighing were determined by moisture conditions except in winter when temperature was limiting. The inclined point as a method of determining yield which might replace clipping and weighing, holds promise but is unlikely to be used in its present form because of difficulties in the determination of a strike and the changing relationship between the number of strikes and actual yield during the season.Keywords: swards|plants|methods|yields|moisture|weights|clipping|seasonal patterns|grasslands|growth|growth patterns|veld|tall grasse

The influence of time of defoliation on the vigour of a tall grassveld sward in the next season

The time of defoliation exercised a significant influence on both the production of the sward and the regrowth potential of Themeda triandra in the season subsequent to treatment. In the spring following treatment the regrowth potential of T. triandra and the actual sward regrowth followed similar trends. Highest spring yields were obtained after a cut during spring and summer while much lower yields were obtained following a cut during autumn and winter.Keywords: seasons|Natal|cutting trials|yields|regrowth potentials|production|tall grassvelds|tall grasses|defoliations|time effects|influences|sward

Research Note:Level of nitrogen fertilization and the dry matter yield of Digitaria eriantha cv. Irene in the Transvaal middleveld

N fertilizer was applied as a single dressing in spring at 0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320kg N ha–1 a–1 to an established Digitaria eriantha pasture, previously used as a hay crop. The only significant increase in dry matter (DM) production yield was obtained with 80kg N ha–1 a–1. The DM production per unit of Nitrogen (N) applied also reached a maximum with 80kg N ha–1 a–1. The distribution of rainfall also influenced DM yield.Keywords: botany; Digitaria eriantha; dry matter yield; fertilization; Hatfield Experimental Farm; nitrogen; South Africa; Transvaal; yieldAfrican Journal of Range and Forage Science 1995, 12(2): 87–8

Overseeding of Eragrostis curvula on North-Eastern Sandy Highveld

A small plot trial to investigate the possibilities of directing changes in the botanical composition of fertilized veld by oversowing demonstrated the potential of this technique for the establishment of improved pastures in non-arable situations. The improved return on fertilization, obtained by this technique, can also radically alter the attitude of many workers to veld fertilization.Keywords: fertilisation|Gauteng Province|Transvaal|Ermelo|pastures|establishments|sowing|veld|fertilised areas|botanical compositions|Highveld|seeding|technique

Effect of seeding rate and espacement on the production of dryland Medicago Sativa on two soil forms on the Eastern Transvaal Highveld

Dryland lucerne on a Longlands soil form produced 40% more material than on a Hutton soil form. There was also highly significant variation from season to season with greater variation and risk on drier soils. For all practical purpose the seeding rates and espacements used in this trial had no effect on yields. Unpredictable growth rates during the season as a result of rainfall distribution, aggravated by the species tendency to drop leaves when under stress, makes a conservative stocking rate desirable when the crop is utilized as grazing. African Journal of Range and Forage Science Vol. 18 (1)1983: pp.53_5

Veld condition in the south-eastern Transvaal and its effect on grazing capacity.

Reports the results of a survey conducted on sites throughout the south eastern Transvaal, which confirmed the parlous state of composition, cover and vigour. Discusses the implications which these conditions hold, not only for conservation of resources, but for the livestock industry in this area, with special reference to the current grazing capacity of the veld; A survey conducted on sites throughout the south-eastern Transvaal, representing 1,4 million hectares of natural veld has confirmed the parlous state of composition, cover and vigour. The implications which these conditions hold, not only for conservation of soil and water resources, but also for the livestock industry in this area, with specific reference to the current grazing capacity of the veld, are discussed.Keywords: basal cover; botanical composition; composition; conservation; current grazing capacity; grazing capacity; problem species; south africa; survey; transvaal; veld condition; Veld conditions; Veld cover; Veld vigour; vigour; water resourcesJournal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa

Influence on a North-Eastern Sandy Highveld sward of winter utilization by sheep

North-Eastern Sandy Highveld was utilized selectively by sheep grazing alone in winter with a supplementary lick. Winter utilization in four consecutive years had no detrimental effect on production, cover or seed production but care should be exercised in recommending this practice because of the tendency to start "winter" grazing in the critical months and to continue grazing into spring.Keywords: influences|Highveld|swards|winter habitat uses|sheep|selective grazing|supplementary feeding|production|farming|grass cover|seed production|grazing|autumn|spring|Ermelo|Transvaal|Gauteng Province|stocking rates|species list

Dry matter yield and quality of five annual subtropical fodder crops at different irrigation levels

Maize, soybean, cowpeas, fodder sorghum and pearl millet were cultivated in a small plot trial under a rain shelter. The crops were subjected to four irrigation levels. The yields of fodder sorghum and pearl millet were better under severely water stressed conditions (W1) in comparison to that of maize. However, maize yields under control conditions (W4), were the highest. Soybean produced higher yields than cowpeas. Cowpeas were more digestible than soybeans and also had a higher crude protein content than the other four crops. Fodder sorghum and pearl millet have comparable digestibilities and crude protein contents. Maize has a high digestibility but is very poor in crude protein content. It is thus advisable to combine maize with a legume. Whether soybean or cowpeas should be considered would depend on the need of bulk or protein. Under dryland conditions (W1) fodder sorghum and pearl millet would be better choices than maize. Keywords: Zea mays; Glycine max; Sorghum x Sudangrass; Pennisetum glaucum; Vigna unguiculata African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2002, 19(3): 157-16