Abstract in portuguese Objetivou-se avaliar a oferta de forragem do estrato herbáceo de uma Caatinga raleada e enriquecida com capim buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), submetida ao pastejo de caprinos e ovinos. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Estado da Paraíba. A área experimental foi de 2,4 ha, dividida em quatro piquetes de 0,6 ha, nos quais foram alocadas parcelas experimentais de 0,3 ha. Utilizaram-se 12 caprinos F1 (Bôer x SRD) e 12 ovinos Santa Inês (more) , que foram distribuídos em quatro grupos de seis animais. A vegetação herbácea foi separada em capim buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), dicotiledôneas e outras gramínea. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com observações repetidas no tempo (1/jul., 1/ago., 1/set. e 1/out.). A disponibilidade de matéria seca (MS) de capim buffel na área pastejadas por ovinos foi superior ao observado na área ocupada por caprinos. A oferta de MS de capim buffel não variou com os períodos de avaliações. Já para as dicotiledôneas foi observado uma redução no decorrer das épocas de avaliações na oferta de MS. O pastejo dos animais afetou a disponibilidade, taxa de acúmulo e oferta de MS das dicotiledôneas herbáceas. O período de avaliação não interferiu na disponibilidade do capim buffel. Abstract in english Forage supply from herbs was assessed in a thinned Caatinga enriched with buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) exposed to goat and sheep grazing. The 2.4 ha experimental area, located at the Experimental Station of the Federal University of Campina Grande, in Santa Terezinha, Paraíba State, Brazil, was divided into four 0.6 ha paddocks, which were further subdivided into two 0.3 ha experimental plots. Twelve F1 (Boer x SRD) goats and 12 Santa Inês sheep were divided in f (more) our groups of six animals of the same species. The herbaceous vegetation was separated into buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), dicotyledons and other grass species. Treatments were randomized to plots according to a completely random design with two treatments, four replications, with measures repeated in time (July/1, Aug/1, Sept/1 and Oct/1. Buffel grass dry mater (DM) availability was higher in the sheep grazed than in the goat-grazed area. Buffel grass DM supply did not change from July to September, while dicotyledons DM supply decreased. Grazing affected availability, accumulation rate and supply of the forage produced (DM basis) by dicotyledonous herbs. Buffel grass forage availability was not affected during the experimental period.

Policy development can fail when organisations tasked with managing contentious species for different outcomes are at odds. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L. syn. Pennisetum ciliare L. Link) has been planted worldwide and is a valuable pasture grass but it is contentious because of its environmental impacts. Due to this contention, government agencies in Australia have been reticent about developing policy for sustainable management of buffel grass. We developed a workshop procedure in which representatives of government and non-government organisations with an interest in buffel grass could discuss impacts and management of the plant in a non-adversarial setting. Orientation of the organisations ranged from a strong pastoral production focus to a strong conservation management focus. Wor...

Pasture-based systems, dominated by the tussock forming Cenchrus cilliaris cv. Biloela (buffel grass) and the stoloniferous Chloris gayana cv. Pioneer (rhodes grass), are commonly used in the revegetation of lands disturbed by coal mining in the Bowen Basin of Central Queensland. Although able to establish quickly under favourable conditions, neither species has proven entirely suitable for use in this situation, particularly in providing effective ground cover for erosion control on the re-contoured post-mining landscape. The aim of this study was to evaluate a range of new pasture grasses, with the objective of identifying accessions better adapted to the climatic conditions of the areas requiring revegetation.

Abstract in portuguese O objetivo deste experimento foi estudar o desempenho de borregos suplementados com dois níveis de feno de leucena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit), durante a estação seca, em comparação com animais mantidos em pastagem exclusiva de capim-buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris, L) ou em pastagem consorciada de capim-buffel com guandu (Cajanus cajan). Durante a estação das águas, foi determinado ainda o desempenho dos animais que foram mantidos em pastagem comum de capim-bu (more) ffel, sem suplementação. Os seguintes tratamentos foram testados durante a estação seca: A - pasto de capim-buffel; B - pasto de capim-buffel consorciado com guandu; C - pasto de capim-buffel suplementado com feno de leucena (250 g/animal•d); e D - pasto de capim-buffel suplementado com feno de leucena (500 g/animal•d). Durante a estação seca, somente os borregos suplementados com o nível mais alto de feno de leucena (tratamento D) apresentaram ganho diário de peso mais elevado que os animais mantidos em dieta exclusiva de pasto (tratamentos A e B). Na estação das águas, os animais que apresentaram melhor desempenho durante a estação seca passaram a apresentar ganho diário de peso inferior em relação aos dos demais tratamentos. Quando as duas estações foram consideradas em conjunto, a vantagem com a suplementação desapareceu e não houve diferenças entre tratamentos. O uso de feno de leucena para suplementação de borregos mantidos a pasto, durante a estação seca, é eficiente, desde que os animais estejam terminados e sejam abatidos ao final da estação. The objective of this experiment was to study the performance of lambs supplemented with two levels of Leucaena leucocephala hay during the dry season in comparison to animals grazing on buffel grass or buffel grass grown with Cajanus cajan. During the rainy season, the performance of animals that were maintained in buffel grass pasture without supplementation was also determined. The following treatments were tested during the dry season: A - buffel grass pasture; B - buffel grass pasture consorted with Cajanus cajan; C - buffel grass pasture supplemented with Leucaena hay (250 g/anim•d); D - buffel grass pasture supplemented with Leucaena hay (500 g/anim•d). During the dry season, only lambs supplemented with the highest level of Leucaena hay (treatment D) showed daily weight gain higher than those animals on exclusively pasture diets (treatments A and B). During the rainy season, the animals that showed better daily gain rates in the dry season performed daily weight gain worse in relation to the others treatments. When both seasons were considered, the advantage with supplementation disappeared and there were no differences among treatments. The use of Leucaena hay for supplementation of lambs maintained in pasture, during the dry season, is efficient, since the animals are finished and slaughter at the end of the season.

In 1993, a field study commenced to determine the impact of vegetative cover and slope on runoff, erosion, and water quality at 3 open-cut coal mine sites. Runoff, sediment, and water quality were measured on 0.01-ha field plots from 3 slope gradients (10, 20 30%), with pasture and tree treatments imposed on soil and spoil material, and 2 soil and spoil plots left bare. The greatest soil erosion occurred before pasture cover established, when a large surface area of soil ({gt} 0.5 plot area) was exposed to rainfall and overland flow. Once buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) colonised soil plots, there were negligible differences in soil erosion between slope gradients. On spoil, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) reduced in situ soluble salt content, and reduced runoff electrical conductivity to levels measured in surrounding creeks. Where spoil crusted there was poor vegetative growth and unacceptably large runoff and erosion rates throughout the study

Introduced plants that have both production values and negative impacts can be contentious. Generally they are either treated as weeds and their use prohibited; or unfettered exploitation is permitted and land managers must individually contend with any negative effects. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) is contentious in Australia and there has been no attempt to broadly and systematically address the issues surrounding it. However, recent research indicates that there is some mutual acceptance by proponents and opponents of each others??? perspectives and we contend that this provides the basis for a national approach. It would require thorough and on-going consultation with stakeholders and development of realistic goals that are applicable across a range of scales and responsive to regi...

Abstract in spanish A objeto de evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de cobertura vegetal con pasto Buffel Cenchrus ciliaris L. y fertilización fosfórica sobre la concentración de fósforo en la semilla, control de malezas a los 30, 45 y 60 días después de la siembra, y componentes de rendimiento, se llevó a cabo un ensayo con el mutante de fríjol ON-30(6), en la Granja Ana María Campos, de la Universidad del Zulia aplicando riego por aspersión. Se probaron 20 tratamientos resultante (more) s de la combinación de 5 métodos de control de malezas: testigo, aplicación de herbicida pre-emergente (metobromuron + metolaclhor), tres limpias cada 15 días con escardilla, aplicación de 10 cm de cobertura y aplicación de 15 cm de cobertura con 4 niveles de fertilización fosfórica (0, 50, 100 y 150 kg ha-1 de fosfato diamónico) usando un diseño de bloques al azar con arreglo en parcelas divididas, en donde los métodos de control fueron considerados como efecto principal y los niveles de fertilización como efecto secundario. Las variables estudiadas fueron: vainas planta-1, granos vaina-1, peso de cien semillas, rendimiento planta-1, rendimiento ha-1, porcentaje de control de malezas a los 30, 45 y 60 días después de la siembra y concentración de fósforo en las semillas. Aplicando cobertura vegetal y 150 kg ha-1 de fosfato diamónico se alcanzó el mayor rendimiento (1.394 kg ha-1), el mejor control de malezas (72,1%) y la mayor concentración de fósforo en las semillas (1,22%). Se recomienda el uso de cobertura vegetal y una aplicación mínima de 100 kg ha-1 de fosfato diamónico en fríjol. Abstract in english In order to evaluate the effect of Buffel grass Cenchrus ciliaris L. used as mulch and diammonium phosphate application on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) yield, phosphorus concentration in seeds and weed control, a trial was conducted at Ana María Campos farm (La Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela) using cowpea mutant ON-30(6) and a sprinkle irrigation system. Twenty treatments were tested with combinations of five weed control methods: no control, pre-em (more) ergent herbicides (metobromuron + metolachlor), weeds control every 15 days (three times) using a small weed-hook, application of 10 and 15 cm coverage height of dry Buffel grass as mulch and four diammonium phospate levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1). A split plot design in completely randomized blocks was applied in 5 x 4 factorial arrangement. Pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, seed (100 seeds) weight, yield plant-1, yield per plot-1, yield per ha-1, weed control (30, 45 and 60 days after sowing) and seed phosphorus concentration were measured. A high cowpea yield (1394 kg ha-1), the best weed control (72,1%) and the highest seeds phosphorus concentration (1,22%) were obtained using dry Buffel grass as mulch and 150 kg ha-1 of diammonium phosphate. Also, results suggested that an application of dry Buffel grass as mulch and diammonium phosphate (100 kg ha-1 as minimum) can be used to grow cowpea to increase yield and cover the soil.

Abstract in spanish En la región semiárida del norte de Tamaulipas México, el pasto buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), var. Común, predomina en un área de 260 000 ha y existen otras 302 000 con potencial para ser aprovechadas con este pasto. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la distribución, severidad de ataque y pérdidas en la producción que ocasiona el tizón foliar (Pyricularia grisea) sobre el pasto buffel. Se realizaron muestreos en praderas del norte de Tamaulipas del 13 a (more) l 18 de octubre en 15 sitios en 2002 y 12 en 2003. En cada sitio se determinó la incidencia y la severidad del ataque del tizón foliar. La pérdida de rendimiento se estimó en el ciclo primavera-verano de 2004 y otoño-invierno de 2005, mediante la comparación de plantas con y sin la protección de fungicidas. Además, se evaluó la reacción al tizón foliar en 16 cultivares de buffel introducidos. La presencia del tizón se observó en todos los sitios muestreados con una severidad promedio de 5.3 en una escala de 0-9. La mayor severidad de ataque se asoció a plantas estresadas por sequía o condiciones edáficas adversas, mientras que lamenor se observó en sitios que presentaron condiciones favorables para el desarrollo de la planta o cuando el pasto se encontró en la etapa de prefloración. La mayor severidad de Pyricularia grisea se observó en el ciclo primavera-verano (2004), comparado con el ciclo otoño-invierno (2005), debido a las condiciones de temperatura y humedad relativa favorable s para el patógeno. Las pérdidas en el ciclo primavera-verano fueron de 11% en clorofila, 20-26% en biomasa y 13% en proteína; por el contrario, no se registraron pérdidas significativas en otoño-invierno. Los 16 cultivares introducidos mostraron resistencia a Pyricularia grisea. Los resultados indicaron que el tizón del pasto buffel es una enfermedad epifítica en la var. Común, en Tamaulipas, con mayor prevalencia en el ciclo primavera-verano y resistencia en cultivares introducidos. Abstract in english In the semiarid region of northern Tamaulipas, Mexico, buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) var, Comun predominate in 260 000 ha and there are 360 000 additional suitable to be sown with this grass. The objective of this study was to determinate the distribution, severity and production loss caused by the leaf blight (Piricularia grisea) on buffelgrass. Samples were taken from northern Tamaulipas range lands at 15 sites on 2002 and 12 sites on 2003. The incidence and severi (more) ty of leaf blight was registered for every site with three replications from 8/13 to 8/18 for both years. Yield loss was determinate at spring-summer season 2004 and fall-winter 2005 by means of comparison between fungicide protected and unprotected plants. The reaction of buffelgrass to foliar blight was determinated on 16 introduced cultivars. Leaf blight presence was detected at all sites with an average severity of 5.3 in a scale from 0 to 9 .The highest attack severity was observed on plants stressed by drought or adverse edafic conditions; while the lower severity was observed on sites where favorable conditions occurred or when the grass was at the preflowering stage. At the spring-summer 2004 season losses were 11% in chlorophyll content, 20-26% in biomass and 13% in protein content; on the contrary, no significant reduction of these parameters was observed at the fall-winter season 2005. The 16 introduced cultivars showed resistance to Pyricularia gricea. Results demonstrated that buffelgrass leaf blight is an epidemic disease in the Comun var., in Tamaulipas, with high prevalence at the spring-summer season and there is resistance to the disease in introduced cultivars.

The evolution of specific regions of the chloroplast genome was studied in five grass species in the genus Pennisetum, including pearl millet, and one species from a related genus (Cenchrus). Three different regions of the chloroplast DNA were investigated. The first region included a 12-kilobase pa...

Abstract in portuguese Objetivou-se analisar e comparar com outras fontes de adubo o efeito da digesta de bovinos sobre características estruturais, morfogênicas e de produção do capim buffel. O estudo foi conduzido na Estação Experimental do Instituto Nacional do Semi-Árido, localizado em Campina Grande, PB, Brasil. Utilizou-se um pasto de capim-buffel cultivar Molopo, já estabelecido. A área experimental foi dividida em 24 parcelas com 4 m² cada, sendo utilizado um delineamento de b (more) locos completos ao acaso, arranjado em esquema de parcelas subdi-vididas no tempo. Os tratamentos consistiram da utilização de digesta ou esterco bovino (5 e 10 toneladas de matéria seca/ha para ambos) e adubação química 200 kg/ha da fórmula 40:10:40. Não houve interação entre a adubação e época de corte (p>0,10). Para a adubação houve efeito (p0,10) da adubação para a relação lâmina foliar/colmo, taxa de aparecimento de folhas e número de folhas vivas por perfilhos basais, porém observou-se efeito (p Abstract in english The objective of this experiment was to compare with other fertilizer sources the effect of bovine digestive content on structural, morpho-genetic and production characteristics of buffel grass. The study was carried out at Estação Experimental do Instituto Nacional do Semi-árido, located in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. A previously implanted pasture of buffel grass, cultivar Molopo was used. Experimental area was split in 24 (4 m²) experimental unities and a completel (more) y randomized block in a split plot scheme, split at time. Treatments were 5 and 10 ton of dry matter per ha of digestive content or bovine manure. For mineral fertilizer treatment 40:10:40 formule was used applying 200 kg of mix per ha. There was not interaction between fertilization and time cut (p>0.10). Fertilization influenced (p0.10) of fertilization for leaf/steam ratio, leaf appearence rate and number of green leafes per tiller, whereas effect (p

Abstract in portuguese De forma geral a aplicação de resíduos vegetais ao solo tem efeitos benéficos sobre os nutrientes do solo, sob as suas condições físicas, sob a atividade biológica e sobre a performance das culturas. O objetivo principal deste trabalho foi avaliar, durante um ciclo produtivo, o efeito da cobertura de bagaço de cana, casca de café e palha de Buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris, L.), quanto ao seu efeito sobre características físicas e químicas do fruto da pinheira (Anno (more) na squamosa L.). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, constando de cinco repetições, contendo duas plantas por parcela. Foram analisados: massa do fruto, massa da casca, massa das sementes e o número de sementes por fruto, o teor de sólidos solúveis e o pH da polpa. De modo geral, a presença da cobertura morta proporcionou incremento de massa aos frutos, o que promove aumento de receita, uma vez que, quanto maior for o fruto, melhor será seu preço. Não ocorreu aumento do pH da polpa, e o tratamento com casca de café proporcionou o maior teor de sólidos solúveis totais. Quanto às demais características, não foram encontradas diferenças. Abstract in english The application of vegetal wastes to soil have a beneficial effects on soil nutrient, physical conditions, biological activities and on the culture performance, the main objective of this study was to evaluate three kinds of vegetable byproducts: sugar cane bagasse, coffee chaff, and Buffel straw, regarding to the effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.).The experimental design used completely randomid plots with five reppl (more) ications, and two plants per plot. The total fruit mass, the peel mass, the seed mass per fruit were evaluated. The pulp level of soluble solids was measured, as well as its pH. The presence of this mulching provided an increase in the fruit mass, thereby, increasing the commercial profit, as larger the fruit is, the greater the value per weight is. There was not a pH increase in the pulp, on the other hand the treatment using coffee chaff provided a greater level of soluble solids. Regarding to the other measured characteristics, no differences were found.

The issue of sustainability and productivity of open communal rangelands compared to fenced rangelands is often subject to controversy. This study investigated differences in soil and grass layer variables between land management systems having high (communal land), low (government ranch) and medium (game reserve) stocking rates, and soil types (lithosol and vertisol or raw mineral). The results showed that differences in land management systems had caused considerable variations in most soil and vegetation variables. Soil from low or moderate stocking rate had highest K, Ca, P and N levels. Cenchrus ciliaris, Panicum maximum and Heteropogon contortus were most abundant in the low stocking rate, while annuals Tragus berteronianus and Aristida bipartita were most frequent on high stocking r...

Abstract in spanish El estado de Durango, México, cuya posición geográfica se ubica en la región centro-norte del país, presenta una topografía rugosa y un clima y geología variables, lo que le confiere una riqueza florística relativamente alta en comparación con otras entidades de México. La presencia de gramíneas variadas en este estado le ha permitido ser productor de ganado de exportación durante el último siglo, Herrera (2001) reporta 97 géneros y 338 especies de gramínea (more) s para Durango, que comparadas con otras entidades resulta ser tan sólo superada por cinco estados mexicanos: Veracruz, Jalisco, Puebla, Oaxaca y Sinaloa por el número de especies (Dávila y col., 2006). En este trabajo se muestra la distribución de los taxa que se encuentran creciendo en respuesta a las condiciones climáticas del estado, así como otros grupos de especies interesantes por su condición para subsistir: 1) especies endémicas [Chaboissaea subbiflora, Reederochloa eludens, Muhlenbergia michisensis] y especies raras o escasas [Aristida gibbosa, Festuca breviglumis, Rhipidocladum racemiflorum]; 2) especies adaptadas a suelos salinos, alcalinos o yesosos [Bouteloua ramosa, Distichlis spicata, Pleuraphis mutica, Reederochloa eludens, Sporobolus airoides]; 3) especies introducidas para ser cultivadas y escapadas de cultivo [Cenchrus ciliaris, Cynodon dactylon, Chloris gayana, Eleusine multiflora, Lolium multiflorum, Melinis repens, Sorghum halepense, Megathyrsus maximus]; 4) especies que requieren ambientes acuáticos y subacuáticos [Echinochloa crusgalli, Glyceria striata, Leersia hexandra, Leptochloa fusca, Paspalum pubiflorum]. Abstract in english Durango is a state located at the north-central part of Mexico, because of its geographical position it has a rugose topography, a variable climate and geology which confers to it a relatively high floristic richness compared to other Mexican states. The presence of varied grasses in this area has permitted to it being a cattle production in the last century, Herrera (2001) reported 97 genera and 338 species of grasses from Durango, that compared with other entities resul (more) ts to be surpassed only for 5 Mexican states: Veracruz, Jalisco, Puebla, Oaxaca and Sinaloa based on the number of species (Dávila y col., 2006). The distribution of grasses growing in response to the climatic conditions of the State is shown, as well as other species which are interesting because of the condition to subsist: 1) endemic species [Chaboissaea subbiflora, Reederochloa eludens, Muhlenbergia michisensis] and rare species [Aristida gibbosa, Festuca breviglumis, Rhipidocladum racemiflorum]; 2) species adapted to saline, alcaline or gypsofile soils [Bouteloua ramosa, Distichlis spicata, Pleuraphis mutica, Reederochloa eludens, Sporobolus airoides]; 3) introduced species to be cultivated and escaped from cultivars [Cenchrus ciliaris, Cynodon dactylon, Chloris gayana, Eleusine multiflora, Lolium multiflorum, Melinis repens, Sorghum halepense, Urochloa máxima]; 4) species which are aquatic or subaquatic [Echinochloa crusgalli, Glyceria striata, Leersia hexandra, Leptochloa fusca, Paspalum pubiflorum].

The development of improved pastures for cattle grazing is a logical post-mining land-use option for the Bowen Basin coalfields of central Queensland, but little is known of the potential productivity or livestock carrying capacity of these systems. A research program was instigated to determine key indicators of grazing capacity, viz. above-ground net primary productivity (NPP) and rainfall use efficiency (RUE), at 18 plots across 3 mines. NPP ranged from 3000-11 000 kg/ha/yr and RUE ranged from 4-21 kg/ha/mm. These results are comparable with those for buffel grass pastures on unmined lands in the region. Multivariate linear regression was used to develop a model for prediction of RUE from plot topographic and edaphic characteristics. The variables of slope, magnesium concentration and exchangeable sodium percentage most effectively predicted RUE (cumulative r{sup 2} = 0.77). Predicted RUE and average seasonal rainfall were then used to predict NPP for the 3 mines. Safe stocking rates were calculated based on 30% utilisation of seasonal NPP.

Abstract in portuguese Com o objetivo de conhecer a eficiência do herbicida clethodim no controle de plantas daninhas gramíneas e seu comportamento seletivo na cultura do algodão, cv. IAC-20, foi instalado um experimento em solo aluvial de textura arenosa. Foram estudados os seguintes tratamentos: clethodim + óleo mineral nas doses de 0,84 0,96 e 0,108 kg/ha + 0,5 % v/v, sethoxydim + óleo mineral a 0,23 kg/ha + 0,5% v/v em pós-emergência, alachlor a 2,4 kg/ha em pós-emergência, triflur (more) alin a 0,89 kg/ha em pós-plantio incorporado, uma testemunha capinada e outra sem capina. As espécies de plantas daninhas mais freqüentes foram: Cenchrus echinatus L. (capim-carrapicho), Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. (capim-pé-de-galinha) e Brachiaria plantaginea (Link.) Hitch. (capim-marmelada). Nenhum dos herbicidas testados apresento injúria à cultura. Quanto à produção, esses herbicidas apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação à testemunha capinada (828 kg/ha), sendo que o tratamento com clethodim + óleo mineral a 0,108 kg/ha + 0,5% v/v (528 kg/ha) foi o único que apresentou diferenças significativas com a testemunha sem capina (330 kg/ha). Na altura da planta, a testemunha capinada somente apresentou diferenças significativas em relação ao tratamento com trifluralin e a testemunha sem capina. O carrapicho-de-burro e o capim-pé-de-galinha foram eficientemente controlados pelo clethodim + óleo mineral, em todas as doses estudadas, e sethoxydim + óleo mineral, com controle acima de 80% aos 45 dias da aplicação. O capim-marmelada foi eficientemente controlado pelo clethodim + óleo mineral a 0,096 e 0,108 kg/ha + 0,5% v/v, com 86% e 94%, respectivamente, seguido de sethoxydim + óleo mineral com 83%, e trifluralin com 71% de controle, até 45 dias após aplicação. O total de gramíneas foi eficientemente controlado pelo clethodim + óleo mineral 0,108 kg/ha + 0,5% v/v com 94,2% seguido de clethodim + óleo mineral 0,096 kg/ha + 0,5% v/v, com 85% e sethoxydim + óleo mineral, com 83% de controle, até 45 dias após a aplicação. Abstract in english An experiment in the Porteirinha region, north of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, was performed with the cotton cultivar IAC-20 to find out the efficiency of clethodim 0.84, 0,96 and 0,108 kg/ha plus 0.5% mineral oil v/v, in comparison to sethoxidim 0.23 kg/ha plus 0.5% mineral oil v/v, all those treatments in post emergence; other treatments were in preplanting time and incorporated to the soil alachlor 2,4 kg/ha and trifluralin 0.89 kg/ha; as check were used no weeded plots (more) and hoed plots. The weeds involved were Cenchrus echinatus L., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. And Brachiaria plantaginea (Link.) Hitch. None of the tested herbicides were noxious to the cotton plants. The highest production in cotton was obtained from the check hoed plots (828 kg/ha); in the second place the clethodim 0.108 kh/ha gave 528 kg/ha, the only treatments statistically different from the no weeded plots wich gave 330 kg/ha. Clethodim gave good control of Cenchrus echinatus and Eleusine indica, with all doses. Brachiaria plantaginea was efficiently controlled (86% and more) by clethodim. Clethodim followed by sethoxydim gave in general 83% and 85% control of all the grasses.

Abstract in portuguese A região semi-árida do Brasil prolonga-se por uma área de 928 km² abrangendo uma parte do norte dos estados de Minas Gerais e Espírito Santo, os sertões da Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará e Piauí e mais 45 municípios do sudeste do Maranhão. A população é predominantemente rural e a ocupação principal de sua força de trabalho é a agropecuária. A pecuária leiteira aparece como uma das poucas opções nas regiões (more) semi-áridas, principalmente no nordeste do Brasil, onde a alimentação dos rebanhos fundamenta-se na utilização de forrageiras cultivadas e no uso da vegetação nativa, predominantemente a caatinga, aspecto que imprime características estacionais à produção nesta região. A escassez e irregularidade acentuada na distribuição de chuvas, tanto no tempo quanto no espaço, com a ocorrência de longos períodos de estiagem, praticamente, determina a obrigatoriedade de suplementação de vacas leiteiras nos sistemas de produções em regiões semi-áridas do Brasil.Desta forma, a suplementação tem se baseado na utilização de recursos forrageiros adaptados à seca, co- produtos e resíduos da agroindústria local e em alimentos concentrados. Algumas alternativas têm sido utilizadas pelos produtores na tentativa de reduzir custos sem perder produtividade nos períodos de estiagem. Para superar as adversidades alguns sistemas de produção têm sido propostos como o CBL (Caatinga-buffel-leucena) e o Sistema Glória. Além desses sistemas mencionados anteriormente, merecem destaque a utilização de co-produtos agroindustriais, restos de cultura, além de forrageiras nativas e adaptadas. Neste aspecto, a palma forrageira (Opuntia fícus indica- Mill) merece atenção especial pela sua grande adaptação, valor nutritivo e produtividade. Abstract in english The Brazilian semi-arid region has 928 km² ranging from the northern portion of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo States, the semi-arid lands of Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, and Piauí States, and 45 counties from southeastern Maranhão State. Population is mainly concentrated in rural areas and the major occupation is agriculture and livestock production. Dairy production is one of the few options in these areas, mainly in no (more) rtheast Brazil, where the feeding systems are based on cultivated forage crops and use of native vegetation, predominately the "Caatinga". These aspects give seasonal characteristics for the production on this region. Inadequate amount and distribution of rainfall in this region presenting strong spatial and seasonal variability and prolonged dry periods practically determines the need for supplementation feeding for dairy cows for production systems located in the semi-arid region. Thus, supplementation has been based on the use of forage resources adapted to the drought, by-products, residues from local agro-industry, and on concentrate feeding. Farmers are also using different options trying to reduce costs without losing productivity during the dry periods. Production systems such as "CBL" (Caatinga-Buffel Grass-Leucaena) and "Gloria System" have been proposed aiming to alleviate the adversities. In addition to these systems, the utilization of agro industrial by-products, crop residues, and native forage resources are important options. In this aspect, the forage cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) deserves special attention for its great adaptation, nutritive value, and productivity in the region.

Abstract in portuguese Este trabalho avalia e compara a produção de matéria seca (MST), conteúdo nutricional e capacidade de degradação efetiva da matéria seca (DEMS), proteína crua (DEPC) e parede celular (DEFDN) de cinco novas líneas e um híbrido de pasto buffel no nordeste do México. O consumo potencial de minerais contidos nos novos genótipos por bovinos também foi estimado. Todos os pastos se estabeleceram sob condições de temporal usando um desenho completamente ao azar com (more) três repetições. A colheita manual de plantas foi levada adiante em 14 nov., 2000, em Nuevo León, México. A produção de MST não foi significativamente diferente entre pastos. No entanto, a proteína crua, parede celular e seus componentes (celulosa, hemi-celulosa e lignina) foram significativamente diferentes entre os pastos avaliados. Assim mesmo, DEMS, DEPC e DEFDN foram significativamente diferentes entre pastos. A híbrida "Nozes" teve os valores mais altos para degrabilidade, enquanto que a línea PI 2 teve os valores mais baixos. Ao parecer o alto conteúdo de lignina nos novos genótipos pode ter influído na baixa degradação dos nutrientes no rúmen dos borregos. Só K, Fe e Co, em todos os pastos, tiveram concentrações suficientes para satisfazer os requerimentos de gado de carne. Os resultados de produção de matéria seca e dinâmica nutricional sugerem que as novas líneas PI 1 e PI 4 podem ser consideradas como bons substitutos do híbrido Nozes para ruminantes em pastoreio no nordeste do México. Abstract in spanish Este trabajo evalúa y compara la producción de materia seca (MST), el contenido nutrimental y degradabilidad efectiva de la materia seca (DEMS), proteína cruda (DEPC) y pared celular (DEFDN) de cinco nuevas líneas y un híbrido de pasto buffel en el noreste de México. El consumo potencial de minerales contenidos en los nuevos genotipos por bovinos también fue estimado. Todos los pastos se establecieron bajo condiciones de temporal usando un diseño completamente al (more) azar con tres repeticiones. La colecta manual de plantas fue llevada a cabo el 14 nov., 2000, en Nuevo León, México. La producción de MST no fue significativamente diferente entre zacates. Sin embargo, la proteína cruda, pared celular y sus componentes (celulosa, hemicelulosa y lignina) fueron significativamente diferentes entre los pastos evaluados. Asimismo, DEMS, DEPC y DEFDN fueron significativamente diferentes entre pastos. El híbrido Nueces tuvo los valores más altos para degrabilidad, mientras la línea PI 2 tuvo los valores más bajos. Al parecer el alto contenido de lignina en los nuevos genotipos pudo haber influido en la baja degradación de los nutrientes en el rumen de los borregos. Solo K, Fe y Co, en todos los zacates, tuvieron concentraciones suficientes para satisfacer los requerimientos de ganado de carne. Los resultados de producción de materia seca y dinámica nutricional sugieren que las nuevas líneas PI 1 y PI 4 pueden ser consideradas como buenos substitutos del híbrido Nueces para rumiantes en pastoreo en el noreste de México. Abstract in english This study evaluates and compares the dry matter production (TDM), chemical composition and effective degradability of dry matter (EDDM), crude protein (EDCP) and neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF) of the Nueces hybrid and five new genotypes of buffelgrass growing in Northeastern Mexico. Potential intake of minerals by cattle consuming the new genotypes was also estimated. All grasses were established in a completely randomized design with three replicates in a rain fed expe (more) riment. Plants were hand harvested on Nov. 14, 2000 at Nuevo Leon, Mexico. TDM was not significantly different among genotypes. Crude protein content and cell wall and its components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) were significantly different among grasses. Also, EDDM, EDCP, and EDNDF were significantly different among the buffelgrass genotypes. The Nueces hybrid had the highest degradability values; in contrast, PI 2 had the lowest values. It seems that high lignin content in new genotypes may negatively influence nutrient digestion in the rumen of sheep. Only the K, Fe and Co contained in all grasses would be sufficient to meet the requirements of grazing cattle. Data of dry matter production and nutritional dynamics, suggest that the new genotypes PI 1 and PI 4 could be considered as good substitutes of the Nueces hybrid for grazing ruminants in northeastern Mexico.

...ash, boric acid, potash and barium carbonate. Once the desired...swale consists of a broad, grass lined ditch or swale with gradual...permanent treatment to encourage grass growth. Plastic netting is...Nonstructural features such as grass swales and vegetative...

...employee has walked over surfaces (grass, mud, oil, paint...peroxides, and nitrates of barium, sodium, potassium, strontium...conditions or from fragments, grass fires, burning embers, or...should be available to extinguish grass fires and to wet down the...

Abstract in portuguese O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, em casa de vegetação, o comportamento de espécies herbáceas em relação ao excesso de Cd e Zn no solo. O gradiente de contaminação foi estabelecido a partir de mistura de solo contaminado com solo sem contaminação em diferentes proporções. As sementes foram semeadas em tubetes contendo 250 mL de solo, e após 90 dias as plantas foram colhidas e avaliadas. A maioria das espécies apresentou redução no crescimento com aume (more) nto da contaminação do solo e elevadas concentrações de Cd e Zn na matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA), na mistura com 15% de solo contaminado. A espécie Pffafia sp. mostrou-se tolerante à contaminação, crescendo em misturas de solo contendo até 90 mg kg-1 de Cd e 1.450 mg kg-1 de zinco. Além disso, apresentou concentração superior a 100 mg kg-1 de Cd na MSPA, sendo considerada hiperacumuladora desse metal. Sida glaziovii, Bidens pilosa, Rhynchelytrum repens, Cenchrus echinatus e Nicandra physaloides, por sua vez, foram severamente afetadas pela contaminação, ao contrário de Trifolium repens, Euchlaena mexicana, Cynodon dactylon, Avena strigosa, Cenchrus ciliares e Cyperus sp. que apresentaram crescimento satisfatório. As espécies avaliadas mostram-se promissoras para estudos adicionais sobre a reabilitação de áreas contaminadas com metais pesados. Abstract in english In a study developed under greenhouse conditions using soil mixes with different degrees of contamination with heavy metal the behavior of herbaceous species in relation to the excess of Cd and Zn in the soil was evaluated. Gradient of soil contamination was established through soil mixes of heavy metal contaminated with uncontaminated soils at different proportions. Seeds of different species and origins were sowed in 250 mL plastic tubes and plants allowed to grow for 9 (more) 0 days when they were harvested and assessed. It was found a similar behavior for most species that exhibited growth depressions due to increasing soil contamination. At soil mix with 15% of contamination soil, plants showed high concentration of Cd and Zn. In contrast to those species Pffafia sp. exhibited high tolerance to contamination, growing quite abundantly in soil mix with 90 and 1,450 mg kg-1 of Cd and Zn, respectively. Moreover, this species showed Cd concentration higher than 100 mg kg-1, being considered Cd hiperacumulator. Sida glaziovii, Bidens pilosa, Rhynchelytrum repens, Cenchrus echinatus and Nicandra physaloides were severely affected by the contaminants. While the species Trifolium repens, Euchlaena mexicana, Cynodon dactylon, Avena strigosa, Cenchrus ciliares and Cyperus sp. presented adequate growth. These species are promising for further studies on rehabilitation of heavy metal degraded land.

This study attempts to demonstrate the existence of allergic contact dermatitis from grass, and to develop a patch test series to screen patients with grass intolerance. 6 common grass species from lawns and military training areas were collected. Solvent extracts of polar, non-polar and volatile fractions were prepared and used for patch testing in 20 control subjects and 46 patients with a history of grass intolerance. The 20 controls had negative responses to patch testing. 5 out of 46 patients had positive patch tests to Axonopus compressus (carpet grass), Ischaemum muticum (seashore centipede grass), Imperata cylindrica (lalang), Panicum maximum (Guinea grass) and Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass). Reactions to the non-polar fraction for all 5 species were noted. This study demonstrates the existence of allergic contact dermatitis from various common species of grass. In our series, this is seen in 11% of those with a history of grass intolerance. PMID:9255483

Recent declines in sea grass distribution underscore the importance of understanding microbial community structure-function relationships in sea grass rhizosphere that might affect the viability of these plants. Phospholipid fatty acid analyses showed that sulfate-reducing bacter...

Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the acute toxicity of dithiocarbamates (Aquatreat and Busan) to molting grass shrimp and the effects of these fungicides on regenerative limb growth in grass shrimp. Results indicate that both dithiocarbamate formulations caused a dose...

• Background and Aims Temperate endophyte-infected (Neotyphodium sp.) grasses have been shown to exhibit an ecological advantage over endophyte-uninfected grasses under abiotic stressful conditions. It is predicted that endophyte-infected plant populations will display higher rates of germination an...

Many temperate grass species host Epichloë and Neotyphodium endophytic fungi that produce alkaloids with anti-mammalian and anti-insect properties. Ergot and lolitrem alkaloid production by endophyte-infected (E+) grasses can have deleterious effects on grazing livestock, whereas insecticidal alkal...

...aluminum, antimony*, asbestos, barium, beryllium*, boron, butanone...animals feed directly on crops such as grasses, grain stubble, or stover. Forest...animals feed directly on crops such as grasses, grain stubble, or stover....

...aluminum, strontium, manganese, vanadium, zinc, barium, boron, and lithium), and inorganics...Pennsylvania Game Commission. Planting Warm Season Grasses YCEP will plant warm season grass species. This measure will be performed,...

...Concentration of Sulfur Dioxide--Hydrogen Peroxide/Barium Perchlorate/Thorin Method,'' for EPA Method 6...and shavings. Wood waste does not include: (1) Grass, grass clippings, bushes, shrubs, and clippings from...

In semi-arid regions of North America and Australia, Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link (syn. Cenchrus ciliaris; buffelgrass) is highly invasive and has the potential to introduce fire to fire-intolerant ecosystems. Major efforts to remove P. ciliare continue and it is essential that P. ciliare be prevented from recolonizing. This study investigated potential methods to revegetate with native herbaceous plants: sowing seeds; sowing seeds and mulching; sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings; and relying on natural revegetation from the seedbank. The treatments were applied in 2009 and 2010 at sites in the Sonoran Desert which had undergone P. ciliare removal. Monsoon precipitation was below average each year and seedling emergence and establishment rates were low. There are indications that soi...

Grasses are a vital source of food for humanity and are projected to be become an important source of renewable fuel. To provide food, feed and fuel for an ever expanding human population it will be necessary to improve existing grass crops (e.g. wheat, maize, rice) and domesticate perennial grasses...

For perennial crops like short rotation coppice (in particular willow), rhizomatous grasses (like miscanthus, switch grass and reed canary grass) as well as the annual crop hemp all operations for harvesting and storage are discussed. These are mowing, size reduction, densification, conservation, st...

Abstract in portuguese A aplicação de herbicidas residuais à coberturas mortas pode aumentar a eficiência desses materiais no manejo da comunidade infestante. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a possibilidade de aplicação do pendimethalin à casca de arroz e à serragem para o controle de plantas daninhas em Ixora chinensis. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos aplicando-se o pendimethalin às coberturas mortas através de embebição e pulverização do herbicida, variando-se també (more) m a quantidade de cobertura utilizada. As espécies de plantas daninhas que ocorreram com maior frequência foram Alternanthera tenella, Blainvillea rhomboidea, Cenchrus echinatus e Commelina benghalensis. Há possibilidade de aplicação do herbicida pendimethalin à palha de arroz ou à serragem para controle de plantas daninhas em I. chinensis, principalmente quando ocorrem chuvas regulares e bem distribuídas. Há evidências de que a embebição da cobertura morta no herbicida seja um pouco mais eficiente no controle das plantas daninhas que a sua pulverização sobre a cobertura. Possivelmente, a quantidade de cobertura morta utilizada influencia na eficiência de controle, apesar deste fato não ter ficado claro neste trabalho. Abstract in english Applying herbicides at mulches may increase the efficiency of these materials for weed management. The objective of this research was to evaluate the possibility of pendimethalin applied on rice husks and sawdust for weed control on Ixora chinensis. In two field trials, pendimethalin was applied to the mulches through imbibition and spraying herbicide, also varying the amount of mulches. Higher frequent weeds were Alternanthera tenella, Blainvillea rhomboidea, Cenchrus ec (more) hinatus and Commelina benghalensis. There are possibility of pendimethalin application on rice husks or sawdust for controlling weeds in I. chinensis mainly when regular and well-distributed rainfalls occur. There are evidences that the imbibition of these mulches to the herbicide is a little more efficient for controlling weeds than the spraying herbicide on the mulches. Probably, the amount of mulches would influence in the control efficiency, although this fact had not been clear in this study.

Abstract Under the harsh environmental conditions present in severely overgrazed, semiarid rangelands, facilitator plants offer a promising tool for ecological restoration. This study investigated facilitative effects of Aloe secundiflora-a native drought-tolerant, unpalatable, thorny shrub-on grass establishment in degraded rangelands in Kenya. We planted native perennial grass seeds adjacent to three neighbor treatments: transplanted mature aloe shrubs, piles of thorn branches that provided similar physical protection to aloes, and control treatments with no facilitator. We monitored grass performance for three growing seasons. During the first growing season, association with aloe shrubs significantly improved seedling survival and plant size of individual grasses, whereas grass surviva...

Instrumental and preconcentration methods of neutron activation analysis (NAA) have been standardized for the determination of concentration of iodine in grass and cow milk samples, respectively. To study the transfer of iodine from grass to milk, known quantity of grass spiked with potassium iodide solution was fed to a cow. The spiked grass samples and milk samples, obtained from the cow after the ingestion of spiked grass, were collected. Iodine was separated from the milk samples chemically using Dowex 1X8 anion exchange resin. Spiked grass and ion exchange resin samples were neutron irradiated and radioactive assay was carried out using a 45?% relative efficiency HPGe detector coupled to an 8k channel analyzer. Iodine concentrations in spiked grass samples were found to be in the rang...

In prairie ecosystems, abiotic constraints on competition can structure plant communities; however, the extent to which competition between native and exotic plant species is constrained by environmental factors is still debated. The objective of our study was to use paired field and greenhouse experiments to evaluate the competitive dynamics between two native (Danthonia californica and Deschampsia cespitosa) and two exotic (Schedonorus arundinaceus and Lolium multiflorum) grass species under varying nutrient and moisture conditions in an upland prairie in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. We hypothesized the two invasive, exotic grasses would be more competitive under high-nutrient, moderate-moisture conditions, resulting in the displacement of native grasses from these environments. In the field, the experimental reduction of competition resulted in shorter, wider plants, but only the annual grass, Lolium multiflorum, produced more aboveground biomass when competition was reduced. In the greenhouse, the two exotic grasses produced more total biomass than the two native grasses. Competitive hierarchies were influenced by nutrient and/or moisture treatments for the two exotic grasses, but not for the two native grasses. L. multiflorum dominated competitive interactions with all other grasses across treatments. In general, S. arundinaceus dominated when in competition with native grasses, and D. cespitosa produced the most biomass in monoculture or under interspecific competition with the other native grass, D. californica. D. californica, D. cespitosa, and S. arundinaceus all produced more biomass in high-moisture, high-nutrient environments, and D. cespitosa, L. multiflorum, and S. arundinaceus allocated more biomass belowground in the low nutrient treatment. Taken together, these experiments suggest the competitive superiority of the exotic grasses, especially L. multiflorum, but, contrary to our hypothesis, the native grasses were not preferentially excluded from nutrient-rich, moderately wet environments. PMID:18030496

Perennial prairie grasses offer many advantages to the developing biofuels industry. High yielding varieties of native prairie grasses such as switchgrass, which combine lower levels of nutrient demand, diverse geographical growing range, high net energy yields and high soil and water conservation potential indicate that these grasses could and should supplement annual row crops such as corn in developing alternative fuels markets. Favorable net energy returns, increased soil erosion prevention, and a geographically diverse land base that can incorporate energy grasses into conventional farm practices will provide direct benefits to local and regional farm economies and lead to accelerated commercialization of conversion technologies. Displacement of row crops with perennial grasses will have major agricultural, economic, sociologic and cross-market implications. Thus, perennial grass production for biofuels offers significant economic advantages to a national energy strategy which considers both agricultural and environmental issues.

The viability of using rye-grass in the UK as a wet energy crop was investigated in this project. The harvesting of rye-grass, the operation of pilot-scale digesters fed with cut rye-grass, and the operation of a biogas plant are described. Use of the digestate as a fertilizer for the grass was examined and the need for added farm manure or slurry to enrich the nutrient content of the grass and produce better yields is noted. Details are given of the digester design and the design of a commercial-scale biogas plant able to take a variety of liquid and solid feeds. Energy balance, the economics of the commercial design, the ensiling of the grass, and methane yields are considered.

The work reported here is part of an ongoing project that aims to evaluate the yields of three perennial rhizomatous grasses and determine their suitability as bio-energy crops. The work began in 1993, and the grasses have been monitored continuously since that time. This report covers the period 1999/2000, and includes: the performance of plots of the energy grasses Miscanthus grass, switchgrass and reed canary grass seven years after they were planted; assessment of the yield of 15 genotypes of Miscanthus planted in 1997; monitoring all the species throughout the growing period for the presence of pests, weeds and diseases; measurement of the amount of nitrate leached from below Miscanthus grass; investigating the occurrence of lodging in switchgrass. (Author)

The degree of grass curing, i.e. the proportion of dehydrated dead grass per unit grassland area, is one of the most important parameters affecting grassland fire risk and fire behaviour. The objective of the present study was to develop a simple relationship between grass moisture and grass curing to use as an input into the next-generation fire-danger rating models of the Deutscher Wetterdienst. Seasonal changes in yellow and green portions of grass plots were estimated visually at weekly intervals. At the same time, the grass-moisture content was measured gravimetrically after destructive sampling. Regression analysis revealed an exponential relationship between decreasing leaf moisture and increasing yellowing level, in rough agreement with findings reported from Australia and North America.

The degree of grass curing, i.e. the proportion of dehydrated dead grass per unit grassland area, is one of the most important parameters affecting grassland fire risk and fire behaviour. The objective of the present study was to develop a simple relationship between grass moisture and grass curing to use as an input into the next-generation fire-danger rating models of the Deutscher Wetterdienst. Seasonal changes in yellow and green portions of grass plots were estimated visually at weekly intervals. At the same time, the grass-moisture content was measured gravimetrically after destructive sampling. Regression analysis revealed an exponential relationship between decreasing leaf moisture and increasing yellowing level, in rough agreement with findings reported from Australia and North America. PMID:20574670

This study compared the enteric CH4 emissions and milk production of cows offered various grass-based diets during mid to late lactation. Forty-eight spring-calving Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 nutritional treatments for 8wk: (1) low grass allowance (LGA) + partial mixed ration (PMR), (2) high grass allowance (HGA), or (3) LGA. The PMR group received an allocation of 13.9kg of grass dry matter (DM)/cow per day and in addition were offered 4.1kg of PMR DM/cow per day. The HGA group received an allocation of 19.3kg of grass DM/cow per day and the LGA group received an allocation of 14.4kg of grass DM/cow per day. The PMR offered was composed of 450g of maize silage/kg of DM, 450g of concentrate blend/kg of DM, and 100g of barley straw/kg of DM. Daily CH4 emis...

Pretreatment of grasses is required to maximize ethanol yield during fermentation. T85 bermudagrass and Merkeron napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) were either left untreated or were pressurized batch hot water (PBHW) pretreated for 2 min at 230 ^oC at 5% w/v whole grass solids loading. Following a 24 h enzymatic digestion, untreated and PBHW pretreated grasses were evaluated for ethanol production and co-product generation including potential fermentation inhibitors. Fermentations of PBHW pretreated grasses with E. coli LY01 produced twice the ethanol of their untreated counterparts. PBHW pretreated Merkeron napiergrass produced 224.5 mg/g grass ethanol (73% maximum theoretical yield) and PBHW pretreated T85 bermudagrass reached 213.0 mg/g grass (70% maximum theoretical ethanol ...

Abstract in spanish La tasa de deforestación anual en México es cercana a las seiscientas mil hectáreas. Una de las causas más importantes de este fenómeno se relaciona con la promoción de un esquema de desarrollo pecuario que ha ignorado los impactos ambientales. En el presente trabajo se identifican algunos de los vínculos entre los programas Alianza para el Campo y Estímulos a la Productividad Ganadera con las tendencias a la deforestación, para la apertura de praderas de zacate (more) buffel (Pennisetum ciliare) en el estado de Sonora, y se sugieren modificaciones a la legislación ambiental vigente para regularla. También se proponen alternativas para evaluar el desempeño ambiental de los programas mencionados, para replantear la estrategia sectorial de fomento pecuario. Abstract in english Mexico has a deforestation rate of almost 600,000 hectares per year. One of the most important causes is related to the promotion of a livestock development program that has ignored the environmental impacts. In this article we identify some of the existing links between programs like Alianza para el Campo and Estímulos a la Productividad Ganadera and deforestation trends by the opening of buffelgrass prairies (Pennisetum ciliare) in Sonora, and we suggest modifications (more) to the current environmental laws to regulate this phenomenon. We also propose ways to evaluate the environmental performance of subsidies programs related to deforestation, and also to improve sectorial strategies for livestock development.

Twenty-five horses, suspected on clinical grounds of having grass sickness, were given a barium swallow. Using image intensification the passage of the barium bolus was followed radiographically from the pharynx to the stomach. All 18 horses in which grass sickness was later confirmed at post mortem examination showed defective oesophageal motility. Although the specificity of the abnormality could not be proven, the technique offers a valuable aid to the ante mortem diagnosis of grass sickness. PMID:3758008

Traffic intensities have been shown to have a negative influence on the yield of grass and clover. A full scale grass-clover field trial was established to estimate the effect on clover-grass yields as a function of different wheel loads and tire pressures. The trial comprised 16 different traffic intensities with 35 replicates and 1 traffic free treatment with 245 replicates, totaling 17 treatments randomized in a framework of 840 net parcels. Significant results show that the wheel load affects the grass yield negatively and more than the tire pressure

Neotyphodium endophytes are asexual, seed-borne fungal symbionts that are thought to interact mutualistically with their grass hosts. Benefits include increased growth, reproduction, and resistance to herbivores via endophytic alkaloids. Although these benefits are well established in infected introduced, agronomic grasses, little is known about the cost and benefits of endophyte infection in native grass populations. These populations exist as mosaics of uninfected and infected plants, with the latter often comprised of plants that vary widely in alkaloid content. We tested the costs and benefits of endophyte infections with varying alkaloids in the native grass Achnatherum robustum (sleepygrass). We conducted a 4-year field experiment, where herbivory and water availability were controll...

Genomic data together with sequencing of tissue specific small RNA libraries reveals insights into the genome content, small RNA repertoire and evolutionary origins of the grass Miscanthus × giganteus.

This study aims to investigate thermophilic methanogens in turf used as an inoculum. Results showed that Methanoculleus sp. regarded as hydrogenotrophic and Methanosarcina sp. regarded as acetoclastic methanogens were present in turf tested. However, active acetoclastic methanogens were present in turf soil only. The current study showed that thermophilic methanogens were present in various turf grass species: Stenotaphrum secundatum, Cynodon dactylon, and Zoysia japonica. Severe treatments of grass leaves under oxic conditions, including blending, drying and pulverizing did not affect the thermophilic hydrogenotrophic methanogenic activity of the grass. A dried and pulverized grass extract could be generated that can serve as a readily storable methanogenic inoculum for thermophilic anaer...

A fundamental goal of restoration is the re-establishment of plant diversity representative of native vegetation. However, many prairie restorations or Conservation Reserve Program sites have been seeded with warm-season grasses, leading to grass-dominated, low-diversity restorations not representative of native grasslands. These dominant grasses are strongly mycotrophic, while many subordinate forb species appear to be less dependent on mycorrhizal symbiosis. Therefore, manipulating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may be useful in promoting establishment and growth of forb species in grass-dominated prairie restorations. To assess the potential role of mycorrhizae in affecting the productivity and community composition of restored tallgrass prairie, we conducted a 4-year field experime...

Viimsi noortekoori esinemisest audio-visuaalse kontserdikavaga "Eesti ajalugu ärkamisajast tänapäevani" 11. juunil Sõmeru klubis. Blue-grass-gospel ansambli RobiRohi heliplaadi "Usutunnistus" esitluskontserdist 6. juunil Rakvere Kolmainu kirikus

Abstract in portuguese Com o objetivo de determinar os efeitos de períodos de controle e de convivência das plantas daninhas na produtividade da cultura do algodoeiro (Gossypium hirsutum), cultivar Delta-Opal, realizou-se um experimento que constou de dois grupos de tratamentos. No primeiro, a cultura permaneceu livre da competição das plantas daninhas desde a emergência até 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 dias e colheita (159 dias). No segundo, a cultura permaneceu em competição com (more) a comunidade infestante desde a emergência até os mesmos períodos descritos para a primeira série de tratamentos. Dentre as espécies de plantas daninhas encontradas na área experimental, destacaram-se a tiririca (Cyperus rotundus), o fedegoso (Senna obtusifolia), a anileira (Indigofera hirsuta) e o capim-carrapicho (Cenchrus echinatus). Pelas condições edáficas, climáticas e florísticas sob as quais foi conduzida a cultura de algodão, o Período Anterior à Interferência (PAI) dessa comunidade que reduziu em 5% a produtividade da cultura foi de oito dias após a emergência da cultura (DAE); o Período Total de Prevenção da Interferência (PTPI) foi de 66 DAE; e o Período Crítico de Prevenção da Interferência (PCPI) foi dos 8 aos 66 DAE. Abstract in english In order to evaluate the effects of weed control and weed coexistence periods on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivar Delta Opal yield, an experiment was carried out consisting of two treatment groups. In the first, the crop was weed free from from emergence until 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 days, and harvest (159 days) respectively. In the second group, the crop was in competition with the weed community from emergence until the same period, as described for the fi (more) rst series of treatment, respectively. Among the weed species found in the experimental area, the most important were purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia), indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) and sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus). The period after cotton plant emergence and previous to weed interference, which reduced cotton yield in 5% was 8 days (DAE); the Total Period of Interference Prevention (TPIP) was 66 DAE and the Critical Period of Interference Prevention (CPIP) was between 8 to 66 DAE.

The research will be carried out as five sub-projects. The first sub-project `Breeding of reed canary grass and it`s nutrient balance` is concentrated in the development of new reed canary grass cultivars as well as new fertilization practices for non food production. In sub-project no. 2 `Cultivation of reed canary grass at the mire and the drying of peat production area` the evaporation potential of reed canary grass in connection with the drying of peat production area as well as the use of reed canary grass in purifying the runoff coming from the peat production areas was studied. In sub-project no. 3 `Development of a new efficient harvesting method and technology for straw biomass` various harvesting-transport chains based on different balers and choppers as well as economics of these chains were studied. The economics of the production-utilization chains were studied under the sub-project no. 4 `The economics of-reed canary grass and straw production- harvesting-transport-chains and their availability for bioenergy production`. The availability of reed canary grass and straw for energy production was studied by determining the amount of potential production area near the power plants capable of biomass combustion. In the sub-project no. 5 `Fuel and combustion properties of reed canary grass` the combustion quality of spring harvested reed canary grass turned out to be much better than the quality of autumn harvested grass. The full scale combustion experiments with efficiency and emission determinations were carried out at Kiuruvesi using the mixture of reed canary grass and wood chips (and bark) as a fuel

Many arid grassland communities are changing from grass dominance to shrub dominance, but the mechanisms involved in this conversion process are not completely understood. Aeolian processes likely contribute to this conversion from grassland to shrubland. The purpose of this research is to provide information regarding how vegetation changes occur in an arid grassland as a result of aeolian sediment transport. The experimental design included three treatment blocks, each with a 25 × 50 m area where all grasses, semi-shrubs, and perennial forbs were hand removed, a 25 × 50 m control area with no manipulation of vegetation cover, and two 10 × 25 m plots immediately downwind of the grass-removal and control areas in the prevailing wind direction, 19° north of east, for measuring vegetation cover. Aeolian sediment flux, soil nutrients, and soil seed bank were monitored on each treatment area and downwind plot. Grass and shrub cover were measured on each grass-removal, control, and downwind plot along continuous line transects as well as on 5 × 10 m subplots within each downwind area over four years following grass removal. On grass-removal areas, sediment flux increased significantly, soil nutrients and seed bank were depleted, and Prosopis glandulosa shrub cover increased compared to controls. Additionally, differential changes for grass and shrub cover were observed for plots downwind of vegetation-removal and control areas. Grass cover on plots downwind of vegetation-removal areas decreased over time (2004–2007) despite above average rainfall throughout the period of observation, while grass cover increased downwind of control areas; P. glandulosa cover increased on plots downwind of vegetation-removal areas, while decreasing on plots downwind of control areas. The relationships between vegetation changes and aeolian sediment flux were significant and were best described by a logarithmic function, with decreases in grass cover and increases in shrub cover occurring with small increases in aeolian sediment flux. PMID:11610435

Oryza sativa or Asian cultivated rice is one of the major cereal grass species domesticated for human food use during the Neolithic. Domestication of this species from the wild grass Oryza rufipogon was accompanied by changes in several traits, including seed shattering, percent seed set, tillering,...

Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) C.E. Hubbard is a coastal halophytic grass thriving on the coastal dunes along the Pakistani seashore. This grass could be useful in coastal sand dune stabilization using seawater irrigation. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that Ca2+ (0....

Saccharosydne subandina Remes Lenicov & Rossi Batiz is a recently described planthopper from Argentina which is known to feed on garlic, rye, and pampas grass (de Remes-Lenicov & Rossi-Batiz 2010). During a trip to Neuquén Province in February 2007, we noticed a heavy infestation of pampas grass, Co...

Bite mass is a fundamental element of ruminant ingestive behavior and is highly influenced by sward structure. We compared the sward structure of four grasses and related structure to the bite mass of cattle grazing the grasses. Reed canarygrass (RCG; Phalaris arundinacea L), quackgrass (QG; Elytri...

Research at Argonne National Laboratory and the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory has shown that computer videographic technology can be used to assist visualization and communication of GIS-generated geographic information. Videographic tools can be used to make results of GRASS analyses clear to decision-makers and to public interest groups, as well as to help GRASS users visualize geographic data more easily. Useful videographic visualization tools include graphic overlay of GRASS layers onto panchromatic images, allowing landscape features to be associated with GIS classifications; draping of GIS layers onto terrain models to create shaded relief maps; and incorporation of photographic imagery into GIS graphics. Useful videographic communications capabilities include convenient, direct interface to video formats, allowing incorporation of live video into GRASS graphics and output of GRASS graphics to video; convenient output of high-quality slides and prints; and enhanced labeling and editing of GRASS images. Conversion of GRASS imagery to standard videographic file formats also facilitates incorporation of GRASS images into other software programs, such as database and work-processing packages.

The search for possible factors influencing the spatial variation of grass quality is an important step towards understanding the distribution of herbivores, as well as a step towards identifying crucial areas for conservation and restoration. A number of studies have shown that grass quality at a r...

Ergot alkaloids are produced by non-spore producing fungal endophytes that infect certain species of grasses, most notably tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and the spore producing Claviceps spp. that infect seed heads of certain grasses...

Poor livestock performance on tall fescue is linked to infection by a fungal endophyte that enhances grass resistance to stress, including erbivory, while producing ergot alkaloids toxic to vertebrate grazers. Novel ‘safe’ endophyte/grass associations produce no ergot alkaloids yet etain stand persi...

Planting of vegetative stiff-stemmed grass hedges as an erosion control practice may influence surface runoff by altering soil hydraulic properties. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of measured soil hydraulic properties as influenced by grass hedges on runoff and sediment yiel...

Tall fescue is a major forage grass grown throughout the southeastern US and is adapted over most of the US east of the Mississippi River. The grass is host to an endophytic fungus that has significant influence of the ecological function of host in natural and agricultural situations. Research on...

Seed galls, caused by Anguina spp. leaf and stem nematodes, are normally easily detected visually in cereals such as wheat and barley. However, in grasses such as orchard grass, the presence of galls induced by Anguina spp. or Rathayibacter (Clavibacter) spp. are difficult to detect visually due to ...

Pretreatment of grasses is required to maximize ethanol yield during fermentation. T85 bermudagrass and Merkeron napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) were either left untreated or were pressurized batch hot water (PBHW) pretreated for 2 minutes at 230°C at 5% w/v whole grass solids loading. ...

The Poales (includes the grasses) and Asparagales [includes onion (Allium cepa L.) and asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)] are the two most economically important monocot orders. Comparative genomic analyses among the grass genomes revealed a high degree of synteny; however it is not known if thi...

Host-specificity is the most important criterion for biological control agents (BCAs) and is particularly important for BCAs of invasive grasses that are close relatives of grass crop species. Plant-feeding mites in the family Eriophyidae are often highly host-specific. A study was conducted on th...

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a C4 grass native to the North American tallgrass prairies, which historically extended from Mexico to Canada. It is the model perennial warm-season grass for biomass energy. USDA-ARS in Lincoln, NE has studied switchgrass continuously since 1936. Plot-scale rese...

Three subfamilies of grasses, the Ehrhartoideae (rice), the Panicoideae (maize, sorghum, sugar cane and millet), and the Pooideae (wheat, barley and cool season forage grasses) provide the basis of human nutrition and are poised to become major sources of renewable energy. Here we describe the compl...

Neurolathyrism in Ethiopia is caused by food dependency on grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.). In the study area, a large proportion of the farmers are growing grass pea since it can withstand harsh environments. Socio-economic factors (poverty; lack of money to buy other food legumes) and environmental problems (such as water logging and frost hazards) influence consumption of grass pea. Most of the respondents have the idea that some chemical contained in grass pea causes a health problem. Different processing and preparation methods are used to prepare grass pea into different food forms. The major processing methods include washing and soaking, as the farmers apply these methods mainly because they assume that the chemical that causes lathyrism, scientifically known as ?-ODAP (?-N-oxalyl-L-?,?-diaminopropionic acid) is reduced through washing and soaking. The farmers adopt different strategies to avoid the problem of lathyrism such as avoiding consumption of grass pea in the form that they suspect to cause the problem, blending/mixing with other crops, applying different processing/detoxification methods. Since grass pea is consumed with a fear of lathyrism, future research should concentrate either on developing grass pea varieties with safe level of ?-ODAP content or improving the traditional/indigenous processing methods. PMID:20850494

Forage, chikpea, medics, wheat, oilseed rape, and sunflower were cultivated during four years as part of ten different types of rotation which always included wheat. Grass-weed seedbanks were evaluated annually before seeding. The single most important reason for the control of grass-weed seedbanks ...

Grassland renovation is a relatively expensive activity. However, a cost/benefit analysis is hard to make, since financial benefits are difficult to determine. The benefits involve mainly the temporary increase of net grass production. The focus of this paper is on a model simulating the grass produ...

Apomixis, asexual reproduction through seed, is widespread among angiosperm families. Gametophytic apomixis in Pennisetum squamulatum and Cenchrus ciliaris is controlled by the apospory-specific genomic region (ASGR), which is highly conserved and macrosyntenic between these species. Thirty-two ASGR bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) isolated from both species and one ASGR-recombining BAC from P. squamulatum, which together cover approximately 2.7 Mb of DNA, were used to investigate the genomic structure of this region. Phrap assembly of 4,521 high-quality reads generated 1,341 contiguous sequences (contigs; 730 from the ASGR and 30 from the ASGR-recombining BAC in P. squamulatum, plus 580 from the C. ciliaris ASGR). Contigs containing putative protein-coding regions unrelated to transposable elements were identified based on protein similarity after Basic Local Alignment Search Tool X analysis. These putative coding regions were further analyzed in silico with reference to the rice (Oryza sativa) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genomes using the resources at Gramene (www.gramene.org) and Phytozome (www.phytozome.net) and by hybridization against sorghum BAC filters. The ASGR sequences reveal that the ASGR (1) contains both gene-rich and gene-poor segments, (2) contains several genes that may play a role in apomictic development, (3) has many classes of transposable elements, and (4) does not exhibit large-scale synteny with either rice or sorghum genomes but does contain multiple regions of microsynteny with these species. PMID:18508959

Land managers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in East Tennessee are restoring native warm-season grasses and wildflowers to various sites across the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR). Some of the numerous benefits to planting native grasses and forbs include improved habitat quality for wildlife, improved aesthetic values, lower long-term maintenance costs, and compliance with Executive Order 13112 (Clinton 1999). Challenges to restoring native plants on the ORR include the need to gain experience in establishing and maintaining these communities and the potentially greater up-front costs of getting native grasses established. The goals of the native grass program are generally outlined on a fiscal-year basis. An overview of some of the issues associated with the successful and cost-effective establishment and maintenance of native grass and wildflower stands on the ORR is presented in this report.

Genome duplication has played an important role in plant evolution. Variation in genome size within species is common, particularly in grasses, but rarely considered when planning restorations. We surveyed ploidy variation within one habitat (tall grass prairie) in one region (northeast Iowa, U.S.A.) to assess the risk of ploidy mismatch in restoration plantings. Genome sizes were estimated using flow cytometry for samples from 19 remnant prairies, 5 restoration plantings, and 2 seed sources. Intraspecific ploidy variation in remnant prairie populations was found for two species of grasses, Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem) and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass). Restoration seeds differed from remnants in ploidy for three species of grass, P. virgatum, Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass), and ...

Abstract Fungal endophytes of the genus Neotyphodium (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) form symbiotic associations with many grass species of the subfamily Pooideae, including some important forage and turf grasses from the genus Lolium. Some Neotyphodium-infected grasses have enhanced resistance to the rice leaf bug, Trigonotylus caelestialium (Kirkaldy) (Heteroptera: Miridae), one of the major pests in rice production in Japan. The insects can grow on Lolium grasses and thus cause a conflict of interest between production of forage and rice. Endophyte-mediated resistance to T. caelestialium is likely to be conferred by N-formylloline, one of the major loline alkaloids (saturated 1-aminopyrrolizidines) observed in some grass-Neotyphodium associations. We checked the feasibility of using Neoty...

Since grass will likely be a dominant feedstock for on-farm anaerobic digestion in Northwest Europe, changes in the chemical composition of five common grass species with advancing harvest date in the primary growth were investigated and related to specific CH(4) yields. The increase in fibre components with advancing harvest date had a negative impact on the specific CH(4) yield (253 and 225 Nl CH(4) kg(-1) VS for 12 May and 7 July harvests, respectively), and this impact was similar across the five grass species. At common growth stages, only small differences in herbage digestibility was observed between the grass species and this was reflected in similar specific CH(4) yields; however, the 26% lower area-specific CH(4) yield of the cocksfoot variety (Dactylis glomerata L. var. Pizza) would make it the most expensive of the five grass species to produce and the least suitable for anaerobic digestion. PMID:23131635

This slide script to accompany the slide series, Ornamental Landscape Grasses, contains photographs of the 167 slides and accompanying narrative text intended for use in the study and identification of commercially important ornamental grasses and grasslike plants. Narrative text is provided for slides of 62 different perennial and annual species and cultivars that have been grouped into three broad categories on the basis of their height (less than 2 feet tall, 2-6 feet tall, and more than 6 feet tall). Most of the ornamental grasses depicted are illustrated on two slides, and the following information is contained in the narration provided for the first slide of each grass: scientific name (genus, species, and cultivar), phonetic spelling of the scientific name, slide number, additional identifying information, plant hardiness zone, and season of active growth (warm or cool). Also included are indexes listing the grasses by their scientific and common names. (MN)

Research dealing with the agronomic and economic feasibility of tropical grass production as a renewable energy source was continued during the period Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, 1977. Greenhouse screening for total biomass production, growth curves, chemical growth stimulation, and tissue composition was performed with clones from the genera Saccharum, Sorghum, and Erianthus. Field plot work was initiated with three Saccharum hybrids and the napier grass clone Merker (Pennisetum purpureum). Candidate clone selection and seed expansion was also begun at the field-plot level with local tropical forage grasses, Saccharum hybrids from the AES-UPR cane breeding program, and several tropical grasses growing wild on the Island. A very promising candidate clone for short-rotation cropping (over a time-course of 6 to 12 weeks) was identified. Preliminary field-plot data indicate a superiority of napier grass over sugarcane for short-term production of dry matter. The scope of work to be performed during the next three to six months is briefly outlined.

The authors evaluated various methods of establishing native warm season grasses on two reclaimed Eastern Kentucky mines from 1994--1997. Most current reclamation practices incorporate the use of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and other cool-season grasses/legumes that provide little wildlife habitats. The use of native warm season grasses will likely improve wildlife habitat on reclaimed strip mines. Objectives of this study were to compare the feasibility of establishing these grasses during fall, winter, or spring using a native rangeland seeder or hydroseeding; a fertilizer application at planting; or cold-moist stratification prior to hydroseeding. Vegetative cover, bare ground, species richness, and biomass samples were collected at the end of each growing season. Native warm season grass plantings had higher plant species richness compared to cool-season reclamation mixtures. There was no difference in establishment of native warm season grasses as a result of fertilization or seeding technique. Winter native warm season grass plantings were failures and cold-moist stratification did not increase plant establishment during any season. As a result of a drought during 1997, both cool-season and warm season plantings were failures. Cool-season reclamation mixtures had significantly more vegetative cover and biomass compared to native warm season grass mixtures and the native warm season grass plantings did not meet vegetative cover requirements for bond release. Forbs and legumes that established well included pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida), lance-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), round-headed lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata), partridge pea (Cassia fasiculata), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Results from two demonstration plots next to research plots indicate it is possible to establish native warm season grasses on Eastern Kentucky strip mines for wildlife habitat.

Abstract in portuguese Avaliaram-se pelo Sistema Cornell as frações de carboidratos e os compostos nitrogenados dos capins acroceres (Acroceras macrum), angola, (Brachiaria purpurascens), canarana (Echinochloa polystachya), hemarthria (Hemarthria altíssima), setária (Setaria anceps), tanner grass (Brachiaria arrecta) e tifton 85 (Cynodon spp) nas idades de corte de 14, 28, 42 e 56 dias. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos ao acaso em esquema de parcelas subdivididas de modo que as gramín (more) eas foram avaliadas nas parcelas e as idades de corte, nas subparcelas. Houve efeito da idade de corte na composição dos carboidratos das gramíneas estudadas. Na maioria das gramíneas, os teores de carboidratos totais, carboidratos não-fibrosos e da fração A+B1 aumentaram linearmente conforme a idade de corte. A fração potencialmente degradável dos carboidratos (fração B2) apresentou um comportamento quadrático em função da idade, para todas gramíneas. A fração C dos carboidratos do capim-tifton 85 apresentou aumento de forma linear com a idade, mas não aumentou de forma significativa para as demais gramíneas. No capim-setária, os teores médios das frações nitrogenadas B2 e B3 foram elevados, o que pode representar um bom aporte protéico para degradação ruminal e para o intestino delgado. Todas as gramíneas avaliadas, à exceção do capim-setária, apresentam valores similares das frações nitrogenadas A, B1, B2 e B3. Abstract in english It was evaluated by the Cornell System carbohidrates fractions and nitrogenous compounds of the following grasses at the cutting ages of 14, 28, 42, and 56 days: nilo grass (Acroceras macrum), angola grass (Brachiaria purpurascens), aleman grass (Echinochloa polystachya), limpo grass (Hemarthria altíssima), setaria grass (Setaria anceps), tanner grass (Brachiaria arrecta), and tifton-85 grass (Cynodon spp). The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block de (more) sign, in a split plot arrangement in a way that the grasses were evaluated in the plots and the ages of cut in the split-plots. The age of cutting had an effect on the composition of the studied grasses. In most of the grasses, total carbohydrate levels, non-fibrous carbohydrates and A+B1 fraction carbohydrates increased linearly according to the age of cutting. The potentially degradable fraction of carbohydrates (fraction B2) showed a quadratic behavior according to the cutting ages for all grasses. The C fraction of the carbohydrates in tifton-85 grass linearly increased with the age but it did not increase significantly for the other grasses. In setaria grass, the intermediate levels of B2 and B3 nitrogenous fractions were high, which might represent a potential source of protein for ruminal degradation and for the small intestine. Except for setaria grass, all studied grasses show similar values of the A, B1, B2 and B3 nitrogenous fractions.

About 1000-2000 ha of peatlands are withdrawn annually from peat production in Finland due to the exhaustion of fields. An alternative for reclaiming of these peatlands is the production of reed canary grass. Research on this issue has been carried out by VTT Energy and Vapo Oy, which is the largest producer and deliverer of fuel peat in Finland. Vapo Oy has established during 1995-1997 about 100 hectares of reed canary grass plantations on the area withdrawn from peat production at Hirvineva mire in Northern Finland. The objective is to increase the cultivation of area in the near future. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinaceae L.) is harvested from plantations in spring, when the nutrients have recycled to roots after the growing season, and the growth has dried and the biomass is suitable for solid fuel or raw material for pulping industry. Another potential use for reed canary grass is to use it in filtration of runoff waters from peat production areas. VTT Energy studied in 1995-1997 the harvesting method based on loose mass in chopped form, storage of the chopped reed canary grass and later also the densification of reed canary grass loads. Research has been carried out both in farming and bog environments. In 1997, harvesting studies of reed canary grass were performed on cut-over peatlands of Hirvineva, and in 1996 on fields of Agricultural Research Centre of Finland and the town of Alavus. The results of the studies are reviewed briefly in this article

This article investigates the selection of suitable grass types for recultivation and stabilization of surface mine slopes. Slope soil was placed in Mitscherlich vessels for plant growth series, the plant growth of grass types including festuca ovina, festuca rubra, poa pratensis, lolium perenne, and trifolium repens was observed. Three test variants were conducted simultaneously: using untreated raw soil, raw soil treated with 12 l/m$SUP$2, and with 17 l/m$SUP$2 liquid manure from a pig farm. Grass length and yield of roof mass, as main protection measure against slope erosion, was observed. The results of grass growth are presented in tables. The application of liquid manure contributed substantially to higher grass length (up to 2.5 times) and up to 98% more root substance compared to growth in untreated soil. The most suitable grass mixtures for stabilization of soil slopes were determined. The optimum technology for sowing grass seeds on slopes was by spraying a liquid manure and seed mixture from a tank truck onto the slope by a high pressure pumping system with a reach of 35 m. Almost all slopes in the Geisaltal brown coal complex can be revegetated with this method. Cost of biological slope stabilization fell from 11,700 Marks/ha to below 1,000 Marks/ha with this method. (3 refs.) (In German)

Fresh water, coupled with soil salinization in many areas has resulted in an increased need forscreening of salt tolerant turf grasses. Relative salinity tolerance of eightwarm season turfgrass species were examined in this study in sand culture. Grasses were grown in a glasshouse, irrigated with either distilled water or saline sea water adjusted to 24, 48 or 72 dSm-1. Salt tolerances of the grasses were assessed on the basis of their shoot and root growth, leaf firing and turf quality. Regression analysis indicated that Zoysiajaponica (Japanese lawn grass) (JG), Stenotaphrum secundatum (St. Augustine) (SA), Cynodon dactylon (satiri) (BS), Zoysia teneuifolia (Korean grass) (KG), Digitaria didactyla (Serangoon grass) (SG), Cynodon dactylon (Tifdwarf) (TD), Paspalum notatum (Bahia grass) (BG) and Axonopus compressus(Pearl blue) (PB) suffered a 50% shoot growth reduction at 36.0, 31.8, 30.9, 28.4, 26.4, 25.7, 20.0 and 18.6 dSm1 of salinity, respectively and a root growth reduction at44.9, 43.7, 33.4, 31.0, 29.5 27.5, 21.5 and 21.4 dSm- of salinity, respectively. Leaf firing and turf quality of the selected species, as a whole, were also found to be affected harmoniously with the change in root and shoot growth. On the basis of the experimental results the selected species were ranked for salinity tolerance as JG>SA>BS>KG>SG >TD>BG>PB. PMID:22167942

Agronomists, evaluating tropical grasses from Saccharum and allied genera as potential renewable energy sources for boiler fuel and alcohol, emphasized (1) maximizing sugar cane's total biomass rather than sucrose production, (2) utilizing alternative tropical grasses during sugar cane's offseason for year-round fuel production, and (3) mechanizing production technologies for fibrous, thin-stemmed tropical grasses that are to be managed as solar-dried fuels and feedstocks. Based on the time required to maximize their dry matter yields, three categories of grasses have emerged as potential energy crops: short rotation (2-3 months) with Sordan 70A (a sorghum/sudan grass hybrid), intermediate rotation (4-6 months) with napier grass, and long rotation (12-18 months) with sugar cane. Total oven-dried matter is 50 tons/acre-yr (114 metric tons /hectare-yr) for sugar cane, 33 tons (74 metric tons) from napier grass harvested at 6-month intervals, and 21 tons (47 metric tons) from Sordan 70A harvested every 14 weeks.

Solid biofuels with poor flow properties can cause problems in heating and power plants. Bridging over openings is one problem that was studied for chopped reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) mixed in different proportions with wood chips. The aim was to determine whether the bridging tendency in chopped reed canary grass and in chopped wheat straw depends on the particle size, and if it would be reduced if grass and straw were mixed with dry wood chips. The bridging tendency was defined as the slot opening when a ``bridge`` of material formed over the opening breaks, and was measured with equipment developed and tested for wood fuels. Earlier studies showed that long and thin particles have a high tendency to bridge. This was confirmed for the straw and grass studied. Their tendency to bridge was 6-8 times higher than that of wood chips. Mixing wood chips in grass or straw decreased the bridging tendency that was 3-5 times higher than that of pure wood chips. The results indicate that mixing wood chips into chopped reed canary grass or straw is not a promising concept to decrease their bridging tendencies. The lack of suitable methods to classify particle shape in mixtures of wood chips and straw or grass was an obstacle to a closer analysis of how the particle shape affects the bridging tendency. (Author)

Strategies for erosion control on a railway embankment batter (side slope) are quantitatively evaluated in this paper. The strategies were centred on control (do nothing treatment), grass seeding, gypsum application, jute mat (an erosion control blanket) placement and planting hedgerows of Monto vetiver grass. Rainfall and runoff were monitored at 1 min intervals on 10 m wide embankment batter plots during 1998 and 1999. Total bedload and suspended sediment eroded from the plots were also measured but only for a group of storm events within sampling intervals. It has been demonstrated that vetiver grass is not cost-effective in controlling erosion on railway batters within Central Queensland region. Seeding alone could cause 60% reduction in the erosion rate compared with the control treatment. Applying gypsum to the calcium-deficient soil before seeding yielded an additional 25% reduction in the erosion rate. This is the result, primarily, of 100% grass cover establishment within seven months of sowing. Therefore, for railway embankment batter erosion control, the emphasis needs to be on rapid establishment of 100% grass cover. For rapid establishment of grass cover, irrigation is necessary during the initial stages of growth as the rainfall is unpredictable and the potential evaporation exceeds rainfall in the study region. The risk of seeds and fertilizers being washed out by short-duration and high-intensity rainfall events during the establishment phase may be reduced by the use of erosion control blankets on sections of the batters. Accidental burning of grasses on some plots caused serious erosion problems, resulting in very slow recovery of grass growth. It is therefore recommended that controlled burning of grasses on railway batters should be avoided to protect batters from being exposed to severe erosion.

The aim of this project was to develop biogas plant concepts for semicontinuous digestion of energy grass, i.e. cut grass, silage and hay from extensive managed meadows. As second priority, native grass monocultures with high yields were used as energy grass as well. The influence of the substrate composition (different grass species), the pre-treatment of the substrate (chopping, storage) as well as the retention time and the digestion temperature on biogas production were analysed by means of batch digesters on laboratory scale. Considering the results of the batch tests, methods for the semicontinuous digestion of energy grass were developed and tested. Energy grass digestion in the stirred tank reactor (co-digestion with liquid manure) and in the biogas channel (in which solid manure packed in perforated bins is transported through a liquid phase) were analysed on laboratory scale in order to define the operating parameters. Furthermore, appropriate operating procedures for the dry anaerobic digestion (digestion of silage in a plug-flow reactor) were developed. A pilot experiment was made on a two-stage biogas plant with batch feed liquefaction acidogenesis reactor and a continuously operated anaerobic filter as methane reactor. In the one-step process the biogas yield was between 500 and 600 litres per kilogram organic matter (digestion temperature: 35{sup o}C, retention time: 18-25 days). In the two step process, only 320 litres could be produced because of insufficient liquefaction. The experiments have shown that grass digestion without any additional buffering media, i.e. without wetting or slurring with a liquid phase, is not possible. Process stability can easily be achieved by digesting the grass (hay, silage) together with liquid manure (co-digestion, biogas channel) or by wetting it (dry anaerobic digestion). The co-digestion of chopped hay with pig slurry in the stirred tank reactor was carried out with a maximum loading rate of 8 g organic matter per litre per day. (author) 23 figs., 6 tabs., 23 refs.

Progress is reported on plant breeding programs for the genetic improvement of warm season grasses using irradiation as a tool. Data are included from studies on alteration of the protein quantity and quality in pearl millet grain by irradiation and mutation breeding; the effects of nitrogen and genotype on pearl millet grain; the effects of seed size on quality in pearl millet; irradiation breeding of sterile triploid turf Bermuda grasses; irradiation breeding of sterile coastcross-1, a forage grass, to increase winter hardiness; use of irradiation to induce resistance to rust disease; and an economic assessment of irradiation-induced mutants for plant breeding programs.

Many factors influence the success and survival rate of a population of living things. Explore several factors that can determine the survival of a population of sheep in this NetLogo model. Start with a model of unlimited grass available to the sheep and watch what happens to the sheep population! Next try to keep the population under control by removing sheep periodically. Change the birthrate, grass regrowth rate, and the amount of energy rabbits get from the grass to keep a stable population.

This publication reviews the projects, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, studying the energy use of reed canary grass and straw in 1995-1997. The projects were directed to harvesting and storage of field biomasses, the production costs and combustion technology. The projects investigated the harvesting methods based on loose and bale-harvesting, stockpiling of the biomasses, as well as the transportation of the biomasses from a storage to combustion plants. In addition to this the production costs were calculated for different production methods. Combustion technical properties of reed canary grass and the mixing of it at power plants were also studied, as well as the applicability of them at the fuel processing systems of prevailing power plants. The harvesting chain of reed canary grass was developed mainly on the basis of harvesters and harvesting methods for fresh fodder and dried hay. The research reviewed the operability of equipment and chains, the productivities of different phases of harvesting, and the economy of different chains, as well as the development targets. The main methods for harvesting of reed canary grass are loose harvesting and bale-harvesting methods. The production costs of reed canary grass at the combustion plant are about 90 FIM/MWh, and those of straw about 40 FIM/MWh. In Finland there are tens of heating and thermal power plants capable for combustion of field biomasses, near of which there is enough straw or reed canary grass production capacity. About three quarters of the farmers living close to the plants are willing to produce straw or reed canary grass for energy production, if the price would be sufficient. Combustion properties of spring-harvested reed canary grass are better than those of autumn harvested reed canary grass. Reed canary grass is mixed with peat or wood fuels thoroughly because the homogeneity of the mixture effects on the usability of the fuels. The chuffed reed canary grass has to be homogenous and the length less than 4 cm. Spring-harvested reed canary grass is suitable for mixed fuel combustion if the boiler is not operated with full capacity.

Research was conducted between the fall of 1992 and the spring on the population and community ecology of the rare annual plant, Amsinckia glandiflora (Gray) Kleeb. ex Greene (Boraginaceae). The research goal was to investigate the causes of the species rarity, data useful to restorative efforts. The work focused on the examination of competitive suppression by exotic annual grasses; comparisons with common, weedy congener; and the role of litter cover and seed germination and seedling establishment. Annual exotic grasses reduced A. grandiflora reproductive output to a greater extent than did the native perennial bunch grass.

The research is concerned with thermochemical characterisation of straws and high yielding perennial grasses. Crops selected for this study include wheat straw (Triticum aestivum), rape straw (Brassica napus), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and switch grass (Panicum virgatum). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to examine the distribution of char and volatiles during pyrolysis up to 900^oC. Utilising multi-heating rate thermogravimetric data, the Friedman iso-conversional kinetic method was used to determine pyrolysis kinetic parameters. Light and medium volatile decomposition products were investigated using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) up to 520^oC. The 22 highest yielding identifiable cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin biomass markers were ...

Results are reported from determinations of Sr/sup 90/ and (Cs/sup 137/ s in samples of grass and milk collected in Finland during 1959. Data are tabulated. Results show that the Sr/sup 90/ and Cs/sup 137/ contents of milk do not differ essentially from that of the milk of other countries with corresponding climatic conditions. The discriminating factor for grass and milk, or the ratio of - - Sr/sup 90//g calcium in milk divided by this ratio for grass, was shown to be about 0.008. The corresponding factor for Cs/sup 137/ was calculated as 0.28. (C.H.)

A general correlation has been developed for particle deposition from the turbulent gas flows to completely rough surfaces. The correlation is based on experimental data taken from the literature, and the theory of particle deposition by diffusion and interception from boundary layer flows. The surfaces include artificial grass, rye grass, water and gravel. Two empirical factors which depend on the structure of the roughness layer appear in the correlation. These factors have been evaluated for various rough surfaces based on a reference surface, the sticky artificial grass of Chamber lain.

The perennial grasses miscanthus, reed canary and swithchgrass have attractions as energy crops in the United Kingdom: all have low demand for fertilizer and pesticide, and are harvested annually. Research on energy ratios and carbon ratios of the grasses is reported. A Microsoft Excel-based model was developed (from an ADAS database) and the input calculations and assumptions are explained. The study demonstrated the attractions of theses grasses as a source of fuel. The results agreed with those from a model developed for the SRC.

The present investigation studied the toxicity of soil contaminated by untreated discharge from a factory that recycles used plastics. The nearby agricultural areas and freshwater fish ponds were polluted with high concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Mn. Water extracts from the contaminated soil retarded root growth of Brassica chinensis (Chinese white cabbage) and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) where their seeds were obtained commercially. The contaminated populations of C. dactylon, Panicum repen (panic grass), and Imperata cylindrica (wooly grass) were able to withstand higher concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Mn, especially C. dactylon, when compared with their uncontaminated counterparts.

Grass Hills ecosystem lies in Anaimalais. The western ghats possesses rich biodiversity, The annual summer fire, an integral part of this ecosystem, promotes the ecological status of certain perennial grasses including the dominant grass. Chrysopogon zeylanicus Thw. On the other hand, some medicinal plants Viz., Impatiens tomentosa Heyne, Drosera peltata Sm Osbeckia parviflora Arn., Emilia sonchifolia Dc. Lecanthus penduncularis Wedd. And Lobelia nicotianifolia Heyne were identiflora Arn. Emilia sonchifolia Dc. Lecanthus penduncularis wedd and lobelia nicotianifolia Heyne were identified as fire threatened species and it has been observed that their sociological attributes were hampered severely by fire. Hence, the conservation of such species is needed through effective fire control measures. PMID:11001054

Abstract in portuguese Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a produção e composição química do leite, o consumo de matéria seca e a taxa de lotação em pastagens de capim-tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), grama-estrela (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst cv. Estrela-Africana) e capim-marandu (Brachiaria brizantha Stapf cv. Marandu). As gramíneas foram manejadas sob regime de lotação rotacionada com vacas mestiças Holandês x Zebu, com 30 dias de intervalo de desfolha e tr (more) ês dias de ocupação do piquete e foram adubadas com 1.000 kg/ha/ano da fórmula 20:05:20 (NPK), parcelada em três vezes durante a época das chuvas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com três fatores em estudo e duas repetições. Foram utilizadas quatro vacas por piquete e, quando necessário, foram acrescentados animais reguladores objetivando obter oferta de massa seca de forragem verde de 7% do peso vivo. Os animais receberam individualmente 2 kg/dia de concentrado no período experimental. A produção de leite não diferiu entre as três gramíneas, com valores de 9,1; 9,1 e 8,7 kg/vaca/dia para as pastagens de capim-tanzânia, grama-estrela e capim-marandu, respectivamente. Da mesma forma, não houve efeito da gramínea na composição química do leite. A taxa de lotação foi semelhante entre as três gramíneas, com os valores de 4,6; 4,5 e 5,0 UA/ha para o capim-tanzânia, a grama-estrela e o capim-marandu. Maior consumo de matéria seca foi observado no capim-tanzânia com 2,6% do PV, enquanto a grama-estrela (2,3%) e o capim-marandu (2,4%) não diferiram entre si. O maior consumo de matéria seca na pastagem de capim-tanzânia não refletiu na produção de leite por animal. A produção e composição química do leite e a taxa de lotação sao similares entre as gramíneas avaliadas. Abstract in english The objective of this study was to evaluate milk yield and composition, dry matter intake, and stocking rate in pastures with tanzania grass (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia), star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis cv. Estrela-Africana), and marandu grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu). The grasses were managed in a rotational grazing system with Holstein x Zebu crossbreed cows, with a 30-day resting period and three days of paddock occupation. The pastures were fertilized wit (more) h 1,000 kg/ha/year using the 20:05:20 (NPK) formula, split in three applications during the rainy season. It was used a complete random block experimental design with three factors being studied and two replications. In the experiment, four cows/paddock were used and, when it was necessary, regulator animals were added in order to obtain a supply of 7% body weight green forage dry matter. The animals were individually fed concentrate at 2 kg/day during the experimental period. Milk yield did not differ among the three grasses, with values of 9.1; 9.1; and 8.7 kg/cow/day for pastures with tanzania grass, star grass and marandu grass, respectively. Similarly, grass did not affect milk chemical composition. Stocking rate was similar among the three grasses, with values of 4.6; 4.5 and 5.0 UA/ha for tanzania grass, star grass and marandu grass, respectively. The highest dry matter intake was observed for tanzania grass with 2.6% of the body weight while stargrass (2.3%) and marandu grass (2.4%) did not differ among each other. The highest dry matter intake on tanzania grass pasture was not reflected on milk yield per animal. Milk yield and composition and stocking rate are similar among the evaluated grasses.

...French grunt, grass porgy, porkfish, puddingwife, queen triggerfish, sheepshead, smallmouth grunt, Spanish grunt, tiger grouper...are bank sea bass, cottonwick, longspine porgy, ocean triggerfish, rock sea bass, and schoolmaster. The designation of...

...Unsuitable Properties Building Alabama Bldg. 00071 Anniston Army Depot Calhoun AL 36201 Landholding...1166, 1168 Blue Grass Army Depot Richmond KY 40475 Landholding...241, 2011 Defense Distri. Depot New Cumberland PA 17070...

Decorate accordingly - create a Louisiana swamp complete with cattails, grasses, alligators, etc. ... These booklets can be either hole punched then organized in a three-ring binder OR prebound with plenty of blank ..... It will sink to the bottom.

Environmental UV-A and UV-B Threshold Doses for Apoptosis and Necrosis in ... Mapping and modeling the biogeochemical cycling of turf grasses in the .... and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) 2005 Annual Conference, March 7-11, Baltimore, MD.

Sugar degradation occurs during acid-catalyzed pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass at elevated temperatures, resulting in degradation products that inhibit microbial fermentation in the ethanol production process. Arabinose, the second most abundant pentose in grasses like corn stover and wheat ...

Gasoline, diesel oil, andhydraulic oil are stored in double-walled ...... plant community include pampas grass, mulberry tree, oleander bush, olive tree, and cottonwood ...... Kizysik, AnthonyJ. Ecological Assessmentof the Effects of ArmyTraining ...

The US DOE at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, prairie restoration is taking place in order to conserve the rich topsoil. This is the largest of many prairie restoration experiments. Big bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardi), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) are the main initial grasses grown. After their growth reaches enough biomass to sustain a fire, other prairie plants such as purple prairie clover and dropseed grass appear. The goal of this is to provide a generous refuge for disappearing native plants and animals, a site for scientific research, and a storehouse of genes adapted to a region that produces much of the worlds food. Plans for restoring the marsh and oak savanna, also native to the Fermilab site are also in the works.

The tolerance of six cool-season grasses and six warm-season grasses to three kinds of salt was examined in solution culture. Among the cool-season grasses, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) was the most tolerant to all three salts. Among the warm-season grasses, bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) was the most tolerant to excess calcium chloride and sodium chloride, while bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) was the most tolerant to excess magnesium chloride. A positive and significant correlation was found between estimates of the concentration at which plant growth decreases by 50% (C50) in the presence of excess CaCl2 and those in the presence of excess NaCl. The C50 estimates in excess MgCl2, however, were not correlated with those in the other two salts. The results suggest that common physiological mechanism confers tolerance to both excess CaCl2 and excess NaCl, but a different mechanism to excess MgCl2.   

Red clover-grass leys incorporating three clover (Trifolium pratense L.) varieties and two grass species, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.), were sown in 2003 and grown for three harvest years (2004-2006). The crops were fertilised either once with organic fertiliser (cow manure applied in the sowing year) or yearly with mineral fertiliser. The yields of the harvested bomasses were measured and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions estimated by life cycle analysis (LCA) yearly for both fertilisation types. At the end of the experiment, the carry-over effect of the red clover-grass leys was studied with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Mineral fertilisation resulted in higher yields, but also about 2-3 times higher GHG emissions per unit clover-grass...

The relative contributions of wet, dry particle bound and dry gaseous deposition to the accumulation of SOC in welsh ray grass were investigated under near natural conditions. Dry gaseous deposition was found to be the most important pathway of SOC to this typical pasture grass. The mechanism of dry gaseous deposition was studied in the laboratory using a solid phase fugacity meter developed by the research group. It was found that the partitioning isotherm of SOC between the gas phase and welsh ray grass was linear for plant concentrations ranging over two orders of magnitude. The partition coefficient was linearly proportional to the octanol/air partition coefficient of the compound. A model of dry gaseous deposition that included two plant compartments was assembled on the basis of the laboratory results. This model was then partially validated by simultaneously sampling ambient air and welsh ray grass growing outdoors.

This report deals with the histopathological/ultrastructural changes in various tissues of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) exposed to hexavalent chromium, pentachlorophenol (PCP) and two dithiocarbamate formulations: Aquatreat DNM-30 (15% sodium dimethyl dithiocarbamate plus 15...

Legume?grass interactions have a great influence on grassland primary production and it was recently shown how defoliation of a legume can increase the transfer of fixed N to a neighbouring grass. It has also been shown that defoliation of a plant can increase soil microbial activity and lead to better soil N availability in the rhizosphere of the defoliated plant. We combined these two perspectives and tested whether defoliation of a legume (Lotus corniculatus) can enhance N nutrition of the neighbouring grass (Holcus lanatus) by increasing growth of soil decomposer biota and the availability of soil organic matter N for grass uptake. We grew mixtures of L. corniculatus and H. lanatus in grassland soil that included 15N-labelled L. corniculatus litter. In half of the systems, we subjected...

Surveys were performed along paired transects running from the boundary to the field core and with and without sown grass strips. Their presence affected weed assemblages in the boundaries and over the first metre of the field margins as well as the patterns of weed species distribution. Sown grass strip effect always significantly explained the weed species assemblage in boundaries (23.6%), crop edges (28.4%) and field margins (8.1%) but not in field cores. Sown grass strips enlarged the habitat of boundary species (Plantago lanceolata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Carex sp.). They limited the spread of some species into the field (e.g. Sonchus asper, Anagallis arvensis). Some species were favoured by the establishment of sown grass strips (e.g. Cirsium arvense, Bromus sp., Elytrigia repens). H...

Abstract in english In grass conservation systems, drying in the field is an essential process upon which the quality and quantity of the material to be conserved is dependent on. In this study a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, previously validated, was used to assess qualitatively and quantitatively the field drying process of cut grass under different weather conditions and structural specifications of the grass. The use of the CFD model depicts the climate heterogeneity in the g (more) rass area with a special focus on moisture distribution, influence of the weather conditions, in order to create the possibility of applying the model as a decision support tool for an enhanced treatment of the grass after cutting.

Comparative developmental and reproductive studies were performed on several species of estuarine crustaceans in response to three juvenile hormone agonists (pyriproxyfen, methoprene and fenoxycarb). Larval development of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, was greater than two...

The Cotton Trash Identification System (CTIS) was developed at the Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory to identify and categorize extraneous matter in cotton. The CTIS bark/grass categorization was evaluated with USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) extraneous matter calls assigned ...

Three different depths of compost and five compost retention techniques were tested to determine their efficacy and cost effectiveness for increasing the establishment of native grass seedings and decreasing erosion on steep roadside cut slopes in southwe...

The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that feeding dried grass from a ryegrass cultivar with high water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentration to dairy cows lowers emissions of enteric methane and urinary nitrogen. This dried grass (here the cultivar ‘AberMagic’) was compared as a forage-only diet to dried grass prepared from a low-WSC cultivar (‘Respect’). Six mid-lactating primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (19kg milk/cow/day) were subjected to a change-over design in two 26-day experimental periods. In the last 8 days of each period, feed intake, milk yield, fecal and urinary excretion were recorded and samples were taken. During 2 days, methane emissions were measured in open-circuit respiration chambers. The dried grass t...

Adding and improving nutrient status of overburden dump top material through biofertilizer for supporting vegetation and for sustainable spoil development, a pot experiment was conducted. In this, two bio-fertilizers namely bactin and phosphin in three doses were applied on overburden dump top material kept in pots growing two grass species. The growths were compared with control on dump and soil both. Results shows that overburden dump amended with bio-fertilizer at lowest dose have significant increase in growth over the control of dump material and soil in vetiver grass but failed to shows the same result in lemon grass. This may be due to different growth behaviour of the grasses. 14 refs., 2 tabs.

Plant communities developing in abandoned semi-natural areas are being increasingly dominated by invasive exotic species. How these ?novel residents? affect re-colonisation by native perennial species, a process generally assumed to be seed limited, remains little explored. We examined the relative roles of dominant exotic grasses and seed dispersal in limiting the richness and abundance of native perennial grasses in an old-field grassland community. We also tested whether native grass recruitment depended on the identity of resident exotic species. A seed addition, single-pulse removal experiment was established in a 20 year old field in the Inland Pampa of Argentina. Seeds of seven native perennial grasses from a nearby relict grassland were sown into intact and disturbed patches domina...

The temperature dependence of the partitioning of SOC between air and Lolium multiflorum (Welsh ray grass) was investigated in the laboratory using a solid-phase fugacity meter. A novel contamination system employing liquid CO, was used to contaminate the grass culture with chlorinated benzenes, PCBs and PAHs. The grass was then isolated for a period to allow for fugacity equilibration within the leaf. Thereafter the surface fugacity was measured in the fugacity meter over a temperature range of 5 C to 50 C. The logarithm of the grass/air partition coefficients increased linearly with the inverse of the temperature. The temperature coefficient describing the temperature dependence increased within a family of compounds with increasing molecular weight. The results indicate that plant uptake of SOC is very sensitive to the temperature, the partition coefficient varying by a factor of on average 100 between 5 C and 50 C.

served as the western or northern boundary of a 150 square meter study o grid. .... Lagoon. Turtle grass (Thalassia testudium) is also a conspicuous member of marine ... lakes or ponds are probably completely lacking on the islandi. All ...

Surface water contamination can often be reduced by passing runoff water through perennial grass filters. Research was conducted in 2006 to 2008 to evaluate the size of cool season grass filters consisting primarily of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) with some orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) relative to drainage area size in reducing runoff sediment and phosphorus (P). The soil was Pohocco silt loam Typic Eutrochrepts with a median slope of 5.5?%. The grass filters occupying 1.1 and 4.3?% of the plot area were compared with no filter with four replications. The filters were planted in the V-shaped plot outlets which were 3.7???11.0?m in size. The filter effect on sediment and P concentration was determined from four natural runoff events when nearly all plots had runoff. Fil...

Many grasses have mutualistic symbioses with fungi of the family Clavicipitaceae. Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumont. = Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.)] can harbor the obligate endophyte, Neotyphodium coenophialum, that is asexually propagated and transmitted via host seeds. In a...

Many grasses have mutualistic symbioses with fungi of the family Clavicipitaceae. Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) = Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumont.] can harbor the obligate endophyte, Neotyphodium coenophialum that is asexually propagated and transmitted via host seeds. Total...

Tests have shown that good stands of redtop, reed canary grass, and tall fescue can become established on coarse coal spoil amended with sewage sludge and with limestone, because both the pH and the rooting depth were increased.

Not only feed but also respective bolus particle size could alter diet efficiency and cow performance. The objective of this project was to characterize particle size of selected feeds and respective swallowed boli. Feed samples included 6 different particle length rye grass hay samples, 1 grass silage, 1 corn silage, and 1 total mixed ration (TMR). Rye grass hay samples consisted of long hay and chopped hay particles retained on the 19- (19_PSPS hay), 8- (8_PSPS hay), and 1.18-mm (1.18_PSPS hay) Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) screens and those collected on the pan (PSPS_pan hay). A sixth hay treatment was rye grass forage cut at 50-mm lengths and dried to hay (50-mm hay). Treatments were offered to 4 nonlactating and 4 lactating cows following rumen evacuation. Swallowed boli were c...

...alabamensis), and Yadkin River goldenrod (Solidago plumosa). We proposed to list the snuffbox...swamp buckhorn or Georgia bully), Solidago arenicola (southern racemose goldenrod...grass). One of the species petitioned, Solidago plumosa (Yadkin River...

APPENDIX C: Possible Improvement of Plant Species Through. Genetics . .... Nutrients (elements) required for plant growth are indicated-in Table. 3. Elemental ...... and stage of maturity on the ...... and clover-grass mixtures in lysimeters. Agron ...

Abstract in english A phytoplasma was detected in golden beard grass (Chrysopogon acicalatus) displaying white leaf symptoms near vegetative fields at the Tatkone region in Myanmar, 2011. Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes, including the 16S-23S spacer region and part of the 23S rRNA gene, the phytoplasma was identified as a member of the Bermuda grass white leaf phytoplasma (BGWL) group. The golden beard grass white leaf phytoplasma (G (more) BGWL) 16S rRNA gene sequence exhibited over 98.7% similarity with all members of BGWL group phytoplasmas and 99.5% similarity with Thailand Bermuda grass white leaf phytoplasma (AF248961). In addition, the GBGWL phytoplasma was confirmed to be a member of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis' by phylogenetic analyses.

Symptoms of subjects presenting with rhinitis, conjunctivitis or contact urticaria when exposed or in contact with grass are usually attributed to allergy to grass pollen or to certain airborne molds. The four cases described in the present report presented with allergic symptoms when mowing their lawn. The suspicion of allergy to grass leaves was confirmed by skin prick tests with native leaves. An extract of rye grass leaves was made and its allergens were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Three of the four patients were found to have IgE specific for a single 56kDa molecule. It was shown to be a major leaf protein and identified as a subunit of ribulose 1,5 diphosphate carboxylase/oxydase, a major plant kingdom enzyme involved in photosynthesis. This protein is widely present in ...

Creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera L., is a non-native grass commonly found at mesic sites in central Oregon. Interest in A. stolonifera plant communities and the factors that may control its distribution has increased since field trials of A. stolonifera ...

These grass-roots proposals are presented to the Executive Council for ...... ALH84001 is identical to intracellular magnetite produced by terrestrial ...... Our next step is the collection of intact symbioses, and we are currently planning two ...

The Cotton Trash Identification System (CTIS) developed at the Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory was evaluated for identification and categorization of extraneous matter in cotton. The CTIS bark/grass categorization was evaluated with USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) extraneou...

et a1 1983; Howarth, 1984) on the potential importance of pyrite oxidation to energy .... mitigate against the effects of iron toxicity to plants and aid the growth of plants .... Sulphur uptake by salt grasses, mangroves and seagrasses in anaerobic ...

Jun 6, 2002 ... Station, Space Shuttle Endeavour delivered two novel furnaces and more than 20 ..... an Extra Vehicular Activity –- EVA for short — or. “spacewalk,” during their ..... $20; Rotary reel mower, 3HP, 2-grass collectors, $350. 325- ...

Abstract Understanding the spatial dynamics of landscape use by free-ranging herbivores is integral for successful ecosystem management. We used binary logistic regression analyses to determine the relative importance of biotic, abiotic and human factors in influencing the distribution (presence/absence) of wild grazers on two Maasai ranches in Kenya's Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem. Both ranches had low grass biomass and suffered from regular droughts. We found that grazers consistently located themselves where grass biomass was highest, usually irrespective of grass quality, suggesting that forage quantity may be the limiting factor where grass biomass is generally low. The availability of surface water had no significant effect on the likelihood of grazers being present, even in the dry seaso...

...parties to this venture. Also, BroadView Software, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Grass Valley/Thomson, Beaverton, OR; Panasonic Broadcast, Secaucus, NJ; Video Communications, Inc., Springfield, MA; and Grant Hammond (individual member),...

This report, which covers the year 2003 growing season, is the second annual report about a project to investigate the ecological impact on biodiversity of plantations of biomass grass crops grown in Hertfordshire in the UK. Wildlife monitoring was carried out at five field sites growing the perennial rhizomatous grass crops Miscanthus, reed canary grass and switch grass. The report covers the findings from wildlife surveys for the 2003 season, the final results from the invertebrate identification from the 2002 season, data entry from the 2002 and 2003 seasons, and the continued invertebrate identification during the 2003 season. Butterfly assessments and an evaluation of crop characteristics such as plant height, plant/stem density and biomass yield were also performed. Results are presented with respect to crop field characteristics, pests and diseases, ground flora, ground beetles, birds, small mammals, butterflies and epigeal invertebrates. Plans for the next growing season are outlined.

Robert Nathan led the development of digital image processing in its early .... began to turn up in other fields, chief among them astronomy and medicine. ... in image-processing technology, but NASA has supported the grass roots initiatives .

Plant communities developing in abandoned semi-natural areas are being increasingly dominated by invasive exotic species. How these ?novel residents? affect re-colonisation by native perennial species, a process generally assumed to be seed limited, remains little explored. We examined the relative roles of dominant exotic grasses and seed dispersal in limiting the richness and abundance of native perennial grasses in an old-field grassland community. We also tested whether native grass recruitment depended on the identity of resident exotic species. A seed addition, single-pulse removal experiment was established in a 20?year old field in the Inland Pampa of Argentina. Seeds of seven native perennial grasses from a nearby relict grassland were sown into intact and disturbed patches domina...

A simple method to produce char and char briquets (from grasses, weeds, leaves, and agricultural wastes) for domestic and industrial uses is described. This inexpensive technology will provide jobs, earnings, savings of fossil fuels and firewood, and safeguard against deforestation.

...asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, peas, barley, wheat, range grasses, and Christmas trees. Metribuzin has limited non-agricultural...often found in natural waters. Sulfate salts of metals such as barium, iron, or lead have very low water solubility. Sulfate...

...specified in the BBRA. The commenters identified services such as barium swallows, video fluoroscopies...Rural 0.8762 Montana. 27480............ Sweet Grass County, 27 Rural 0.8762 0.8762 99927 Rural 0.8762...

...kg, measured in a surface soil sample. Antimony, arsenic, barium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc were...pavilion and basketball court, but most of the property is grass covered and is for general recreational use. Sampling of...

Rhizomes and tillers grow from underground axillary meristems, which are important determinants of perennial growth habit and architecture in grasses. Leymus cinereus grows from intravaginal axillary meristems (tillers), forming a compact tussock year after year. Conversely, L. triticoides grow fr...

We supplement a previously published mitochondrial DNA data set of grass snake sequences (ND1, ND2, ND4, cyt b, in total 3,806?bp) with sequences of Corso-Sardinian and Tuscan specimens and infer their phylogeny using Bayesian, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods. In addition, we estimate divergence times of grass snake clades using a relaxed molecular clock calibrated with fossil evidence, and, in a second approach, the post-Messinian reopening of the Strait of Gibraltar. Recently it was suggested that Corso-Sardinian grass snakes represent a distinct species: Natrix cetti. All tree-building methods revealed well-supported branching patterns and deep divergences among grass snakes. However, sequences of N. natrix were consistently paraphyletic with respect to Corso-Sardinian ...

... transferring NASA technology to applications in air pollution monitoring and air pollution control. ..... barium, chromium, vanadium, iron, manganese, selenium, and lead. 25 ...... photosynthesis as do the grasses, crops, herbs and trees of the ...

Feb 7, 1976 ... impact, air and water pollution, geographic information systems, and geo- ..... niferous trees, selected agricultural crops, grass and bare soils. The ...... barium sulfate powder was used as the standard for comparison. The high ...

of diseased plants, surveys and studies of air and water pollution, forest manage- ...... extreme, the pasture and grasses are nearest the hot ground and exposed to the least ...... tance of barium sulphate, and graphed on a line-printer output.

or urban pollution) are transparent to the radiation in the mid-IR. (Kaufman and Remer,. 1994). Even dust, though .... normalized by baseline values taken of a white barium sulfate plate. White ... forest, corn stubble and short grass. No standing ...

dispersion of man-made pollutants in the troposphere and their mixing into the stratosphere is ...... the capability to release gases, such as lithium or barium, which alter ..... be cited. Agriculture, from the grass-roots farmer to the senior govern- ...

This is a statistical review of international seaborne trade in crude oil and dry bulk commodities (iron ore, coal, grass, bauxite, alumina and phosphate rock) and the employment of tankers, combined carriers and bulk carriers in these shipments.

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is one of the high-yield warm-season grasses that has been suggested as a promising raw material for conversion to methane. Experimental work performed with laboratory digesters to study the anaerobic digestion of Coastal Bermuda grass harvested in Louisiana and having a C/N ratio of 24 is described. Methane yields of about 1.9 SCF/lb of volatile solids( VS) added were observed under conventional mesophilic high-rate conditions. When supplemental nitrogen additions were made, the yields increased up to 3.5 SCF/lb of VS added indicating that the nitrogen content of the grass examined was insufficient to sustain high-rate digestion at the higher yield level. Thermophilic digestion with supplemental nitrogen additions afforded methane yields of about 2.7 SCF/lb VS added. Carbon and energy balances were calculated and the relative biodegradabilities of the organics were estimated.

to redevelop its lands to create a world-class, shared-use educational and research and .... plants (Plantago erecta and Castilleja purpurascens) and ...... ornamental trees, shrubs, and turf grasses that were intentionally planted around the ...

Jun 5, 2012 ... Fast-growing pasture grasses and forbs have been most widely applied for post- fire stabilization and rehabilitation, but use of native species is increasing. ... can limit recruitment of tree and shrub seedlings on burned sites.

survey and document the nature and distribution of the plant and vertebrate animal ..... mats of Chara (musk grass) that become very thick at certain times .of year. Dredge holes ..... based on finds;of skeletal remains, records of spot rotenone ...

Conservation practices including agroforestry and grass buffers are believed to reduce nonpoint source pollution (NPSP) from pastured watersheds. Agroforestry, a land management practice that intersperses agricultural crops with trees, has recently received increased attention in the temperate zone due to its environmental and economic benefits. However, studies are limited that have examined buffer effects on the quality of water from grazed pastures. Six treatment areas, two with agroforestry buffers, two with grass buffers, and two control treatments were used to test the hypothesis that agroforestry and grass buffers can be used to effectively reduce NPSP from pastured watersheds. Vegetation in grass buffer and pasture areas includes red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) and lespedeza (Ku...

Natural fiber composite materials are one such capable material which replaces the conventional and synthetic materials for the practical applications where we require less weight and energy conservation. The present paper, which emphasis the importance of the newly identified snake grass fibers which are extracted from snake grass plants by manual process. In this paper, the tensile properties of the snake grass fiber are studied and compared with the traditionally available other natural fibers. The mixed chopped snake grass fiber reinforced composite is prepared by using the isophthallic polyester resin and the detailed preparation methodology is presented. Fiber pull-outs on the fractured specimen during the physical testing of the composites are also investigated. The experimental evi...

Karl Konrad Grass oli 19. sajandil Dorpati keiserliku ülikooli usuteaduskonna Uue Testamendi õppejõud, kes tegeles hobi korras idakristluse (vene sektid) uurimisega. Tema peateoseks on uurimus "Die russischen Sekten". Ettekanne konverentsil 15.-16. aprill 2005. a.

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach), the main fodder crop in eastern Africa, has recently been severely affected by Napier stunt disease, which is caused by phytoplasma. We have recently confirmed that a leafhopper, Maiestas banda (Kramer) transmits phytoplasma in Napier grass in Kenya. Several other species of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) and planthoppers (Delphacidae) are also associated with Napier grass, and some could be potential vector(s) of phytoplasma, but little is known about phenology and movement activity of these insect groups. We monitored the populations of M. banda and other leafhoppers and planthoppers in Napier grass fields at two sites in western Kenya for 18?months. High population densities were observed for M. banda, suggesting that it plays a major role in th...

We established hedges/barriers of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissner), leucaena (Leucaena trichandra (Zucc.) Urban)) and napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) and combination hedges of either calliandra or leucaena with napier grass on slopes exceeding 5% to study the effect of vegetative barriers on productivity of arable steep-lands in central Kenya. Hedges/barriers were pruned regularly and biomass incorporated into the plots. Hedge plots were monitored for soil fertility, soil losses and maize crop yield changes. Inorganic-N concentration in the tree hedge plots was higher than in the control and napier barrier plots after 20?months. Napier grass barriers were the most effective in reducing erosion losses across the two seasons. The effectiveness of napier grass to sign...

Given that Cd accumulates within plant tissues to levels that are toxic to animals, it is necessary to understand the role of plants in highly Cd-contaminated systems and their subsequent impact on the health of animals. A solution culture experiment was conducted to elucidate the effects of increasing Cd2+ activity ({Cd2+}) on growth of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) and signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.). The shoot and root fresh mass of both Rhodes grass and signal grass was reduced by 50% at ca. 0.5??M {Cd2+}. Elevated {Cd2+} resulted in a significant decrease in the tissue Mn concentration for both the shoots and roots, and caused a chlorosis of the veins in the shoots. Root hair growth was prolific even at high {Cd2+}, thus root hair growth appeared to be less sensitive...

Two experiments are described involving 33 crossbred (mainly Simmental and Jersey X Zebu) and 33 Zebu (Horro and Boran) bulls and steers. In experiment I, growth rates of crossbred and Zebu cattle rotationally grazed on either native pasture or Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) were compared during a 140 day grazing period at a stocking rate of 2.4 animals/ha. In experiment II, growth rate of cattle rotationally grazed for 140 days on native pasture was compared with that of a similar group grazed on Rhodes grass either rotationally or continuously at a stocking rate of seven animals/ha. On native pasture the average daily gain by Zebu animals was similar to that of the crossbreds whilst on Rhodes grass liveweight gain of Zebu animals was lower than that of the crossbreds. Daily gains of cattle were significantly (P less than 0.01) greater on continuous compared with rotationally grazed Rhodes grass. PMID:746593

Summary Twenty growing Small East African goats were used to determine the effects of feeding sun-dried leaves of the browse forages Berchemia discolor and Zizyphus mucronata as supplements to low-quality basal diet, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay, on voluntary feed intake (VFI), digestibility and growth performance. The grass hay and maize bran were used as a control. The dried leaves were then included at the rates of 15% and 30% of the dry matter intake (DMI). Berchemia discolor had the highest crude protein (CP) content of 195.5-g/kg DM, while Z.mucronata had CP content of 169.5-g/kg DM. The grass hay had the lowest CP content of 50.9-g/kg DM. The browse forages had low fibre content [Neutral detergent fibre (NDF); 257.9-369.5-g/kg DM], while the grass hay had high fibre content (ND...

This article discussed a new drilling project with a higher than normal density of wells which is currently raising concerns with the ranching community in Alberta's Porcupine Hills. Ranchers fear that the wells may destroy the remaining native grasses that sustain their industry. The Porcupine Hills are situated above flat lands in eastern Alberta, and are home to stands of fir and aspen, as well as the large swathes of undisturbed fescue grass, a family of indigenous grasses estimated to now occupy only 5 per cent of its former range. Compton Petroleum has already drilled 9 wells in the area and 3 more sites are proposed. Officials claim to recognize the importance of grasses to ranchers, and are using new techniques to both minimize disturbance and replant natural vegetation. However, the density of wells will be extreme, and it was anticipated that this will have a tremendous impact on the landscape.

Toxicities of 2 industrial chemicals (4-nitrophenol and 2,4-dinitrophenol) and two organophosphate insecticides (terbufos and trichlorfon) to juvenile grass shrimp (Palaemonetes spp.) and sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) were determined by static, 96-h toxicity tests in...

...tabosa flats that are lacking shinnery oak and dominated by tabosa grass (Hilaria mutica) and scattered mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). Shinnery oak dune habitat is altered and moved by natural processes like wind and rain. Over time,...

Roof covering in the form of grass offers many different advantages. One of the most important functions is the absorption of noise. The grass roofs also protect the roof construction against extreme temperatures and other weather conditions. Several examples of the application of green roofs in the Netherlands are discussed. One disadvantage is the problem of moisture. Several options to solve that problem are mentioned

It is generally thought that vegetation has a stabilization effect on a slope; however, very limited quantitative field data are available for verifying this perception. In order to improve our understanding on the vegetation effect on rainfall infiltration and hence on slope stability, a well-instrumented field study was carried out on an unsaturated expansive soil slope in China. The field program consisted of two neighboring monitoring areas (both 16 m wide by about 30 m long): namely a bare area and a naturally grassed area (real slope). Artificial rainfall events were produced in succession in the two areas with a specially-designed sprinkler system. In this paper, the relevant monitored results from the two areas are directly compared and discussed. Prior to the artificial rainfall, the measured higher initial soil suction in the grassed area than that in the bare areas was attributed to the evapo-transpiration effect of the grass. During the rainfall, the presence of the grass greatly increased the infiltrability of the upper soil layer and delayed the onset of surface runoff. The observed delayed responses (i.e., about 3 days) of surface runoff, soil suction and water content to the rainfall in the grassed area was about twice the duration of the delayed response in the bare area (i.e., about 1.5 days). The influence of the simulated rainfall on the changes of soil suction and water content in the grassed area was found to be more significant and about 1.5 m deeper than that in the bare area. The greater depth of influence observed in the grassed area may be attributable to the greater depth of open cracks due to the evapo-transpiration effect of grass.   

Med afsæt i det fortrolige par løgn og litteratur handler denne artikel om, hvorfor Günter Grass' erindringsbog Når løget skrælles er blevet så omdiskuteret, og hvordan den kan siges at være et nyt hovedværk i forfatterskabet. Grass sætter spørgsmålet om erindringens løgnagtighed på spidsen og går med en hidtil uset grad af selvransagelse og oprigtighed til bekendelse, samtidig med at han udfolder det tyske krigstraume i et nyt sprog Udgivelsesdato: Februar

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. Karen Holloway-Adkins, KSC wildlife specialist, shows a sample of the sea grass she collected from the floor of the Banana River. She is studying the life history of sea turtles, especially what they eat, where they lay their eggs and what factors might harm their survival. On the boat trip she is also monitoring the growth of sea grasses and algae and the water quality of estuaries and lagoons used by sea turtles and other aquatic wildlife.

Currently renewable raw materials are being used in full scale biogas plants as co-substrates. Using grass silage frequently caused technical problems till now. Within the framework of this project, a process to digest grass silage as a single substrate is being developed. An intermittently operating two-stage process is used. As far as the degree of degradation and methane yields are concerned, good and promising results have been achieved. (orig.)

Abstract in portuguese Plantas daninhas e microrganismos do solo se interagem na interface solo/raiz promovendo vantagens para o desenvolvimento e estabelecimento de ambos. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento e o acúmulo de nutrientes em oito espécies de plantas daninhas (Ageratum conyzoides L., Bidens pilosa L., Cenchrus echinatus L., Conyza bonariensis L., Echinochloa crus-galli L., Eleusine indica L., Ipomoea grandifolia L. e Lolium multiflorum L.) e nas culturas de feijã (more) o e milho, cultivadas, por 50 dias, em substrato fumigado com brometo de metila. Avaliações referentes à altura, área foliar, número de folhas, matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes e teor relativo dos nutrientes, foram realizados aos 50 dias após emergência das plântulas. Observou-se efeito positivo da fumigação do substrato no crescimento, número de folhas, área foliar, altura de plantas e acúmulo de nutrientes nas plantas daninhas gramíneas em relação às dicotiledôneas. Conyza bonariensis foi a mais afetada pela fumigação do solo, apresentando índices de matéria seca, número de folhas, área foliar, altura e acúmulo de nutrientes em torno de 50% menores em relação às plantas crescidas em solo normal. A fumigação influenciou também o ciclo vegetativo das plantas, sendo este menor para as espécies B. pilosa, E. indica e C. echinatus. Observou-se, ainda, acúmulo de fósforo 20 e 30% menor em plantas de Bidens pilosa e Conyza bonariensis, respectivamente, quando cultivadas em solo esterilizado. As culturas de feijão e milho foram menos afetadas pela fumigação do solo em comparação às plantas daninhas. Abstract in english Weeds and soil microorganisms interact with each other in the soil/root interface, promoting the development and establishment of both. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and nutrient accumulation in eight species of weeds (Ageratum conyzoides L., Bidens pilosa L., Cenchrus echinatus L., Conyza bonariensis L., Echinochloa crus-galli L., Eleusine indica L. Ipomoea grandifolia L. and Lolium multiflorum L.) and in bean and corn crops grown for 50 days in (more) a substrate fumigated with methyl bromide. Assessments relating to the height, leaf area, leaf number, dry weight of shoots and roots and relative content of nutrients were carried out 50 days after seedling emergence. A positive effect of soil fumigation was observed on the growth, leaf number, leaf area, plant height and accumulation of nutrients in monocot weeds in relation to dicots. Conyza bonariensis was the most affected by soil fumigation, with levels of dry matter, leaf number, leaf area, height and accumulation of nutrients approximately 50% lower than plants grown in normal soil. Fumigation also influenced the growth cycle of the plants, which was lower for B. pilosa, E. indica and C. echinatus. We also observed a 20 and 30% lower phosphorus accumulation in Bidens pilosa and Conyza bonariensis, respectively, when grown in the sterilized soil. Overall, the bean and corn crops were less affected by soil fumigation than the weeds.

Abstract in portuguese O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o período anterior à interferência (PAI) em soja, var. Coodetec 202, em área de plantio direto na região de Maringá-PR, utilizando o sistema de testemunhas duplas. A principal infestante da área após a instalação da cultura foi Bidens pilosa, numa densidade de infestação de 50 a 70 plantas m-2. Outras plantas daninhas presentes na área foram Euphorbia heterophylla, Brachiaria plantaginea, Sida rhombifolia, Acanthosperm (more) um hispidum, Commelina benghalensis, Cenchrus echinatus e Desmodium tortuosum. A cultura foi mantida na presença de plantas daninhas por períodos de interferência crescentes (7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 dias e ciclo completo 118 dias) a partir da emergência da soja. Após cada período de interferência, as plantas daninhas foram eliminadas por capina e remoção manual, mantendo-se a soja no limpo até a colheita. Além dos nove períodos de interferência, foram instalados dois tratamentos-padrão adicionais com herbicidas, aplicados em PRÉ (após a semeadura) e em PÓS (aos 18 dias após a emergência da cultura). Conclui-se que com a utilização de testemunhas duplas foi possível estabelecer um PAI de 10 dias para a cultura da soja (var. Coodetec 202), após sua emergência. Quanto aos tratamentos herbicidas, com a mistura pré-emergente (diclosulam + flumetsulam) não se observou nenhum efeito negativo sobre a produtividade, porém com a utilização da mistura pós-emergente (lactofen + chlorimuron-ethyl), aos 18 dias após a emergência, houve redução de produtividade. Abstract in english This work aimed to evaluate the period before weed interference in soybeans, var. Coodetec 202, in a no-till area in Maringá, PR, using two-fold checks. The main weed in this area after crop installation was Bidens pilosa, averaging from 50 to70 plants m-2. Other minor weeds were Euphorbia heterophylla, Brachiaria plantaginea, Sida rhombifolia, Acanthospermum hispidum, Commelina benghalensis, Cenchrus echinatus and Desmodium tortuosum. The crop was kept free of weed inte (more) rference during initial periods after crop emergence (7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 days after emergence and for the whole the crop cycle 118 days). After each consortium period, weeds were manually eliminated, as well as the new weeds thereafter, until crop harvest. Two additional standards with pre- and post-emergence herbicide treatments were also evaluated. For weed interference periods e > 14 days, there was a significant soybean yield decrease. Using two-fold checks, it was established that the period before weed interference must be10 days after soybean emergence. Yield losses ranged from 16.8% (weed interference for 14 days after crop emergence) to 28.03% (interference for the entire cycle). Yield loss estimate by delaying weed control up to 18 days after crop emergence (timing for post-emergence control) was 452 kg ha-1 (16,74%).

Abstract in portuguese Foi conduzido em Serranópolis, GO, um ensaio objetivando avaliar a eficiência e a seletividade de herbicidas no controle de plantas daninhas na cultura da soja (Glycine max (L.) Merril), utilizando-se os seguintes tratamentos: A) 100 g/ha de imazethapyr (ácido 2-[4,5-dihidro-4-metil-4(1-metiletil)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-ilo]-5-etil-3-piridinacarboxilico) + surfactante, a 0,25% v/v; B) tratamento A e 15 dias após, 230 g/ha de sethoxydim (2-1-etoximino-butil-5-2(etiltio)-p (more) ropil-3-hidroxi-2-ciclohexeno-1-ona) + óleo mineral, a 0,25% v/v; C) 230 g/ha de sethoxydim + óleo mineral, a 0,25% v/v; D) 480 + 200 + 230 g/ha de bentazon (3-isopropil-2,1,3-benzotiadiazinona-(4)-2,2-dióxido) + fomesafen (5-)2-cloro-4-(trifluorometil-fenoxi)N-metilsulfonil-2-nitrobenzamida) + sethoxydim + óleo mineral, 0,25% v/v; E) 150 g/ha de imazaquim (2-[4,5-dihidro-4-metil-4-(1-metiletil)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-ilo]-3-quinolinacarboxílico) pré-e e 230 g/ha de sethoxydim + óleo mineral, 0,25% v/v; F) 250 g/ha de fomesafen + 187 g/ha de fluazipop-p-butil (butil-(R)-2-(4-(5-trifluorometil-2-piridiloxi)-fenoxi)-propionato) + surfactante a 0,2% v/v; G) 120 g/ha de imazethapyr + surfactante a 0,2% v/v; H) testemunha capinada; I) testemunha não capinada. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. O capim-custódio (Pennisetum setosum (Swartz) L. Rich) foi eficientemente controlado por todos os tratamentos químicos, enquanto a falsa-serralha (Emilia sonchifolia DC.) foi somente pelo tratamento D. O capim-carrapicho (Cenchrus echinatus L.) por C, D, E e F. O joá-de-capote (Nicandra physaloides (L.) Pers.) por D.F. e G. Ocorreram injúrias iniciais às plantas de soja, nos tratamentos D, E. e F. As alturas de plantas e de inserção da primeira vagem, além do rendimento de grãos, não foram influenciados significativamente pelos herbicidas. Abstract in english An experiment was carried out in Serranópolis, State of Goiás, Brazil, aiming to evaluate herbicides efficiency in weeds control and selectivity of the same ones for soybean crop (Glycine max (L.) Merril). The following treatments were utilized: A) 100 g/ha of imazethapyr + surfactante at 0,25% v/v; B) treatment A and 15 days after 230 g/ha of sethoxydim + mineral oil at 0,25% v/v; C) 230 g/ha of sethoxydim + mineral oil at 0,25% v/v; D) 480 + 200 + 230 g/ha of bentazon (more) + fomesafen + sethoxydim + mineral oil at 0,25% v/v; E) 150 g/ha of imazaquim (pre-emergent) and 230 g/ha of sethoxydim + mineral oil at 0,25% v/v; F) 250 g/ha of fomesafen + 187 g/ha of fluazifop-p-butil + surfactant at 0,2% v/v; G) 120 g/ha of imazethapyr + surfactant at 0,25% v/v; H) control with hoeing; I) control without hoeing. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. Capim-custódio (Pennisetum setosum (Swartz) L. Rich.) was efficiently controlled by all the chemical treatments where as Falsa-serralha (Emilia sonchifolia DC.) only by the treatment D. Capim-carrapicho(Cenchrus echinatus L.) by G, D, F. Joá-de-capote(Nicandra physaloides (L.) Pers.) by D, F and G. Initial injuries were found in soybean plants in the treatments D, E and. F. Neither height of plants and insertion of the first pod nor grain yield was significantly influenced by the herbicides.

Abstract in portuguese A capacidade competitiva das culturas com plantas daninhas depende de fatores relacionados à habilidade destas em manter a produtividade ou de suprimir o crescimento das plantas concorrentes. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da competição entre três cultivares de milho e seis espécies de plantas daninhas no crescimento inicial e alocação de matéria seca pelas plantas. Adotou-se arranjo fatorial em esquema 3 x 6 + 9, constituído pela combinaçã (more) o de três genótipos de milho (híbrido DKB 390 YG, variedade AL 25 e híbrido SHS 4080) em competição com seis espécies de plantas daninhas (Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus, Brachiaria brizantha, Commelina benghalensis, Brachiaria plantaginea e Euphorbia heterophylla), e ainda nove tratamentos adicionais, correspondentes aos cultivares de milho e às espécies daninhas ausentes de competição. Ambos os tratamentos foram delineados em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, e cada vaso, contendo 5 L de substrato, representou uma unidade experimental. O período de convivência entre os cultivares de milho e as plantas daninhas foi de 60 dias após emergência do milho, sendo depois disso coletado o material vegetal para avaliação da matéria seca e distribuição entre os diferentes órgãos (raízes, folhas e caule). Os cultivares de milho apresentaram menor acúmulo de matéria seca quando estavam em competição com as espécies de plantas daninhas. A folha e o caule foram os principais órgãos afetados negativamente. De forma contrária, as raízes das espécies competidoras, de maneira geral, foram os órgãos mais prejudicados. Observou-se, de modo geral, que a variedade de milho AL 25 foi a que menos tolerou a competição com plantas daninhas; B. plantaginea foi a espécie daninha que demonstrou possuir a menor habilidade competitiva; e B. brizantha e C. benghalensis mostraram ser as espécies com maior capacidade de competição com a cultura do milho. Abstract in english The competitive ability of crops against weeds depends on factors related to their ability to maintain productivity or eliminate them in a situation of interference. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of competition between three varieties of maize and six weed species on the growth and dry mass allocation by plants. A factorial scheme 3 x 6 + 9 was arranged consisting of a combination of three genotypes of maize (DKB 390 YG, variety and hybrid AL 25 SHS 4080) in co (more) mpetition with six weed species (Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus, Brachiaria brizantha, Commelina benghalensis, Brachiaria plantaginea and Euphorbia heterophylla), plus nine treatments corresponding to the maize and weed cultivars under no competition. Both treatments were designed in randomized blocks with four replicates and each pot (containing 5 dm3) was an experimental unit. The period of coexistence among the maize and weed cultivars was 60 days after emergence, and thereafter the plant material collected was evaluated to assess the dry mass distribution among different organs (roots, leaves and stems). The maize cultivars presented lower dry mass accumulation when in competition with the weed species. The leaves and stems were the main organs negatively affected. On the other hand, the roots of the competing species were, in general, the most affected. AL 25 genotype was the least tolerant maize variety in competition with weeds and B. plantaginea was the least competitive weed. B. brizantha and C. benghalensis proved to be the species with the greatest capacity to compete with maize.

Abstract in portuguese O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a seletividade e eficácia de herbicidas inibidores de ACCase na cultura da mamoneira AL Guarany 2002, no município de Paraguaçu Paulista/SP, durante a safra 2002/2003. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com 11 tratamentos e quatro repetições, constituídos pelos herbicidas e adjuvantes: fluazifop-p-butil (313 g ha-1) + Agral® (0,2% v/v); sethoxydim (322 g ha-1) + Assist®(0,5% v/v); h (more) aloxyfop-methyl (120 g ha-1) + Assist® (0,5% v/v); clethodim+fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (75 g ha-1) + Assist® (0,5% v/v); quizalofop-p-ethyl (125 g ha¹) + Assist® (0,5% v/v); clethodim (156 g ha-1) + Assist® (0,5% v/v); propaquizafop (175 g ha-1) + Assist® (0,5% v/v); tepraloxydim (400 g ha-1) + Dash® (0,5% v/v); butroxydim (100 g ha-1) + Dash® (0,5% v/v); isoxaflutole (60 g ha-1); e testemunha capinada. No momento da aplicação a mamoneira encontrava-se com 4 a 6 folhas, e o Cenchrus echinatus, com 1 a 5 perfilhos. A mamoneira cv. AL Guarany 2002 apresentou alta seletividade aos herbicidas inibidores de ACCase, não sendo verificada fitointoxicação aos 14 DAA (dias após aplicação), com exceção do tepraloxydim, onde os sintomas persistiram até os 21 DAA, e do isoxaflutole (inibidor de HPPD), por apresentar injúrias nas folhas mais velhas e redução significativa de produtividade. A infestação de C. echinatus foi eficientemente controlada pelos herbicidas inibidores de ACCase entre 14 e 21 DAA (? 95,0%). Abstract in english This experiment aimed to evaluate the selectivity and efficacy of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides in castor bean crop, at Paraguaçu Paulista, São Paulo, during the 2002/03 agricultural season. The experimental design used was randomized complete blocks, with eleven treatments and four replicates, constituted by the following herbicides and adjuvants: fluazifop-p-butyl (313 g ha-1) + AgralTM (0.2% v/v); sethoxydim (322 g ha-1) + AssistTM (0.5% v/v); haloxyfop-methyl (120 g (more) ha-1) + AssistTM (0.5% v/v); clethodim+fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (75 g ha-1) + AssistTM (0.5% v/v); quizalofop-pethyl (125 g ha-1) + AssistTM (0.5% v/v); clethodim (156 g ha-1) + AssistTM (0.5% v/v); propaquizafop (175 g ha-1) + AssistTM (0.5% v/v); tepraloxydim (400 g ha-1) + DashTM (0.5% v/v); butroxydim (100 g ha-1) + DashTM (0.5% v/v); isoxaflutole (60 g ha-1) and weed-free check. At the moment of application, castor bean plants presented 4 to 6 leaves and Cenchrus echinatus, 1 to 5 tillers. AL Guarany 2002 cultivar presented high selectivity to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides, without visible symptoms of phytotoxicity in 14 DAA (days after application), except for tepraloxydim, whose symptoms persisted until 21 DAA, and isoxaflutole (HPPD inhibiting), which showed injuries in older leaves and significant yield reduction. C. echinatus infestation was efficiently controlled by ACCase-inhibiting herbicides between 14 and 21 DAA (? 95.0%).

Effects of high atmospheric nitrogen-deposition partly depend on availability of phosphate. Lime-poor, but iron-rich dune grasslands are supposedly protected from grass-encroachment, due to P-fixation in iron phosphate. However, in iron-rich Dutch hinterdunes, dunes have low, but dry former beach plains high grass-encroachment. To test whether these zones differ in nutrient availability, and whether this changed with duration of grass-encroachment, we measured net N-mineralization, microbial characteristics and different fractions of P and Fe from pioneer and shortgrass to tallgrass stages approximately 10, 20 and >25 years old. N-mineralization did not differ between zones, but increased in older tallgrass stages in the organic layer. P-availability was significantly lower in the low grass-encroachment zone, with SOM values below 3% and mineral Fe above 40% allowing for P-fixation in iron phosphates. In the high grass-encroachment zone, however, P-availability increased, because SOM increased and Fe became incorporated in organic matter complexes, with more reversible P-sorption. - Iron-rich dune grasslands may be protected from high N-deposition and grass-encroachment only when SOM is low, because only then P-fixation in iron phosphates occurs.

New reed canary grass plantations have been made at the Hirvineva in Liminka on 39 ha in 1996 as planned. At Hirvineva the plantation of reed canary grass was carried out on the area withdrawn from peat production. The peat layer depth was 0 - 20 cm. Municipal waste water sludges were used for fertilising the plantations in order to reduce the fertilising costs. The Kemper cutting machine was tested at the natural common reed area in the Liminka gulf in the spring 1996. Compared to the reed canary grass plantations the common reed is more difficult to harvest. The reed canary grass is also more productive to harvest. The first reed canary grass harvest will be harvested in spring 1997, then it is possible to find out the effect of ashes and slag on growth, as well as the effect of different fertilising levels on harvest at the mires. Ruukki research center has made reed canary grass test plantations at the Hirvineva in Liminka where the fertilisation levels will be studied. (orig.)