Effects of the foliar application of methanol on the yield and growth of rice (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi). Cien. Inv. Agr. 43(1):17-24. Approximately two decades have passed since it was reported that the foliar application of methanol increased plant biomass and yield. Many subsequent reports have been published concerning the ability or inability to reproduce these initial observations. To evaluate the effect of methanol on rice (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi) yield and rice components, a field experiment was conducted at the Tonekabon Rice Research Station in Iran in 2012 and 2013. The experiment had a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The plants were treated with aqueous methanol solutions (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24% (v/v)). Methanol was sprayed on the rice foliage three times during the experimental period at two-week intervals. The results indicated that, in general, the methanol did not affect rice growth or yield and seemed to be ineffective as a growth enhancer, so foliar spraying of aqueous methanol cannot be recommended for rice. The negative results could be due to the absence of Methylobacterium sp. or that the effects are cultivar-specific because positive effects on the growth and yield of rice have been reported in other cultivars.

Efectos de la aplicación foliar de metanol en el rendimiento y el crecimiento de arroz (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi). Cien. Inv. Agr. 43(1):17-24. Hace aproximadamente dos décadas se informó que la aplicación foliar de metanol produce aumento de la biomasa y el rendimiento de las plantas. Desde entonces, muchos informes han sido publicados describiendo la capacidad o incapacidad de reproducir estas observaciones iniciales. Con el fin de evaluar el efecto de metanol en el arroz (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi) en el rendimiento y sus componentes, se desarrolló un experimento de campo en la Estación de Investigación del Arroz de Tonekabon, Irán, durante 2012 y 2013. El diseño estadístico usado fue de bloques completamente aleatorios (DBCA), con tres repeticiones. Los tratamientos estudiados fueron soluciones acuosas de metanol (0, 6, 12, 18 y 24% (v / v)). El metanol se pulverizó sobre partes de follaje de arroz tres veces durante su período de crecimiento, con intervalos de dos semanas. Los resultados de estos experimentos indicaron que, en general, el metanol no afectó el crecimiento y el rendimiento del arroz y, por lo tanto, parecía ser ineficaz como un promotor de crecimiento, en cambio, no se pueden recomendar pulverizaciones foliares de metanol acuoso para el arroz. Esto podría ser debido a la ausencia del Methylobacterium sp. o que el cultivar no ha sido adecuada, ya que otros cultivares de arroz se produce un efecto positivo en el crecimiento y rendimiento de arroz. Se otorgan mayores comentarios en las conclusiones finales del estudio.

O experimento foi conduzido no Centro de Pesquisa Agrícola e de Recursos Naturais da Província de Golestan, Irã, para determinar os efeitos do sistema de plantio direto e regime de manejo de plantas invasoras sobre as populações de plantas invasoras em cultivo de soja ( Glycin max L.). O delineamento experimental foi em parcelas subdivididas, em blocos casualizados com três repetições. As parcelas principais foram nos seguintes sistema de plantio direto: 1- Semeadura direta em linha, 2- Plantio direto de sementeira, 3- Plantio direto com grade de disco e plantio em cova, 4- Plantio direto com cinzel e plantio em cova. As subparcelas foram dos seguintes regimes de controle de plantas invasoras: 1- Aplicação de herbicida, 2- Capina manual, 3- Aplicação de herbicida e capina manual, 4- Sem controle químico e sem capina manual. Os resultados indicaram que os principais efeitos do sistema de plantio direto e do regime de manejo de plantas daninhas foram significativos para a produção de sementes, número de vagens por planta, número de sementes por vagem, densidade e biomassa de plantas invasoras, enquanto as interações dos tratamentos foram significativas apenas para densidade de plantas invasoras, biomassa de plantas invasoras e número de sementes por vagem. As maiores produções de grãos (3838 kg ha-1) foram registrados para semeadura direta em linha. O maior rendimento de sementes (3877 kg ha-1) foi observado para o tratamento de controle de plantas invasoras com herbicidas e capina manual, seguido por capina manual (3379 kg ha-1).

Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Golestan Province, Iran, to determine the effects of tillage system and weed management regime on yield and weed populations in soybean ( Glycin max L.). The experimental design was a split plot where the whole plot portion was a randomized complete block with three replicates. Main plots were tillage system: 1- No-till row crop seeding, 2- No-till seed drilling, 3- Tillage with disc harrow and drill planting, 4- Tillage with chisel packer and drill planting. The subplots were weed management regimes: 1-Weed control with herbicide application, 2- Hand weeding, 3- Herbicide application plus hand weeding, and 4- Non-weeding. Results indicated that the main effects of tillage system and weed management regime were significant for seed yield, pod number per plant, seed number per pod, weed density and biomass, while their interaction were significant only for weed density, weed biomass, and seed number per pod. The highest grain yields (3838 kg ha-1) were recorded for No-till row crop seeding. The highest seed yield (3877 kg ha-1) also was recorded for weed control with herbicide and hand weeding treatment, followed by hand weeding (3379 kg ha-1).

A field experiment was conducted in Lihijan, Iran in 2013 to evaluate the effect of phosphorus fertilization (P) and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain on the growth and yield of the faba bean. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with a factorial treatment arrangement and three replicates. The experimental factors were phosphorus application (0 and 25 kg ha-1) and P. fluorescens strains (non-inoculated, strain 136, and strain 168). ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect of P and P. fluorescens strain on plant height, pod number per plant, 100 grain weight, pod length, and pod and grain yield. ANOVA also showed that grain number per pod was significantly affected by P application and P. fluorescens strain, while haulm yield was significantly affected only by P. fluorescens strain. In the absence of P, the grain yield of inoculated plants was not significantly different from that of non-inoculated plants. In the presence of P (25 kg ha-1), strain 168 showed an increase in grain yield of 42% and 65% over strain 136 and non-inoculated plants, respectively. The results indicated that application of phosphorus (25 kg ha-1) and seed inoculation with P. fluorescens strain 168 can be recommended to increase grain/pod yield significantly.

El experimento de campo fue llevado a cabo en Lihijan, Irán en 2013 con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de fósforo (P) y Pseudomonas fluorescens en el desarrollo y rendimiento de un cultivo de haba. El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial 2x3, con tres repeticiones. Los factores experimentales fueron la aplicación de fósforo (0 y 25 kg ha-1) y cepas de P. fluorescens cepas (no inoculados, cepa 136 y cepa 168). El ANOVA mostró un efecto interactivo significativo de P y cepa de P. fluorescens en altura de la planta, número de vainas por planta, peso del 100 granos, longitud de vaina y el rendimiento de vaina y grano. SE observó que el número de granos por vaina se vio afectado significativamente por la aplicación de fósforo y cepa de P. fluorescens cepa, mientras que el rendimiento del tallo sólo fue significativamente afectada por la cepa de P. fluorescens. En ausencia de P, el rendimiento de grano de plantas inoculadas fue igual que en plantas no inoculadas. Enpresencia de P (25 kg ha-1), la cepa 168 mostró un aumento en el rendimiento de grano de 42% y 65%, en comparación a las plantas inoculadas con la cepa 136 y las plantas no inoculadas, respectivamente. Los resultados sugieren que la aplicación de fósforo (25 kg ha-1) y la inoculación de semillas con P. fluorescens cepa 168 se puede recomendar para incrementar el rendimiento de vainas y grano en un cultivo de habas.

The present study investigated the economic performance of olive orchards in Rudbar in the province of Guilan in Iran in 2014 using the results from 305 questionnaires that were randomly distributed to regional olive growers. The orchards were divided into three groups of <1 ha, 1-5 ha, and >5 ha in size as small, medium, and large olive orchards, respectively. The information was analyzed using Excel software and the means of the economic indices of total production value, net benefit, benefit-to-cost ratio and economic productivity were calculated. The total production value was estimated as 3316.44 $ ha-1 and total cost of production was 1806.21 $ ha-1, regardless of size of orchard. Calculation of economic indices indicates that the best total production values were recorded for small- and medium-sized orchards. The economic efficiency was 2.937 kg $-1 and the benefit-to-cost ratio was 1.79 for organic olive production. These values were 3.036 kg $-1 and 1.84, respectively, for non-organic orchards. The figures show that there was no significant difference between organic and non-organic olive production in terms of economic efficiency and benefit to cost ratio in Guilan province, Iran. With the ever-increasing tendency toward organic production of agricultural products, the olive producers and agricultural authorities of Guilan province are recommended to consider seriously non-chemical/ organic methods for olive production as the best economic and environmental alternative.

Se realizó la evaluación económica de huertos de olivos cultivados bajo sistema orgánico y convencional. Aleatoriamente, se distribuyeron 305 cuestionarios entre los olivicultores de Rudbar, provincia de Guilan, Irán, durante 2014. Los huertos se dividieron en tres grupos según la superficie de cultivo: <1 ha; 1 a 5 ha, y > 5 ha. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados con el software Excel 2010 para calcular los indicadores económicos: valor total de la producción; beneficio neto; relación costo-beneficio y eficiencia económica. Los resultados para el valor total de la producción se estimó en 3.316,44 $ ha-1 y el costo total de producción fue de 1.806,21 $ ha-1, independientemente del tamaño de la huerta. La eficiencia económicafue de 2.937kg $-1 y la relación costo-beneficio fue de 1,79 para la producción en huertos de olivo ecológico. Para los huertos convencionales la eficiencia económica y relación beneficio-costo fue de 3.036 kg $-1 y 1,84; respectivamente. Los resultados sugieren que no hay diferencia significativa para la eficiencia económica y relación costo-beneficio entre huertos orgánicos y convencionales. Se concluye que se debe incentivar la producción orgánica en huertos de olivo.

O experimento foi conduzido no Irã, para avaliar o efeito do metanol sobre a competição entre o arroz (Oryza sativa) e capim-arroz (Echinochloa crus-galli). O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento de blocos ao acaso em arranjo fatorial sendo desenvolvido em triplicata. Duas frações de metanol aquoso (0, e 14% v / v) eram aplicados em conteudos foliares em cinco frações de arroz e capim-arroz (100: 0, 75:25, 50:50, 25: 6, e 0: 100). Na serie de diagramas de substituição mostrou valores de peso seco acima como ilustrado "Shiroudi" e assim foi mais competitivo do que o capim como media entre as aplicações foliares de metanol. Quando o metanol não foi pulverizado, a razão das linhas de 'Shiroudi' e de capim-arroz se cruzaram em 75:25: entre arroz e capim-arroz, mas quando o metanol foi pulverizado a 14% v / v, para as linhas de 'Shiroudi' e de capim-arroz se intersectam a esquerda de 75:25 da mistura entre arroz:capim-arroz. Estes resultados indicam que a aplicação de metanol reduz a capacidade competitiva de 'Shiroudi' contra capim-arroz para a acumulação de biomassa no solo. Ao mesmo tempo, a aplicação foliar do metanol reduziu significativamente o coeficiente de aglomeração relativa de 'Shiroudi', e simultaneamente aumentou significativamente o coeficiente de aglomeração relativa de capim-arroz. Isso indica que a aplicação foliar de metanol reduziu a capacidade competitiva de 'Shiroudi' contra capim-arroz para a acumulação de biomassa da parte aérea. Dessa forma a experiência mostrou que a pulverização foliar de solução aquosa de metanol não pode ser recomendada para o arroz em condições de convivência.

Pot experiment was conducted in Iran, to evaluate the effect of methanol on competition between rice (Oryza sativa) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli). The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with a factorial treatment arrangement and three replicates. Factors were two aqueous methanol foliar applications (0, and 14% v/v) and five rice: barnyardgrass ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:6, and 0:100). Replacement series diagrams for aboveground dry weight illustrated that 'Shiroudi' was more competitive than barnyardgrass as averaged across methanol foliar applications. When methanol was not sprayed, the lines for 'Shiroudi' and barnyardgrass intersected at 75:25 rice: barnyardgrass ratio, but when methanol was sprayed at 14% v/v, the lines for 'Shiroudi' and barnyardgrass intersect at the left of the 75:25 rice: barnyardgrass mixture proportion. These indicate that methanol application reduced competitive ability of 'Shiroudi' against barnyardgrass for aboveground biomass accumulation. At the same time, Methanol foliar application significantly reduced the relative crowding coefficient of 'Shiroudi' while simultaneously it significantly increased the relative crowding coefficient of barnyard grass. This indicates that methanol foliar application reduced the competitive ability of 'Shiroudi' against barnyardgrass for shoot biomass accumulation. This experiment illustrated that foliar spray of aqueous methanol can not be recommended for rice under weedy conditions .

Recent reports indicate that vegetative growth and yield of C3 crops are enhanced by foliar methanol application and that overall crop water use is reduced by methanol sprays. In order to evaluate the effects of methanol and barnyard grass density on rice (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi) yield and its components, a field experiment was conducted at the Rice Research Station of Tonekabon, Iran in 2012. The experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement in three replicates. Studied factors were aqueous methanol solutions (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24% (v/v)) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) densities (0, 16, 24 and 32 plants m-2). Methanol was sprayed on the foliage of rice three times during its growth period with two-week intervals. Results indicated that effect of methanol was significant for tiller number and grain yield (P < 0.05), while the effect of barnyard grass density was significant for grain and biological yields (P < 0.01). Moreover, the interaction between methanol and barnyard grass density was significant for grain yield (P < 0.05) and 1000-grain weight (P < 0.01). The greatest mean values for grain yield and 1000-grain weights obtained at 18% (v/v) with weed-free condition, with 7440.8 kg ha-1 and 28.07 g, respectively. Under weed-free conditions grain yield increased as methanol dose increased from 0 to 18% (v/v) and then reduced significantly. At the highest weed density, grain yield decreased significantly as the methanol dose increased. It appears that foliar sprays of aqueous methanol may be recommended for rice under weed-free conditions.

El crecimiento vegetativo y la producción de cultivos C3 se estimulan por la aplicación foliar de metanol y mejoran la eficiencia del uso total de agua. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación foliar con metanol y la densidad de las pasto dentado en el rendimiento de arroz (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi). El experimento se realizó en la Estación Experimental del Arroz de Tonekabon, Irán en 2012. El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar con un arreglo factorial 5X4, con tres repeticiones. Los factores estudiados fueron soluciones acuosas de metanol en concentraciones de 0, 6, 12, 18 y 24% (v/v) y densidades del pasto dentado (Echinochloa crus-galli) de 0, 16, 24 y 32 plantas m-2.. El metanol se aplicó sobre el follaje de arroz cada dos semanas durante su período de crecimiento. Los resultados indican que el rendimiento del grano fue afectado por la aplicación de metanol (P <0,05) y la densidad de pasto dentado (P <0,01). La interacción entre concentración de metanol y densidad de maleza fue significativa para rendimiento (P <0,05) y peso de 1000 granos (P <0,01). Los mejores valores medios de rendimiento y peso de 1000 granos se obtuvieron con 18% (v/v) y libre de pasto dentado, alcanzando 7.440,8 kg ha-1 y 28,07 g, respectivamente. En ausencia de malezas el rendimiento de grano mejoró al aumentar la aplicación de metanol de 0 a 18% (v / v) y después se redujo significativamente. A mayor densidad de las malezas, el rendimiento de grano disminuyó significativamente a medida que la dosis de metanol se incrementó. Los resultados sugieren que las aplicaciones foliares de metanol pueden ser recomendados para el arroz en condiciones libres de malezas.

A field experiment was conducted at Khomam, Guilan province, northern Iran, to evaluate the effects of phosphorus rate and phosphate bio-fertilizer on growth and yield of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The experimental design was a factorial arrangement of treatments based on a randomized complete block with four replicates. Factors were phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha-1 as triple superphosphate) and phosphate bio-fertilizer application (seed inoculated with phosphate bio-fertilizer containing Pseudomonas fluorescens strain P5 and strain p13, and non-inoculated (control). Analysis of variance showed that phosphorus rate and phosphate bio-fertilizer had significant effect on plant height, pod number per plant, pod yield and pod N and P concentration. The relationships between phosphorus application rate and pod number per plant and pod yield were well expressed by linear equations. Regardless of phosphate bio-fertilizer application, pod number per plant was significantly increased from 55 to 85 pods per plant as P application rate increased from 0 to 100 kg ha-1. Similarly, pod yield increased linearly with increasing P application rate from 0 to 100 kg ha-1. Regardless of phosphorus rate, pod number per plant and pod yield were significantly higher in plots that received phosphate bio-fertilizer compared to control plots. Pod number per plant and pod yield increased by 16% and 15%, respectively, when phosphate bio-fertilizer was applied. Based on the results of this experiment, P application at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 along with phosphate bio-fertilizer are recommended for obtaining the greatest pod yield in green bean.

EL objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de fosfato con una fuente química y bio-fertilizante en el crecimiento y rendimiento de judías (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). El experimento se realizó en Khomam, provincia Guilan, al norte de Irán. El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial 5X2 con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron aplicación de fósforo en dosis de 0, 25, 50, 75, y 100 kg ha-1 como superfosfato triple y aplicación de fosfato bio-fertilizante con semillas inoculadas con Pseudomonas fluorescens y semillas no inoculadas (control). Los resultados indican que la aplicación de SPT y bio-fertilizantes afecta significativamente la altura de la planta, el número de vainas por planta, rendimiento y la concentración de N y P en vainas. Las relaciones entre dosis de fertilizantes fosfatado y bio-fertilizante se expresaron con ecuaciones lineales. Independientemente de la aplicación de bio-fertilizantes, el número de vainas aumentó significativamente de 55 a 85 vainas por planta cuando la aplicación de P aumento de 0 a 100 kg ha-1. El rendimiento de vainas aumentó a mayor dosis de P de 0 a 100 kg ha-1. El número de vainas y rendimiento fue significativamente mayor en las parcelas inoculadas con bio-fertilizantes en comparación con el control, para todas las dosis de fosfato. El número de vainas por planta y rendimiento se incrementó en un 16% y 15%, respectivamente, cuando se aplicó bio-fertilizante. Los resultados sugieren que la aplicación de P en dosis de 100 kg ha-1 y la aplicación de bio-fertilizante es recomendable para obtener mayor rendimiento de vaina en judías.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative competitive ability of barnyardgrass (BYG, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.) compared to rice barnyardgrass (ECPH, E. oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasinger) against rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Hashemi in a replacement series study. Experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replicates using a factorial treatment arrangement. Factors were two species of Echinochloa genus (BYG and ECPH) and five rice:BYG or rice:ECPH mixture proportions (8:0, 6:2, 4:4, 2:6, and 0:8). Relative yield total of aboveground dry weight, root dry weight and leaf area indicated that BYG or ECPH were competing for the same resources with ’Hashemi’. In general, replacement series curves and relative crowding coefficient (RCC) values demonstrated that both BYG and ECPH were more competitive than ’Hashemi’. BYG had significantly higher aboveground dry weight, root dry weight, tiller number, leaf area, and plant height than ECPH, when grown with ’Hashemi’. This experiment confirmed that BYG was more competitive than ECPH against ’Hashemi’.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la capacidad competitiva relativa de Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. (BYG) en comparación con Echinochloa oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasinger (ECPH) contra arroz (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Hashemi en un estudio de series de reemplazo. Los experimentos fueron arreglados en diseno de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones con un arreglo factorial. Los factores fueron dos especies del género Echinochloa (BYG y ECPH) y cinco mezclas de arroz:BYG o arroz:ECPH (8:0, 6:2, 4:4, 2:6 y 0:8). El rendimiento relativo total del peso seco sobre el suelo, peso seco de raíces y área foliar indicaron que BYG y ECPH estaban compitiendo por los mismos recursos con ’Hashemi’. En general, las curvas de serie de sustitución y el coeficiente relativo de competencia (RCC) demostraron que los valores BYG y ECPH fueron más competitivos que ’Hashemi’. BYG tuvo un peso seco sobre el suelo, peso seco de raíces, número de macollos, área foliar y altura de plantas significativamente superiores que ECPH cuando se cultivan con ’Hashemi’. Este experimento confirmó que BYG fue más competitivo que ECPH contra ’Hashemi’.